Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey, pie, and figuring out how to survive Uncle Mac’s 20-minute story about that one time he saw his Mom kissing Santa (I hear they made a song about it). For small business owners, it’s also the perfect time to dish out a hearty helping of gratitude to the people who keep your business running—your customers!
Sure, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday get all the flashy headlines, but Thanksgiving is the unsung hero of the holiday season. It’s the one day of the year when you can pause, take a breath (hopefully between bites of mashed potatoes), and let your customers know how much you appreciate their support. Because let’s face it: without them, your business would be as exciting as a turkey without that delicious gravy drizzled on top. (Can you tell that I can't wait?)
Plus, showing gratitude isn’t just polite—it’s profitable. Studies show that customers who feel appreciated are more likely to stay loyal, tell their friends about you, and keep coming back like seconds on that sweet, sweet pumpkin pie. Plus, a heartfelt "thank you" goes down easier than Grandma Rosie’s questionably undercooked casserole.
In this blog, we’ll serve up practical tips for using Thanksgiving as an opportunity to build loyalty, strengthen relationships, and give your business a competitive edge. So grab your gravy boat, and let’s dive into the tasty world of customer appreciation!
Why Thanksgiving is the Ultimate Stuffing for Your Customer Relationships
Thanksgiving isn’t just a day for carb-loading and awkward family conversations—it’s a golden opportunity for small businesses to stand out by showing some heartfelt gratitude. With an emphasis on heartfelt. That key is often overlooked by other "holidays" that scream “Buy! Buy! Buy!” (looking at you, Black Friday), Thanksgiving is all about saying, “Thank you!”
For small business owners, it’s the ideal moment to pause and reflect on the people who keep your dream alive—your customers. The timing couldn’t be better, either. A genuine expression of gratitude right before the holiday shopping madness begins can make your business stand out like the last slice of pie at dessert.
But here’s the kicker: Thanksgiving isn’t oversaturated with marketing gimmicks. While everyone else is gearing up for sales, a simple “thank you” can feel refreshing—and even a little unexpected. It’s like finding gravy on your stuffing—sure, you didn’t ask for it, but it makes everything better.
I mean, unless you live in a cave like the Grinch, you're out there shopping for the holidays, too. So, put yourself in your customer's shoes for a moment. If you were presented two options on where to shop and one provided no appreciation and spend all their time shoving "deals" in your inbox and the other didn't offer a single Call-to-Action but instead simply made a concerted effort to thank you for your business. Which one of these are you more likely to buy from?
More importantly, Thanksgiving sets the tone for the holiday season. A thoughtful message or small token of appreciation can create a positive emotional connection that carries through the busy shopping days ahead. Customers who feel valued are more likely to choose your business over competitors during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and beyond.
So, before you dive into the holiday rush, take a moment to serve up some gratitude. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you.
2. Crafting Your Thanksgiving Message: Turkey with All the Trimmings
Almost 80% of respondents in a recent survey said they would pay more to shop from a company when the customer experience is top-notch. When it comes to Thanksgiving messages, generic just doesn’t cut the cranberry sauce. If your goal is to gobble up goodwill, you’ll need to craft a message that feels personal, heartfelt, and tailored to your customers—something that says, “We’re thankful for you specifically, not just your wallet.”
Here are some tips to whip up a Thanksgiving message that leaves a lasting impression:
1. Add a Dash of Personalization
Think about how much better a handwritten card feels than a generic one that says, “Dear Valued Customer.” Address customers by their name and, if possible, reference their specific interactions with your business. Did they buy their first product from you this year? Or perhaps they’re a longtime supporter? Highlighting these details adds that warm, fuzzy feeling.
2. Keep It Short but Sweet (Like Pumpkin Pie)
Your message doesn’t need to be a five-paragraph essay. A short, heartfelt note is often more impactful. Think along the length of this: "This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for customers like you who make our business thrive. Your support means the world to us!" Except, don't forget to add in those little details about who the message is for!
3. Pick the Perfect Platform to Deliver Your Gratitude
Choosing how to share your Thanksgiving message is like picking the right side dish to bring to dinner—it matters! Different platforms have unique strengths, so here’s how you can make the most of each one:
Email: Email is like the mashed potatoes of communication—classic and universally loved. Send a beautifully designed email with a festive subject line like, “We’re Stuffed with Gratitude for You!” or “Our Thanksgiving Thanks: Why You’re the Reason We’re Thankful.” Use your brand’s voice to create a warm and genuine note that resonates with your audience.
Social Media: Social platforms are the pumpkin pie of customer engagement—sweet and sharable! Post a heartfelt Thanksgiving message and pair it with a fun, festive image. Encourage your followers to share what they’re thankful for in the comments, creating a mini-gratitude fest. Bonus points if you add a hashtag like #GobbleUpGratitude or #ThankfulWith[YourBusinessName].
Snail Mail: For your VIP customers, sending a physical thank-you card can be a game-changer. A handwritten card, complete with your logo and maybe even a Thanksgiving pun (like, “You’re the reason we’re extra thankful this year. Hope your holiday is stuffed with joy!”), will leave a lasting impression.
In-Store or On-Site Displays: If you have a brick-and-mortar location, create a “Thanksgiving Wall of Thanks.” Post pictures of your team holding signs of gratitude or invite customers to add their own notes to the wall. It’s interactive, engaging, and shows off your community spirit.
Video Messages: Feeling extra creative? Record a short video of your team sharing what they’re thankful for this year (hint: your customers!). Share it via email or social media—it’s personal, heartfelt, and sure to stand out.
The key is to pick the platforms that work best for your audience and your business. Whether it’s digital, physical, or a mix of both, the effort you put into crafting your Thanksgiving message will be the gravy that makes your customer relationships extra flavorful.
4. Sprinkle in Your Brand Personality
If your brand has a fun or quirky voice, lean into it! Add a Thanksgiving pun or joke to make your message stand out. For example, “You’re the gravy to our turkey—thanks for making our business better!” ... If you've been following our blogs you probably already know our personality is 3/4 Dad Jokes.
Whether you choose to email, post, or go full-on Pilgrim with snail mail, the key is sincerity. Your customers will know if you’re just throwing turkey-shaped confetti at the wall to see what sticks. Keep it real, and they’ll love you for it.
3. Creative Ways to Show Appreciation: Stuff Your Customers with Kindness
Thanksgiving is your chance to serve up some gratitude with a side of creativity. The goal? Make your customers feel valued, not just like another number on your sales report. Here are some fun and impactful ways to show your thanks this season:
1. A “Thank You” Discount That’s All Gravy
Who doesn’t love a holiday treat? Offer a small discount or special deal as a token of appreciation. For example, send an email with the subject line, “We’re Thankful for You—Enjoy 10% Off on Us!” Keep it short and sweet, like cranberry sauce in a can, but the true key is to make it feel exclusive to your loyal customers.
2. Host a Thanksgiving Giveaway
Put a festive spin on a giveaway by offering a bundle of your products or a holiday-themed prize. Announce it on social media with a message like, “We’re thankful for our amazing customers—enter to win our Thanksgiving Gratitude Giveaway!” Bonus: this builds engagement while spreading the holiday cheer.
3. Spotlight Your Customers (They’re the Real MVPs)
Take to social media to spotlight your most loyal customers. Post photos (with permission, of course) or share testimonials alongside a heartfelt thank-you. Think of it as a digital turkey trot, but instead of running, your exercise is to continually remember to post on your socials... a real struggle, I know!
4. Surprise and Delight
Sometimes the best gifts are unexpected. Add a handwritten thank-you note or a small freebie to customers’ orders. It could be as simple as a Thanksgiving recipe card or a mini holiday ornament branded with your logo. The surprise factor alone will make your customers’ day.
5. Create a “Gratitude Wall” (Virtual or In-Store)
Invite your customers to share what they’re thankful for. Whether it’s a virtual board on your website or a physical one in-store, it’s a meaningful way to foster connection and community.
Thanksgiving is about more than sales—it’s about creating moments that make your customers feel appreciated and connected to your brand. A little creativity can turn a simple “thank you” into a lasting impression.
4. Supporting Small Business Saturday: The Sweet Potato to Thanksgiving’s Turkey
Thanksgiving kicks off a long weekend packed with shopping events, and while Black Friday gets all the hype, Small Business Saturday is the real MVP for small business owners. It’s a chance to shine a spotlight on your business and show your community what makes shopping small so special.
Here’s how you can tie your Thanksgiving gratitude into Small Business Saturday success:
1. Extend the Thanks with Exclusive Perks
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, so carry that vibe into Small Business Saturday by offering exclusive deals or perks for customers who have already shopped with you.
2. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses
Why go it alone when you can team up with your neighbors? Partner with other small businesses in your area to create a “Shop Small Passport” or a joint promotion. Customers who visit multiple participating stores can earn rewards like discounts or free goodies, boosting foot traffic for everyone.
3. Share the Story Behind Your Business
Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to remind your customers why shopping small matters. Share your origin story or highlight the local artisans, suppliers, or team members who make your business special.
4. Celebrate Your Community
Turn your Small Business Saturday into an event! Host a local artist showcase, offer complimentary snacks, or hold a raffle. Even a simple thank-you sign at your register can create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that customers will remember.
Small Business Saturday isn’t just a day to boost sales—it’s an opportunity to deepen connections with your community and create loyal customers who will support you year-round. And hey, isn’t that sweeter than pumpkin pie?
5. Transforming Thanksgiving Shoppers From Turkey Stuffed to Loyal Customers
Thanksgiving weekend is like a feast (see what I did there...?) of new opportunities for small businesses—customers are showing up hungry for deals, experiences, and connection. But the real win isn’t just the weekend sales; it’s turning those one-time shoppers into loyal, year-round customers.
Here’s how to make your holiday visitors come back for seconds (and thirds):
1. Serve Up a Slice of Gratitude AFTER the Holiday
After Thanksgiving weekend, send a personalized follow-up email to everyone who shopped with you. Thank them for their support and offer a small incentive to return, like a discount or early access to your next sale.
2. Make Loyalty a Full-Course Meal
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to launch or promote a loyalty program. Reward shoppers with points, discounts, or free products for repeat visits. Highlight how supporting your business benefits them all year long.
3. Keep the Turkey Talk Going
Don’t let your relationship with holiday shoppers end at the register. Engage with them online by sharing customer stories, responding to comments, or posting behind-the-scenes content.
4. Sweeten the Deal with Leftovers
Use the post-holiday lull to entice shoppers back with limited-time offers. For example, a New Year’s coupon or invitation to an exclusive January event can make your business stand out when others have gone quiet.
Thanksgiving shoppers might come for the deals, but they’ll stay for the connection. By taking these steps, you can turn the holiday buzz into a foundation of loyalty that lasts long after the leftovers are gone.
6. Balancing Gratitude and Hustle: Practical Tips for the Holiday Grind
The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind of activity, with small business owners juggling everything from inventory to sales to remembering to take a moment to enjoy some homemade fudge. But showing your customers some love doesn’t have to feel like one more thing on your overstuffed plate. Here’s how to keep it manageable:
1. Batch Your Gratitude
Just like meal prepping makes dinner easier, batching your customer appreciation tasks can save you time. Schedule emails, write thank-you notes in advance, and pre-pack any appreciation freebies so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
2. Use Tools to Automate the Thanks
Lean on technology to spread the holiday cheer. Email marketing platforms can send personalized messages to your customer list, while social media scheduling tools allow you to queue up posts in advance. It’s like having elves crafting things for your business behind the scenes.
3. Keep It Simple, Sweet, and Sincere
You don’t need an elaborate plan to make your customers feel appreciated. A heartfelt thank-you email or a quick social media shoutout can go a long way. Focus on quality over quantity—your customers will appreciate the genuine gesture.
4. Make It a Team Effort
Get your team involved! Whether it’s helping write thank-you notes or brainstorming creative ways to show appreciation, your employees can share the load and the joy of giving back.
5. Plan for Next Year Now
If this holiday season feels overwhelming, use it as a learning opportunity. Take notes on what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d like to do differently. Start planning for next year while the lessons are fresh (and the holiday leftovers are still in the fridge).
With a little planning and creativity, you can make customer appreciation an integral part of your holiday strategy without losing your mind—or your "appetite for running a business". After all, gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving.
Keep the Gratitude Gravy Flowing All Year Long
Thanksgiving might only last one day (well, unless you’re still working through leftovers), but the spirit of gratitude can fuel your business success all year long. Showing appreciation isn’t just a seasonal gesture—it’s a strategy that builds loyalty, fosters community, and strengthens your customer relationships.
As a small business owner, taking time to say “thank you” reminds your customers why they chose to support you in the first place. Whether it’s through heartfelt messages, thoughtful gestures, or creative campaigns, the connections you nurture during the holidays can create ripples that carry your business into the new year and beyond.
Remember, gratitude isn’t about perfection—it’s about sincerity. A simple, genuine “thank you” can be just as impactful as an elaborate campaign. The key is to make your customers feel seen, valued, and appreciated for their role in your journey.
As you pack up the Thanksgiving decor and prepare for the rest of the holiday season, don’t let gratitude take a backseat. Instead, let it guide your business practices all year. After all, when you focus on giving, you’ll find that your business keeps receiving—whether it’s customer loyalty, glowing reviews, or an extra serving of good vibes.
So go ahead: gobble up goodwill this Thanksgiving and beyond. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you.
Ready to Gobble Up Success?
This Thanksgiving, don’t just focus on sales—focus on building lasting relationships with your customers. At Out of the Box Advisors, we’re here to help small business owners like you turn seasonal shoppers into lifelong supporters. Whether it’s crafting creative marketing strategies, optimizing customer loyalty, or planning for the year ahead, we’ve got the tools you need to thrive.
Let’s talk turkey about your business goals! Contact us today to schedule a strategy session, and let’s make this holiday season your most successful yet.
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