Plastic
Membership Card programs are a time tested, highly effective marketing technique for many businesses. The following tips can help maximize your program.
1. ESTABLISH CLEAR 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. UNDERSTAND CLEAR INTERNAL GOALS FOR YOUR PROGRAM. You are starting this program to increase revenue. Set some goals before you start your membership card program. This will allow you to evaluate, budget, and adjust early on in your program.
3. SECURE 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 you to efficiently sort, switch, and manage your program effectively.
4. HAVE A DEDICATED PHONE NUMBER FOR YOUR 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. Note: If your phone system doesn't have extra lines available try Google Voice, it offers free numbers that you can redirect at will!
5. HAVE 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. USE 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. HAVE 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.
8. CONSIDER 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. PLAN THE 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 purchasing habits
• Increased mailing list
• Normalized Sales (Run specials during normally slow periods to perk up business)
10. HAVE A PLAN FOR FOLLOW UP. By implementing your Membership Card Program you are going to gain a lot of user information. Make sure you use it immediately, and consistently. This data is a gold mine for your business!
Use our
design online tool now!
