Increase Customer Loyalty With Print Marketing

Loyalty cards are an important part of most businesses these days. Many companies – big or small – have a card that customers can show off to get a discount or some points on their purchase. A good scheme is essential for ensuring repeat visits and you need to do more than simply offer up a card. You also need to make sure that you have the right incentives and rewards for consumers to sign up and keep spending.

4 tips for a worthwhile loyalty scheme:

1) Points mean prizes

There are different approaches with loyalty schemes. Some businesses may choose to opt for a simple discount card while others go for a the points based system. Points systems are great for both the consumer and the business. They feel as though their spending is being rewarded with something they can make use of, such as a voucher for a certain department or the chance to to use those points to pay for their next treat. They may only use their discount once a month, but this encourages further visits and spending in order to build up those points.

2) Make it easy to understand

The problem with points based systems is that they can be a little difficult to understand at times. The most successful options are the simple ones: X amount of dollars spent means X amount of points to convert into store credit or vouchers. Keep the conversion rate simple, like 10 points to the dollar, so that users can do the math and calculate their reward. If it gets too complicated with too many caveats and restrictions then it may not be worth their time.

3) Provide incentives that “ordinary” consumers can’t access

This sense of worth is crucial is creating a loyal scheme that actually brings the consumers back. There has to be a reward for the effort of signing up for membership schemes and building up those points. Special treatment for card holders means incentives and gifts that standard customers can’t enjoy. Card holders on mailing lists could receive personalized coupons and codes. They could also benefit from free shipping on online orders.

4) Partner up with other businesses to make these incentives even more appealing

The obvious approach for many companies is to offer vouchers and deals relating to their own products. If customers save enough points they can treat themselves to a luxury product rather than just the basic shopping list. Alternatively, companies can do deals with other, complimentary companies. Perhaps a store selling beauty products could offer spa vouchers. This not only makes your company stand out, it could also lead to new consumers and opportunities via a two-way arrangement.