Creative Ideas to Reward Loyal Customers

Loyal customers are the backbone of your operation. They keep you afloat while other customers make one or two purchases and leave, and they're happy to sign up for programs that reward their loyalty. These unique ways to reward loyal customers can generate sales, increase customer satisfaction and turn more one-off visitors into returning clients.

Rewards Points

Most loyalty programs start with a points system. Members complete tasks to earn points and then exchange these points for products or discounts. The increased sales offset the slight revenue loss, and these programs encourage customers to spend more time on your website. Every second they're online is another chance that they'll place an order.

Loyalty programs encourage sales by offering points for every purchase. Other ways to accumulate points might include:

• Signing up for the program
• Following your company on social media
• Writing product reviews
• Signing up for your newsletter
• Sharing posts about your company
• Using your hashtag
• Attending events

Periodic giveaways, bonuses, and gifts offer more opportunities to earn points throughout the year. Customers feel like savvy shoppers when they cash in their points, boosting morale and spreading positive word-of-mouth.

Tiered Memberships

Take your program a step further with tiered memberships. As customers place more orders, they climb the ranks and earn exclusive prizes and discounts. Their new titles make them feel like exclusive insiders, driving them to spend even more. This option takes a little more work because you're offering multiple programs, but each tier builds on the last, so you're not starting from scratch.

For example, Sephora's Beauty Insider program is free to join. Basic members earn points and receive free standard shipping. Once you spend $350 in a year, you join the VIB tier, which comes with exclusive gifts and events. Spending $1,000 annually takes you to the Rogue tier, granting you first access to new products and special discounts and rewards.

When customers see the exclusive prizes, they start thinking about ways to spend more money and earn these gifts. For them, placing orders feels like an accomplishment, and you'll reap the benefits of increased conversions.

If you're familiar with the three-tier pricing strategy, this program uses a similar mindset. Check out our blog post with three-tier pricing strategies explained.

Giveaways

Giveaways stir interest in your company and delight one recipient with free products or services. You could automatically enter your subscribers into giveaways or ask them to complete a task for an entry, such as following you on social media, sharing a post, or uploading a picture of their latest order. Upper tiers receive more frequent giveaways or increasingly luxurious prizes.

For more excitement, announce the members-only giveaway on social media. More people will sign up to participate. While this doesn't automatically generate sales, you'll have more emails and demographic information in your database, and your newsletter will inspire subscribers to check out your business. You'll land sales that would've normally gone to your competitors.

Sneak Peeks

Sneak peeks make your customers feel like exclusive insiders. They're the first to know about upcoming products and services, and they can't wait to grab a spot at the members-only launch. Invite customers to private live streams or share pictures of new products in your online community. You could even invite members to test your products and offer feedback before they go live.

They'll probably tell their friends about the drop, so avoid sharing prototypes, company secrets, or untested products. Instead, give your subscribers a glimpse shortly before the official launch. Add a limited-edition sticker or small gift to their orders to sweeten the deal.

Free Upgrades

Once in a while, give your customers a taste of the VIP experience with free upgrades. If you're running a tiered loyalty program, give the lower tiers the chance to experience high-end benefits for a month. When they see what they've been missing, they're more likely to buy more products and advance to the next level.

You could also provide the occasional product or service upgrade. For example, you could add a VIP service for free or give customers the chance to buy an advanced product at the basic price. With these unique ways to reward loyal customers, you'll tap into their fear of missing out (FOMO) and inspire them to spring for the deluxe package.

Public Shout-outs

Famous YouTubers often have segments that thank sponsors for their support. While their current donors appreciate the shout-out, other viewers start thinking about donating to get their names in a video. This also shows customers that their money helps a small business.

Launch your shout-outs by spotlighting members on social media. Keep it simple by sharing a few names, or reach out to members for a full customer spotlight with pictures and short interviews. Just make sure you ask for permission first.

While at it, browse your subscribers' social media profiles and ask if you can share their posts about your products. Retweeting a post or adding one to your Instagram Story takes seconds, and you'll show followers that you value their business.

Birthday Surprises

Show your appreciation with a birthday gift. When a customer's birthday arrives, they'll receive a free product, exclusive discount, or points bonus in their account. This makes their day and gives them the chance to collect demographic information.

You could also send coupons on the anniversary of each customer's sign-up date. If a member hasn't checked out your store in a while, this gift might inspire them to see what's new.

Holidays offer another chance to delight your customers with gifts and bonuses. Host exclusive members-only sales, schedule a double-points day or decorate their profiles with holiday themes. This encourages customers to browse while they're in the shopping mood.

Event Invites

VIP events allow you to meet subscribers in person if you have a physical store. Invite them to grand openings, product launches, presentations, and luncheons, then treat them to gifts and free food as you discuss your business. You'll build personal connections and make your members feel valued.

Online businesses can host private live streams. They can show off new designs, invite followers to ask questions or host a live conference with industry leaders. Some platforms, such as TikTok, allow you to sell products during the stream. Customers can make purchases in seconds and then go back to enjoying the event.

Point Bonuses

Encourage subscribers to shop more with occasional bonuses. Host "bonus days" where guests earn twice as many points for shopping or give them a boost when they buy certain products. Higher tiers may offer twice or three times as many points on every purchase.

Online Communities

Turn your brand into a community with a members-only Facebook group. Invite subscribers to join the group for live events, exciting discussions, daily questions, and product tips. The community should promote positive vibes and goal achievement. Social media platforms have content moderation but hire a few admins to keep the environment safe and friendly.

If you have the time and money, you could hire a company to build a forum directly on your site. This gives you more control over the design and functionality, but you might reach fewer people. Still, some brands prefer to make their own rules.

Collaborations with Local Businesses

Collaborations are one of the most unique ways to reward loyal customers. However, this doesn't involve partnering with your competitors. Instead, you'll collaborate with nearby businesses to build connections and encourage clients to shop locally. This allows you to provide rewards and discounts you wouldn't have otherwise.

Your business includes a gift or discount from another company, such as 10% off a meal, a complimentary manicure, or a free consultation, in your rewards program. In return, you advertise this company or provide your discount for their customers.

Some brands also opt for influencer collaborations. Subscribers can access exclusive posts, videos, or discounts from influencers that advertise your products. The influencer receives payment or free products in exchange.

Badges

Gamification aims to turn everyday tasks into an exciting game. Loyalty programs are one example of gamification. Once customers sign up, they start racking up points like they're playing a video game. Offering badges is another popular tactic, making visitors feel like they've "leveled up."

If you have a Reddit profile, you might've noticed you earn badges for browsing the site. Your profile has a section for these badges, like a trophy case. Adding badges to your program encourages interaction and gives customers a sense of accomplishment, which drives them to interact more.

Badges could reward members for a variety of tasks, such as:

• Signing up for an account
• Posting on the forums
• Making purchases
• Reaching a certain tier
• Referring a friend
• Interacting on social media
• Helping other users
• Celebrating membership anniversaries

Your program should send clients notifications when they earn a badge to give them a dopamine boost. This could be an email or a pop-up on your website.

Referral Codes

Referral programs give each customer an exclusive link or code. When a friend purchases with this code, both parties receive a discount. This technique encourages word-of-mouth and helps you reach people in your customers' inner circles.

Many businesses already have referral programs. However, you can enhance your program for your members by giving them higher discounts or bonus points for each sale. Consider holding a contest with a prize for the member who lands the most referrals in a month.

Donation Matching

Businesses host charity events to help local organizations and encourage customers to pitch in. Customers often say, "You're richer than I am during these events. Why are you asking me to donate?"

Matching donations for your subscribers solves this issue. When they donate money during your event, you'll match their gift to a certain amount. This shows that you're willing to help and enhances your reputation. You'll also get more sign-ups from customers who want to take part.

Host a poll inviting subscribers to select a charity for more engagement. This will increase donations from people who want to support this organization.

Spontaneous Gifts

A customer is having a bad day when they receive an email from your company. "Hi!" the email says. "Just because we appreciate you, we wanted to give you a free discount that you can use on any purchase this month. Thanks for being a fan!" Their mood lightens as they hurry to your website to purchase before the deal expires.

Sometimes, you don't need a reason to surprise customers. A spontaneous gift makes them feel appreciated and encourages them to maintain their membership. After all, they don't want to miss the next surprise. Plus, they might tell their friends afterward, inspiring more people to sign up.

Friends and Family Sales

Friends and family sales are your subscribers' ticket to special deals for their loved ones. Periodically, host a friends and family sale with a coupon code for subscribers. They'll share this code with their inner circles, boosting your sales and encouraging more people to join. These sales are particularly valuable around the holidays when people want to save money on gifts.

Free Trials

If you're piloting a new program or want to polish an existing one, treat subscribers to a 30-day free trial. Ultimately, they'll pay for a full subscription or cancel and offer their feedback. Many customers will sign up just for the trial and then keep their membership because it's convenient and they want to take advantage of upcoming features.

Exclusive Apps

Allow members to download an app with special bonus content to access anywhere. Once they download the app and sign in, they can watch videos, read articles, learn about your brand, and chat with fellow subscribers. Other features may include special deals, event calendars, and priority customer service.

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