VIP email marketing systems are more than a trend—they're a proven revenue driver. Implementing a viable points system creates a powerful loyalty loop. But here's the rub: to make your VIP system work, you must build up your email marketing list to reach a critical mass. Without enough subscribers, your efforts might fall flat.

Getting Started with VIP Marketing

Company loyalty programs show that they can increase a brand's market share and improve customer retention. We search for specials and then market them through email and get decent results. It is what businesses today need to do in our competitive marketplaces. You cannot wait for customers to come to you.

A Clever Tip for Growing Your Email List

Here's a nifty trick that can help you build up your email list quickly and easily:

Offer Email Receipts

Your POS system allows you to send receipts via email. At the checkout, ask your customers if they'd like their receipt sent digitally. Most shoppers these days are comfortable with this option.

Invite Them to Join Your VIP List

Once they've given you their email for the receipt, please take the opportunity to invite them to join your VIP list. You could say, "Would you like to be added to our VIP list of specials? "

Add a Tempting Incentive

Here, you can seal the deal. Try adding a line like, "With today's purchase, you're already halfway to earning a reward!" It creates an immediate sense of progress and value, making it hard for customers to say no.

Implementation Strategy

This method is effective for several reasons:

• It's timely to ask when the customer is in your business.
• It's relevant, as they've just purchased and are interested in your offers.
• It's convenient, requiring just one small extra step after providing their email for the receipt.
• It's enticing, tapping into the power of immediate gratification by mentioning they're already on their way to a reward.

Measuring Success

To gauge the effectiveness of your VIP program, keep an eye on these key metrics:

• Email list growth rate
• Open and click-through rates for VIP emails
• Conversion rates from VIP offers
• Customer retention rates

These are all you get from a VIP newsletter, which you can often use for free. If you want more details, let me know, and I can suggest a few options depending on your needs.

Typically, well-executed VIP programs can increase customer retention by 5-10%, boosting profits.

The Power of Email Marketing

With our point of sale (POS) software, you can automate your email marketing process, making staying in touch with your customers easier. You may want to find out more here.

Ready to Transform Your Retail Business?

Start by implementing these email collection strategies today. Track your results weekly and adjust your approach based on customer feedback and engagement metrics. With persistence and the right strategy, you'll soon have a thriving VIP program that keeps customers returning for more.

Remember, in retail, every customer interaction is considered an opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are VIP customers?

VIP customers are repeat buyers. Typically, they make up a significant part of your shop's trade. We often call this the 20/80 rule, where 20% of your customers do 80% of a shop's trade. Interestingly, after analysing their POS reports, many companies today say it's more like 10/90, with 10% of their customers doing about 90% of their business.

Q: Why are VIP customers valuable?

VIP customers provide substantial value to your business without requiring excessive effort. They are loyal, make frequent purchases, and often have a higher average order value than regular customers.

Q: How can I identify VIP customers for targeted email rewards?

Do not bother; you can determine them by analysing purchase frequency and spending. But for many, a better approach is to put all that allow you to make them VIPs and see how they go.

Q: What types of rewards are most effective for VIP customers through email marketing?

The most effective rewards offer exclusivity and value. Consider offering:

• Early access to sales
• Exclusive discounts
• Personalized product recommendations

Q: How can I make VIP customers feel valued?

To make VIP customers feel valued:

• Remember their names
• Offer personalized product recommendations
• Provide freebies, discounts, and exclusive access
• Give priority support and shipping
• Involve them in product development or improvement processes
• Ask for their feedback
• Send thank you emails and offer post-purchase discounts

Q: What are some effective strategies for VIP email marketing?

Effective strategies include:

• Offering free delivery for VIP customers
• Providing early access to sales
• Creating personalized emails with exclusive offers
• Sending appreciation emails
• Implementing post-purchase email flows
• Using non-sales language, as VIPs already love your brand

Q: How can I measure the success of my VIP program?

Track key metrics such as:

• Email list growth rate
• Open and click-through rates for VIP emails
• Conversion rates from VIP offers
• Customer retention rates
• Increase in customer lifetime value

Facebook has been a ripper of a way for Australian businesses to connect with customers. However, over the years, changes have made it much harder for people to get the same value out of their Facebook pages without paying. Years ago, any business could just post away and reach almost all their fans for free. Today, it is different.

Firstly, you still need a Facebook page.

I recommend every business makes a Facebook page - it costs you nothing and gives you a web presence that is vital for organisations today. If you don't have one, I suggest making one now! An active Facebook page remains useful for branding and customer engagement, but it should not be relied on alone to reach people. Today, it is just one of many mediums.

Organic reach

Organic reach refers to how many people see your post without advertising.

Organic reach is declining.

A study found that organic reach has declined to 6% without paid advertising. So, if you have 1000 people following your Facebook page, only about 60 people see your content. It's better than nothing, but what is the same any more? 

Some reasons would be:

• Facebook is trying to make more money: Facebook is like any business trying to make more money, and as its product becomes more important, it can charge more.
• Increased competition: As more people like Pages, there are more Pages, so the competition for visibility on Facebook is more challenging.
• Quality matters: Better quality content is available, which is what Facebook wants; you need to do a better job to get noticed.

Bottom line: Unless you pay, only a very small percentage of your fan base will see your content.  This makes achieving marketing goals very difficult without paying. As organic reach declines, businesses rely more on Facebook's paid options.

Owning your audience

One alternative is to focus more on building owned channels like an email marketing list. Email allows you to communicate directly with your customers. You control it yourself rather than relying on Facebook's platform.

Email marketing remains a very cost-effective way for local retailers to stay in touch with customers. 

Conclusion

It is more challenging for small businesses on Facebook to compete with larger companies that can afford big advertising budgets. Facebook would argue, correctly, I think, that its tools still help small retailers find customers cost-effectively. For no cost, you can get free advertising; what is wrong with that?

While Facebook offers exposure, retailers must adapt to limited organic reach.