Top 8 rewards to offer in a referral program

A successful referral program is largely based on an attractive reward. Because not all rewards are equal. The choice will depend on your goals, budget, and target. In this article, JeudiMerci reviews the 8 most effective types of rewards, detailing their pros, cons, and tips for maximizing their impact!

Reward No. 1: the multi-brand gift card

The multi-brand gift card gives the consumer a great deal of freedom of choice. That is its biggest advantage. It offers a certain flexibility to sponsors and their godchildren. By choosing this award, you will be able to satisfy varied profiles, from fashion enthusiasts to gastronomy enthusiasts to technology enthusiasts. On the downside, this card can sometimes seem impersonal, especially if it is not part of an approach consistent with your company's values.

Our tip: Opt for a committed card like the Thank you Thursday card, which offers a wide choice of ethical partners, in line with consumer expectations.

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Reward 2: coupons or discounts for your products and services

Discounts encourage your customers to consume more and come back to your brand, while limiting your costs. However, they can devalue your product or create a dependency on promotions and end up damaging your image in the long run. If a customer knows that they will always be able to benefit from discount coupons, then why would they buy at full price? Let's add that this option may not look like a real reward in the eyes of some people. From their point of view, they would like to be thanked other than by being encouraged to spend even more at home.

Our tip: by using a solution like TheudiMerci, you can offer a wide range of rewards and let your sponsors choose between a coupon or another gift.

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Reward 3: discover “friendly” brands

What if you partner with brands that share your values? It is a good idea to strengthen your image, while offering a relevant advantage to your sponsors. But be careful! If the reward is limited to a coupon, it can be seen as a simple incentive to consume more, with no real personal benefit. As with the previous option, this one may not be perceived as a “real gift.”

Our tip: combine this strategy with a win-win partnership with your “friendly” brands. Concretely, they highlight your program and vice versa. In a sense, it's a cross-acquisition campaign.

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Reward #4: charitable donations

By allowing your customers to support a cause that is important to them, you reinforce the solidarity and committed image of your company. However, not all customers will see this as a personal reward.

Our tip: choose among several associations so that your sponsors can get involved in a cause that inspires them.JeudiMerci offers customizable options to integrate this dimension into your campaigns.

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Reward #5: Raffle tickets

The strategy of raffle tickets or participation in a draw makes it possible to highlight very nice gifts by offering rewards with high added value. For example, trips or high-tech products. And all this without blowing your budget. This option will be particularly effective on a short-term “booster” sponsorship offer. The risk is unequal treatment.

It's no secret: customers love to feel privileged, but hate to feel aggrieved. As a result, lottery losers may feel frustrated if no other rewards are offered.

Our tip: combine this type of reward with a consolation prize (such as a discount voucher or a small gift), to value all participants.

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Reward #6: a thank you card

Simple and personal, the thank you card shows your appreciation and strengthens the emotional bond with your customer. A handwritten and signed card is preferred. But on the other hand, if that's all it's going to be, it might seem a bit light. A thank you card alone may seem inadequate, especially in programs where customers expect more substantial rewards.

Our tip: Use the thank you card to announce or accompany a bigger reward. And sign it with the hand of an iconic person who embodies your business!

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Reward #7: a physical gift

Physical objects leave an imprint that lasts over time, especially when they are objects that are useful in everyday life. The problem is that it can be difficult to choose a universal gift that appeals to everyone. It is better to be able to give customers the choice.

Our tip: rely on a dedicated service like that of Thursday Thank you, to offer a variety of gifts and to relieve you of the logistics.

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Reward #8: a memorable experience

Experiences (cooking classes, escape games, travel, etc.) leave a lasting impression and associate your brand with a pleasant moment. In terms of disadvantages, you should be aware that these rewards can be expensive.

Our tip: Reserve this type of reward for your most committed ambassadors and let them choose their experience to maximize the emotional impact.

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The key to a successful referral program? It's ThursdayThank you who delivers it to you! By choosing to use our services, you have access to a complete range of rewards, from gift cards to unforgettable experiences. Our support is based on three pillars:

• Full customization: your sponsors choose their reward from a wide range of options.
• An expert service: our dedicated team helps you optimize your campaigns.
• Simplified management: an automated platform takes care of logistics, from physical rewards to charitable donations.

A well-designed sponsorship program is not just a lever for acquisition: you should see this initiative as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship with your existing customers. So, ready to reward your ambassadors? Discover our offer today !

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