Loyalty Marketing Ideas to Retain Existing and Attract New Customers

Are you looking for ways to retain existing customers and find new ones? Loyalty marketing is one way to encourage repeat business and it can be cheaper than trying to bring in new customers.  Here are some ideas to try in your small business.

1. Gifts

Offer limited-time giveaways or a free gift with the purchase of a new product.  This will get the attention of past customers and encourage them to revisit your business and make another purchase.

2.  No Obligation Trials

This is a good method to use if you are selling software, a subscription service, an expensive product, or a product that is usually difficult to sell. Giving the customer a limited time to try the product can encourage them to sign up for the full purchase.

3.  VIP Club

Creating an exclusive members-only club and making the client feel special will encourage them to come back to your business.  It doesn’t have to cost the client anything and it can be inexpensive for your business to implement.  Offer VIP perks like new product previews, limited time offers, expedited checkout and free samples. 

4.  Free Offers

Customers love to get something for free.  You can encourage them to purchase by offering a Buy-one-get-one free (BOGO) or a Buy-one-get-one at a reduced price.  This is a very popular way to bring in customers both past and new.

5.  Punch Cards and Points

This is a successful method to encourage repeat business that used more often in the food industry.  The more purchases the customer makes, the more they are able to get a free beverage or food.  

6.  Offering an Incentive for Doing a Customer Survey

Customer surveys help you to find out what your customers think about your business and how you can improve your service or products. You can create a survey on-line or by email (probably the most effective way), send it out in the mail or print it on a purchase receipt including a website or email address for customers to respond.  Incentives could be an entry in a draw for a prize or a money off coupon.

7.  Free Upgrades

Offering free upgrades to your service especially if you sell software or another type of app is a great way to keep customers engaged and loyal to your business.

8.  Birthday and Anniversary Perks

If you create a customer data base you can send out greeting cards or offer a price reduction or free gift when they celebrate their birthday.  This is a great way to create an email marketing list and you can offer an incentive for signing up.

9.  Creating partnerships with other businesses in your area

Shared cross store or business promotions or sales events with other businesses in your area. This can be really effective if you are in a mall or a shopping area where clients can visit a set number of stores to earn points towards a reward.

10.  Gamification

Create a game such as a scavenger hunt or bingo where customers can enter using their purchase receipts. A popular example of this type of promotion is the McDonalds monopoly game.

Loyalty incentives are a great way to bring back past customers, bring in new ones and retain current ones.  Continually using one of these ideas or creating your own will help you to generate revenue from increased sales.