Lights are twinkling, the sweet scent of cinnamon is filling the air and businesses are getting ready for one of the busiest and most joyful times of the year. With £27.6 billion estimated to be spent on Christmas gifts this year in the UK, it's no wonder why businesses are gearing up for the holidays.
However, amidst all the hustle and bustle, the importance of having a well-crafted loyalty program during the festive season has become increasingly evident. Within the UK, 66% of shoppers are more likely to use a loyalty program to buy gifts, rather than going to a competitor to purchase. This notable rise, especially in light of the cost-of-living crisis, showcases the growing savvy of customers in seeking value for their money. Therefore, this is a perfect time to set up your loyalty program to reward your most loyal customers.
In this blog post, we’ll unwrap the reasons why a loyalty program is not just a festive accessory but a strategic imperative for businesses looking to foster lasting connections with their customers during the holiday season.
What is a loyalty program?
A loyalty program is a marketing initiative aimed at fostering customer retention by offering rewards or incentives for repeat business. It’s like your favourite coffee shop giving you freebies for being a regular. So, when you sign up for the loyalty program, buy your usual stuff and at the end, you collect points or stamps that can give you access to perks like discounts, freebies, or exclusive goodies. It’s basically a way for businesses to say, “Thank you for shopping with us, let's make your visit even more amazing and memorable.”
All in all, loyalty programs serve to strengthen the relationship between businesses and their customers, encouraging repeat purchases and brand loyalty. Beyond customer benefits these programs also provide businesses with valuable data to understand consumer behaviour and tailor future marketing strategies.
Building connections
The holiday season is a fantastic opportunity to build genuine connections with your customers. A loyalty program provides a structured way to engage with your customers beyond the typical buyer-seller relationship. By offering exclusive Christmas perks and rewards, you will show your appreciation for their loyalty, fostering a sense of connection that extends well beyond the festive season.
Tailored rewards
A well-designed loyalty program allows businesses to spread the joy of Christmas by offering tailored rewards that align with the festive spirit. Whether it's exclusive discounts on holiday-themed products, early access to Christmas sales or special festive giveaways, these rewards not only delight customers but also create a positive association between your brand and the holiday season.
Staying front of mind
With the marketplace saturated with holiday promotions, staying front of mind becomes a significant challenge. A loyalty program provides a consistent touchpoint ensuring your brand remains in the forefront of customers' minds. Regular communication about exclusive Christmas offers and rewards keeps your business relevant amidst the festive noise.
Encouraging repeat visits
The holiday season often prompts a flurry of shopping activities, and a well-executed loyalty program can transform one-time customers into repeat visitors. By offering incentives for multiple purchases or loyalty points redeemable in the future, businesses can turn the holiday rush into a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.
Date driven marketing
A loyalty program enables businesses to gather valuable customer data which can be leveraged for personalised experiences. During Christmas, this means tailoring promotions and offers based on individual preferences and purchase history, making your customers feel seen and valued in the midst of the holiday rush.
Final words
As the holiday season paints the world in Festive hues, the importance of a loyalty program becomes increasingly clear. Beyond the tangible benefits of increased sales and customer retention, a well-crafted loyalty program during Christmas cultivates a sense of connection, joy, and exclusivity.
With Handepay, you can unwrap the gift of loyalty where you can turn one-time shoppers into lifelong brand advocates. With the Handepay Loyalty Programme, you can introduce your customers to Payment Loyalty which is built straight into your card machine. You can benefit from a simple self-serve portal that allows you to create and launch a loyalty campaign for your businesses. Apply custom brands including your logo, a date range, customer requirements, and most importantly, their reward. These campaigns will sync to your Saturn Android Smart Terminal, with no need for the traditional paper cards and loyalty stamps which can get lost.
This Christmas, let your loyalty program be the beacon that guides customers to your business, creating a season of shared joy and lasting connections.
