Most local businesses have expanded their marketing efforts in an attempt to increase their customer base. One of these growing marketing methods has been customer loyalty programs.
These loyalty programs typically offer some type of incentive to customers who use the business’ services on a regular basis. Example can include discounts on purchases or services, or special, exclusive pricing, or maybe points that can be redeemed on future in store purchases.
Customer loyalty programs typically include some type of card that keeps track of purchases. These purchases can be used to further market to these and other customers and to help improve the effectiveness of that marketing. Some of the newer loyalty programs include redeeming points through SMS (text messaging). These programs allow store’s to send a discount or exclusive coupon through a message on their phone. These are becoming increasingly popular, partly because of the low cost to run, no physical cards to distribute, and partly because consumers often prefer this method.
If you don’t currently have a customer loyalty program, I’d highly suggestion considering implementing one. Just remember, the goal of a loyalty program should be to increase sales to your business, not to cut into your margins. A customer loyalty program can effectively be put in place as part of a diverse marketing plan.