The top e-commerce companies are aware that customer retention is the key to sustainable growth. One of the most effective strategies to keep shoppers returning? Start a loyalty program that offers rewards for each purchase, review and recommendation. By using the appropriate Shopify loyalty program software you can quickly reward to track and recognize your most loyal customers.
In this article we’ll walk you through 14 easy steps to set up Shopify loyalty program to ensure an efficient launch and build a successful retention marketing system that will pay off over the long run.
The 14-Step Shopify Loyalty Blueprint: Turn Customers into Superfans
1. Define Your Loyalty Program Goals
Prior to when you set up shopify loyalty program be clear on the objectives you intend your loyalty program to accomplish. Are you looking to boost the number of repeat purchases, increase average order values, boost referrals, or gain more feedback?
Understanding your objectives will help you pick the most suitable Shopify loyalty program application and make sure that every component is customized–points reward levels, rewards, and even the messaging to make the most effect.
2. Research and Choose a Shopify Loyalty Program App
There are a variety of great choices within Shopify’s App Store, including Yotpo. Think about your store’s dimension, finances, essential options (such as the tiers of points, referrals and integrations) as well as accessibility.
Review reviews, try demos and search for applications with robust analytics, customizable as well as assistance. The app you choose will allow you to streamline rewards and give customers an easy customer experience.
3. Install and Integrate the App
When you’ve set up Shopify loyalty program apps download it through the App Store. Then follow the onboarding procedure to link the app to your shop. Many apps walk users through the automated configuration process.
However, make sure you ensure that rewards, points and data about customers are properly synced. If you are using other advertising tools connect them with multi-channel loyalty promotions.
4. Map Out Your Program Structure
Choose how they earn points or redeem rewards. A classic method is to use an incentive-based system where customers get points for each dollar they spend. There are also rewards for the actions of creating an account, sharing with a friend by writing a blog post and sharing your thoughts on social networks or achieving milestones in spending.
Consider the options for redemption: discounts and free products as well as VIP access to unique presents. Best programs combine easy wins and aspirational rewards.
5. Create Reward Tiers for VIP Engagement
Programs that reward customers for their loyalty encourage them to take part in more meaningful engagement. Once you have created Shopify loyalty program fundamentals make levels of gold, bronze, silver and platinum levels.
When customers make more purchases or perform more actions they will receive more benefits such as greater points multipliers, earlier sales access or even free shipping. The levels make your loyalty program “sticky” and keep top clients coming back.
6. Set Up Automated Reward Emails and Notifications
Automation is the key ingredient of an effective loyalty program. Create your app so that it sends automated emails to reward points as rewards, rewards unlocked as well as upgrades to tiers and certain events (like birthdays and anniversaries).
The reminders will keep your app in the forefront, highlight customer accomplishments and encourage customers to make a return or redeem the points they earned.
7. Customize Program Branding and Language
Your loyalty program must feel as if it is an element of your company’s brand. Many shopify loyalty program apps allow you to name the program, create customized badges and icons as well as write custom copy regarding rewards, points as well as emails.
Select a language that is in line with your branding voice: informal and playful stylish and professional or playful and fun. Your program will look unique and unforgettable.
8. Build a Clear, Engaging Rewards Page
Customers need to understand the process of your app and how much they could earn. Utilize your app’s built-in reward page, or integrate an individual widget onto your website. In the list, you should include all earnings and redemption activities with simple explanations. Incorporate FAQs, tier-specific requirements as well as the specific terms and conditions. A clear, appealing rewards website encourages participation as well as ongoing participation.
9. Launch With a Signup Bonus or Special Event
Start your journey with this exclusive offer for a short time. New loyalty members will receive extra points when they sign-up and buy their first item, or finish their profile. You could consider a double-points celebration to celebrate the launch.
Promotions that are unique to your event make it seem rewarding right from the beginning and will encourage your users to make a move now.
10. Train Your Staff and Align Support
If you manage support staff or an offline store, be sure that they are aware of the loyalty programme. Make sure they are trained to address queries about loyalty, add customers and address difficulties.
The alignment of your brand ensures seamless experiences wherever the customers are in contact with your company.
11. Promote Your Loyalty Program Everywhere
Let your customers know about the loyalty program launch in your shop’s header area, on your product webpages, in pop-ups as well as at the check-out. You can send SMS and email blasts to your list of customers with a message explaining the benefits.
Include a call-to-action in packaging materials as well as order confirmation email. The more exposure you provide your product, the quicker it expands.
12. Incentivize Valuable Behaviors Beyond Purchases
The best Shopify loyalty program application allows you to earn rewards beyond purchasing. Give points to write reviews of products, posting on social networks, referring people to your site, or even for celebrating the birthday of a loved one.
These activities strengthen customer relations and add value to your business. More UGC or word-of-mouth advertising, as well as real customer reviews.
13. Monitor Analytics and Optimize Regularly
When you’ve created a Shopify rewards program, utilize the dashboard of your app to monitor key performance indicators: levels of participation, enrollment and points redemption rates, repeat rate of purchases, progression in tiers and return on investment.
Find out which rewards are the most well-liked, then optimize the rules for earning and redemption according to what is driving participation. You can test various incentives, and tweak your incentive plan as you expand your business.
14. Gather Feedback and Evolve Your Program
The most effective loyalty programs change in tandem with the needs of their customers. Regularly survey your customers to inquire about what they enjoy as well as what they find confusing and what benefits they’d like you to have could offer.
Get feedback from them via emails or pop-ups as well as online polls. Make use of this information to introduce additional reward options, modify your structure for tiers or to streamline your customer experience. Be responsive and your reward program will remain current and user-centric.
Why Yotpo Is the Best Shopify LoyaltyProgram App
Yotpo is regarded as being the most effective Shopify loyalty program application thanks to its complete method, sophisticated features as well as seamless integration with Shopify. Shopify ecosystem. Yotpo lets you create extremely customizable tiered and points-based loyalty programs that automate the process of rewarding for reviews, recommendations as well as for purchases.
You can also provide personalized promotions that increase your business’s repeat sales. The user-friendly dashboard lets you easily monitor member activities in terms of redemption rate, member activity, and ROI. In addition, robust analytics will help you continuously enhance your program.
Real-World Example: Launching a Shopify Loyalty Program
A rising beauty company was looking to increase customer loyalty and transform customers into brand ambassadors. They selected Yotpo for the site for their Shopify loyalty program application designed a points and tiers program, which it rewarded referrals, purchases as well as reviews. The app was launched with a double points event, and customized welcome emails.
Their loyalty membership percentage topped 70% of new customers. The number of repeat purchases increased by 40% as did UGC volume (reviews and shares on social media) nearly doubled. The rewards page was branded by the company and automatic reward notification keeps customers engaged and excited.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Loyalty Program Setup
- Make sure your program isn’t too complicated or complex to get into–simplicity wins.
- Beware of confusing points values. clarify the value of points in dollars.
- Promote your product everywhere you go.
- Be aware of analytics. Regularly analyze your results and improve.
- Don’t forget to train your customers on customer service. Everyone needs to know how the training functions.
Conclusion
The creation of a loyalty plan is among the best actions you can take to expand your Shopify company. If you follow these steps, and select the appropriate Shopify loyalty program apps like Yotpo to create an easy, fun and enjoyable experience that keeps clients coming back.
Automate the rewards, tailor the messages, reward reviews and referrals to continuously improve the program for maximum success. As a result? Better retention, better campaigning, and a broad crowd of fans who are driving the long-term success of your brand.
