Loyalty programs can help small businesses as easily as they help large chains. Small business retail is based on customer relationships that are even closer than the ones larger brands cultivate. A few ideas for starting or expanding customer loyalty programs can help small businesses strengthen connections to their communities:

• Mission-based reward programs can direct a portion of sales to community organizations and causes.
• Reward referrals can draw on community ties and help neighbors connect to local brands.
• Exclusive deals can be targeted to a wide range of customers and may emphasize neighborly connections.
• Loyalty punch cards can be designed to generate rewards hyperlocally or with a geographic focus.
• Gamifying point collection can be structured to reward local repeat customers.

To get more insights on customer loyalty programs, see this story from the of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s CO publication.