How to create a Referral Rewards Program

A referral rewards program is one of the easiest and most effective ways to grow your business. Instead of spending more on ads, you let your loyal customers do the talking and reward them for it! Referral rewards are great to build trust and loyal customers. This blog will guide you on how you can create a referral rewards program.

How to Create Referral Rewards Program

Step 1: Define Rewards for Referrers and Referrals

1. Go to Ako Marketing's dashboard > Loyalty Programs > Referrals

2. Configure rewards for both referrals and referrers:

• Friend Reward (Referrals): Rewards for new members who complete registration using a referral code
• Customer Reward (Referrers): Rewards for existing members when their referred friends register, bind the referral code, and make their first purchase

Click "Create" and select your reward type for both referred friend and customer:

• Points: Add loyalty points to their account
• Amount off: Provide a discount on their next purchase

3. After selecting the reward type, you can customize:
For points:

• Title: Enter a name for the points reward. This is what customers will see in their cart and at checkout.
• Reward Value: Number of points rewarded
• Icon: Visual representation of the reward
• Expiry: Toggle this option on to set an expiration period (1-120 months)

For "Amount off order" rewards:
1. Reward Title: Enter a name for the discount (default is "Amount off order"). This is what customers will see in their cart and at checkout.
2. Reward Value: Choose between:
- Percentage: A percentage discount off the entire order (e.g., 30%)
- Fixed amount: A specific dollar amount off the order
3. Minimum purchase requirements: Select one option:
- No minimum requirements: Discount applies to any order
- Minimum purchase amount ($): Set a minimum spend threshold
- Minimum quantity of items: Require a certain number of items in cart
4. Combinations: Choose which other discounts this reward can stack with:
- Product discounts: Can combine with product-specific promotions
- Order discounts: Can combine with other order-level discounts
- Shipping discounts: Can combine with shipping promotions
5. Reward Expiry: Toggle this option on to set an expiration period (1-120 months)

Step 2: Activate your Referral program

Step 3: Configure Sharing Platforms

Enable multiple sharing options for your members including Facebook, Twitter, LINE, or email

Step 4: Define Where the Referral Link Leads

Set the destination page for users who click on referral links.

1. Configure the Redirect URL where users will land when clicking a referral link

• By default, this is set to your homepage (e.g., website link )

2. Customize the Referral Message that members will share with their friends

You can use these variables in your message:

• {{shopName}}: Your store name
• {{referralCode}}: The member's unique referral code
• {{rewardCollection}}: The reward being offered
• {{redirectLink}}: The URL where friends will be directed

Example message:
Join me at {{shopName}}! Sign up and use my referral code {{referralCode}} to get {{rewardCollection}}! {{redirectLink}}

3. A preview panel shows how your referral message will appear when shared

4. Click activate.

Remember: Do not delete the highlighted text shown below

2. How Members Invite Friends

The referral program lets you earn rewards by inviting friends to join our platform. Members can access their referral tools by logging in their account and accessing it in the customer widget. Here’s how

1. Log into your account
2. Look for the customer widget in your dashboard
3. Find and click on "Refer your friends" option:

Your personal referral link and code will appear (Example: code "a4fvCqPwOu" and a link like "https://salt-and-sugar...")

As a member, you can invite friends using three easy methods:

• Share your referral link - Copy your unique link and send it directly to friends
• Share your referral code - Send your personal code for friends to enter during registration
• Use social media - Click on social icons to quickly share your referral link on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Line, or via email

3. How New Members Register and Redeem Referral Rewards

If you've received a referral from a friend, follow these steps:

1. Click the referral link. After your friends click the referral link to enter the store, they will need to login and they will automatically receive the rewards on their wallet.

2. Click the social platform icon to forward the member's recommended link to your personal social account. The platforms that can be forwarded include LINE, Facebook, Twitter (𝕏).

3. Enter the referral code. After successful registration, you'll see a confirmation of your reward (Example: "500" points added)

After Registration

• You'll receive 100 points immediately in your new account
• Your friend who referred you will also receive their reward
• You can start using your points for discounts or special offers
• You can now refer your own friends and earn additional rewards

Example Scenario

Maria (Existing Member):

1. Logs into her account and accesses the referral section
2. Copies her unique code "I6kmELX7OrEt"
3. Texts her friend John: "Hey John! Sign up using my referral code I6kmELX7OrEt and we'll both get 100 bonus points!"

John (New Member):

1. Receives Maria's text and visits the website
2. Creates a new account using his email or social media
3. During registration, enters "I6kmELX7OrEt" in the referral code field
4. Completes registration and receives 100 points
5. Maria also receives 100 points for the successful referral

Start inviting friends today and watch your rewards grow with each successful referral!