Offering Incentives = Program Profitability

In today's competitive market, youth programs are always seeking new ways to engage with their customers and become more profitable. One way to do this is by offering incentives to customers. Incentives can attract new customers, encourage loyalty, and increase revenue.

Offering discounts, free services, products, or other incentives can attract new customers. For example, a youth program could provide discounts to new customers or free services such as a free trial class. Here's why:

Creates Urgency

A limited-time offer can get potential customers to cross that finish line. Establishing a countdown makes customers feel slightly pressured to register before the offer expires. They see they can try your program for less or free, so they take the chance. And maybe they just use the one free trial and don't return. Or they love it and become a returning customer for years to come! 

Reducing Customer Risk

Trying something new can be intimidating, especially for parents who want the best for their children. A free trial reduces the perceived risk, making it easier for them to give the program a chance. Also, investing in youth programs can be a lot for parents. So having the opportunity to try it out without a financial investment is very appealing!

Finding ways to develop customer loyalty can be challenging. Offering an incentive for long-term customers is an easy place to start! Here are a few reasons why introducing an incentive program can increase your customer loyalty:

Positive Reinforcement

Giving discounts to long-term customers offers positive reinforcement for customers who have chosen to stay loyal to a business over time. It acknowledges and rewards their commitment, making them feel appreciated and valued. An example could be getting a discount code for those who have been with your program for over 6 months, or maybe you give out a free event pass. 

It keeps them Coming Back

Different incentives encourage long-term customers to continue their relationship with the business. Knowing they will receive ongoing benefits like discounts can motivate them to remain loyal. 

Emotional Connection

Customers feel valued and appreciated when recognized for their support of your program. Incentives can evoke positive emotions and a sense of attachment to the brand. Long-term customers may feel a deeper emotional connection to the business, leading to stronger loyalty. 

Offering discounts and free services may seem counterintuitive to increasing revenues, but it's a long-term game plan. First, change your mindset a bit and think of discounts this way. Maybe you offer one free entry to an athlete for them to try it out. Now they are coming every week, perhaps twice a week, and paying to be there. That free entry may cost you $30, but now they're returning customers. We understand it can be challenging to get new customers, but that's just one scenario where offering a discount or a special offer to a potential customer can lead to long-term sales revenues.

Incentives can also lead to up-selling your current customers, increasing your bottom line. An example of this could be looking into your spending habits of returning customers. If you find one that could benefit from going up in membership or level of event you offer, then you can give a discounted price for them to try it out. If they enjoy their new experience, they will start to pay more for higher quality services or stay at the same price point. So isn't it worth a shot?

So stop thinking of incentives as something you just offer customers, but think of them as an investment in your business. If you design incentive programs carefully to ensure they align with your business goals and financial objectives, you will see an increase in your bottom line. Offering discounts, free services, loyalty programs, and additional value can help attract new customers, encourage loyalty in your existing customer base, and increase revenue.