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6 Effective Strategies to Drive Sign-Ups for Rewards Program

Last updated: July 21 2023

Written and researched by experts at Avada Learn more about our methodology

In today’s fiercely competitive market, nearly 90% of companies have implemented some form of loyalty program to retain customers. Rewards are widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to satisfy customers in the shortest possible time. By offering incentives, discounts, or special perks, businesses can instantly gratify their customers, creating a positive and memorable experience.

However, many loyalty programs fall short of delivering meaningful benefits, acting more like disguised advertisements to attract customers without genuine quality. This leaves e-shoppers feeling uninspired to participate. As a new e-commerce business owner, how can you stand out among wide competitors and entice customers to sign up for your rewards program? Let’s explore seven powerful strategies to boost your rewards program sign-ups and foster loyal, engaged customers.

Offer sign-up rewards

Offering sign-up incentives is a powerful strategy to attract customers to your rewards program. The first time a visitor lands on your site is a golden opportunity to pique their interest and convince them to become reward members. By providing irresistible sign-up incentives, you can capture their attention and eliminate any second thoughts they might have.

57% of online shoppers are motivated to complete their first purchase when they can redeem a coupon or discount (VoucherCloud).

For instance, consider the approach of Leonisa’s Premium Perks. As soon as a visitor lands on their site, a pop-up appears offering a welcome bonus for joining their rewards program. This immediate offer of a tangible benefit creates a sense of excitement and value, motivating e-shoppers to sign up on the spot using the designated order forms.

leonisa

To maximize the effectiveness of this strategy, it’s crucial to ensure your rewards program is prominently featured across all customer touchpoints. Use eye-catching banners on your website, pop-ups, and engaging social media campaigns to promote your program. Make it a point to educate your audience about the benefits of joining and how your program distinguishes itself from others in the market.

Engage customers with gamification

Gamification is a proven tactic to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. Implement interactive games or challenges that allow customers to earn extra rewards points or unlock special perks. Simply encourage them to like your Facebook page, follow Instagram, or share a Twitter link. These actions may not benefit you in an order but make customers stuck with your brand. It will be especially helpful to younger consumers such as students who are constantly looking to alleviate their expenses because of issues such as their student loan debt, so such opportunities will definitely make them stick with your brand.

Gamification not only adds an element of fun but also fosters a feeling of achievement, encouraging e-shoppers to stay active in your rewards program.

Procter & Gamble, a global powerhouse, has cleverly incorporated gamification into their loyalty programs. Each purchase by a member contributes to environmental and societal causes, turning shopping into a charitable act. The program also includes interactive games and quizzes, offering members the chance to earn diverse rewards, from product samples to eGift cards. The possibility of winning a year’s supply of P&G products adds an exciting dimension, making their loyalty program a standout example of innovation and engagement.

P&G

Offer VIP tiers

A staggering 75% of consumers have expressed that they are more inclined to make a subsequent purchase if they receive an incentive, according to a study by Wirecard. This compelling statistic underscores the power of rewards in driving customer loyalty and repeat business. As a brand, it’s crucial to not just attract customers, but to cultivate enduring relationships with them. One effective way to achieve this is by integrating a VIP tier into your rewards program.

By introducing a VIP tier, you’re not just offering rewards, but you’re making your most loyal customers feel genuinely valued and special. This tier could include a range of exclusive benefits such as personalized offers tailored to their preferences, early access to new products or promotions, and superior customer service experiences.

Vip tier

In essence, a VIP tier in your rewards program is more than just a strategy for customer retention. It’s a way to deepen the commitment of your customers to your brand, transforming them from casual shoppers into loyal brand ambassadors.

Outstand your reward points program

Don’t just settle for an ordinary rewards system. Instead, strive to deliver a rewards program that is both flexible and valuable, one that truly connects with your customers’ needs and desires. Consider crafting a points system that allows for effortless accumulation and straightforward redemption, thereby creating a clear and enticing pathway toward coveted rewards.

Make sure to display your rewards policy and provide simple instructions on how customers can start earning points. A transparent and user-friendly rewards system is more likely to attract online shoppers, encouraging them to participate and fostering their loyalty to your brand. Another reward system that may bring you even further recognition is offering to send your customers the average moving costs in cases where the customer is looking to move out before receiving their shipment.

Moreover, consider tailoring your rewards system to reflect your brand’s identity. This not only creates a memorable first impression but also reinforces brand recognition every time customers interact with your rewards program.

reward popup

To ensure immediate engagement, incorporate a compelling call-to-action (CTA) button that invites customers to participate in your rewards program instantly. By doing so, you’re not just offering a rewards program, but an engaging and rewarding brand experience.

Display potential rewards

Drive excitement and desire by showcasing potential rewards directly on product pages. Display the number of reward points customers can earn from purchases and the corresponding rewards they can unlock. This visual representation creates a sense of urgency and entices e-shoppers to choose your products over competitors.

Mcdonalds reward

Leveraging a deep understanding of user psychology, McDonald’s ingeniously presents an array of tantalizing food combos as rewards for their loyal patrons. After all, who could resist the allure of these delectable treats served up as gifts? These rewards, carefully curated to appeal to the taste buds of their customers, serve as powerful motivators, encouraging patrons to increase their purchases. The more they buy, the quicker they accumulate rewards, creating a satisfying cycle of consumption and reward. This strategy not only drives sales but also fosters a sense of loyalty and connection between McDonald’s and its customers, making every meal a rewarding experience.

Encourage referral program

Leveraging the power of your existing customer base to drive sign-ups for your rewards program is a strategy that cannot be underestimated. Encouraging your loyal customers to refer their friends and acquaintances can significantly boost the reach and effectiveness of your rewards program.

Word-of-mouth marketing has been proven to be one of the most potent marketing tactics.

Following Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over any other type of advertising. By tapping into this trust, you can effectively extend the reach of your rewards program.

Reffer friends

With the Avada referral system, stores can effortlessly implement a powerful referral feature that empowers customers to share rewards programs with their network, effortlessly bringing in new sign-ups and driving more sales. But that’s not all! Our innovative loyalty program goes the extra mile by rewarding not only the referrers but also the referees, creating a win-win situation for all parties involved and attracting referees to sign up immediately.

Sum up

In conclusion, standing out in a crowded market requires implementing effective strategies to drive rewards program sign-ups among e-shoppers. By the direction above, you can create a rewards program that not only attracts sign-ups but also fosters long-term customer loyalty. Implement these strategies thoughtfully, and watch as your rewards program becomes a powerful tool in captivating and retaining your customer base.

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.