5 Tips to Show Customer Appreciation in your Dance School

It's easy to get caught up in trying to acquire more and more customers to grow your dance school, but what does it matter if your existing ones are leaving? Customers are more than just transactions, they are the lifeblood of your business and it's crucial to maintain a good relationship, listen to their feedback and show appreciation.

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When asked in a survey about brand loyalty, 74% of respondents indicated that feeling appreciated directly relates to customer loyalty and that it's more important than receiving special discounts.

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Customer appreciation is not just a feel-good gesture; it's a fundamental aspect of building lasting relationships and fostering loyalty. Creating a positive experience for customers gives them reason to return, spread the word and help develop and grow your dance school.

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Here are some interesting statistics around customer retention: 

• Acquiring a new customer can cost five times more than retaining an existing customer
• Increasing customer retention by 5% can increase profits from 25-95%

Despite the financial aspect, let's look at the importance of customer appreciation in more detail.

Why Customer Appreciation Matters:

1. Building Loyalty:

When customers feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to develop a sense of loyalty towards your dance school. This loyalty can translate into repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals, contributing to long-term success.
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2. Enhancing Brand Reputation:

A reputation for valuing customers can set your dance school apart from the competition. Customers are more likely to engage with businesses that prioritise their needs and go the extra mile to show appreciation.
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3. Strengthening Relationships:

Customer appreciation initiatives provide opportunities to connect with customers on a deeper level. By showing genuine gratitude for their support, businesses can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community.
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4. Encouraging Feedback:

Appreciating customers also opens the door for valuable feedback. When customers feel valued, they are more inclined to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement, helping businesses refine their products and services.

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Creative Ways to Show Appreciation:

1. Personalised Thank-You Notes:

Take the time to send personalised thank-you notes to customers, expressing gratitude for their support. Handwritten notes add a personal touch and demonstrate genuine appreciation. Of course this heavily depends on the size of your dance school. If your client base is too large to send hand-written notes, you can also go down the digital route and personalise the message by including some aspects about their time as your customer.

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Udio offers the option to automate emails and insert 'tags' to personalise emails without manual interference. For example, you can send a new customer a welcome package that is triggered the second they sign up. Use this as an opportunity to start off on a positive note and include useful information, such as where to park, how early to arrive and share your excitement to welcome them at your dance school.

2. Exclusive Discount and Offers: 

Offer exclusive discounts or special offers to loyal customers as a token of appreciation for their continued support. This not only rewards existing customers but also encourages repeat business. Whether it's birthday discounts or VIP access to dance events/competitions, these perks make customers feel like a valued insider.

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Loyalty points are also proven to be an effective strategy. 84% of customers are more likely to stick with a business that offers a loyalty program. For your dance school, you can consider offering every 11th lesson for free or at a discount price.

3. Host Events or Gatherings: 

Host special events or gatherings to celebrate with your customers and thank them for their support. This can be in the form of a casual BBQ, the 5 year anniversary of your dance school or a Christmas party to build relationships and a sense of community. These events can range from intimate gatherings to larger-scale celebrations, depending on your dance school's size and budget.

4. Social Media Shoutouts:‍

Recognise and appreciate customers publicly on social media platforms by featuring their testimonials, sharing images of your students, or highlighting their success stories. This not only showcases customer appreciation but also amplifies positive word-of-mouth marketing.

5. Celebrate Success with Certificates:

Award dancers for their achievements and milestones with personalised awards, certificates or badges. Whether it's for mastering a new dance move, achieving perfect attendance or demonstrating exceptional teamwork, these tokens acknowledge and celebrate each dancer's unique journey and accomplishments.

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Udio allows you to issue certificates when a certain achievement is completed. These certificates are issued via email and can be printed by the parent or student.

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Conclusion

Let's not forget that customer appreciation and building long lasting relationships with your customers is an ongoing endeavour and not completed within a week or a month. By integrating gestures of gratitude to your daily interactions, you cultivate a culture of appreciation that enriches the experience for all of your dance school customers.

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