Build brand loyalty FAST using this one simple trick

From deciding exactly what makes your brand stand out, to making your brand a front-runner in your field, brand loyalty is the key to business success. However, it can be difficult to find, and even harder to keep. 

But, with 79% of recipients of promotional gifts feeling appreciated, we’ve got one simple trick for building brand loyalty FAST. Give more gifts.

Everyone loves to receive a gift, right? You’ll know that any brand that has sent you a gift, be it a free chocolate bar or even just a card to say thanks, has left a lasting, positive impression on you, one that wholeheartedly endears you to the brand. That’s brand loyalty, and that’s the power of gifts. 

The emotional bond that forms when you give gifts to customers puts your brand ahead in terms of brand loyalty. It’s integral to building relationships, keeping you in front of your customers, and making your brand as approachable as possible. Give more gifts, and build your brand loyalty FAST.

6 ways gifts build brand loyalty

1) Giving gifts builds relationships
Gift-giving is one of the best ways to strengthen relationships that last and build brand loyalty. Daniel Farrelly, professor of psychology at the University of Worcester, argues that because we’re a social species, gifting is in our DNA:

“We’re an extremely social species, and much of our success is due to the fact that we get along in groups by being able to cooperate with others. One great way to do that is by exchanging gifts – incurring a cost to benefit another individual – and special times of the year like Christmas are such an opportunity.”

We’ve seen time and time again that the act of gift-giving builds stronger social relationships and strengthens the group bonds in which we work. 

The very act of giving provides us with a better way to communicate our feelings, with the key being the gift must be freely (and gladly) accepted.

You need to remember that sending a gift without any real thought isn't a gift. You need to be genuine. Real. Meaningful. And what better gift than something they’ll use and love for years to come?

2) Giving gifts helps you to stay relevant
In today’s connection economy, the more you share, the richer you are. 

Your customers should be the people you empower to help them get better results and to aid in their successes. The more gifts you give to empower, the better.

Their success is your success. As the saying goes, “When times are good you should advertise. When times are bad you must advertise.” 

Stay relevant by keeping your brand at the forefront of customers' minds. Prospects will remember how your brand made them feel, ensuring they’ll call upon you the next time they need you. 

3) A great gift campaign boosts social media engagement  
The people you connect with on social media who like and share your posts will organically become customers and brand advocates, and they’re the best. The more you engage and share, the more positive impact you’ll create, meaning you’ll have a whole community of brand-happy people ready to share their brand loyalty with others. And everyone loves to show off a surprise fantastic gift they receive.

4) Gifts spark new brand loyalty
With everyone being bombarded with emails and calls promoting great offers daily, catching your prospect’s attention can sometimes feel like a struggle. To grab their attention, and keep it, you need to stand out from the crowd, you need to make a big impact. By sending a personal, thoughtful gift that makes a lasting and meaningful impression, you’ll do just that. If you start your relationship off with a superbly positive tone, you’ll be on your way to positive brand loyalty in no time. 

5) And gifts spark brand new conversations 
Gifts allow you the flexibility to have that little extra touch, that little extra gifting flare, whatever that means to you and your brand. Be it a complimentary coffee mug encouraging more sustainable habits, or a brand new notebook to ensure they stay organised, a personalised gift makes your brand stand out from the crowd, and sparks brand new conversations.

6) A gift speaks more than 1,000 words
By making more brand-conscious choices when it comes to sending out gifts, you’ll magnify your brand message tenfold, attracting more quality prospects who are more likely to connect with your brand via reciprocation.

When’s a good time to give a gift? 

Is there ever a bad time to send gifts? Sometimes a gift is more effective at building brand loyalty if sent at a specific time, or for a specific reason. 

• Sending gifts over the holiday season 

• Send gifts during an economic slowdown

Spending your budget on gifts during an economic slowdown may seem counterintuitive, but sending gifts out during a financial slump will save your brand in the long run. That’s because you’ll stay relevant and build relationships whilst your competitors cut back, so when life returns to normal, you’ll be one step ahead. You’ll also make people feel cared for during a difficult time, and they’ll positively remember your brand because of it. 

• A special work anniversary/event

Giving gifts to customers on a special work anniversary or event is a perfect way to increase the excitement around said date, as well as your brand presence online.

Giving gifts ensures brand loyalty

Getting your brand in front of people is half the battle, the rest is keeping their attention. A well-timed gift can be a magical hero when it comes to brand loyalty. It can strengthen the bond between your brand and clients, and if done well, your customers will become loyal brand advocates in no time. 

For more ideas on how to keep prospects’ attention and build brand loyalty, get in touch today.