Customers remember those businesses that not only provide a meaningful service to them but work hard to build trustworthy, meaningful relationships. No matter what service or product you might provide for a customer, memorable impressions are built on rewarding engagement.

‍

Most businesses already realize that it’s essential to thank their customers. That form of gratitude is an expectation that most customers already have, however, a simple “Thank you for your purchase” won’t leave a particularly memorable impression.

‍

Instead, stand out by giving your clients tangible rewards for their business. Foster a professional relationship with your client, giving them a real incentive to stay connected. At Prezzee, we’ll show you how: Below is our guide on drive sales with customer loyalty programs and rewards.

‍

‍

Reward regulars with customer perks

‍

Clients feel privileged when they are rewarded for their regular business. When a company acknowledges a customer who's returning to do business again, it can create a mutually beneficial connection.

‍

Show your customers their business is valuable by repaying them with benefits, perks, discounts, and other privileges reserved just for regulars. In return, you’ll build brand loyalty because the customer knows they can come back to get even better rewards and perks.

‍

Studies have shown that people respond well to brands with loyalty programs, frequently becoming regulars. With the internet and online shopping creating so much competition, it helps to reach out to customers and show them that doing business with you can be a uniquely privileged exchange, offering some real return for their investment.

‍

‍

Loyalty programs that incentivize customers to return

‍

There are plenty of loyalty programs out there that reward those customers who consistently return for business.

‍

Some of the most successful customer loyalty programs that businesses often employ include:

• Membership programs offer special discounts and coupons that are applied to purchases from members only. Members can also receive unique discounts or rewards during the holiday season or special occasions. Offering exclusive warranties, support, and other protection can create brand loyalty.
• Points program, where customer purchases earn them points or credit, which can then be exchanged for more products in the future or to get a discount on a certain item or service.
• Giveaway programs encourage returning customers. These programs offer giveaway tickets to customers for each purchase they make. Therefore, the more often they purchase, the higher their chances of winning the giveaway.
• Customer rewards programs encourage brand loyalty. Offer customers continuous rewards for returning to your services or spending over a certain amount. These rewards could be a free item, discounted service, or even a featured eGift card for a related service or product.

Customer referral programs can expand your customer base

‍

Customer referral programs are some of the best incentive strategies to bring in new customers. This type of incentive rewards existing customers for referring people to your business.

‍

The best way to use this type of incentive is to reward both the existing customer and the new customer they brought in. This way, the referred customer is also incentivized to go through and give your business a try.

‍

These programs can be quite lucrative, as statistics have shown that people are more likely to try a product directly recommended by a friend or family member. Also, those clients who get the referral are more likely to remain loyal, especially with a customer referral program.

‍

Rewards for a client referral may include exclusive discounts, free items, or complimentary services. However, for this program to work, the catch has to be that both the client and the person they referred to get to enjoy the benefits.

‍

If you’re debating on rolling out a customer referral program, it might be advantageous to check in with your base in the form of a survey (handing out eGift Cards as incentives to complete it, of course). Research shows that if over 90% of customer feedback rates the product as “very good,” they’re more likely to recommend the item to their circle. Free survey options can include Google Forms, Survey Monkey, and more.

‍

Once you’ve identified the target customer and perks for the referral program, it’s time to spread the word. Email campaigns, newsletters, and call-to-actions (CTAs) on blogs can help get the word out to your most loyal followers.

‍

‍

Incentivize customers with seasonal and holiday gifts

‍

Nothing will keep your business fresh on someone’s mind like an unexpected gift. As the seasons turn, reminding your customer base that you appreciate their business is a great way to cultivate a sense of community.

‍

As the holidays kick off, people are bombarded with dozens upon dozens of advertisements. Make your ads stand out by moving beyond the “Buy this” or “Shop now” verbiage. Sending a free goodie to people in the top tier of your customer rewards program, for example, is a surefire way to get noticed. A thoughtful holiday gift is just the thing to let everyone know you’ve got their back.

‍

While a free gift is ideal — like a digital gift for essentials — you can also offer exclusive deals, discounts, or perhaps a free service. Depending on your business, you could get more creative with your gifts, especially for longtime customers.

‍

Check with your finance team to see what the annual budget allows for, but keep in mind that 90% of those who receive a free gift stated they would likely return, according to recent surveys.

‍

‍

Use social media giveaways to incentivize customers to engage with your brand

‍

The premise is simple: on social media, you raffle off a particular product or service that you offer as a free prize. The only condition to enter the giveaway is that each person follows your account, likes the post, and shares it. (Generally, a more expensive product or exclusive service works best for building hype.)

‍

After that, your customers promote the giveaway for you, sharing it on their profiles. As the giveaway posts spread, it captures the attention of new customers. Just like that, you can gain troves of new followers. Even after the giveaway has ended, your online engagement will have seen a massive boost, with many people discovering your business and hopefully staying for the long run.

‍

Not loving the idea of a giveaway? Other ways to use social media for incentive marketing include:

• Tag-to-win (Tag two friends below, and you’ll all receive a prize)
• Caption contest (The prize goes to the most-liked comment or hashtag idea)
• Selfie contest (Competitors take and post a selfie, tagging the hosting account in the picture or caption)

Social media offers tons of creative possibilities, but there are hard and fast rules for contests depending on which platform you use. For example, on Instagram, you must state the terms and conditions, including who is eligible (based on country/age/etc.). You cannot prompt users to tag themselves in photos en masse, especially if they aren’t in that photo. More legalities include releasing Instagram from possible liabilities, including that Instagram is not affiliated with the giveaway in any way.

‍

‍

Why are customer loyalty programs important for your business?

‍

As inflation increases and we recover from the pandemic, Forbes reported that customer acquisition and retention are determined by perceived value and savings. More people are looking to remain loyal to brands that use discounts, rewards systems, and other perks to repay them over time with a better value on products or services. This remains true even when the costs of those products rise.

‍

Savings matter more to today’s customers than before. A thoughtful brand loyalty incentive program is a convenient way for them to save on brands they already love. These make it easier and more affordable for customers to feel comfortable making purchases with your brand.

The best way to stand out as a business today is to offer unique customer rewards and loyalty programs that really show gratitude.

‍

If you’re looking for five-star prizes, rewards for a giveaway, or virtual gifts of gratitude for your regular customers, Prezzee can help. We have a huge selection of eGift cards that can be sent to customers, clients, and employees — really, anyone who deserves a smile and a shoutout. You can purchase digital gift cards for specific products, fun experiences, and services or simply give credit to the recipient to spend as they please with the Prezzee Smart eGift Card.

‍

With a unique, personalized gift, you can help create a more personal relationship with your clients, allowing them to feel closer to your company’s culture and community.

Sources:

The Perks of a Great Loyalty Program | Forbes

50 Significant Referral Marketing Statistics: 2023 Data Analysis & Market Share | Finances Online‍

Success Qualtrics | Qualtrics XM Institute‍

Increase Sales And Brand Loyalty By Running a ‘Gift with Purchase’ Campaign | Global Brands Magazine‍

How to Host an Instagram Giveaway or Contest | US Chamber of Commerce‍

Brand Loyalty Amid Inflation: How To Retain Your Customers | Forbes

‍