I still vividly remember the time I walked into my favorite neighborhood bakery one morning and ordered my usual coffee and banana muffin. When I went to pay, the cashier smiled and told me my order had already been taken care of. One of the bakery’s regular customers had paid for my items because she appreciated my business. This small but thoughtful gesture absolutely made my day. It reminded me how much a sincere show of gratitude can mean, especially when it’s unexpected.  

As a business owner, I’m sure you’ve experienced exceptional service from a vendor, freelancer, agency or other service provider you work with. You likely want to reward them for going above and beyond, but aren’t sure of the best way to show your appreciation. Offering referrals and repeat business is great, but sometimes you want to do more to recognize their outstanding efforts.

Showing gratitude for great service accomplishes several things. First, it boosts morale and motivation on the service provider’s end. Who doesn’t like to feel appreciated? It affirms that their hard work and extra effort to take care of you is noticed and valued. Second, rewarding excellent service improves customer loyalty between you and the vendor. It strengthens the relationship when both parties feel mutually respected and appreciated.  

In this blog post, we’ll explore five creative ways you can recognize and reward excellent service from your vendors, freelancers, agencies and other service providers. You’ll discover meaningful gestures that are more thoughtful than just sending a gift card. Let’s dive in!

Tip 1: Write Them a Glowing Testimonial

One powerful way to show your appreciation for exceptional service is to write the person or company a glowing testimonial. This provides them with written praise they can display on their website, portfolio or other marketing materials. When potential customers see how delighted you were with the vendor’s work and service, it builds their credibility.  

Here’s an example of what a short but effusive testimonial could say:

“Sarah was an absolute pleasure to work with on designing my company’s new website. She delivered an incredible finished product that far exceeded my expectations. Sarah’s communication was prompt and clear throughout the entire process. It was obvious she cared deeply about providing an outstanding experience with the end result. I can’t recommend her web design services highly enough!”

If you want to provide an even more detailed testimonial, consider highlighting specific qualities that set them apart from competitors. For example:

“We hired ABC Marketing Agency to handle our latest product launch campaign. From start to finish, their team impressed us with their expertise, responsiveness and results-driven mindset. Rather than just taking orders, they brought strategic insights to the table that helped improve our positioning and messaging. The dynamic social media content and paid advertising they created generated our highest product conversion rate to date. I appreciated their transparency into their process and openness to feedback along the way. I can sincerely say ABC Marketing is a top-notch agency committed to their clients’ success.” 

Quantifying results with real metrics makes the testimonial even more convincing. 

The great thing about testimonials is they tend to have a long shelf life, providing the service provider with an endorsement to use for years. You may only hire them once or on occasion, but your kind words can attract business long after your single transaction together.  

Before offering a testimonial, ensure it adheres to any confidentiality agreements you have in place regarding financials, intellectual property, branding, etc. Ask permission to share any specifics about the project scope.

Whether you publish the testimonial on the vendor’s website or they use it in various materials, your praise holds tremendous weight to prospective customers researching their services. Positive word-of-mouth referrals are considered one of the most credible forms of advertising. Your testimonial serves as a meaningful, long-lasting “thank you” for outstanding service that helped grow their business and reputation.

Tip 2: Leave Positive Reviews on Relevant Sites

Beyond a direct testimonial, you can also reward excellent service by leaving five-star reviews on credible third-party platforms. This provides powerful social proof that searchers and prospects will see.  

Two great options to consider are Yelp and Google My Business listings. Let’s look at each of these:

Yelp – With over 200 million monthly visitors, Yelp has become the go-to site for consumers to research local businesses. According to Yelp’s research, 93% of consumers say an average star rating of at least four stars influences their purchasing choices. Writing a glowing five-star Yelp review is a great way to help your vendor stand out. You’ll give them an edge against competitors who may have just three stars.  

Your review on their Yelp Business Page might say: 

5 Stars 

“I can’t say enough great things about XYZ Company. I hired them for a major plumbing job at my commercial building that other plumbers had botched. The technicians were professional, friendly, hardworking and cleaned up after themselves when finished. They fixed the stubborn plumbing issue in just one visit! Their pricing was transparent and more than fair. I will absolutely hire XYZ for any future plumbing needs. I highly recommend them!”

Google My Business (GMB) – Likewise, Google My Business listings have also grown increasingly vital for service-based businesses to be discoverable locally in maps and search. Reviews on GMB profiles carry tremendous weight in Google’s local search algorithm. As a satisfied customer, you can help boost their ranking by leaving a thoughtful five-star review describing your positive experience.  

For example: 

5 Stars

“ABC Accounting made tax season a breeze this year. My accountant took the time to explain everything clearly and answered all my questions thoroughly. She found additional deductions I never would have known about too! I so appreciate their highly responsive communication, reasonable rates and top-notch expertise. I would recommend them to anyone looking for accounting services in this area.”

Whether you praise their convenient location, depth of experience, reasonable prices, quality work or responsive support, your review serves as a bona fide stamp of approval to local searchers.

Both Yelp and Google My Business reviews allow you to upload photos as well, so consider including an image of you with the service provider or their work product. This adds even more authenticity to your endorsement.

The time you invest to proactively spotlight these vendors provides lasting value for their marketing. They will likely continue showcasing your praise for years to come through these platforms and other promotional channels.

Tip 3: Send a Handwritten Card or Gift 

Beyond digital methods, nothing beats a sincere handwritten card or small gift to express your gratitude for exceptional work from a vendor. In our digital age, receiving something heartfelt in the mail feels extra special. 

You could send a professionally printed thank you card praising their efforts:

“Jill,

Thank you so much for the fabulous work you did in designing my company’s new product labels. I absolutely love how they turned out! Your creativity, attention to detail and quick revisions exceeded my expectations at every turn. I sincerely appreciate you making this project such a pleasure. I could not be happier with the finished product and am thrilled to have them representing my business. Thanks again for everything!”

A thoughtful gift can also show your appreciation in a memorable way. Consider sending:

– Gift card for coffee or meal delivery 

– Box of chocolates, cookies or other treats

– Bottle of wine

– Fresh floral arrangement 

– Basket of baked goods 

– Gift certificate for spa service or massage

– Ticket(s) to a sports game, show or concert

– Book you think they may enjoy  

Even a small token of thanks sends the message you value what they contributed and want to reciprocate in kind.

If timing and budgets allow, you could coordinate for an edible arrangement or gift basket to be delivered to their office. Having a beautiful spread of fruit, baked goods, chocolates, nuts and more show up at their workplace makes quite an impression! 

When choosing any mailed gift, keep their preferences and dietary needs in mind. Avoid anything potentially inappropriate or that could melt in transit during summer months. 

Handwritten notes, cards and mailed gifts add a personal touch that feels more meaningful than an emailed gift card or e-gift certificate alone. You want them to feel special, not like just another customer or transaction. 

Make sure to get their updated mailing address in advance. Ask if they prefer items shipped to their home or office. Some service providers prefer keeping their personal residence private.

While rewards and referrals are the best way to support service providers ongoing, a one-time tangible gesture of appreciation for excellent work can strengthen your relationship exponentially. Sending a card, gift basket or other treat recognizes efforts above and beyond what was required or expected of them.

Tip 4: Refer New Business 

Referring your personal connections and other companies to an exceptional vendor is a powerful way to repay them for great service. 

Word-of-mouth referrals and references hold so much weight because they come as a genuine recommendation from someone who’s experienced their work first-hand. You serve as a trusted intermediary vouching for their quality and professionalism.

Here are impactful ways to refer new business to reward your service providers:

Inform Your Contacts – When relevant situations arise, let your friends, colleagues and contacts know about your positive experience with the vendor. For example:

“We used ABC Painting last month to refresh several rooms in our house and they did an amazing job. Their pricing was reasonable, staff was friendly and clean-up spotless afterwards. If you’re looking to repaint this season, I highly recommend checking them out. I can share their contact info – just let me know!”

Offer to Make Warm Introductions – Take it a step further by offering to personally connect promising leads with the vendor by email or phone. For example: 

“My colleague Lisa is looking for a freelance web developer to overhaul her company’s outdated website. I had such a great experience working with Bob on my website last year. If you’re open to it Lisa, I’d be happy to introduce you via email to discuss your project needs.”

Invite to Networking Events – When appropriate, invite exceptional vendors to attend networking functions or industry events with you. Introducing them in-person to your sphere of connections can lead to promising word-of-mouth referrals.

Link to Them on Your Website – If relevant, add a page on your company website that highlights or links to trusted partners and preferred vendors. Provide a description of your positive experience collaborating with them and their performance. Search engines will pick up these mentions.  

Post on Social Media – Help your vendors gain more digital visibility by posting about them on your business social accounts. You could share a recent project you partnered on, experience working with them, or celebrate a milestone like their 5-year anniversary. Tag and link to any of their social media profiles when posting.

Write a Press Release – Consider pitching a story to local business journals or industry trade publications announcing your partnership with the vendor. Outline an exciting new project or campaign you collaborated on successfully. Position them as an innovator in their field. The media coverage will further raise their profile and expertise.

Referrals should only be given when you can authentically vouch for the provider’s work, professionalism and results. Avoid overpromising capabilities beyond what you’ve actually seen from them.

Be specific when describing the types of opportunities you believe would suit their services based on your direct experience. The more tailored the referral, the better chance of a great fit for both parties.   

Giving referrals and endorsements to loyal vendors who’ve served you exceptionally well provides mutually beneficial marketing. You lend your reputation and influence to build their business credibility. In return, you’re supporting someone who delivered great value to your own organization when you needed it.

Tip 5: Spotlight on Social Media 

In addition to direct referrals, you can also reward excellent vendors by spotlighting them positively on your company’s social media channels.  

Social media provides a scalable way to share praise and valuable word-of-mouth marketing. Your followers and existing audience will take note when you tout your satisfaction with a vendor’s work and service.

Here are impactful ways to feature your service providers on social:

Twitter Shoutouts – Send a shoutout tweet from your brand account highlighting your vendor’s great work. Include their Twitter handle to tag them directly. For example:

“Huge thanks to @ABC_Marketing for the outstanding product launch campaign. Their innovative strategy and flawless execution were key to the success!” 

Instagram Showcase – Make an Instagram post showcasing the vendor’s work product or your team collaborating successfully with them. Geotag their location in the image details. Write a caption praising their efforts.

YouTube Endorsement – If you have a company YouTube account, record a brief testimonial video endorsing your vendor. Describe your delight with their services and results achieved together. Mention their website or other handle in the description.

LinkedIn Praise – On LinkedIn, you could share a recent article or post from the vendor congratulating them on an award, new hire or company milestone. Add your own commentary praising their work for you.  

Facebook Review – From your brand’s Facebook Business Page, leave a five-star review describing your first-hand positive experience as a customer. This provides a public endorsement followers will see.

Spotlight Series – Consider launching an ongoing “Spotlight Series” on your social channels where you regularly highlight exceptional vendors, freelancers and partners you’ve worked with. Share their website/social links for readers to learn more and potentially hire them.

Hashtag Campaign – Initiate a branded hashtag campaign centered around your vendors and their work for you. For example, #abcvendorappreciation or #thankyouabcvendors. Ask followers to use the hashtag when sharing any positive interactions with the vendors as well. 

Contests – Organize a social media giveaway or contest rewarding one of your exceptional vendors. The prize could be free products/services from your company or a gift certificate. You’d announce the winning vendor on social media.  

Video Testimonial – Request permission to repost a video testimonial from the vendor onto your own social media accounts. Their praise of your company also indirectly builds their credibility.

Social media provides a scalable way to publicly recognize your service providers, potentially reaching thousands of new prospective customers on their behalf. Your online endorsements and continued patronage helps groom them as an industry leader.

Conclusion 

Showing appreciation for vendors and service providers who go the extra mile has reciprocal benefits. You’re supporting someone who provided outstanding value to your own business. In turn, they continue earning your referrals and repeat purchases.

While paying fair rates and providing ongoing business are essential, consider adding one of these meaningful rewards when you experience exceptional service:

– Write a glowing testimonial they can publish 

– Leave positive reviews on Yelp, Google and other relevant platforms

– Send a thoughtful handwritten card and/or gift  

– Make direct introductions and refer promising opportunities

– Spotlight them positively on your company’s social media

How you recognize standout service providers serves as an extension of your own brand. It shows you’re a fair, ethical company who values partnerships where both parties succeed through collaboration.

By highlighting these vendors positively, you also build their credibility which reflects well on you for associating with top talent. Their success stories reinforce why choosing your preferred provider is a smart bet.  

The next time you’re wowed by a vendor going the extra mile, take a few minutes to create lasting value for them in return. Your genuine gratitude and supportive actions will strengthen the relationship for the long haul.