In the business world, every customer counts. 
Every time someone walks through your front door, whether it's in a brick-and-mortar location or online, you're presented with the opportunity to make a sale. Most of the time, consumers already have an idea of what they're looking for well before they stumble upon your store.
Each opportunity presents two imperative challenges:
- How do you find ways to up-sell your product or service so you can boost the of each purchase?
- How do you keep these customers engaged so they keep coming back?
When you find the solution to these questions, you're setting yourself up for improved revenue at the end of the day.
Thanks to the technology-driven world we live in, apps have become an important part of revenue-boosting and loyalty-building.
A Rewarding Experience
Global coffee giant Starbucks got it right when it enlisted a 2D barcode scanner and payment system to accompany its rewards app. This combination of app-tastic technology has raised the bar in terms of customer experience, which, of course, translates into return customers and boosted revenues.
Customers can load money onto their Starbucks app, which then reaps rewards when the app is their chosen method of payment. According to AdAge.com, the "'My Starbucks Rewards' loyalty program currently holds $1.2 million of customer funds," which is a remarkable assurance that these customers are going to come back for more Starbucks-branded Joe.
Besides gaining points, customers may gain back a few minutes of their busy days if they choose to order and pay before they arrive at the store. The company's app provides member-exclusive offers and announcements about new products and promotions, which boost excitement and engagement about the brand.
Olympic-Sized Competition
One of the most important keys to being competitive is knowing your customers. Who are they? What do they do every day? Why do they choose your brand?
Answering these questions can unlock magical worlds of opportunities in terms of engagement. Finding ways to integrate these answers into an app will afford you the ability to connect with your consumers on a deeper level.
Nike, for example, has long been a household name in the athletics industry. If you think they don't have to push their marketing folks, however, think again!
In the last decade, Nike has built apps to help its customers track their fitness goals, measure their successes, and share their accomplishments with the world.
Every mile gained is an added cushion to the company's bottom line.
Key Take-Aways
When you make your customers feel wanted and appreciated they're likely to come back.
Great apps making their impression on the marketplace are often characterized by the following elements:
- Loyalty Points
- Relevant and Valuable Rewards
- Added Convenience
- Interactivity & Engagement
- Exclusive Offers, Promos, and News Bits
Intrigued? You should be! Apps can do amazing things for businesses of all sizes. Tell us in the comments below what your favorite loyalty app is!
