From time to time, businesses need to add momentum to their operations to boost sales or performance. Incentive programs are one way to motivate, recognize or reward their customers and employees. Depending on the type of target audience, the incentive program will focus on either the customers or employees.
In the long run, both the company and the customers can benefit from an effective incentive plan. Some of the main advantages of these programs are;
Motivational Tool
Reward and recognition is always a huge motivator for people. Businesses that understand this use it to get their workers and customers passionate about them. Plans that target employees encourage them to higher goals and achievements. When the reward is attractive, the employees get the motivation to go beyond. As a result, the business reaps the benefits of high productivity in products and services.
When customers receive rewards for making a purchase, they find a motive to buy from the business in the future.
Loyalty to the company
A reward can make customers connect to a brand at an emotional level. It is this type of link that gives birth to repeat business. When the customer feels appreciation from the seller, he becomes loyal. When the brand runs into unfortunate circumstances like negative PR, a loyal customer is likely to forgive the company. In the end, the business increases its customer retention.
Programs for employees ensure a low turnover rate for the business. Employees often leave companies because they feel there is no appreciation for their efforts. An incentive plan that rewards top performers shows it appreciates their contributions encouraging them to stay.
Better Relationships
Any incentive is a form of gift/bonus. Rewarding loyal customers for doing business with the company helps establish a connection. As the company and customers work together, they develop a sense of satisfaction. Some popular incentive plans such as paid trips are the perfect way to bond and cement the relationship with customers even more if the company representatives join the adventure. As a bonus, happy customers become the honorary salespeople for the business marketing by word of mouth.
Sales and Profit Increase
Depending on how long an incentive program runs, businesses usually record an increase in sales and profits during that period. The gifts and bonus schemes encourage customers to make their purchases with them. Connecting a reward to every purchase or certain products sometimes draws new customers from the competition. The increase in profits from an incentive scheme reflects its value.
Better Perception
Customers affect the success of a business. They play a vital role in how the outside world views it. As such, a business has the task of working to influence its perception positively. An incentive program encourages the buyer to change behavior and outlook toward the company. Customers will view a company that offers rewards as more friendly and generous.
Data Collection
In the current age of information and technology, businesses that get ahead have an advantage of knowledge. Incentive programs provide a simple and legal way to collect customer information that gives them insight into their purchase behavior. They can use the information to tailor and personalize the customer experience. A good example is the birthday incentive.
Attract New Customers
Sometimes customers are unsure which business or company to buy from, but throwing in a reward becomes what tips the scales. They add value to the product and therefore entice them to make the decision.
Creates User- Generated Content
User-generated content in favor of a business is like word of mouth for the social media age. Instead of telling others in person, the satisfied modern customer posts about it on social networks. A business can score big as this kind of free marketing reaches a larger audience. One way to increase this satisfaction is by providing incentives from time to time.
In Conclusion
A good incentive program offers many benefits to the business on a short and long-term basis. It will help build and maintain vital relationships, boost sales numbers, create a behavioral change in customers and encourage loyalty.
While the appeal of incentives is high for them to work, they have to provide value to customers and encourage positive behavior change. An effective incentive program is one that centers on money-saving, thoughtfulness, wellbeing, and easy access.
Businesses must also strike a balance between the targets and rewards. By ensuring the customer gets rewarded only after hitting the set target or meets the criteria.
2018 · 
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