10 Things Every Membership Program Should Have
Plastic Membership Card programs are a time tested, highly effective marketing technique for many businesses. Is your membership program missing the boat by missing out on one or all of the items in our list?
1. Clear Outlined Benefits for Members
Outlining the benefits to membership from the beginning will help you through
every step of the program, from planning to actually getting people to sign up
for your program.
2. Clear Internal Goals for your Program
Let's not sugar coat it, you are starting this program to increase revunue. Set
some goals BEFORE you start your membership card program. This will allow you to
evaluate, budget, and adjust early on in your program instead of wasting time,
your most valuable asset.
3. An Email Address for your Program
Even though you may not have a separate department for your new Membership Card
Program, it's crucial to lay the ground work for this early on in case your
program expands. Setting up an additional email address that forwards to an
existing one will allow your staff to efficiently sort, switch, and manage your
program effectively. Plus, setting up an additional email address will cost you
next to nothing!
4. A Phone Number for your Program
This goes with number 3, settting up a separate email address for your
membership program. Having a phone number that is dedicated to the program will
save you hassle in the future routing calls, and efficiently dealing with
customers.
Tip: If your phone system doesn't have extra lines available try
Google Voice,
it offers free numbers that you can redirect at will!
5. An Effective Card
It goes without saying but an effective card is crucial to your Membership Card Program. Your program revolves around this card and it will be seen by your customers every time they open their wallet to make a purchase!
6. A Tracking System
If you are using a software system to facilitate your membership program get
familiar with the tracking system. Advanced programs can help you segment and
market to members based on their purchasing habits!
7. An Encoding Method
It's good to know going in whether you will be using a barcode, or a magnetic
stripe on your Membership Cards. While they are both a secure means of encoding
member information, there are pros and cons to both methods. Normally this
type of encoding is dictated by the type of software you are using, but if not
our staff is happy to chat with you about the ups and downs of each method,
1-800-808-7472.
8. A Signature Panel
A signature panel adds some security to your program. Especially in a paid
membership program, you are going to want to ensure that the card is not being
shared with other non members. A Signature panel is a very inexpensive method of
ensuring that the user of the card is the owner.
9. An Endgame
Going in to your new membership program you need an endgame. How will this
program benefit your business in the long term? An obvious goal would be
revenue, but consider:
- Increased Customer Information
- Increased Insight into Buying Habits
- Increase in your Mailing List
- Taking the fluxuations out of your sales (Run specials during normally slow
periods to perk up business)
10. A Plan for Follow Up!
By implementing your Membership Card Program you are going to gain alot of user
information. Make sure you use it immediately, and consistantly! This data is a
gold mine for your business, don't squander it!
Members will appreciate your checking up and pointing out a monthly tip,
special, or hot product. It also keeps them engaged with your business!