Open Loyalty have released their latest Loyalty Trends Report which covers existing and upcoming trends in customer loyalty marketing. Each year, Open Loyalty prepare their report to inspire marketers and loyalty consultants with industry insights and predictions to support the creation of better marketing strategies for winning customer loyalty.

The research is based on the insights from 112 interviews with high-profile loyalty consultants and professionals from various locations and industries.

The 2021/22 Loyalty Trends Report attempts to answer some pertinent questions:

• What goals and challenges do loyalty professionals see?
• What are the most significant trends in loyalty marketing in the long and short term?
• What are the most common areas for investments?
• What are the predictions for the future of loyalty programs?

According to responders, the industry trends which are predicted to have the biggest impact on loyalty marketing in the next 2-3 years include mobile payments, paid membership and subscription, predictive analytics, and gamification/game-based mechanics.

Philip Shelper (CEO, Loyalty & Reward Co) was interviewed for the report, and was quoted as saying, “As companies continue to be negatively impacted by Covid-19, the urgency to drive short-term revenue will increase. Many companies will ramp up their digital marketing efforts, hitting their loyalty program base with email after email to stimulate sales. This ‘marketing assault’ will irritate most members and reflect badly on the whole industry.”

He went on to say, “The convergence of payments and loyalty is the big story playing out globally. Klarna buying Stocard demonstrates the value fintechs see in loyalty member bases. These types of acquisitions will continue. Card-linking and merchant-funded rewards will expand and become mainstream via banks, airline and supermarket programs, utilities and other industries.”

Open Loyalty’s 2021/22 Loyalty Trends Report can be access for free here.

Philip Shelper is the CEO & Founder of Loyalty & Reward Co, the leading loyalty consulting agency. Loyalty & Reward Co design the world’s best loyalty programs for the world’s best brands.

Phil has many years’ experience within the loyalty industry, including roles at Qantas Frequent Flyer and Vodafone.

Phil is a member of several hundred loyalty programs, and a researcher of loyalty psychology and loyalty history, all of which he uses to understand the essential dynamics of what makes a successful loyalty program.

Phil is the author of ‘Loyalty Programs: The Complete Guide’, the most comprehensive book on loyalty programs available.

Phil holds a Bachelor of Economics degree, Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree, a post-graduate Certificate in Management in Marketing, and a Diploma of Project Management.

Let’s connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipshelper/