Pop quiz: What’s the one document from your company that your customers wouldn’t dare ignore? If you said the ever-important invoice, you’re right on the money.
But have you thought about using your automated invoices as a marketing tool? Yes, invoice marketing could be the answer to keeping customers engaged.
We get it — we’ve told you about the many ways to market your business (and for less than the cost of lunch) but, this one might just be our favorite sneaky marketing tip worth tapping into.
How to Use Invoice Marketing to Drive Customer Engagement
When it comes to marketing your business, it’s a balancing act. You want to shout from the rooftop how great your business is, but not so hard that your customers feel bombarded.
The last thing you want is your clients thinking “oh great, another email” and not opening it. And what about the pain of customers coming across your post on social media only to scroll past?
Yes, you work hard on creating thought-provoking email campaigns, but sometimes people aren’t going to open them. Sure, you spend time planning social media content, but sometimes customers will ignore it.
You can’t make anyone like, share, comment or even open your content. But the point is, every unopened email and ignored post results in your messaging reaching fewer people. And that’s where sneaky marketing comes into play.
Email campaigns are ignored about 75% of the time.
Invoice marketing is a smart and non-invasive way to get your message across to your customers. They’re going to open the invoice to pay you so take that opportunity to remind them who you are, what you do and what you stand for.
Think of every invoice as the last time you interact with that customer ever again or a chance to get them back into the buying cycle. So take that time to connect with your customer.
5 Ways to Transform Invoices into Marketing Opportunities
1. Send a Thank You
Customers expect a personalized experience. By taking the time to include a short, personalized thank you at the bottom of your invoice, you show your customers that you care and are willing to go the extra mile for them.
No need to make it handwritten because we’re all about working smarter. Use your end-to-end business software platform to add a message at the bottom of each invoice.
Be sure that the messaging fits your brand. We will give you bonus points if you remember to keep the thank you message fresh by updating it monthly.
2. Request a Testimonial
When you know a customer has had a good experience with your business, give them a place to talk about it! Chances are, they would be more than happy to share their experience.
All you have to do is ask — and the bottom of your invoice is the perfect place.
Regardless of whether you have a lively client who will want to get in front of the camera or a low-key client who rather sing their praises from the comfort of their keyboard, both would be a winning marketing tool for your business.
The bonus? Once you post their quote or testimonial video, they’ll be likely to share — exposing your business to a new audience.
By adding details on how they can share their experience at the bottom of the invoice, you create a pressure-free situation for both you and your patrons.
3. Share Some News
They’ve got the invoice and you’ve got their attention. Use the bottom of your invoice to share special announcements.
Are you trying to get the word out on some big changes? Will you be offering new services or packages? Here’s the time to share that news.
If you personalize your messaging based on the service your guest received, then you get bonus points.
For example, if you run a fitness studio, you could post about Zumba classes now being offered 3 times a week rather than twice. This is information best shared with Zumba clients.
We’re not sure your CrossFit clients would be interested in having that at the bottom of their invoice.
Related Reading: 4 HEALTH AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY MARKETING IDEAS TO TRY NOW
4. Offer a Discount
Want to keep clients coming back for more? Include a discount code for their next service.
While some businesses may opt to offer a discount on basic services, use the opportunity to offer a discount on a new service or one that’s not used so often. This is a great way to introduce customers to a service they never knew they needed.
By giving them another reason to come back to your business, you’ll increase customer loyalty.
5. Engage Customers on Social Media
Feel free to drop your social media handles at the bottom of your invoice to let your customers know where they can keep up with your business. This isn’t about gaining followers, though. Think of it as a way to build relationships with customers.
Include a catchy hashtag to get them to tag your services but, more importantly, do your part to reshare their posts.
Use social media as another place to serve your customers. Salons can provide frizz-free maintenance tips while caterers can share secrets to reheating the trickiest of leftovers.
There are plenty of benefits from having social media that serve you and your clients.
When it comes to invoice marketing, remember to keep it simple. This is an invoice, not an ad. Don’t allow your marketing efforts to take over this important financial document and make sure to switch it up.
