– Debbie Laskey, MBA

Do you use Thanksgiving to thank your customers and, in the process, build your brand equity and awareness? If not, you’re missing a big opportunity.

With November in full swing, don’t make the mistake of focusing only on revenue from Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and after-Christmas sales. Instead, add a component to your marketing strategy that includes a nod to Thanksgiving, which will allow you to think about your customers and the overall customer experience you provide.

How often does your business communicate with your customers? Do you send weekly emails or monthly emails? Do you maintain a presence in social media? Do you update your Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram pages on a daily basis? Do you interact with your customers on social networks with contests or sweepstakes? Do you engage with your customers and invite them to share product or service reviews? Do you text your customers? Do you have a mobile-accessible website? And lastly, how do you target new customers? It goes without saying that the messages you create and distribute to prospects should not be the same as those you create and distribute to existing customers.

With communication as priority one during this time of year, Thanksgiving presents an opportunity to thank your customers for doing business with you. You can send an email, a text message, or even an old-fashioned letter or card through the US postal service. (Imagine the impression your company will create since few people send holiday cards via snail mail – you will definitely stand out.)

Whatever mode you choose, take advantage of the time of year. Take advantage of everything positive that this time of year represents: gratitude, renewed friendships and business opportunities, happy get-togethers, and new beginnings.

Let your customers know that you are grateful for their business, that you appreciate their feedback, and that you look forward to providing them with even more products or services in 2014. Your outreach will be remembered – and your business will reap the benefits. Be the brand that thanks – not ignores – its customers.

Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!

Image Credit: Stuart Miles from FreeDigitalPhotos.net.