April Right Now Report
This month in the Right Now Report, we’re diving into how loyalty programs can strengthen customer relationships, the ongoing importance of the marketing funnel and how texting could be a powerful tool for reaching your audience. If you’re in the B2B or DTC space, this edition is packed with practical ways to connect and keep people engaged.
Are Loyalty Programs Still Worth It?
Loyalty programs can be a powerful tool to keep customers coming back, especially as brand switching continues to rise. According to recent Salesforce data, 85% of shoppers are switching brands to lower-priced goods. Big brands have been leveraging loyalty programs for years, but there’s a real opportunity for businesses of all sizes to tap into this.
66% of retailers already offer loyalty programs and 29% more plan to launch one in the next two years, according to a recent survey from Salesforce. While setting up may take some time, the long-term rewards are worth it.
Why is now the right time? Two-thirds of shoppers switched brands last year. Price was a major factor, but 40% of them moved on because of poor experiences or inconsistent quality. A solid loyalty program gives customers a reason to stay and might even inspire them to share their experience with others. Your program doesn’t need to be overly fancy or complicated.
66% of retailers already offer loyalty programs and 29% more plan to launch one in the next two years, according to a recent survey from Salesforce. While setting up may take some time, the long-term rewards are worth it.
Why is now the right time? Two-thirds of shoppers switched brands last year. Price was a major factor, but 40% of them moved on because of poor experiences or inconsistent quality. A solid loyalty program gives customers a reason to stay and might even inspire them to share their experience with others. Your program doesn’t need to be overly fancy or complicated.
Here are a few simple ways to get started:
- Punch card program: Offer customers a stamp or punch for every purchase. After a certain number of purchases, they get a reward such as a free service, discount or special perk.
- Points-based system: Customers earn points for every dollar spent and can redeem them for rewards. You can keep it simple by offering one point per dollar spent and setting a clear reward threshold. If you don’t want to build your own program from scratch, consider using tools that integrate with the POS or eCommerce platforms you’re already using. These platforms allow you to be a part of existing ecosystems that customers are already familiar with.
- Referral program: Encourage customers to refer friends by offering both the referrer and referee a discount or freebie on their next purchase. This can be a great option for service-based businesses. You can also consider setting up an affiliate program, where customers (or influencers) earn a commission for driving new business. This helps expand your reach and incentivizes word-of-mouth marketing on a larger scale.
- Exclusive perks: Offer members early access to sales, special discounts or free shipping on their next order after they make a purchase.
One thing to remember is that over a third of customers say they’ve joined a loyalty program they’ve never used. So, the goal isn’t just to launch one, it’s to create something people will want to stick with.
The Importance of Your Marketing Funnel
Most people don’t buy the moment they discover you. They need time to understand what you do, why it matters and whether they can trust you. That’s not a flaw in your marketing; it’s just how people work.
Sometimes your offer hits at the right moment, but more often, it takes multiple touchpoints.
One study found it takes eight touchpoints on average to make a sale. For higher-priced products or services, that number can jump to 30+ interactions (RAIN Group). In B2B settings, buyers are often 70% of the way through their decision-making process before they ever reach out (DemandGen Report).
That means your emails, blog posts, social content and event invites all matter—even if they don’t lead to immediate action. We’ve seen people sit on an email list for years before making their first move. They were watching, listening, waiting until the time felt right.
So the next time you feel like your efforts are being ignored, remember: you’re building trust and laying the groundwork for future decisions.
Need help aligning your marketing with your customer journey? Reach out to us to discuss the right strategy for your business.
Is Texting Right for Your Business?
Texting is one of the most direct ways to reach people, yet it’s often underused in small business marketing. With a 98% open rate and 90% of messages read within three minutes (Mozeo), texting offers a fast and effective way to connect.
Not sure if it’s the right fit? Ask yourself:
- Do you have timely updates, reminders, or last-minute openings?
- Do your customers already engage with you on their phones?
- Would a short, direct message improve your customer experience?
According to Retail Insider, 80% of consumers want to receive text messages from brands they love at least once a week. The key is to text with intention: share a quick reminder, a time-sensitive update, or a simple offer. Keep it short, clear and useful.
If texting seems like the right fit, start by choosing a platform—options like Mozeo, SimpleTexting and Textedly all offer easy ways to manage SMS outreach while following important legal guidelines.
That includes making sure people actively opt in to receive messages and giving them a clear way to unsubscribe at any time. Some CRMs or email marketing platforms, like Mailchimp, may even have built-in texting features or integrations.
Start small, with just one use case—like an event reminder or appointment confirmation—to test what works. Texting should feel like a helpful nudge, not a hard sell. It’s about adding value in the moment, not overwhelming your audience.
If you have any questions about these topics or would like support in implementing these trends in your own marketing strategy, we’re here to help. We’re committed to helping you navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing with ease.
We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us today to explore how working with Right Relations can help you stay ahead of the curve and bring joy back to your marketing efforts.