Do you wonder why your business needs an omni-channel loyalty program in 2024? Most likely, a rewards card comes to mind when you think of a loyalty program. But those old-school programs just don’t cut it anymore. Customers want more than points these days. No matter where they shop, they want to have a great time.

So, how can you keep up with these demanding customers? The answer is simple: an omni-channel loyalty program.

What is an omni-channel loyalty program?

An omni-channel loyalty program is meant to keep customers interested on many channels, such as in-store, online, mobile apps, and social media. Businesses that use a digital method can reach people wherever they are and give them the same personalized experience through all of them.

Who can get something out of an omni-channel loyalty program?

• Retailers can reward customers for shopping in-store or online.
• Subscription services can keep subscribers coming back with loyalty rewards.
• Restaurants can offer perks for dining in, takeout, or delivery.
• Hotels can reward guests for stays, services, and bookings.
• Financial services can recognize customers for using your banking, credit, or insurance products.

Your business can pick which channels to use when running these services. They may be able to do this based on their means, goals, and skills.

The benefits of an omnichannel loyalty program in today’s competitive market

The goal of multichannel trust is to make the brand the first thing they think of when they need something. So, the benefits of this strategy:

Deliver a seamless and personalized customer experience across multiple touchpoints

Omnichannel loyalty programs, as previously said, function similarly to magic wands, connecting with your consumers on all platforms. No matter where they play, it’s like letting them into your business behind the scenes.

According to data from Epsilon, 80% of people are more likely to buy something when brands offer unique experiences.

That is what we mentioned in our blog: 9 tiered loyalty programs that inspire your store. We mention the Starbucks rewards program as an excellent example. Fans can use the same account for their reward program in-store, online, on their mobile app, and at the drive-thru. 

This app also provides location-based suggestions like a seasonal drink discount or personalized recommendations.

Foster deeper relationships with customers

Standard programs that only focus on sales don’t give you as many chances for customer retention as omni-channel programs do. When people see a brand as an important part of their lives, not just a place to buy things, they will feel personally connected to it.

It could be engaging on:

• Social media.
• Gamified experiences.
• Exclusive perks

Sephora’s Beauty Insider program seamlessly integrates online and in-store experiences. Customers can earn points and redeem rewards regardless of where they shop. Whether it’s purchasing products online, in-store, or through the mobile app, customers can accumulate points and unlock exclusive benefits.

Omni-channel loyalty programs keep customers engaged even when they are not actively purchasing

Special omni-channel loyalty programs keep customers engaged even when they are not actively purchasing. Through non-intrusive interactions like social media contests, mobile notifications, and email campaigns, brands can stay top-of-mind with their audience.

It allows business owners to collect data-driven insights for better decision-making.

By integrating data from various channels, businesses gain a 360-degree view of their customers. This allows them to make more informed, data-driven decisions regarding marketing strategies, product offerings, and customer service. 

Real-time analytics also enable businesses to continuously optimize their loyalty programs, ensuring they remain relevant and valuable to customers​.

Improve average order values (AOV),  Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), and increased purchase frequency

IRi did a poll of shoppers and found that 74% of them choose brands with great reward programs. Plus, 71% of companies that had omni-channel plans saw their sales go through the roof, up more than 50%!

Omni-channel reward programs are like personal helpers for your customers, which is why they work so well. Their job is to help you reach them no matter where they shop, like on their phones, online, or in a store. Plus, you can give them points, miles, or cash back as a gift, which will make them feel even better.

Challenges of traditional loyalty programs

Even though traditional reward programs are useful, they often have trouble in today’s world, which is mostly digital. These problems can make it harder for them to keep customers interested and loyal.

Limited reach and effectiveness in today’s digital age

Traditional loyalty programs often only function with a single outlet, such as a single store or online. This might be restrictive in the digital-first world of today, yet it can be effective for companies with less internet visibility. 

If you manage a tiny coffee business, for example, you may not see it as important to expand your app as Starbucks does. But these days, every sort of business depends on social media platforms.  

According to Statista research, there are over five billion users worldwide. You can create accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Through social media integration, your customers can directly share updates and promote your loyalty program.

Difficulty in tracking customer behavior across multiple channels

Let’s say that you only give people physical loyalty cards in your store. This is annoying because users could forget or lose their cards. In addition, this old-fashioned method makes data management hard for medium and large businesses.

Inconsistent experiences that can frustrate customers

As we already said, a lot of standard programs are tied to certain platforms, such as physical stores or a single online platform. This could make it harder for customers to earn and use benefits at all places of contact, which could make them angry.

Key components of an effective omni-channel loyalty program

You can easily manage your loyalty program across all channels

Some people think omni-channel marketing and customer data will be difficult to measure. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be with the right loyalty program software.

Ensures that rewards are accessible and easy to redeem

Of course, omni-channel marketing will make it easier for customers to earn and track their points. For example, if you have a mobile app integration like Starbucks in the image below.

It allows you to send personalized communication to different customer segments

When you apply omni-channel, you can leverage data-driven insights. Then, you can segment your customers based on their preferences and behavior. This allows you to tailor your marketing efforts and deliver personalized experiences that resonate with each individual.

For example, you can send targeted promotions, product recommendations, and loyalty rewards based on their purchase history and interests. 

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses need to keep up with changing customer habits. A great way to do this is by offering an omni-channel customer loyalty program. These loyalty program incentive programs make it easy for customers to interact with your brand, no matter where they are online or in-store.

If you’re a Shopify store owner, BON Loyalty is a fantastic choice for building a top-notch loyalty program. It’s packed with features that help you repeat business and increase revenue. And the best part? It’s super easy to set up and use.

Get ready to offer your customers a unified experience, whether they’re shopping online or in-store.