We’ve written on some pretty interesting small business rewards programs here on this blog. We’re always big proponents of small business rewards programs because people love a good deal. What’s more, people love knowing they’re a part of a program where they can be rewarded – for lack of a better word – for their loyalty towards a specific company. The more you shop, the more you save.
But small business rewards programs can be looked at differently, too. Entrepreneurs and small business owners can take advantage of a rewards program that does more than just benefit their business. They can take part in a program that benefits the entire community.
Take note of what’s happening in Columbus, Ohio, where close to 200 local business are participating in what they’re calling the Small Business Beanstalk community card program. This is a program that aims to benefit all small businesses in the local area that sign up to be a part of the card. So if you’re a resident of Columbus, Ohio, and you receive one of these cards, you can get discounts for shopping at not just one business, but an entire community worth of small businesses.
There’s strength in numbers, and this is also true when it comes to small business rewards programs.
All kinds of discounts, freebies and rewards are available through the card. And some companies turn the card into a full-fledged loyalty program where customers can get even larger rewards or advantages the more frequent they make a purchase.
Here are six ways you can spice up and promote your small business rewards and loyalty programs:
Use With Email Marketing: Always make sure you leverage your existing email marketing and landing pages to promote any small business rewards programs you’ve got in the works. Have fun with the design but make sure to include the appropriate branding in your marketing.
Social Media Rewards: Promote your small business rewards and loyalty programs via your Facebook and Twitter account. Create a special “hashtag” and offer up some even deeper discounts or rewards for the person that “retweets” your promotion with the hashtag included.
Promote Through Newsletters: Hopefully you’re sending out monthly or quarterly newsletters talking about different aspects of your company. Make sure you use this opportunity to talk about your rewards program so that your most loyal customers know about your latest updates.
Blogging and Web site Promotions: Set up a blog that’s dedicated to your small business rewards programs or designate a special section on an existing Web site. See the user-generated contests below for additional ideas in leveraging your blog.
Guerrilla Marketing Campaigns: Get out on the street to promote your small business rewards programs. Get creative in finding ways to promote your program within the community.
User-Generated Contests: Have your customers make videos or take photos depicting the different ways they used products they purchased at your store with the small business rewards programs points or discounts. People love to feel a part of the action, so include them in a fun way. Plus, these videos will hopefully serve almost as little commercials and endorsements of your product or service.
Try incorporating these ideas into your next rewards program and be sure to come back and leave us a comment of the results.
