As a successful business owner, you appreciate your most loyal customers. They are often the ones who spend the most money with your company, and require the least amount of hand-holding.
The majority of these ‘super customers’ are also likely to spend more money with you or send more referrals your way – especially if you engage them with a rewards program.
A rewards program that spurs more sales doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, says Roger L. Brooks, author of “The Power of Loyalty.”
The best rewards programs offer something of value to the customer, says Brooks, who assists companies to promote and improve customer loyalty.
Read an excerpt from the book “The Power of Loyalty.”
Rewards programs are a win-win: They can motivate people to take specific purchasing actions that accomplish their goals, while also accomplishing your goal to increase sales.
Motivate but don’t mislead. The incentives truly have to deliver on value. Customers can see through transparent rewards and may even feel duped, despite your best intentions.
Oftentimes it’s the little things that matter most. For instance, Photofiddle.com is an internet company that turns regular photographs into works of art. Customers can choose to turn photos into pop art images, charcoal drawings or use other specialized effects.
Then the customer can have the artwork printed on special paper or canvas, then framed.
When the art arrives at the customer’s doorstep, the package includes a pair of white gloves.
The label attached to the gloves reads, “All fine artwork should be handled with care. Please use white cotton gloves. Oils from your hands and fingers can leave finger prints. Jewelry on your fingers and wrist can leave markings.”
The message is two-fold: It reminds the customer to treat their artwork with care, and it also implies that the company treats their customers with care.
John Jantsch of DuctTapeMarketing.com mentions how his lawn care company gives him a price break for buying and paying for the 6 annual treatments needed to keep his lawn in top shape.
Also, the lawn care folks will plant a small tree in his yard (or he can gift the tree to a friend) for every referral he sends their way.
That’s how incentives add green to the world – and your business.
