Loyalty Programs

I think building a loyalty program requires you start talking with your customers. You should listen to what they have to say. If customers think you are taking their concerns into account, and do you have won half the battle.

Examples of effective loyalty programs in consumer marketing include airline mileage plans and grocery story cards. I always disliked coupons, and appreciate a card that provides discounts for loyalty.

What about business marketing? What programs will work for business-to-business marketers? Here are some ideas:

* Extend service contracts
* Thank your customers for being a customer
* Ask your customers questions on a regular basis
* Reward loyalty with your new products (this idea doubles as a marketing tactic, but you don't want to make the introduction of a new product the focus of the program.)