Nowadays, businesses are finding new ways to retain customers and boost repeat purchases. Even though loyalty programs are effective, it’s not the only way to retain customers. Businesses of all sizes are embracing new strategies for getting repeat buyers without depending on loyalty programs. These brands are becoming more valuable by improving customer experience, delivering more personalized options and active engagement rather than focusing on loyalty rewards programs.
In this article, we will explore new strategies to get more repeat buyers and how to maintain a strong customer relationship without a Shopify loyalty program.
1) Provide an exceptional customer experience
Customer experience is the main foundation of repeat business. According to a survey conducted by PwC, it was found that 73% of buyers consider customer experience as an important factor in making purchase decisions. Here are a few things that can be done to keep your customers coming back:
- Fast shipping: Delays in shipping and unreliable delivery can deter customers from buying from your brand. Try to build trust in customers by giving them reliable shipping with real-time tracking.
- Hassle-free returns: Provide a clear and transparent return policy. A customer-friendly return & exchange policy will help to reduce friction and make customers mind to shop from your store again.
- Customer support: Start giving personalized customer service by answering your queries. Consider customer feedback and give them assistance whenever they are in need.
2) Engage in personalized marketing
Consumers love more personalized options. Give them personalized recommendations based on their previous purchasing interactions from your website. In a research conducted by McKinsey, it was found that a significant majority of consumers (71%) expect personalized experiences from companies.
Source: mckinsey
Check out the following points to re-engage customers by using data-driven personalization:
- Group customers: Segment your customers based on their purchase history, browsing behavior, and preferences or choices.
- Send emails: Set personalized email campaigns and try to use tailored subject lines, suggest products based on their past orders, and give them exclusive discounts or offers.
- SMS & push notifications: Send relevant SMS and on-time push notifications which can encourage shoppers to visit your store next time for their purchase.
3) Determine smart pricing
Implement smart pricing structures to boost repeat sales without making use of the Shopify loyalty program. This strategy helps you to motivate your loyal customers to visit your store again.
- Bundle discounts – Start showing bundle offers with exclusive deals. This will help customers to buy products in bundles with a great deal.
- Exclusive discounts for returning customers – Offer special discounts or other deals for loyal customers or second-time buyers based on their past purchase history.
- Limited-time deals – Show time-limited deals on your products and create a sense of urgency in customers with the help of a countdown timer.
4) Create a post-purchase strategy
Just like the Shopify loyalty card, the post-purchase strategy is also becoming a major trend in the e-commerce industry. Most of the brands are opting for the post-purchase strategy to engage customers after purchase. Post-purchase plays a main role in increasing the customer lifetime value by using the below points:
- Follow up with thank-you notes: A personalized follow-up through thank-you emails or a handwritten note can leave a lasting impression on your customers.
- Give usage guides: Give tips on product care or how-to-use guides to help them gain a clear idea of using your products.
- Reviews & feedback: Implementing a post-purchase strategy on your website can make customers feel more valued. This can make them more likely to return to our website and drive repeat purchases.
5) Develop a strong brand community
Building a strong brand community by connecting with customers. This strategy is better than the Shopify loyalty points program by which customers will love your brand beyond just transactions. They will be more loyal to your brand and chances are high that they will revisit your store again in the future.
- User-generated content (UGC) – Encourage customers to share their experiences on social media and feature their content on your platforms.
- Social media engagement – Social media engagement is on boom and sharing your interactions can have a bigger impact on your customers. Try to reply in comments, host live Q&A sessions, and create brand-specific hashtags.
- Educational content & webinars – Providing valuable insights related to your product category can position your brand as a trusted authority.
6) Offer subscription & replenishment models
For products that require regular restocking, a subscription or auto-replenishment model simplifies the repurchasing process:
- Subscription discounts – Provide a slight discount for customers who opt for recurring deliveries.
- Auto-restock reminders – Notify customers when it’s time to replenish a product.
- Flexible subscription options – Allow customers to adjust delivery frequency and quantity.
7) Optimize your website & checkout process
Your website is the first impression of your brand which reflects your identity. So, it’s important to optimize it by avoiding unnecessary navigations or complicated checkout process to prevent abandonment. Ensure your checkout process is smooth and easy to understand for all types of audiences.
- Fast load times & mobile responsiveness – Slow websites drive away potential repeat buyers.
- One-click reordering – Make it easy for customers to repurchase their favorite items.
- Smart product recommendations – Display related or complementary products based on their purchase history.
8. Add social proof
Nothing builds trust more than real customer stories or testimonials. Add more social proofs like customer reviews, real testimonial videos, case studies, etc. Because social proof can give a good impression in customers’ minds and helps to build trust in them:
- Real reviews – Showcase real reviews of customers on product pages to help new buyers make purchase decisions.
- Highlight user stories – Include case studies on your website to show how existing customers benefit from using your products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a Shopify loyalty program is not the only way to cultivate repeat buyers. By making use of other strategies like good customer service, personalized marketing, smart pricing, social proof, and many more. Implement these methods and see how your customers will return to your store not just because of points or rewards but just because they genuinely love your brand.
