Loyalty programs are probably one of the most important reasons why customers choose brands. In the article below, Twendee will show you the impact of Web3 on loyalty programs.
What is a loyalty program?
Acquiring and retaining customers has long been one of the major headaches for businesses worldwide. Companies use a number of ways to acquire these customers, and one such way is through loyalty programs. A loyalty program is a structured reward system that is given to customers through consulting, sales, promotions, incentives, and benefits that businesses send to customers in order to attract and create goodwill. emotions, increase loyalty and collect customer data. These loyalty programs also have challenges, such as geo-restrictions, limited reward options, complex referrals, etc.
All of these issues affect the overall effectiveness of loyalty programs. However, Web3 and blockchain technologies such as cryptocurrencies and non-custodial tokens (NFTs) can address these challenges and redefine loyalty programs.
Web3 is the inevitable trend in the Internet market
What is Web3?
Web3 is the latest generation of Internet technology. This technology trend allows users to create smart applications and websites with the support of a series of modern technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, big data, or machine learning.
Web3 helps users search for information on the Internet quickly, easily, and efficiently; even complex searches take place in a short time. This technology does not allow for centralized data storage or a centralized web server. Instead, it will be a blockchain system that allows building applications in a decentralized state and is maintained by an anonymous node on the web.
Outstanding advantages of Web3
- Data privacy and control: data stored on the blockchain does not allow anyone to interfere and exists forever once saved on the blockchain.
- Continuous data storage: with a decentralized data storage mechanism, users are allowed to access data anytime they want. In addition, there are copies in case of server failure.
- Transparency and Trust: Web3’s blockchain enables the development and design of a public platform.
- Easy access to open data: data can be accessed anytime, anywhere, from any type of device. Because Web3 has been extended, in addition to allowing users to interact, you can also perform many tasks such as paying for every point, transmitting data reliably, or receiving rich information.
- Fully extensible platform: users can easily create their own address and interact with the network directly.
- Advanced data processing: Web3 applies artificial intelligence technology, which can solve even the most complex problems and create in-depth knowledge. Through it, you can forecast customer needs and personalize customer service to build effective strategies and grow your business.
Loyalty programs have long been a staple in the business world, offering a way to reward customers and foster enduring relationships. Traditional programs typically operate on a points-based system where points are exclusive to the account holder and can only be used by them. However, WWeb3 technologies like NFTs have brought forth a more versatile and dynamic approach to customer rewards, opening p new possibilities for both businesses and consumers.
What is loyalty point of loyalty programs?
Loyalty points are incentive programs that businesses use to encourage customers to spend on their products. Users get more points based on how much they spend, which can be exchanged for more products or better-quality services with the company. Loyalty programs are fairly common, with everyone from airline companies and hotels to Starbucks offering one form or another. Even credit card issuers now offer loyalty points.
How can Web3 technology improve loyalty programs?
Advocates of Web3 technologies are often quick to point out their revolutionary capabilities for almost any industry. While skeptics may question this in other areas, blockchain technology has clear applications for loyalty programs.
>> Tween Chain – The first loyalty platform based on Web3 & Blockchain
Manage multiple loyalty programs
One of the reasons for the underperformance of loyalty programs is low customer acquisition rates. This is not the customer’s fault. A brand may have several loyalty programs, making management difficult for customers and users. Loyalty programs, then, are complicated, forcing customers to do a lot of mental math before changing their minds. With blockchain technology, customers can redeem points in real-time and even combine multiple loyalty programs into one.
Attracting a young audience
While existing loyalty programs may work for older generations, millennials, and younger generations are increasingly becoming large customer bases for businesses. Novel developments like Web3 Technologies will appeal more to these age groups. For example, Gen-Z has experience buying interest and buying in the NFTS, followed by Millennials. As a result, offering loyalty programs based on these technologies will likely attract and retain this user base.
Expand the options
Most loyalty programs offer points that users can only redeem and use for the company’s products or services. While this encourages customers to continue patronizing the business, it can limit the user experience. Incorporating blockchain technology could change this by providing multiple reward options for products or services. While this encourages customers to continue patronizing the business, it can limit the user experience. Incorporating blockchain technology could change this by providing multiple reward options. For example, points can be converted into cryptocurrency, and there can be digital collectibles as rewards.
Experiential loyalty
Integrating Web3 technology for loyalty programs can also lead to innovations, such as experience loyalty. This can improve customer engagement with the brand by rewarding them as customers and making them members of the brand community. Experiential loyalty is an immersive form of loyalty program possible with blockchain, where users not only get points but also digital collectibles. It enhances the game experience. This has already happened with a number of platforms moving to earnings, and while it may take years, it will rebrand the entire loyalty program.
However, whatever Web3 technology is used for loyalty programs, it will be implementation-dependent. Beyond marketing and hype, a deliberate approach is required. Such an approach should apply the following recommendations to be effective:
Start as a free loyalty program rather than a replacement
One mistake many companies are making is forcing blockchain-based loyalty programs entirely on their customers. While blockchain technology has seen a lot of adoption over the past few years, it’s still not quite mainstream. For it to work, it should be an additive loyalty program to the existing one, giving users the option of volunteering for adoption and allowing businesses to slowly integrate Web3 into their businesses. them because there is no immediate pressure on the program.
Prioritize the user experience
A big problem with any implementation of blockchain technology is the user experience. Most user interfaces do not bridge the gap between blockchain technology and the outdated internet. This has limited the adoption of blockchain technology and could also affect any loyalty programs that choose to use it. But it is possible to design a great user interface that eliminates the technicalities of blockchain technology so that users don’t even know that they are interacting with the technology. This is what I call “Web 2.5”, where the user is joining Web3 but has a Web2 interface. Gradually, they are educated and introduced to more advanced Web3 concepts and applications.
Trading and speculation management
Any business that includes NFTS as part of its loyalty program will likely include the ability to trade such NFTs. However, NFTS trading can easily attract speculators, which can affect the experience for organic users, the actual customers of the business. As a result, businesses will have to design a rewards program to target the right customers and either fail or at least minimize the impact of those speculations.
Embracing the Flexibility of NFTs in loyalty programs
NFTs are digital assets that can be bought, sold, and traded on various blockchain networks. Their unique properties allow for the creation of loyalty programs with unprecedented flexibility. For example, membership in a program can be tied to a specific NFT, which can then be sold or transferred to another individual if desired. This means that users can monetize their loyalty rewards or pass them on to others as they see fit.
The advantages of Web3 loyalty programs
Web3 loyalty programs offer several benefits compared to their traditional counterparts:
- Enhanced Flexibility: users have more control over their rewards, with the option to sell or trade them as they wish.
- Increased Value: NFTs can appreciate value over time, making them a lucrative investment for users.
- Unique experiences: NFT-based programs can offer exclusive access to events or experiences, adding more customer appeal.
- Improved security: Blockchain technology ensures that NFTs are secure and resistant to fraud or counterfeiting.
- Global Accessibility: NFTs can be bought, sold, and traded worldwide, opening loyalty programs to a broader audience.
>> Tween Chain – The first loyalty platform based on Web3 & Blockchain
Web3 loyalty programs, powered by NFTs, are revolutionizing how businesses reward and engage with their customers. By offering greater flexibility, unique experiences, and enhanced security, these programs are set to become the gold standard for customer loyalty in the digital age. With their potential for increased value and global accessibility, it is clear that the future of customer rewards lies in the realm of WWeb3 technologies.
Loyalty programs are great, and many consumers opt for certain brands because of these programs. But they can get better, and blockchain technology can improve. Not surprisingly, many brands have realized this and are taking advantage. However, there is still a long way to go before they become mainstream, and it is important to take the right approach to make any impact sustainable.
>> Tween Chain – The first loyalty platform based on Web3 & Blockchain
What do you think?