If you’ve been around here for even a little while, you know that I’m all about sharing what works and what doesn’t. There are lots of great ways to promote your brick-and-mortar business, but this one I hold near and dear to my heart. When we added a customer loyalty program to our brick-and-mortar businesses, we noticed some MAJOR long-term benefits. A customer loyalty program is something I recommend a business have from day one of opening their doors. In today’s world, where online shopping is becoming more prevalent, and new businesses are popping up left and right, you need to find ways to keep your customers coming back. That’s where a customer loyalty program comes in.

Let’s face it; we all love perks and rewards. We get excited when we accumulate enough points to redeem for a freebie or get a discount on our next purchase. Offering a loyalty program is a great way to keep your customers engaged and coming back for more. In this post, I’ll share why having a customer loyalty program should be a must-have for your business.

Boosts Customer Retention

When you offer a loyalty program, you’re giving customers an incentive to keep coming back to your store. It’s a powerful tool for building raving fans because it creates a sense of exclusivity and appreciation. When your customers feel like they’re part of a special group, they’re more likely to continue shopping with you.

According to research, it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than it does to retain an existing one. By investing in a loyalty program, you can reduce your customer acquisition costs and increase your revenue at the same time.

Increases Customer Spending

Another benefit of a loyalty program is that it can increase the amount of money your customers spend at your store. When customers are close to earning a reward, they’re more likely to make a larger purchase to reach that threshold. In fact, according to a study by Accenture, loyalty program members spend 12-18% more per year than non-members.

Plus, customers who are part of a loyalty program are more likely to recommend your store to others. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and happy customers are the best advocates for your business. Some loyalty programs even offer perks in return for customer referrals – we love this feature!

Collects Valuable Data

Loyalty programs also offer valuable data that you can use to improve your business. I am a major fan of staying in front of your customer base with consistent email and text marketing. Having customers sign up for a loyalty program is an easy, efficient way to collect customers email and phone numbers.

You can also track customer purchases and behaviors to identify trends, preferences, and buying habits. This information can help you make better business decisions, from inventory management to marketing strategies. For example, if you notice that a particular product is selling well among loyalty program members, you can stock up on that item and promote it to a wider audience. Or if you see that certain customers are consistently buying the same products, you can create personalized offers to entice them to try something new.

Creates a Competitive Advantage

A well-designed loyalty program can also give you a competitive advantage. When customers have the option to shop at multiple stores, offering a loyalty program can set you apart from the competition. It’s a way to differentiate your business and show your customers that you value their loyalty.

Improves Customer Experience

Finally, a loyalty program can improve the overall customer experience. By offering rewards, discounts, and personalized offers, you’re showing your customers that you value their business. It’s a way to create a more positive and memorable experience for them. I can’t tell you how many times customer have shown their excitement when they build up enough points to get our large freebie reward. They cherish us for the perks and enjoy the process of building points.

Plus, don’t forget, a loyalty program can help you stay connected with your customers. You can send them updates about new products, special offers, and events. By staying in touch, you’re building a relationship with your customers that goes beyond a simple transaction.

Now I hope you can see why I’m such a big fan of customer loyalty programs for brick-and-mortar businesses. Implementing one will help you retain customers, increase customer spending, allow you to collect valuable data, create a competitive advantage, and improve your overall customer experience. A customer loyalty program is like a trusty sidekick that will help you conquer the retail world. It’s the Robin to your Batman, the Chewbacca to your Han Solo, the… well, you get the idea.

Now, time for the best news of all: I’ve found a platform that does all of these things and soooo much more. After spending years using different loyalty program software, now I always recommend TapMango to new and experienced brick-and-mortar business owners alike. If you are ready to check out a customer loyalty program for your business, click here. Get ready to watch your biz change for the better!