One of the most important tasks in developing and establishing a loyalty programme is choosing the concept for the programme. One example is that, although it may seem obvious, the original layout affects how the application looks and feels. The method you choose, though, will also have an impact on how well the implementation process goes.

Prior to looking for a loyalty software supplier, it’s critical to invest as much time as possible in developing the reward program’s basic concept. The likelihood that you’ll need to modify the loyalty reasoning after launch will be reduced if you start with a strong foundation and give it plenty of thought. Additionally, your integration period will be considerably shorter.

Here is a comprehensive description of the key phases for the loyalty programme concept, along with a useful worksheet for inspiration, to help you get started.

Investigating Program Structure

When discussing the idea of a loyalty programme, clients frequently get right to the point and talk about the different prizes they want to offer or the different gamification components they want to include. Even though they should undoubtedly be discussed, there are a few essential concepts that must be established first.

Geographies

This section should describe your preferred language(s), the list of nations where the software is accessible, and the associated currencies.

Define the list of nations in which the software will be introduced for the first time, as well as the locations in which you plan to do so later.
You should make clear which languages the loyalty programme will be offered in and how many. You can always launch in your primary language first and expand to other audiences afterwards, but this should be stated throughout the concept development stage.
Select the currencies that will be included in the loyalty programme. Pay great attention to this stage because it will affect crucial factors like point value, currency conversion, and multi-currencies.

System Logic
The core of the loyalty programme idea is here, where you should map out the most crucial components. Please remember that the idea is always susceptible to modification. You might come to the table with a concept, but you might need to make changes due to technical difficulties or something your team learns throughout implementation. However, the overall process will go more smoothly the more time and work you invest into your blueprint.

Logic Point
A tried-and-true element of loyalty programmes are loyalty points. Even though they are optional, many businesses utilise them since they provide a lot of value and chances for running rewards programmes. Obviously, a lot of intricate preparation must go into something that appears simple on the exterior.

You must consider currency conversion, or more specifically, the number of points awarded for each included currency, as was previously discussed.
There should be restrictions on earning points (what qualifies a member to earn points, are they redeemed instantly or after a pending period, etc).
The points should be rounded according to some reasoning (floor vs. ceiling, item-level vs. order level).
Indicate how point collection may be impacted by product returns and cancellations.
Calculate the number of points that should be given for performing any soft actions (such as referring a friend, completing a profile or survey, etc).
You must specify how many points each award will cost at this point.

The points acquired through purchases are frequently doubled or tripled for high-tier memberships or momentary holiday promotions. This has a significant impact on the point ecology, so be careful to plan ahead and take into account these kinds of bonus point campaigns.
Introduce point expiration if you want to reduce point responsibility.

Benefits & Rewards
The part on rewards is the most crucial for any loyalty programme design, aside from Loyalty Logic. Though the final results might not quite match your original idea, designing the reward system is still important.

Rewards
The jewels of your loyalty programme are gifts, vouchers, and other perks, so make sure they sparkle brightest. It means the following in terms of concept planning:

If it’s a coupon or voucher, specify how much it costs. Alternatively, if the prize is non-monetary, highlight its features and concentrate on its advantages.
Any requirements that must be satisfied in order to redeem the prize, such as a minimum order amount, a time frame, or the purchase of a specific product category, should be made very clear.

Indicate the reward’s validity (expiration date).
Choose whether the award will be a one-time reward, a permanent reward, or available for a set period of time.
Tier advantages
If you intend to use tiers, you should outline all the advantages that come with each level. It is advisable to make a table that graphically displays the tier names, values, and conditions. All levels should have access to some benefits, but only your highest-tier members should receive the most coveted or prestigious rewards.

Processes (User Journeys) (User Journeys)
User journeys for loyalty programmes range from gamified profiling to in-store identification. However, these are often for more experienced programmes. The enrollment and opt-out processes are without a doubt the two most significant journeys you should describe in the concept phase.

The application process
It’s one thing to entice clients to join the programme, but you also need to make sure that the registration procedure is quick and easy.

Specify the procedure for a consumer who already has an account to join the loyalty programme.
Specify how a consumer can join the loyalty programme if they don’t already have an account.

Indicate the kind of information you want to get from applicants. The ideal practise is typically to purposefully make this list brief to save the customer’s time, and then use gamified questionnaires to get further information later.
The withdrawal process
A necessary evil is allowing clients to exit the loyalty programme. As a result, it must be handled with the same caution as the other components of the rewards programme. Describe the procedures a loyalty member will need to take to withdraw from the loyalty programme in your concept blueprint. This might entail, for instance, giving comments or deciding on a cause for leaving.

Reporting
During the concepting stage of a loyalty programme, reporting is sometimes disregarded. Remember that you must define this during the implementation phase, not after launch. Why? because it entails giving your loyalty technology supplier access to the data points pertinent to the information you wish to monitor. You must evaluate the effectiveness of your loyalty programme right away, and if you don’t take your reporting skills into account, you’ll pass on key data.

Antavo can help you bring your loyalty programme concept to life.
After you’ve developed your concept, the following step is to choose a loyalty technology supplier with the skills necessary to make your thoughts a reality. Give Antavo a try if you’re looking for cutting-edge loyalty solutions supported by reliable APIs. Simply mention us in your RFP or schedule a demo.

Don’t forget to download our worksheet to get your loyalty program’s concept planning started!