How to Get Customers to Join Your Loyalty Program | Proven Strategies
Jan 11, 2026
You've built a loyalty program. The rewards are compelling. The structure makes sense. But there's a problem: nobody's signing up.
A loyalty program only works when customers actually join. The best-designed program in the world accomplishes nothing if it sits unused. Getting customers to sign up is the first hurdle—and for many businesses, it's where programs stall.
The good news: proven techniques exist for driving signups. Businesses that implement these strategies consistently see enrollment rates three to five times higher than those that simply launch and hope.
This article covers four approaches that work: signup incentives, strategic promotion, staff training, and creative social engagement. Apply them consistently, and watch your membership numbers climb.
1. Offer a Compelling Signup Reward
The question every customer unconsciously asks when presented with a loyalty program: "What's in it for me right now?"
Future rewards are motivating, but they're abstract. A signup reward provides immediate, tangible value that overcomes inertia and drives action.
Why Signup Rewards Work
Immediate gratification: Humans prefer rewards now over rewards later. A signup bonus delivers instant value rather than promised future benefit.
Reduced friction: Joining anything—even something free—requires effort. An immediate reward compensates for that effort.
Demonstrates value: The signup reward shows customers what they can expect from the program. It's a preview of the ongoing relationship.
Creates reciprocity: When you give something first, customers feel inclined to reciprocate—often through continued engagement.
Effective Signup Reward Ideas
Instant discount: "Join today and get 15% off your purchase right now."
This works because it directly reduces the current transaction cost. The customer benefits immediately, on the purchase they're already making.
Free item: "Sign up and receive a free pastry with your order."
Giving something tangible feels generous. The cost to you is low (a pastry costs pennies to produce), but the perceived value is high.
Bonus progress: "Join and start with 2 stamps already earned—you're on your way to your free coffee!"
This creates momentum. The customer isn't starting from zero; they're already partway to their goal. The Endowed Progress Effect shows this dramatically increases completion rates.
Exclusive access: "Members get early access to new menu items and seasonal specials."
For customers who value being first or feeling special, exclusive access can be as compelling as discounts.
The Data Behind Signup Rewards
Businesses that offer signup incentives consistently build membership three times faster than those that don't. The incentive doesn't need to be expensive—it needs to be immediate and relevant.
Perkstar lets you configure signup rewards that trigger automatically. Set it once, and every new member receives their welcome benefit without manual intervention.
Making It Irresistible
The best signup rewards share characteristics:
Easy to understand: No complicated terms or conditions
Immediately deliverable: Available on the current visit or transaction
Genuinely valuable: Something customers actually want
Low cost to you: Sustainable at scale as membership grows
Test different offers if you're unsure what resonates. A café might find "free pastry" outperforms "10% off"—or vice versa. Let customer response guide your decision.
2. Promote Everywhere Customers Look
If customers don't know your program exists, they can't join. Visibility is essential—and many businesses underestimate how much promotion a loyalty program requires.
The Visibility Problem
Research shows the vast majority of consumers check businesses online before visiting. A significant portion specifically look for loyalty or discount programs when choosing where to shop. If they can't find information about your program, they may choose a competitor who makes their benefits clear.
Yet many businesses launch loyalty programs and barely mention them. A small sign at the register. An afterthought mention on the website. No wonder signups disappoint.
Promote In-Store
Your physical location offers multiple touchpoints:
Point of sale: The checkout counter is prime real estate. Display cards, signage, and QR codes where customers naturally look while completing transactions.
Table/station signage: For restaurants, cafés, salons, and similar businesses, place information where customers spend time—tables, chairs, waiting areas.
Window displays: Passersby should know you have a loyalty program before they walk in.
Receipts and packaging: Include a clear call-to-action on receipts. For businesses with takeaway or delivery, include information in packaging.
Restrooms: Yes, really. It's quiet, customers have a moment, and they'll notice a well-placed sign.
The goal: Make it impossible for a customer to visit without becoming aware of your program.
Promote Online
Your digital presence matters just as much:
Website homepage: Don't bury loyalty program information on a subpage. Feature it prominently where visitors will see it.
Dedicated landing page: Create a page explaining how the program works, what rewards are available, and how to join. Include your QR code for easy signup.
Google Business Profile: Mention your loyalty program in your business description. It's visible when people search for you.
Email signature: Every email you send is an opportunity. Add a line about your program.
Order confirmation emails: If you take online orders or bookings, include program information in confirmation messages.
The Consistency Factor
Promotion isn't a one-time effort. Customers need multiple exposures before taking action. Mention your program:
On social media regularly (not just at launch)
In email newsletters periodically
Through staff mentions at every appropriate interaction
Via signage that stays visible, not just during launch week
Repetition isn't annoying—it's effective. Each mention reaches someone who missed the previous ones or wasn't ready to act until now.
3. Train Staff to Be Enthusiastic Advocates
Your staff are your most powerful enrollment tool. A genuine recommendation from a person beats any sign or website.
Why Staff Matter So Much
Trust: Customers trust staff recommendations more than marketing materials.
Timing: Staff can mention the program at optimal moments—when customers are engaged and receptive.
Personalisation: Staff can tailor the pitch to individual customers: "Since you come in every week, you'd earn a free coffee pretty quickly."
Questions: Staff can answer questions and address hesitation in ways signage cannot.
What Staff Need to Know
Before expecting staff to promote your program, ensure they understand it:
How it works: The earning mechanism (stamps, points, etc.), the rewards available, and any relevant terms.
How to sign up customers: The practical mechanics. With Perkstar's wallet integration, this is simple—show the QR code, customer scans, card saves to their phone in seconds.
Why it benefits customers: The value proposition in plain language. "You'll earn a free coffee every few weeks just by visiting like you already do."
Common questions: What happens if they lose their card? (Digital cards can't be lost.) How do they check their progress? (It's in their phone wallet.) When do rewards expire? (Whatever your policy is.)
Making Promotion Natural
Staff shouldn't feel like salespeople. The goal is natural mention, not aggressive pitching:
At checkout: "Are you a member of our loyalty program? You're just a few stamps away from a free drink."
For new customers: "Have you joined our loyalty program? It takes two seconds and you'll earn rewards every time you visit."
For regulars: "I notice you come in pretty often—are you earning stamps for that? You'd have a free coffee by now!"
Incentivising Staff
Consider giving staff motivation to drive signups:
Recognition for hitting enrollment milestones
Small rewards for the team when targets are reached
Making signup counts visible (friendly competition)
Celebrating when the program hits membership milestones
When staff feel invested in the program's success, their promotion feels genuine rather than obligatory.
4. Get Creative on Social Media
Social media offers unique opportunities to promote your loyalty program—especially when you move beyond simple announcements.
Beyond "Join Our Loyalty Program"
Posting "We have a loyalty program, join today!" accomplishes little. It's forgettable, doesn't create engagement, and doesn't give people a reason to act.
Creative approaches break through:
Member spotlights: Feature loyal customers (with permission) and their rewards. "Sarah just earned her 10th free coffee! Thanks for being a regular."
Progress celebrations: Celebrate program milestones. "We just hit 500 members! To celebrate, everyone who joins this week gets double stamps."
Behind-the-scenes rewards: Show rewards being prepared or delivered. Make rewards feel special and visible.
Countdowns: "Only 3 days left to join during our launch bonus period."
Interactive Campaigns
Engagement drives visibility. Consider:
User-generated content: Ask members to share photos using your products with a branded hashtag. Feature the best ones and offer rewards for participation.
Contests tied to membership: "Share your favourite order for a chance to win a month of free coffees. Must be a loyalty member to enter."
Polls and questions: "What reward would you most want us to add?" Engagement with your posts increases their reach.
Referral promotions: "Tag a friend who needs to join our loyalty program. If they sign up, you both get bonus stamps."
Platform-Specific Tactics
Instagram: Visual content showing rewards, member moments, and program benefits. Stories for time-sensitive promotions. Link in bio to your signup page.
Facebook: Longer-form content explaining program benefits. Event creation for special promotions. Community building through comments and shares.
TikTok: Behind-the-scenes content, satisfying reward reveals, staff personality. For businesses with younger demographics.
Consistency Over Virality
You don't need a viral campaign. You need consistent presence. Mention your loyalty program regularly—not every post, but frequently enough that followers can't miss it.
One business we've seen: they mention their loyalty program in roughly one of every five social posts. It's not overwhelming, but over months, every follower has seen multiple reminders. Their enrollment rate reflects it.
Bringing It All Together
Each strategy reinforces the others:
Signup rewards give customers a reason to join when staff mention the program
Promotion creates awareness that makes staff mentions more effective
Staff training converts awareness into action
Social media extends reach beyond in-store interactions
Businesses that implement all four consistently see dramatically higher enrollment than those relying on any single approach.
Quick Wins to Start Today
This week:
Configure a signup reward (Perkstar makes this simple)
Print and display QR codes prominently
Brief staff on the program and how to mention it naturally
This month:
Create a dedicated webpage for your program
Post about the program on social media 2-3 times
Track signup rates and identify what's working
Ongoing:
Mention the program consistently across all channels
Refresh signage and messaging periodically
Celebrate milestones publicly
Getting Started
Ready to grow your loyalty program membership? Start with what you can implement immediately:
Add a signup reward if you don't have one—bonus stamps or a small discount work well
Display QR codes prominently at every customer touchpoint
Talk to your staff about why the program matters and how to mention it
Post on social media about your program this week
Perkstar provides the tools: configurable signup rewards, QR codes for easy enrollment, wallet integration that makes joining take seconds, and analytics to track what's working.
The 14-day free trial gives you time to set up, promote, and see real enrollment results.
Start your free trial at Perkstar →
Your loyalty program is only as valuable as the number of customers using it. Put these strategies to work, and watch your membership grow.
