Competition can get challenging, annoying, and just straight-up frustrating. If acquisition and activation are part of your KPIs- then you're probably concerned with getting customers to sign up for your rewards program. While rewards program can be a fool-proof strategy for customer loyalty, getting customers to initially sign up for your rewards program requires thoughtful planning and execution. In this article, we'll delve into 10 proven strategies to entice customers to join your rewards program and keep them engaged for the long haul.

1. Provide Rewards That Are Irresistible - Especially Upfront

One of the best ways to kickstart you rewards program is by offering customers an instant boost for once they sign up. Meaning they get a reward before they actually complete a purchase, so getting that gratification high in there early.

Offering a welcome reward motivates customers into earning their second reward (the one they receive after they complete a purchase right away). If your customers can see themselves earning a reward after one purchase or right after they sign up for the rewards program instead of waiting for several purchases (or any other action you're striving for) - they're more probable to actually make that first purchase. A good reminder here is that customers find out the true value of your reward program when they start to redeem points, not when they start to redeem them. So getting in that realization early is actually more beneficial on the long-run.

2. Make Sign-Up Seamless

Simplicity matters. Create a user-friendly sign-up process that requires minimal effort. Ask for only essential information to avoid overwhelming potential members. Incorporate auto-fill options to streamline the registration process, making it quick and hassle-free.

With technology streamlining customer loyalty programs, apps could allow points to be updated automatically and rewards alerts can be sent straight to members' inboxes with little effort. But before users can actually experience these benefits, they need to experience a simple, easy, and seamless sign-up process.

Create regular prompts to sign up to the rewards program that clearly highlight the benefits to the user and make sure to include a simplified format (using auto-fill would be great here) to set up personal details and preferences.

3. Make Sure You Have a Clear CTA

Strategically place eye-catching CTAs (Call To Actions) on your website, email newsletters, and social media platforms can be ultra-powerful. Utilize actionable language like "Join Now" or "Get Rewards" to encourage immediate sign-ups.

You can elevate the impact of your announcement by highlighting the benefits of your program so your users are aware of what they're signing up. This is a great opportunity to educate your customers on which incentives you'll be using to grab their attention and motivate them to join.

4. Highlight Instant Gratification

Instant rewards might sound a little impulsive. Maybe even reckless, especially with new customers who haven’t proven their loyalty to your brand just yet. 

54% of UK consumers believe it “takes too long to earn rewards with loyalty schemes.”

The research also found that 27% of people stop using reward programs because of how long it takes them to get any benefits.
(MYCUSTOMER)

Appeal to customers' desire for instant rewards. Offer an immediate bonus or discount upon sign-up. This initial benefit can serve as a powerful incentive to get them invested in your rewards program from the start.

5. Create Exclusive Content

Provide your rewards program members with access to exclusive content such as sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes looks, or early product launches. This not only makes them feel valued but also encourages non-members to join for these unique experiences. Personalization is your guidepost here, no matter the size of your brand. According to Shopify .“76% of customers said that receiving personalized communications was a key factor in prompting their consideration of a brand.” So while some customers may be interested merely in discounts on future purchases, others can find much more value in exclusivity they can't get anywhere else.

6. Use Gamification To Your Advantage

By infusing fun elements such as challenges, badges, leaderboards, points, and virtual rewards, businesses can create a sense of achievement and encourage customers to explore their products and make purchases. Gamification also fosters customer loyalty, as users are more likely to return to a platform that offers enjoyable and rewarding experiences. It’s a win-win for everyone.
At Gameball, we’ve already worked with 5000+ brands with creating and implementing their gamification and loyalty strategy and we’d love for you to be next – try it out for yourself now or talk to one of our gamification experts here.

7. Provide Personalized Recommendations

Crafting tailored interactions for your e-commerce clientele stands as a sure-fire way to draw attention to your store, products, and loyalty initiatives.

Personalization includes delivering content and showcasing items based on customer information, preferences, and brand interaction. These personalized experiences can be based on demographics to buyer behavior to previous purchases to location and so on.

Research Research by Epsilon found showed that 80% of participants in a 1,000-person survey displayed a preference to brands that extend personalized experiences.

Personalized encounters encompass a spectrum of aspects, ranging from purchasing behaviors and email interactions to the perks and rewards offered through your loyalty program.

We have a complete guide to personalizing experiences here.

8. Use Social Proof and Testimonials

Social proof is the notion that people follow the actions of others, which is why showcasing success stories from existing rewards program members can be ultra-ppowerful. Share their positive experiences and testimonials to build trust and credibility. Potential customers are more likely to sign up when they see real people benefiting from the program. There are apps that could help automate the process and motivate people to provide testimonials.

9. Leverage Email Marketing

Email marketing is a powerful way to communicate with your customers. For them to join your rewards program, they need to know about it, and sending an email campaign when you launch is the best way to spread the news! Through a few emails, you can explain why it's valuable to join, talk about the benefits, and show how customers will get rewarded for being part of your brand. Some online shops even include how many points customers have in later emails, so they always remember the rewards. Here's how you can create outbound marketing campaigns to create personalized experiences, increase loyalty, and grow your revenues.

10. Implement a Tiered Rewards Structure

What is a tiered rewards structure? Basically, tiers are levels where customers grow in level the more they earn points. Each tier (or level) has its own set of perks and benefits for the customer,

With Most tier-based rewards programs come with three tiers: a free or basic tier, an in-the-middle kind of tier, and a high-value sort-of premium tier for major fans and top-spending customers.

If you're looking for inspo, here are our 7 Examples of Tiered Loyalty Programs that Made their Mark in the World - and actionable steps you can learn from them.

Conclusion

Implementing a successful rewards program hinges on your ability to communicate the value it offers and resonate with your customers' desires. By crafting compelling value propositions, simplifying the sign-up process, and utilizing gamification and personalization, you can entice customers to join and actively participate in your rewards program. Remember, the key lies in consistently delivering on your promises and making your customers feel truly valued and appreciated.

Need help creating your loyalty and rewards program that's impossible for your customers to say no to? Sign up for Gameball and start creating experiences and rewards your customers will love, or talk to one of our loyalty experts now.

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