How to Implement a Points Reward Program on a Website

Contact your webhost and ask about the options you might have for implementing a rewards program. Most webhosts anymore offer a way to give your customers points, coupons or other incentives such as free shipping on large items.

Decide on your rewards. If you implement a points system, is it one point for every dollar spent? What can your customers spend these points on? You could also reward return customers with coupons or gift cards for their next purchase. No matter which rewards you choose, they all serve the same purpose of turning first time customers into return customers. Also consider what rewards to give your customers who refer friends to your site.

Create a sign-up page so your customers can apply for the rewards program. This application link should show up on every page so they have a better chance of seeing it before checking out. You can also post a warning on the checkout page about the rewards program. Do they get a discount on that purchase if they sign up right then and there? What if they've made a purchase before but never joined the program? Do they get the points from past purchases? These are things to think about when designing a system unique to your site.

Use customer contact information to alert them about future promotions. The customers who opt-in to the rewards program may not visit as often as you run promotions. Contacting them to give a heads-up could result in more sales you otherwise might miss.