Loyalty program

  • Written by Ganesh Pawar 2 min read
  • Updated: July 22, 2025

What is a loyalty program?

A loyalty program is a marketing strategy designed to encourage customers to continue buying from a business by rewarding them for repeat purchases or specific actions. These rewards can include points, discounts, free products, exclusive access, or other perks.

Why are loyalty programs important?

Loyalty programs help build long-term relationships with customers. They not only increase customer retention but also turn shoppers into brand advocates. When customers feel valued and rewarded, they’re more likely to come back—boosting your revenue over time.

How do loyalty programs work?

Customers typically earn points or rewards each time they make a purchase, refer friends, write a review, or engage in other brand interactions. These points can then be redeemed for discounts, freebies, or VIP perks. Some programs are tier-based, where benefits increase the more a customer spends or engages.

What are the benefits of customer loyalty programs?

  • Increased customer retention
  • Higher customer lifetime value
  • Better engagement and brand connection
  • More referrals and word-of-mouth
  • Valuable customer insights

Example of a loyalty program

A coffee shop may offer 1 point for every dollar spent. Once a customer earns 100 points, they receive a free drink. This motivates repeat visits and builds loyalty.

Driftcharge Tip

Make your loyalty program simple, easy to join, and aligned with your brand. Personalized rewards often perform best.

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Ganesh Pawar

Ganesh Pawar is the founder of Driftcharge, a subscription management app designed to help Shopify merchants streamline and scale their subscription businesses. With a deep focus on solving real-world pain points—like legacy account page support, flexible subscription options, and advanced analytics—Ganesh is passionate about building tools that drive growth and retention.

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