Customer loyalty programs can do wonders for your business. It’s one of the best ways to increase recurring visits from customers and enjoy repeat sales. Repeat sales means higher profits for your business. In addition to that, you will be able to know who your customers are, what they like, they don’t like, how much… Read More 5 Benefits of Having A Customer Loyalty Program
Customer loyalty programs can do wonders for your business.
It’s one of the best ways to increase recurring visits from customers and enjoy repeat sales. Repeat sales means higher profits for your business.
In addition to that, you will be able to know who your customers are, what they like, they don’t like, how much each customer is spending per visit, and so much more.
All these data can be used for targeted marketing and promotions – on top of fostering brand loyalty.
1) Drive returning customers and get recurring sales
Customers today have plenty of options – which means you have plenty of competition.
You need something that gives you an edge so you can stand out from the crowd. You need to give your customers a reason to pick you over a sea of choices out there.
This is where a loyalty program can come in handy.
For example, if Aaron is deciding between three places for lunch.
Out of choices X, Y, and Z, he has a membership card from Restaurant X which can earn him points and will ultimately land him a free dessert after 5 visits.
Which restaurant do you think he’ll pick? Most probably Restaurant X.
Even if he decides on a different restaurant today – say due to a friend influencing his decision – he will still return to Restaurant X another day to earn his points. Unless he’s had some bad experience there.
75% of customers said they were likely to make another purchase after receiving an incentive
Loyalty programs also help you be more proactive in your promotional activities.
Promotions that coincide with special holidays and birthdays are more likely to bring customers back to your store.
How does this work?
Let’s say Sally’s birthday is coming up and she needs a manicure.
While she is scouring for nearby options, Nail Parlour A sends her a timely text message with a birthday promotion where she is entitled for a full spa manicure for half the price.
She may or may not take the deal, but Nail Parlour A definitely has her attention and has topped her list.
2) Grow your customer base through referrals
The best form is marketing is through word-of-mouth.
People are more likely to take recommendations from their friends or family members instead of an ad they see on social media.
Some customer loyalty tools come with a referral function which you can use to encourage people to bring their friends and families.
That means you get existing customers to bring in new customers for you at no extra charge.
When your existing customers recommend your brand to their friends and family and convert them into customers, these new customers are your direct referrals.
All you have to do is come up with a referral promo code or discount that encourages your customers to bring a friend.
Loyal customers already love your products and services. Which means they are more likely to come back and make more purchases without you spending money on customer acquisition.
Did you know that the cost of getting a customer to come back is way cheaper than acquiring a new customer?
Returning customers also tend to spend more money, as shown by this study here.
60% of companies report loyalty customers spend 2-3X more