Customer retention is no easy feat as turning customers into brand loyalists will take a lot of effort. A company needs to have an effective strategy for incentivizing customers into buying again and again. This is where customer loyalty programs come into the scene. Keep your brand constantly on your customers’ minds by practicing the right strategies in turning first-time buyers into repeating customers and gathering customer retention.

Customer loyalty programs greatly help keep existing customers satisfied and happy. However, success is not 100% guaranteed as some may get better results compared to others and what works for a specific brand does not necessarily mean it will work for your company.

When trying to decide which type of customer retention programs would work for your business, here are five customer retention programs from top brands that you can use to model your brand to drive more revenue, improve buyer loyalty, and build stronger relationships with customers.

1. Points system

This is the most commonly-used loyalty program out there since it works for any business. When owning your convenience store, for example, you can award points every time a customer buys your products and it reaches a certain amount. The points can be redeemed for either free products or discounts on future purchases.

The points system encourages short-term, frequent purchases and is better suited for a business that encourages this.

2. Coupon system

Giving out coupons is a system that works by rewarding customers with money off of coupons after spending a significant amount. This is a great idea for businesses and is a really simple customer retention program. For example, after spending $45 they receive 15% off on their next purchase. Your customers will need to sign-up to receive coupons to encourage loyalty.

3. Tier-based system

A tier system is another great way to increase customer retention. This program works by customers receiving small rewards and working their way up the loyalty ladder from starting on the lowest tier until they climb up and earn better rewards. The more customers order from your business, the more they can be rewarded.

4. An elite system

Utilizing an elite system is when you make available certain rewards to only the most loyal customers. Making this available only to your elite purchasers encourages much higher spend and you can even charge a fee that people need to pay to be a part of the elite system. Customers will feel like a VIP when they become a part of the elite system however, you will have to provide exemplary service for your customers.

5. Charity system

People care about helping others and will support a business more when it also helps other people or support charities since your customers do not just care about themselves. The charity system is a program with excellent incentives for customers that help out certain local charities. People will feel good when helping make a small difference through buying from your business and it will help build up your brand image too. The earned points can contribute towards sending a little help to the local shelter through money, clothing, and food for example.

Here we have explained 5 great customer retention programs for you to utilize for your business. Just determine which ones you think will serve your purpose better and will suit your business.