Loyalty rewards programs are more prominent and popular than ever. Continue reading “Ultimate guide to setting up a customer rewards program for retailers”
Author: shopkick
How proximity-sensing advertising drives brand engagement
For many marketers, it’s not so much a question of if they should focus on brand engagement, but rather how they should best go about doing so. Continue reading “How proximity-sensing advertising drives brand engagement”
How to Jumpstart Your 2021 Goals: Part 1
The first week of the new year often provides many of us with a much-needed boost of energy after a relaxing week and a half of family time and never quite knowing what day it is. We’re excited to embrace schedules again, and many of us are also ready to start tackling our goals.
We’re more than optimistic about everything we hope 2021 has in store, but we’ve also been feeling a bit more cautious as we set our intentions for the new year. If you’re feeling uncertain about planning big things for the year ahead due to Covid-19 or you’re not quite sure how to start working toward your goals, we thought we would break down some of the most common goals or resolutions so often set on January 1 in a two-part series.
Today, we’re detailing ways to travel, lessen screen time, or workout more in 2021. And, we’ll be back next week with our second installment of our goals series!
Let’s kickoff 2021 with positivity and put your goals into action together!
Travel:
Throughout 2020, travel looked different for many of us, and we have a feeling that will continue for much of 2021. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore!
Look into hiking trails to experience, nearby towns you have never explored, museums and zoos that have long been on your list to visit, and lakes and beaches to frequent as the weather warms up again. Although each option may be close to home, we do believe you can still create plenty of memories with your family!
If you’re still missing your favorite city or attraction, take a peek on tourism websites to see which museums and sites are offering virtual tours (here + here for ideas!)
Lessen Screen Time:
Our days are spent on Zoom, and we’re reaching for our phones more than ever before. Many people have a desire to lessen screen time for themselves and their kids, and it’s definitely possible!
Consider creating specific windows with start and end times for being on a screen. You can set limits on your smartphone for specific apps, and your phone will notify you when you’ve hit your limit. The key is then walking away! Another idea is to cultivate a new hobby that’s away from your screen – reading, crafting, or working on a home improvement project are all popular. Lastly, think about schedule game nights with your family.
The best way to start a new habit to stop an old one is to find things you are more excited to do than anything you can experience on a screen. It’s possible!
Workout:
Many people set fitness goals as a new year begins, so the key is to get moving! But, sometimes the next question is how?
One idea is to start simple – create a window to take a 15-30 minute walk outside. Even if the temperatures are less than ideal (it’s winter after all!), wrap up with a coat, hat, and gloves. Once you get moving, you will warm up; we promise! Create a playlist, find a podcast you enjoy, or choose an audiobook to listen to while you walk.
If your goal is to take workout classes, search for ones you might enjoy on YouTube (here’s a list of great online classes). You can also sign up for an app, like Peloton, for less than $15/month to take a variety of classes.
Think about asking a friend (or many!) to join you on your fitness journey. Then, text each other to check in to see who has completed their workout for the day. Accountability groups can work wonders to keep you on track!
What step can you take today to start working toward your goals? Keep the encouragement going on Facebook!
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Smart in-store marketing tactics that drive retail sales
Traditional in-store marketing tactics have included product demos and sampling, but 2021 will prove challenging for these activities, given the social distancing measures that will likely remain in place for much of the year. Continue reading “Smart in-store marketing tactics that drive retail sales”
11 Fun Family Activities for Winter Break at Home
In between celebrating the holidays this week and counting down to the new year next week, many families will be spending time at home together. We always enjoy the final two weeks of the year because they feel both fun and relaxing at the same time. Even though we have spent more time at home than ever before this year, there are still fun ways to make your time off feel like a true staycation. So, we’re detailing 11 fun family activities you can do at home with kids of all ages!
Build a Fort:
Kids (and adults!) love building and spending time in forts, so gather pillows and blankets together and start building. You can even add string lights inside! Think about naming your fort and drawing a sign to make things official. Cozy up inside and watch a movie, read a book, play a game, or tell stories together.
Write a Story:
Your kids likely have books they love to read and reread again and again. To spark their imaginations, ask them to write their own story complete with words and illustrations. Computer paper is perfect for this because you can easily have the pages bound together at an office supply store. You can also tell stories aloud or write a family story together. Whatever you and your kids create will become a new favorite!
Do a Scavenger Hunt:
We know many of you love to spend time outside! One of the easiest activities to do is to take a walk. To keep kids entertained, think about doing a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood while you stroll. Decorations will likely still be on display for much of this week and next, so consider giving Studio DIY’s scavenger hunt a try!
Make a Calendar:
Rather than purchasing a calendar, create your own with photos you have captured this year! Sites like Minted and Shutterfly have great easy-to-use options to create desk and wall calendars to use in your home or work-from-home office spaces. Ask your kids to help you to choose the photos and design each month together! You’ll love looking back on past memories throughout 2021.
Do a Puzzle:
Puzzles are a great activity you can complete all in one sitting or return to throughout an extended period of time. Working on a puzzle on the floor always works well because there’s plenty of space. If you’re working on a larger puzzle, however, you will likely want to house it in a spot that it can stay until it’s complete. A card table, desk, or dining room table works wonders for this purpose! Then you can add a piece or two whenever you walk past or settle in for a longer session. Stores like Target and Walmart have puzzles, and you can also find them at bookstores. If you want to make your own from a photo you captured, look into Zazzle!
Play Board Games:
If you can’t quite remember when you last played a board game together or you play them frequently, choose one to play together! You can even create a tournament where you play multiple games throughout the week or weekend, and the person with the most wins gets a prize.
Send Mail:
During the holidays, many of us are sending and receiving holiday mail. But, once January arrives, the “fun” mail tends to stop. So, ask your kids to draw pictures or make cards for friends and family. Their January days will be brightened instantly!
Make a Wrapping Paper Craft:
Before you throw away the wrapping paper that’s tossed aside after opening holiday gifts, think about saving it. We spotted this article from Buzzfeed that details plenty of crafts you and your kids can make from wrapping paper as a way to reuse it!
Play with Water:
Even though it may be a little cold in many areas to go swimming in a pool or the ocean, that doesn’t mean your kids can’t play with water. Young kids love to “help”, so have them wash their toys in the bath or sink. You can also play with water beads! Another simple idea? Add bubbles to a bath.
Donate Toys:
The holidays typically mean adding more toys to your collection. If your kids have toys they no longer play with or you simply want to create more space in your home, why not spend time choosing toys to donate. Think about placing a number around the donation, like 5-10 toys, and then asking your kids to review what they love and what they really don’t play with as much anymore. Giving old toys a new home means they can keep being enjoyed, which is the goal!
Have a Spa Day:
The week in between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is one we hope is relaxing. To enhance the relaxation and fun, host a spa day at home! Purchase face masks you have yet to try, do manicures and pedicures, soak your feet, and enjoy a bubble bath. This is also the perfect time to officially wear sweatpants and leggings! After your day at the “spa”, read a book, catch up on a TV show, or watch a movie…and order takeout.
A quick tip: bookmark these ideas for the winter and rainy days! Most of these ideas aren’t holiday specific, so refer back to them whenever you need an idea for something fun you and your family can do inside together. As always, make sure to keep the conversation going on Facebook!
Strategies for proximity marketing that drive the customer journey
The customer journey is composed of the five key shifts a prospective buyer experiences on the path to purchase: Continue reading “Strategies for proximity marketing that drive the customer journey”
A Few Thoughts As We Head Into 2021
By Dave Fisch, General Manager of Shopkick
Top 6 benefits of mobile marketing in retail: Everything you need to know for 2021
5 Ways to Save Money Before the Holidays
Believe it or not, we have all officially made it to the middle of December! And, can you believe Hanukkah is well underway and Christmas is in just over a week? Suddenly, this month feels like it’s flying by, especially because our to-do lists are all full and (likely) overflowing. If you’re still purchasing gifts for everyone on your list or prepping to enjoy the holiday season, we thought we would share five ways to save money and keep your budget in check. Yes, it’s still possible! Keep reading below.
1. Watch for Sales:
As retailers and small businesses alike try to meet their sales goals this holiday season, many are still launching opportunities to save daily. We find the sales can change quickly from day-to-day, so if you think the price of an item on your list might come down there’s a solid chance it might. This is especially true if you’re purchasing clothing. The key thing to do is to keep tabs on your email if you’re signed up to receive emails, or pop onto the retailer’s website daily. You never know when the sale you’ve been hoping for will launch, and the best thing you can do is to be ready.
2. Redeem Your Kicks:
When was the last time you checked your kick balance? We know you check it often, but if it’s been a minute pop into the app and see how many kicks you have earned. Then, redeem them for a gift card! This is a great way to save because you can redeem your kicks for a retailer that has items you still need to purchase on your list. Checking off the final items will feel great when you know you can use a gift card to lessen the amount you owe!
3. Follow Your List:
December always means extra trips to retailers and grocery stores alike, and it’s so easy to veer off of your list. In order to keep your budget in check, make a list before you go and stick to it! If you do see items that inspire a different idea, consider if it’s worth it to change course. The thing to do, though, is to edit – don’t add and spend more than you had planned.
4. Shop Online, Pick Up In-Store:
This year, shopping online and picking up your order at the store has become incredibly popular. And, we’re fans for several reasons! First, shopping online still means you can earn kicks. Second, shopping from home means you’re going to be much less likely to purchase items that aren’t on your list. You’re visiting a specific webpage rather allowing additional things to catch your eye as you search for what you need in the store. Third, shopping online is a great way to avoid shipping costs, and you can pick your order up on the same day in many cases. Fourth, it’s the easiest way to social distance! Have we convinced you to give it a try?
5. Go Homemade:
Homemade gifts are typically the most thoughtful gifts given and received year after year. And, it’s for a great reason! They require thought, time, and care, and family and friends typically love to see what you have created with them in mind. So, make an ornament, frame photos you print at the pharmacy, bake cookies, cook and deliver a meal. The options are endless, and the time you will spend creating your DIY will be well worth it both as you save money and experience the reaction of your recipient opening a gift that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
How are you saving money as we near the end of the holiday season? Chime in with our community on Facebook!
Surging COVID Cases Means Stocked Pantries: Consumers Stockpiling More Now Than in March
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Customer loyalty does more than signify the groundwork of a fruitful, long-term relationship between brand and customer; it provides a multitude of strategic benefits that improve the health and success of a brand. Continue reading “Comparing customer loyalty programs: Which marketing strategy is right for your brand?”