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Retargeting Campaigns
The Winning Trio: How Retargeting Funnels, Email, and Loyalty Programs Drive Shopify Success
June 19, 2025
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Retargeting Campaigns
VIP Tiers vs. One-Time Discounts: What Actually Drives Repeat Sales for Your Shopify Store?
For Shopify merchants looking to increase repeat purchases and customer lifetime value, the debate is familiar: should you offer one-time discounts to incentivize returns, or build a long-term loyalty program with VIP tiers that reward ongoing engagement?While both strategies can yield short-term results, only one has the power to consistently bring shoppers back and turn them into lifelong customers.In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each approach, backed by data, real-world use cases, and best practices. You’ll also learn how Shopify merchants are using apps like [Akohub] (https://apps.shopify.com/ako-retargeting) to build high-performing loyalty ecosystems that go far beyond the discount code. Why Repeat Customers Matter More Than Ever If you're only chasing first-time buyers with discount codes, you’re leaving serious money on the table.Here’s why: Repeat customers are 9x more likely to convert than new visitors Source: Adobe Digital Index Report Increasing retention by just 5% can boost profits by 25–95% Source: Bain & Company Returning customers often spend 67% more per order than new ones Source: Bain & Company “The Value of Customer Experience Acquiring new customers is great but keeping them is where your Shopify store starts to scale with stability. One-Time Discounts: Fast, But Often Fleeting One-time discounts are a go-to for many Shopify merchants, easy to set up and great for quick conversions. Whether it’s 10% off a first order or a cart abandonment email, they can help close the sale. But these offers often attract price-driven shoppers who buy once and never return. Over time, they can lower your margins and train customers to wait for the next deal. While discounts might deliver short-term results, they don’t encourage long-term loyalty or deeper engagement with your brand. VIP Loyalty Tiers: Built for Long-Term Growth [VIP loyalty tiers] (https://www.shopify.com/blog/vip-program) are a smarter way to drive repeat purchases and build emotional engagement. Instead of rewarding every customer the same way, VIP tiers give shoppers a reason to stay, spend more, and feel valued over time.With a tiered system, customers unlock perks based on how much they’ve spent or how many points they’ve earned. Common tier rewards include: Free shipping Birthday gifts Early access to new launches Double point days Shopify store credits Example: A Shopify beauty brand uses Akohub to set up a loyalty program that rewards customers from their first purchase. Customers earn 1 point per $1 spent At 300 points, they reach Silver Tier and get free samples with every order At 600 points, they reach Gold Tier with early access and double points during holidays This type of structure builds loyalty while keeping your brand image strong and your margins intact.Akohub syncs directly with Klaviyo, so you can automate personalized emails when customers level up or are close to a reward. It also offers Shopify store credit as a reward option so instead of discounts, customers get credit to spend as they choose, keeping your prices consistent and your brand premium. Shopify Comparison: Discounts vs. VIP Tiers When deciding how to drive more repeat purchases, it’s important to weigh the long-term impact of your strategy. While discounts may seem like the easier route, they often lead to shrinking margins and inconsistent customer behavior. In contrast, VIP loyalty tiers create consistent engagement and emotional investment in your brand.Here’s a side-by-side comparison tailored for Shopify merchants: Ready to Build Loyalty That Lasts? Try Akohub to launch your Shopify loyalty program today. Combine VIP tiers, Shopify store credits, and email automation for a powerful retention strategy that grows with your business. FAQ Should I use one-time discounts or VIP loyalty tiers for my Shopify store?VIP loyalty tiers are better for long-term growth and customer retention. While one-time discounts can drive quick sales, they often attract price-driven customers who don't return. Loyalty tiers build emotional engagement and encourage repeat purchases by rewarding customers for their ongoing relationship with your brand.How long does it take to see results from a loyalty program?Most Shopify merchants see initial engagement within 2-4 weeks, with meaningful repeat purchase increases after 2-3 months. Unlike discounts that work immediately, loyalty programs build momentum over time as customers progress through tiers and develop stronger brand attachment.What rewards should I offer in each VIP tier?Structure rewards to increase in value and exclusivity. Start with Bronze tier offering free shipping and birthday discounts, Silver tier with early access to sales and bonus point days, and Gold tier with exclusive products and highest point multipliers. Base your spending thresholds on 2-3x, 5-7x, and 10-15x your average order value respectively.Will a loyalty program hurt my profit margins like discounts do?When structured properly, loyalty programs can actually improve margins. Instead of blanket percentage discounts, you're rewarding your best customers with perks that cost less (like early access or free shipping). Using Shopify store credits instead of discounts also maintains your pricing integrity.How do I measure if my loyalty program is working?Track key metrics like member repeat purchase rate vs. non-members, average order value of loyalty members, customer lifetime value by tier, and program engagement rates. Most successful programs show 25-30% higher repeat purchase rates among members compared to non-members within 3-6 months.
Retargeting Campaigns
The Winning Trio: How Retargeting Funnels, Email, and Loyalty Programs Drive Shopify Success
Running a Shopify store comes with daily challenges converting traffic, standing out in a crowded market, and encouraging repeat purchases. If you're feeling like your email marketing just isn't cutting it anymore, you're not alone. There’s a smarter, more effective approach: combining retargeting funnels, email marketing, and loyalty programs into a strategy plan.In this blog, we’ll break down how this trio can help you not only recover lost sales but build long-term customer relationships that drive sustainable growth for your Shopify store. What is Retargeting? Retargeting helps you bring back visitors who explored your store but left without buying. With the help of tracking pixels and Shopify-integrated apps, you can show them personalized ads as they browse platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even YouTube.One standout tool for this is Ako Marketing. It’s built specifically for Shopify merchants and makes it super easy to launch high-converting retargeting ads without needing to be a tech expert. Ako automatically segments your visitors, creates personalized ad creatives, and syncs with your product catalog so your shoppers see exactly what they were interested in, and what’s most likely to bring them back.With Ako, you can also combine your retargeting with email campaigns and loyalty program data, creating a seamless experience from first touch to post-purchase. Where Can Shopify Stores Retarget Shoppers? Facebook & Instagram Ads (via Meta Pixel) Google Display Ads YouTube Pre-roll Ads TikTok Retargeting Apps like Ako Marketing and AdRoll Think of retargeting like a gentle nudge reminding shoppers of what they loved about your store but didn’t buy (yet). Why Email Blasts Alone Aren’t Enough Email is still one of the most powerful tools in a Shopify merchant’s toolbox. But here’s the catch: email blasts (those generic, mass-sent campaigns) often miss the mark. Why? Because not all of your customers are at the same stage in the buying journey.Some visitors just discovered your store. Others have been loyal for years. Some abandoned their cart yesterday, while others haven’t opened your emails in months.Sending them all the same message? It’s like offering hot cocoa in the middle of summer. It might work for a few, but for most, it’s just not the right time, or the right message.That’s where retargeting funnels shine. What Makes Retargeting Funnels So Powerful? Imagine this: A visitor checks out a pair of shoes in your Shopify store but doesn’t buy. They see those same shoes on Instagram the next day this time with a small discount. Two days later, they get an email reminding them to grab it before it’s gone. When they finally purchase, they earn loyalty points through your rewards program. That’s a retargeting funnel in action and it’s what apps like [Ako Marketing] (https://akohub.com/) are built to do.Akohub lets you: Set up automated ad campaigns for cart abandoners, product viewers, and inactive customers. Sync your email flows so shoppers are followed up on multiple channels. Integrate with your loyalty program so customers feel rewarded at every step. Why Shopify Stores Win When Retargeting, Email & Loyalty Work Together Let’s face it, customers today need more than just one email to take action. They need a personalized experience. A journey.Here’s how combining these tools builds that journey: Instead of a random message here or there, this combo delivers a cohesive, branded experience that makes customers feel seen, valued, and encouraged to come back. Which Strategy Should You Prioritize? If you’re just starting out, focus on this: Set up Meta Pixe l and install Ako Marketing to start tracking and retargeting. Build a welcome email series and a cart abandonment flow you’ll get results fast. Add a basic loyalty program (even just points or Shopify store credits for purchases) to reward repeat customers. If you’re already doing this? Start optimizing! Segment your lists, test different rewards, and use Akohub’s analytics to improve each part of your funnel. Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Grow Shopify stores thrive when they go beyond one-time blasts and build real, lasting relationships with customers. Retargeting funnels help you bring shoppers back. Email reminds them why they love your brand. Loyalty makes sure they stick around.When you combine all three with a tool like [Ako Marketing]9https://apps.shopify.com/ako-retargeting) you’re not just marketing. You’re building a system that works for you while you sleep.Ready to turn missed opportunities into lifelong customers? 👉 Try Ako Marketing on the Shopify App Store FAQWhat’s the first retargeting ad I should launch?Start with cart abandoners they’ve shown strong intent and are more likely to convert.What’s the best loyalty setup for small stores?Start with 2 tiers (e.g., Silver/Gold), offer points per purchase, and reward reviews or referrals.Do I need Klaviyo or can I just use Akohub?While Klaviyo is great for advanced email flows, Ako Marketing includes a built-in email editor that works seamlessly with your loyalty and ad data perfect for getting started.
Retargeting Campaigns
Why Retargeting Is the Key to Recovering Abandoned Carts
Recover lost sales with smart retargeting. Learn how to transform abandoned carts into revenue through personalized ads, email campaigns, and strategic marketing techniques.
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