Get to Know Your Customers Day
The third Thursday of every January reminds businesses to appreciate, understand, and genuinely connect with the people who make it all possible.
What Is Get to Know Your Customers Day?
Created in the 1990s to encourage businesses to build stronger relationships with their customers, this day emphasizes genuine connection over transactions. It\'s about stepping back from sales pitches and simply listening, learning, and showing appreciation.
Whether you run a small business, work in customer service, or manage client relationships, today is your opportunity to say thank you and deepen those bonds that keep your business thriving.
Why Celebrate?
Build Loyalty
Customers who feel valued and appreciated stick around. A thoughtful gesture today can create years of loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
Gather Insights
Use this day as an excuse to ask questions, seek feedback, and truly understand what your customers need. Their answers will guide your growth.
Stand Out
Most businesses don\'t celebrate this day. By doing so, you differentiate yourself as a company that genuinely cares about people, not just profits.
Team Morale
Customer appreciation activities remind your team why their work matters. It\'s energizing to celebrate the people you serve together.
Ways to Celebrate
Create a Thank You eCard from Your Team
Gather messages from employees across departments—from leadership to support staff. Show customers how many people work to serve them well.
Send Personal Video Messages
Have team members record short thank-you videos for specific customers who've been with you for years or recently helped with feedback.
Host a Customer Appreciation Call
Schedule 15-minute virtual coffee chats with a few customers. No agenda, no pitch—just genuine conversation about their experience and needs.
Share Customer Success Stories
Highlight how your customers use your product or service on social media or your newsletter. Celebrate their wins and give them a platform.
Launch a Feedback Campaign
Ask for honest feedback via survey or email. Make it clear you're genuinely listening and will act on what you learn.
Offer Special Perks or Discounts
Surprise loyal customers with exclusive deals, early access to new features, or a small gift as a token of appreciation.
Customer Appreciation Message Ideas
"Thank you for being with us for [X years]. Your loyalty means everything to our team. We're honored to serve you and excited for many more years together!"
"Welcome to the family! We're so glad you chose us. Your trust in our business motivates us to keep improving every day."
"Your honest feedback helps us grow and serve you better. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts—we truly listen and act on them."
"Your recommendation means more than any advertisement ever could. Thank you for spreading the word and trusting us with your friends and family!"
"Thank you for your patience and for giving us the chance to make things right. We're committed to earning your trust and delivering better experiences."
"Our partnership with you pushes us to innovate and excel. Thank you for trusting us as your partner—we're invested in your success."
"On behalf of our entire team, thank you for choosing us. Your support allows us to do what we love and serve a community we're proud of."
"Every day, we get to help amazing people like you. Thank you for your kindness, understanding, and for making our jobs meaningful!"
Tips for Authentic Customer Appreciation
Be Genuine, Not Salesy
This isn\'t the day for discounts with strings attached or promotional gimmicks. Keep it sincere—pure appreciation without an agenda.
Personalize When Possible
Generic "valued customer" messages fall flat. Use names, reference past interactions, and show you remember who they are.
Listen More Than You Talk
If you reach out for conversations, focus on learning. Ask questions, take notes, and genuinely seek to understand their experience.
Make It a Year-Round Habit
Use today as a kickoff, but don\'t limit appreciation to one day. Build customer connection into your regular rhythms.
Common Questions
Should small businesses celebrate this day too?
Absolutely! Small businesses often have the advantage of closer customer relationships. A handwritten note or personal call can be even more impactful than corporate gestures.
What if we have thousands of customers?
You can't personally reach every customer, but you can segment. Send personalized messages to your top customers and a heartfelt general message to your broader list.
Is this day only for B2C businesses?
Not at all! B2B companies should absolutely celebrate clients and partners. Strong relationships are just as critical in business-to-business contexts.
Can we offer discounts without seeming salesy?
Yes, if framed as a gift, not a promotion. "Thank you for being with us—here's 15% off as our way of saying we appreciate you." No pressure, no strings.
What if our customers don't respond?
That's okay! Not everyone will engage, but they'll notice. Your gesture plants seeds of goodwill that pay off over time, even without immediate responses.
Other January Occasions
Show Your Customers You Care
Create a team thank-you card for your customers in minutes. It\'s free, it's personal, and it makes an impact.
Create Customer Thank You Card