Thursday, January 13, 2011

Tips on How to Create Effective Customer Incentive Programs


KNOW YOUR TARGET MARKET – Are you sure you know what your target market is? Determine everything about them from general demographic factors like age, gender, income class, to the little but important details like which colors or designs they prefer and so forth.
COMMUNICATE – Again, do everything you can to know what’s on your customers’ mind. Have them fill out survey forms, and to make sure that they’ll answer these, give them incentives to do so. Keep in mind that although you truly need to spend money for both incentive programs to work, you don’t need to spend a lot because big capital doesn’t necessarily equate with effectiveness. Creativity and resourcefulness still counts so it’s definitely possible to have a successful incentive program without denting your company’s pockets too much.
REWARD CUSTOMER LOYALTY – Know who your loyal customers are. And when you’ve identified them properly, make sure that you reward them accordingly. Let them know that you’re aware of their loyalty to your company and that you’re giving them a reward because you appreciate it.
GIVING AWAY REBATES – Be careful when using rebates as an incentive strategy for your customers. Due to numerous controversies surrounding rebates, more and more consumers are feeling discouraged and reluctant to take advantage of rebates. If and when you do use them to encourage customers to patronize your products or services, make sure that you use a simplified process for your customers to redeem their reward: don’t dangle a carrot if you don’t plan to give it away in the first place.
GIVING AWAY PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS – Promotional products are always welcomed by all kinds of customers. Be sure, however, that you give them something useful – even if it’s only in the aesthetic sense. If you skimp on the costs and design, your incentive strategy might end up backfiring on you.

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