Gaining customer loyalty is essential for the growth and sustainability of any business. Repeat customers not only bring in recurring revenue but also tend to act as brand ambassadors. One effective method of increasing customer loyalty is through the implementation of a loyalty program. In this article, we will explore the various BigCommerce loyalty program options and apps available.
First, let’s start with the different types of loyalty programs.
Points-Based Program
A points-based loyalty program is a popular and straightforward option for e-commerce stores looking to increase customer loyalty. In this type of program, customers earn points for every purchase they make and can redeem them for discounts or free products. The program encourages repeat purchases by allowing customers to accumulate points over time.
This type of program can be easily set up on BigCommerce and integrated into an e-commerce store’s checkout process. The points earned by customers can be set to expire after a certain period of time, which creates a sense of urgency for customers to redeem their points before they expire. Additionally, stores can set different point values for different products, which can be used to drive sales of specific items. Points-based programs are simple to understand, easy to set up, and can be highly effective in driving customer loyalty.
Tiered Program
A tiered loyalty program is another popular option for e-commerce stores looking to increase customer loyalty. This type of program rewards customers for reaching certain milestones in terms of their spending or the number of purchases. The program is designed in such a way that as customers move up the tiers, they receive increasingly valuable rewards.
This creates a sense of exclusivity and encourages customers to continue shopping with the store in order to reach higher tiers. This type of program is a great way to encourage customers to spend more in order to reach the next level and can be an effective way to drive customer loyalty. Additionally, it could also be used to reward customers for their loyalty over a longer period of time, making it a more comprehensive loyalty program.
Referral Program
A referral program is a powerful way for e-commerce stores to increase customer loyalty and grow their customer base. In this type of program, existing customers are rewarded for referring new customers to the store. This can be done through referral codes, referral links, or other methods.
The referral program creates a sense of community among customers, encouraging them to share their positive experiences with others and bring in new business. This type of program can be highly effective in driving customer loyalty and growing a business’s customer base, as it allows existing customers to benefit from their network of friends and family who are likely to have similar interests and preferences.
Review Program
A review program can be an effective way for e-commerce stores to increase customer loyalty and gain valuable insights about their products. By rewarding customers for leaving reviews, e-commerce stores can encourage customers to share their thoughts about their purchases which can help potential customers make informed decisions.
This type of program not only helps to create a sense of community among customers but also allows the store to understand their customer’s preferences and improve their products accordingly. Furthermore, reviews can also be used to improve search engine optimization and increase the visibility of the store. Incentivizing customers to leave reviews can be a win-win for both the store and the customers, as it allows customers to feel valued and heard, and for the store to gain valuable insights about their business.
VIP Program
A VIP program is a loyalty program option that rewards the most loyal customers with special perks and discounts. This type of program creates a sense of exclusivity and makes customers feel valued. The program is typically based on certain criteria such as a minimum amount spent, number of purchases, or duration of time as a customer. The benefits of the program can include early access to sales, exclusive products, and special discounts.
Social Media Program
A social media program is a loyalty program option that rewards customers for engaging with the brand on social media platforms. This can include things like sharing posts, leaving comments, or following the store’s social media accounts. By incentivizing customers to engage with the brand on social media, e-commerce stores can increase visibility and reach, as well as create a sense of community among customers
Here are our top picks for BigCommerce Loyalty Programs:
- Smile.io
Smile.io is a popular app on BigCommerce that can be used to set up and manage loyalty programs. It offers a range of features that can help e-commerce stores increase customer loyalty and drive repeat business. Some of the benefits of using Smile.io include:
- Customizable loyalty program options: Smile.io offers a variety of loyalty program types, including points-based, referral, and VIP programs, that can be easily customized to fit the needs of the store.
- Automatic rewards: Smile.io automates the rewards process, making it easy for customers to earn and redeem points without the need for manual intervention.
- Integration with other apps: Smile.io can be easily integrated with other apps, such as email marketing and social media, to make it even more effective in driving customer loyalty.
- Advanced analytics: Smile.io provides advanced analytics that can help e-commerce stores understand customer behavior and make data-driven decisions to improve their loyalty program.
- User-friendly interface: Smile.io has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for store owners to set up and manage their loyalty programs, even if they have limited technical experience.
Overall, Smile.io provides e-commerce stores with a comprehensive solution for creating and managing loyalty programs, making it an ideal choice for those looking to increase customer loyalty on BigCommerce.
We have integrated Smile.io into a number of BigCommerece stores and it always proves to be a great solution.
We have more than 44 thousand members for Skin Biology, a biotechnology research center focused on luxury cosmetics skin & hair care products. We have active Points and Referrals program activated for them with different ways to earn points from registering and placing an order, and social sharing, to referring friends and family.
- Marsello
Marsello is a powerful app that can be used on BigCommerce to set up and manage loyalty programs. It provides e-commerce stores with a range of features that can help to increase customer loyalty and drive repeat business. Some of the key benefits of using Marsello include:
- Personalization: Marsello allows e-commerce stores to personalize the loyalty program experience by creating custom reward levels, earning rules, and loyalty program communications that can be tailored to the specific needs of the store and its customers.
- Automated Campaigns: Marsello automates the process of creating and sending targeted campaigns to customers, such as win-back campaigns, birthday campaigns, or loyalty program milestones communications.
- Integrated CRM: Marsello includes a built-in CRM that allows e-commerce stores to manage customer data and segment them for targeted campaigns.
- Advanced analytics: Marsello provides advanced analytics that can help e-commerce stores understand customer behavior and make data-driven decisions to improve their loyalty program.
- Multi-Channel integration: Marsello can be easily integrated with other apps such as email, SMS, and social media platforms to increase the reach and effectiveness of the loyalty program.
In the following example, we have integrated and set up Marsello with The Tea Smith, a loose-leaf teas and accessories store.
- Stamped
Stamped is a great way to increase your store’s AOV (average order value) and maximize customer lifetime value through an AI-powered loyalty solution.
One of the key benefits of using Stamped is its flexibility. The app allows e-commerce stores to create customized loyalty program that fits their specific business needs. Additionally, Stamped offers a range of features that can help to increase customer loyalty and drive repeat business, such as:
- Gamification: Stamped allows e-commerce stores to make the loyalty program experience more engaging and interactive by incorporating elements of game-play, such as leaderboards, badges, and rewards.
- Seamless integration: Stamped can be easily integrated with other apps, such as email and SMS marketing, to increase the reach and effectiveness of the loyalty program.
- Advanced analytics: Stamped provides detailed analytics and reporting that can help e-commerce stores understand customer behavior, track the success of their loyalty program and make data-driven decisions to improve it.
- Referral tracking: Stamped allows e-commerce stores to track and reward customers for referring new customers to their store, which can be a powerful way to increase customer loyalty and grow the customer base.
- Customizable rewards: Stamped allows e-commerce stores to customize rewards based on customer behavior, such as the number of purchases, lifetime spend, and referrals.
We have integrated Stamped with Fine Accoutrements, a leading manufacturer of wet-shaving products, including soaps, creams, and balms. The following example is an overview of the review request program that was set up for the client:
Conclusion
Implementing a loyalty program is a great way to increase customer loyalty and drive repeat business. BigCommerce offers a variety of solutions on its app marketplace. By choosing the right app and programs for your business, you can create a loyal customer base that will help drive your store’s success.
