Your VIP customers love your brand and have demonstrated loyalty to your company. If there’s anyone who you owe success to, the VIP segment is on top of the list.
How special you treat them means a lot to them, being your brand loyalists.
Honoring your VIPs can be shown in plenty of ways - and as they say, you can only show your love.
As an ecommerce brand, how do you pamper your brand loyalists? Are you rolling out the “red carpet” for them in the most effective manner that they’d feel very important (as the name suggests)?
If you're on a mission to boost customer loyalty and elevate your brand's VIP treatment, you're in the right place.
In the dynamic realm of online retail, nurturing your VIP customers is like tending to a prized garden – it requires strategic care and attention. And guess what? Email marketing is your green thumb in this endeavor!
In this guide, we're diving into the art and science of rewarding your VIP clientele through the power of email. No fluff, just actionable strategies to turn those loyal shoppers into lifelong brand ambassadors.
Let's get started!
Maximizing VIP Customer Loyalty: A Guide to Rewarding Through Email Marketing
What are VIP customers?
Why are VIP customers valuable?
How to Reward VIP Customers Through Email
- VIPs get free delivery
- Encourage them to earn reward points
- Provide access to skip the queue
- Invite them to special events (in person)
- Promote your app-exclusive offers
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I identify VIP customers for targeted email rewards?
- What types of rewards are most effective for VIP customers through email marketing?
What are VIP customers?
Before anything else, we need to define what VIP customers are in order to identify them.
VIP (Very Important Person) customers are a step above your regular customers because they’ve either been with you for a long time, spend more than the average customer, or shop more often than the average customer.
A VIP customer often also has a higher customer lifetime value for your business.
Why are VIP customers valuable?
VIP customers are your brand’s biggest fans, so to speak. They’re more likely to be loyal to your brand and have a higher potential for large purchases in the future.
Not only do they spend more, but they’re also more likely to recommend you to others and write a positive review. Studies also show that when faced with options that have similar or lower prices from other brands, brand-loyal customers will still pick their favored brand.
VIP customers also are repeat buyers and their orders account for nearly half of your total revenue even when they make up just 21 percent of your total customers.
It’s a disservice to your brand if you don’t actively engage with and reward these types of customers because they provide so much value without requiring tons of effort from you.
The most effective rewards for VIP customers through email marketing are those that offer exclusivity and value. Consider offering early access to sales, exclusive discounts, personalized product recommendations, or VIP-only events.
How to Reward VIP Customers Through Email
1. VIPs get free delivery
VIP customers normally get discounts and early access. These are the first few perks that make them loyal to your brand. Pura Vida, a brand bracelet, makes a little extra when they offer free delivery to their VIPs, on top of the ongoing big sale. It’s a great combo!
The no-cost shipping serves as a seemingly extra discount to encourage sales. The free shipping is unlocked without having to pick several items from the store. It therefore creates a better user experience.
Subject line: You're a VIP, Hum! Early Access to 50% OFF Starts Now!
2. Encourage them to earn reward points
A VIP rewards program usually offers exclusive rewards to the most loyal customers so they have more reasons to spend on your brand.
L’ange, a brand of haircare styling tools and hair products, sent a clear and concise message to their VIPs about their Rewards Program. In the email, they showed how to earn and redeem the points for future purchases using a simple illustration.
Another thing: they showed the customer’s point balance and current tier. It makes the message look more personalized, convenient, and motivating for them to upgrade their status.
Subject line: You’re on a roll! 🎉🎉🎉
3. Provide access to skip the queue
Don’t let your VIPs wait in line for their turn. Carry them to the front of the line so they’ll get the first dibs.
That’s how Autograph Fashion rewards loyalty with convenience. In their clearance event, they sent early access to their VIPs. The subject line and banner text also reminds the customers to rather skip the queue as a VIP.
Subject line: [name], Skip the Queue, You've Got V.I.P Access!
4. Invite them to special events (in person)
Here’s an example of a fine invitation to an event that will make customers feel more special as a VIP.
Rowing Blazers, an American clothing brand, sent this invitation email so their VIPs can attend the celebration of their collaboration with a well-known watch brand.
The email copy is not salesy at all. It looks plain, elegant, and focused on inviting the reader.
Not everyone is given the chance to physically attend an occasion because of the limited space available. So as a customer, you will feel more valued – you sure are not a gatecrasher!
Subject line: VIP INVITATION: Rowing Blazers x Seiko Preview
5. Promote your app-exclusive offers
Long Wknd, a body care brand, offers their VIP customers an extended access to their Labor Day sale through their mobile app.
Offering an exclusive deal might be a good way of initially encouraging people to download your app, especially for VIPs who already have trust in your brand. It is more likely that they’ll download the app to their phones given that trust, and perks that come with it.
Mobile apps will serve convenient purposes to the users during online shopping as compared to accessing your website.
Having a mobile app gives a huge advantage for ecommerce brands like Long Wknd too. They can capture valuable data from apps concerning use, activity and buying habits.
They can also automatically send promotions anywhere, anytime, therefore increasing brand awareness and conversions.
Subject line: VIP EXTENDED ACCESS: 20% OFF 💚🧼
You don’t have to be salesy to VIPs as these people already love your brand. You’ll just need to treat them a little extra to reciprocate the love and loyalty. <3
Your emails can go a long way in achieving this. Remember: building lasting relationships with your most valued patrons is not just about transactions; it's about creating meaningful connections.
By leveraging the power of personalized emails, exclusive offers, and genuine appreciation, you have the opportunity to turn one-time buyers into lifelong advocates for your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify VIP customers for targeted email rewards?
To identify VIP customers for targeted email rewards, you can utilize various metrics such as purchase frequency, total spend, or engagement with your brand.
Consider implementing a tiered loyalty program where customers earn points or status based on their interactions. Additionally, segment your email list based on these criteria to ensure personalized communication with your VIPs.
What types of rewards are most effective for VIP customers through email marketing?
The most effective rewards for VIP customers through email marketing are those that offer exclusivity and value. Consider offering early access to sales, exclusive discounts, personalized product recommendations, or VIP-only events.
Additionally, non-monetary rewards such as sneak peeks of new products or behind-the-scenes content can also be highly engaging for VIP customers. Remember to tailor the rewards to the preferences and interests of your specific VIP segments for maximum impact.
