Customer loyalty programs drive sales and build brand loyalty. Read on to learn about how customer loyalty programs for small businesses work and which programs you should consider.
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What is a Small Business Customer Loyalty Program?
A customer loyalty program is an incentive system offered by a business to reward frequent customers. Usually, the system rewards customers with coupons or points in exchange for making purchases. These points can be redeemed for merchandise or other rewards. The goal of these programs is to give loyal customers a reason to come back to a business and make repeat purchases.
You might be a member of one or more customer loyalty programs offered by large businesses from department stores to airlines. But, small businesses have plenty of options.
Why Do You Need a Customer Loyalty Program for your Small Business?
Small businesses grow through a combination of retaining existing customers and attracting new ones. A customer loyal program is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to accomplish both.
When existing customers are rewarded, they’ll want to return and buy more, more often. Over time, these return visits result in increased sales and brand loyalty. Customer loyalty programs are equally effective as a marketing tool. How? Existing happy customers will refer your business . This will help you reach wider markets and scale up your customer base.
Ultimately, the programs make customers feel valued. And valued customers are more likely to become repeat customers who can help drive sales for years to come.
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What Are Some Options for Small Business Customer Loyalty Programs?
#1 Belly
Belly is a digital customer loyalty program and marketing solution that does away with rewards punch cards. The program lets customers sign in and earn rewards points up via a tablet at your place of business. Customers can easily track points via a downloadable mobile app.
The program allows you to create email campaigns and integrate social media. Lite, full and elite plans are available.
Cost: Lite: $159/month, Full: $229/month, Elite: Contact for pricing
#2 Spring Rewards
Spring Rewards allows your customers to earn rewards through their existing credit or debit cards instead of a store card. Customers simply connect the cards to your business in-store or online and then swipe the card in-store.
The system tracks customer spending and issues relevant incentives. These rewards can be redeemed instantly on your customers’ phones. Since the program can be hosted on technology already at your business, there’s no need for additional equipment.
Cost: Contact for pricing
#3 Fivestars
Like Belly, Fivestars lets customers sign up via tablet and check-in via their mobile phone number. Rewards messages are delivered directly to that phone number.
The advantage of the program is that it can target certain segments of your loyalty base. For example, it can target customers with birthdays on any given day or those haven’t visited recently and send a message to entice them to visit. The program offers Starter, Growth and Pro Plans.
Cost: Contact for pricing