In today’s digital age, businesses need to understand the importance of building strong customer relationships through loyalty programs. Omnichannel loyalty programs have become an effective tool allowing businesses to build long-lasting relationships with their customers. According to a study by Accenture, 63% of customers are more likely to repeat a purchase from brands that offer loyalty programs. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of omnichannel loyalty programs, providing examples of businesses that have implemented them successfully.
What is omnichannel loyalty?
Omnichannel loyalty is a loyalty program that allows customers seamlessly to earn and redeem rewards across multiple channels. Unlike traditional loyalty programs, which are limited to a single channel, multichannel loyalty programs leverage various channels to offer a smooth customer experience. This means that customers can earn and redeem rewards across both online and offline channels, including social media, email, SMS, mobile apps, and in-store purchases.
Benefits of omnichannel loyalty programs:
Increased Customer Retention
Omnichannel loyalty programs increase customer retention by creating a sense of brand loyalty. According to research by Bain & Company, increasing customer retention rates by just 5% can lead to a 25% to 95% increase in profits.
Enhanced Customer Engagement
Multichannel loyalty programs provide a personalized experience that engages customers across multiple channels. This increases customer engagement and drives brand loyalty.
Valuable Data Insights
Omnichannel loyalty programs provide valuable data insights into customer behavior, purchase history, and preferences. This helps businesses to understand their customers better, thus tailoring their marketing strategies accordingly.
Examples of businesses with successful multichannel loyalty programs
Sephora
Sephora’s Beauty Insider loyalty program is a prime example of a successful omnichannel loyalty program. The program offers customers points for purchases, which can be redeemed for free products, make-up classes, and exclusive events. Customers can earn points across multiple channels, including in-store, online, and via the mobile app.
Starbucks
Starbucks’ rewards program allows customers to earn stars for purchases, which can be redeemed for free drinks and food items. The program is integrated across multiple channels, including the mobile app, in-store, and online. The program has been so successful that Starbucks has reported that over 40% of their transactions are made using the rewards program.
Nike
Nike’s NikePlus loyalty program offers customers exclusive access to products, events, and personalized content. The program is integrated across multiple channels, including in-store, online, and via the mobile app. Customers can earn rewards points for purchases, which can be redeemed for exclusive products and experiences.
Virtual assistants for omnichannel loyalty
Building and managing an omnichannel loyalty program can be a complex and time-consuming task. However, with the help of a virtual assistant, businesses can streamline their loyalty programs and focus on building stronger customer relationships. Virtual assistants can handle various tasks, including customer engagement, data analytics, and program management.
The bottom line about omnichannel loyalty
Multichannel loyalty programs are an essential tool for businesses that want to build long-lasting relationships with their customers. By leveraging multiple channels, businesses can create an uninterrupted customer experience that drives brand loyalty and customer retention. As shown in the examples above, successful omnichannel loyalty programs can lead to increased profits and a stronger brand identity. With the help of virtual assistants, businesses can streamline their loyalty programs and focus on building stronger customer relationships.