With constant competition and evolving consumer expectations, it’s no secret that local businesses need an edge. A digital loyalty scheme, if created and deployed with finesse, can deliver just that.
If you’re a local business owner in the Croydon area navigating the digital revolution, a well-executed scheme can drive customer loyalty, attract new patrons, and position your brand at the forefront of your community.
The question isn’t if you should deploy one, but rather, how do you make your digital loyalty scheme not only work but excel for your business?
Benefits of Digital Loyalty Schemes
Increased Customer Retention
Loyalty schemes are a beacon of appreciation towards your customers. By implementing a digital format, you streamline the user experience, and by doing so, you inherently increase customer retention. With rewards on a mobile device, you’re front-of-mind every time a customer checks their phone.
Enhanced Brand Awareness
Digital loyalty schemes can turn your customers into brand advocates. Word-of-mouth referrals are amplified when shared online, and the visibility of your brand grows with each digital stamp or point earned.
Boost in Customer Acquisition
A well-crafted digital loyalty scheme has the power not only to engage your current customer base but also to act as a magnet, drawing in new customers. When locals discover the added value in your scheme, they’re more likely to choose your establishment over the next.
Implementing a Digital Loyalty Scheme
Choosing the Right Loyalty App for a Local Business
When selecting an app, prioritise those that offer customisation options, good reporting features, and a user-friendly interface for both your team and your customers. Tailoring the programme to your business’s unique requirements is key to its success.
Some customer Loyalty Apps we’ve seen include Reward Stamp or Stamp Me.
It’s also worth researching any local specific apps you can register your business on. For instance in Purley, Croydon there is the InPurley App which lists local venues, shops, offers and more.
The hospitality sector is well versed in loyalty schemes and often with the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to enhance loyalty and manage customers to help drive engagement such as with SevenRooms.
Setting Up a User-Friendly Loyalty Program
Simplicity is key. Clarity in communication, easy-to-understand rewards, and a clear progression pathway are crucial.
Training Staff and Educating Customers
Your team must be well-versed in explaining the scheme to customers. Clear and consistent education materials for patrons, both online and in-store, are also non-negotiable. When your staff and customers are in the loop, the scheme is far more effective.
Digital Marketing Tactics for Promoting Loyalty Schemes
Social Media Campaigns
Leverage the power of your customer’s favourite social channels. Engage with your local community through social media by using your loyalty scheme as a talking point. Contests, customer spotlights, and sneak peeks into rewards can generate online buzz.
Email Marketing Strategies
Your customer’s inbox is a prime real-estate location. Create targeted and personalised emails to communicate the benefits of the loyalty scheme. Whether it’s a welcome email, a progress update, or a special offer, ensure that your emails add value and provide clear calls to action.
In-Store Promotions and Signage
Physical marketing materials within your store help bridge the gap between digital and in-person experiences. Well-placed and attractive signage can inform customers of the digital rewards waiting for them.
Collaborations with Local Influencers or Businesses
Teaming up with local influencers or businesses can extend the reach of your loyalty scheme. A recommendation from a trusted local source can have significant clout with your community, and joint promotions can also add allure to your scheme.
Digital Loyalty Schemes – The Possibilities
The digital loyalty scheme landscape is a rich tapestry of possibility for local businesses. It’s a fusion of technology and personal touch that can transform the way you interact with your customer base. The key to unlocking its potential lies in strategic implementation, clear communication, and consistent promotion.
By investing in a digital loyalty scheme, you’re not just investing in a rewards programme; you’re investing in the growth and sustainability of your business in the local community.
If you need support navigating this arena, just drop us a line and we can chat further about your digital marketing plans and how we can support.