One of the inherent benefits of loyalty programs is the data and insights marketers can glean about their best customers. Yet, as we talk with clients we often find marketers have the perception that their data strategy and loyalty programs do not belong together, and they are treated as separate marketing entities with unique teams, goals and plans. But data is an integral part of loyalty programs. Data fuels customer identity so loyalty marketers can better understand the behaviour of their members, predict future behaviours and as a result drive more loyalty to their brand.
The value of the data-driven catalogue is a central part of the marketing strategy, especially around how the catalogue can help drive brand loyalty.
Let’s explore further how a brand’s data strategy and loyalty program are related.
Catalogues fueled by data insights help to create brand loyalty.
Catalogues build the connection with the customer and should be leveraged to reinforce your messaging while creating loyalty to your brand. For example, one of the big home furnishings retailers does a great job of connecting its data catalogue strategy with its family loyalty program. Members of the program are sent a monthly catalogue that features products available for a discount to members. The catalogue is the ‘first stop’ of the member shopping journey.
Then, to help the consumer decide if he/she should make the purchase, The company's family members are able to ‘try out’ furniture in the App where the experience is enhanced with augmented reality to make it feel real. Following this experience, the consumer is encouraged to either make his/her purchase online or in-store and receives the perks of the loyalty program post-purchase, such as an extended price adjustment period, invites to special events etc.
Data informs the emotion and loyalty programs personalise it.
A marketer’s ultimate goal is to know their customers, and data is essential to achieving this goal. Data insights help loyalty marketers better understand their members and create personalised experiences to foster emotional connections. According to an Epsilon survey, 80% of consumers are more likely to do business with a company that offers personalised experiences. And, consumers expect an experience that’s going to be valuable and personal. When your data and loyalty teams work together your ability to deliver these experiences grow exponentially.
Data informs our next customer while loyalty creates retention.
Analytics is a fundamental component of a marketers’ data strategy. Data modeling and profiling assist marketers in finding ‘look alike’ customers so they can determine who and where their future customers are. And once this new customer is identified, loyalty programs help with customer retention. Timing of your message is essential which makes it important for the data and loyalty teams to be in-sync.
When your data strategy and loyalty programs are aligned, the focus remains consistent across all marketing constituents to keep the customer front and centre in all that you do. Start thinking about the role of data in your loyalty program.