A great loyalty program isn’t just about rewarding guests – it’s about building lasting relationships and encouraging them to choose your hotel every time they travel.

NB: This is an article from Userguest, one of our Expert Partners

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Done right, it’s your golden ticket to turning one-time visitors into lifelong fans. Pair this with smart tools like Userguest, and you’re not just building a loyalty program – you’re creating an experience that guests can’t resist coming back to.

Let’s dive into how you can make it happen.

Building the Loyalty Program Your Guests Will Love

  1. Know Your Guests Like the Back of Your Hand
    Who are your guests? Families on vacation? Romantic couples seeking a getaway? Understanding who walks through your doors is the first step to designing perks they’ll actually care about.
  2. Set Goals That Matter
    Are you looking to boost repeat bookings? Fill those off-season gaps? Whatever it is, be clear about what success looks like so you can measure – and celebrate – it.
  3. Create Tiers Guests Aspire To
    Everyone loves levelling up! Start with simple perks like free Wi-Fi for newbies, then add room upgrades, exclusive experiences, or even free nights for your most loyal VIPs. The more aspirational, the better.
  4. Think Beyond Discounts
    Sure, discounts are nice, but what about unique experiences? Think: private dinners, spa treatments, or a behind-the-scenes tour of your property. Give them something they can’t find anywhere else.
  5. Go Digital, Stay Simple
    Nobody wants to wrestle with a clunky website or app. Make it easy for your guests to track points, claim rewards, and see what’s next with sleek, intuitive tech.
  6. Make Signing Up a No-Brainer
    Whether they’re booking a room, checking in, or scrolling your site, guests should be able to join your program with just a click or two.
  7. Keep Rewards Achievable
    Nothing kills loyalty faster than making rewards impossible to earn. Keep the thresholds realistic and the benefits within reach.

Spreading the Word About Your Loyalty Program

  1. Highlight What Makes It Special
    Guests want to know what’s in it for them – so tell them! Shout about your program’s perks wherever you can: on your website, social media, emails, and even in person.
  2. Leverage Digital Channels
    Promote your loyalty program through:
    • Social Media: Share success stories, testimonials, and exclusive offers.
    • Email Campaigns: Target past guests with personalised invitations.
    • Website Integration: Include prominent pop-ups and dedicated pages explaining the program.

Read the full article at Userguest