Loyalty programs are nothing new: Ancient Egyptians spent time in temple to earn tokens they could trade for beer. In the 1850s, a baking soda manufacturer rewarded customers for collecting trademark stamps. Even the punch card coupon has been around since 1890. But times have changed: Today’s shoppers (usually) want more for their loyalty than free beer, and they don’t want to work too hard for those rewards. But 80% of retailers are still figuring out how to ensure the success of their loyalty programs.
A successful loyalty program creates a personalized, emotional connection between you and your customers, making shoppers feel seen, heard, and appreciated. When customers feel that love, they are more likely to choose your brand even if a competitor offers similar perks or lower prices. Emotional loyalty means consumers identify with, trust, and see a brand as part of who they are.