Loyalty programs are becoming more important for eCommerce businesses, especially those on Shopify. They give stores a way to turn one-time buyers into repeat customers, build lasting relationships, and increase overall revenue.
For eCommerce store owners and agencies, finding the right loyalty and rewards app is crucial to driving repeat purchases, improving customer retention, and boosting lifetime value. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right app.
In this guide, we’ll take a close look at 8 of the best Shopify loyalty and rewards apps, highlighting their features, pricing, and who they’re best suited for. Whether you’re a store owner looking to scale or an agency managing multiple clients, this list will help you make an informed decision.
Over 48,991 websites currently run Shopify Plus, with nearly 20,000 distinct merchants. (source)
What Are Shopify Loyalty and Rewards Apps?
Shopify loyalty and rewards apps are tools designed to help eCommerce businesses create and manage loyalty programs. These programs reward customers for actions like making purchases, referring friends, or engaging with the brand on social media. The ultimate goal is to encourage repeat business, build stronger customer relationships, and increase customer lifetime value.
Loyalty apps integrate directly with your Shopify store, automating the process of tracking customer behavior and rewarding them with points, discounts, or special offers. These apps can also provide valuable insights into customer engagement, making it easier for store owners and agencies to refine their marketing strategies and boost retention.
Here are some key benefits of using loyalty apps for your Shopify store:
Increase repeat purchases:
- Rewarding customers for their purchases encourages them to come back and buy more.
Boost customer retention:
- A well-executed loyalty program gives customers a reason to stick with your brand rather than going to competitors.
Strengthen customer relationships:
- By rewarding engagement, you create a more personalized shopping experience, which makes customers feel valued.
Drive referrals:
- Many apps offer referral features, helping your existing customers bring in new ones by offering incentives like discounts or rewards for successful referrals.
Why it’s important for eCommerce businesses: Loyalty programs are proven to increase the frequency of customer purchases and improve customer retention. For eCommerce store owners and agencies, setting up a loyalty and rewards program can lead to long-term growth by cultivating a loyal customer base that keeps coming back.
Top 8 Shopify Loyalty and Rewards Apps
1. Smile: Loyalty & Rewards
Smile.io is one of the most popular Shopify loyalty apps, known for its ease of use and wide range of features. It’s designed to help businesses create loyalty points, referral, and VIP reward programs without needing technical skills. Smile works well for both small and large Shopify stores.
Key Features:
- Points-based reward programs for purchases, social shares, and signups.
- Referral programs that reward customers for bringing in new buyers.
- VIP tiers to reward loyal customers with exclusive perks.
- In-app notifications to remind customers of rewards.
- Integrates with popular apps like Klaviyo and Yotpo for better email marketing and reviews.
Pros:
- User-friendly, no coding required.
- Customizable rewards panels and VIP tiers.
- Integrates easily with other Shopify apps.
- Provides on-site reminders (called Nudges) to increase engagement.
Cons:
- The free plan is limited in features.
- Pricing for larger businesses can be high.
Pricing:
- Free plan available (up to 200 monthly orders).
- Paid plans start at $49/month and go up to $999/month for enterprise-level features.
User Review: Rated 4.8/5 on the Shopify App Store, users appreciate Smile’s intuitive interface and powerful integrations but note that it can get expensive for larger stores
2. Growave: Loyalty, Reviews, and Wishlist
Growave is an all-in-one app that combines loyalty programs with features for product reviews, wishlists, and social engagement. It’s perfect for stores looking to enhance both customer retention and overall engagement.
Key Features:
- Points-based rewards system for purchases, social media shares, and referrals.
- Product review collection with automatic requests.
- Wishlist functionality that allows customers to save items.
- VIP tiered loyalty programs.
- Instagram UGC (user-generated content) integration to showcase customer content.
Pros:
- Offers multiple engagement tools beyond just loyalty programs.
- Customizable and easy to use.
- Allows users to collect reviews, increase social proof, and engage customers.
Cons:
- Higher pricing for premium features.
- Some users report technical difficulties.
Pricing:
- Free plan available with limited features (up to 100 orders/month).
- Paid plans range from $49 to $349/month.
User Review: Rated 4.8/5, Growave is praised for being a versatile tool with multiple engagement features, though some users mention occasional technical issues
3. LoyaltyLion
LoyaltyLion is a loyalty platform that offers advanced reward features, including points, referrals, and loyalty tiers. It’s particularly useful for scaling businesses that need more detailed analytics and program customization.
Key Features:
- Points and rewards for customer actions (e.g., purchases, reviews, social shares).
- VIP tiered rewards system.
- Detailed analytics and reporting tools.
- Referral programs to encourage customer referrals.
- Full customization of loyalty program appearance.
Pros:
- Advanced customization and flexibility.
- Powerful analytics for tracking customer engagement.
- Integrates well with major Shopify apps like Klaviyo.
Cons:
- Pricing is higher compared to some competitors.
- Requires more setup time for advanced features.
Pricing:
- Free plan available with limited features.
- Paid plans start at $159/month and go up to custom pricing for larger stores.
User Review: LoyaltyLion is rated 4.6/5 and is favored by users for its in-depth customization and powerful analytics, though some note the higher cost for premium features
4. Rise.ai
Rise.ai focuses on building customer loyalty through store credit, gift cards, and rewards. It is particularly useful for Shopify stores looking to offer more flexible, non-point-based rewards like credits for future purchases.
Key Features:
- Store credit and gift card functionality.
- Automated rewards for purchases and referrals.
- Personalizable gift cards that customers can share.
- Multi-channel integrations to sync rewards across various platforms.
Pros:
- Focuses on store credits, which can feel more valuable to customers than points.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Useful for businesses wanting to offer gift cards as rewards.
Cons:
- Fewer customization options for points-based programs.
- Integrations are still being improved.
Pricing:
- Plans start at $16/month.
User Review: Users rate Rise.ai 4.5/5, highlighting its flexibility with gift cards and store credits, but some mention the need for more integration options
5. Glow: Loyalty Points & Rewards
Glow is known for its ease of use and seamless integration with Shopify. It offers loyalty points and rewards programs with a free plan that’s robust enough for small businesses.
Key Features:
- Points-based loyalty programs.
- Referral programs to encourage new customers.
- VIP tiers for your most loyal customers.
- Customizable reward settings.
Pros:
- Easy to set up with no coding required.
- Free plan includes many essential features.
- Offers both in-store and online loyalty programs.
Cons:
- The free plan is limited to 50 members.
- Paid plans are more expensive compared to other similar apps.
Pricing:
- Free plan available for up to 50 members.
- Paid plans start at $9/month.
User Review: Rated 4.5/5, Glow is appreciated for its simplicity and powerful features, though some users feel the free plan could be more generous
6. Loox: Photo Reviews & Referrals
Loox is a Shopify app that combines loyalty programs with customer review collection, focusing on visual reviews. It allows stores to gather photo reviews from customers, helping to build trust and increase conversions. This app is ideal for businesses that want to use customer photos as part of their rewards strategy.
Key Features:
- Collects visual reviews (customer photos) to display alongside product reviews.
- Customizable widgets and pop-ups for showcasing reviews and ratings.
- Referral programs to encourage customers to bring in new buyers.
- Automated email requests for customer reviews post-purchase.
Pros:
- Great for collecting and showcasing photo reviews, adding social proof.
- Works with AliExpress, making it useful for dropshipping stores.
- Integrates with Shopify to provide automatic review collection.
Cons:
- No free version available.
- The lower-tier plans are limited in features.
Pricing:
- Plans start at $9.99/month, with higher tiers offering more advanced features (up to $299/month).
User Review: Rated 4.9/5, users love Loox for its ability to collect visual reviews and improve customer trust, but some mention that the beginner plan lacks sufficient features for scaling
7. Joy: Loyalty & Rewards Program
Joy is a straightforward loyalty and rewards app for Shopify. It focuses on essential loyalty features like point-based rewards, referrals, and VIP programs, and offers a free plan suitable for small and mid-sized businesses.
Key Features:
- Points-based loyalty program to reward customer purchases, signups, and referrals.
- Customizable rewards system and emails.
- Integrates with Shopify POS, making it a great option for physical and online stores.
- Automated reward reminders to keep customers engaged.
Pros:
- Easy to use, no coding required.
- Free plan available for smaller stores (up to 250 monthly orders).
- POS support allows for in-store loyalty programs.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to higher-priced apps.
- Some users report occasional UI glitches.
Pricing:
- Free plan available for up to 250 monthly orders.
- Paid plans start at $29/month.
User Review: With a 4.9/5 rating, users appreciate Joy’s simple setup and flexibility for both online and in-store rewards, though some note that the free version can be limiting as their store grows
8. Yotpo: Loyalty & Rewards
Yotpo is a well-known platform offering loyalty and rewards programs along with product reviews, SMS marketing, and referrals. It’s geared towards larger eCommerce businesses that need a more comprehensive solution for customer engagement and retention.
Key Features:
- Points-based loyalty system with customizable rewards.
- Referral programs to encourage customers to refer friends.
- SMS marketing to engage customers via text.
- Advanced analytics to track customer loyalty and engagement.
Pros:
- Combines loyalty programs with reviews and SMS marketing.
- Detailed analytics for tracking customer engagement and LTV (lifetime value).
- Integrates with a wide range of Shopify apps and platforms.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other loyalty apps.
- Overkill for smaller stores that don’t need advanced features.
Pricing:
- Free plan available.
- Paid plans start at $199/month.
User Review: Rated 4.7/5, Yotpo is praised for its advanced features and powerful integrations, though its pricing can be prohibitive for smaller businesses
How to Choose the Right Loyalty App for Your Shopify Store
Choosing the right loyalty app can be crucial to the success of your Shopify store’s customer retention strategy. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a loyalty and rewards app for your eCommerce business:
1. Understand Your Store’s Needs
Before diving into the features of various apps, it’s important to understand what your store specifically requires. Ask yourself questions like:
- Are you looking to increase repeat purchases?
- Do you want to implement a referral program?
- How large is your customer base, and what are their buying habits? For example, if your goal is to boost social engagement, an app like Growave, which integrates Instagram UGC (user-generated content), may be a good choice. For simple points-based rewards, Smile.io or Joy might be sufficient
2. Budget and Pricing
Different apps cater to different budget ranges, so it’s important to select one that matches your store’s budget and expected growth. Some apps offer free versions with limited features, like Glow and Smile.io, which are ideal for small businesses. However, if you need more advanced features, be prepared for higher monthly costs, such as LoyaltyLion or Yotpo, which can cost upwards of $159 to $199 per month
3. Type of Rewards Program
Determine what type of loyalty program aligns with your business model:
- Points-based programs: Customers earn points for specific actions, which can be redeemed for discounts or products (e.g., Glow or Smile.io).
- Store credits: Instead of points, customers receive credits, which they can use like cash on future purchases (e.g., Rise.ai).
- Referral programs: Reward customers for referring new buyers to your store (e.g., Yotpo, Smile.io, AiTrillion).
The type of rewards you offer can depend on what your customers find most valuable. If your customers prefer tangible rewards like gift cards, a store credit-based app like Rise.ai might work best
4. Ease of Use
Look for an app that is easy to set up and manage. Some apps like Smile.io and Joy are known for being user-friendly, requiring no coding and offering simple customization. Others like LoyaltyLion offer more customization but require more setup, which may be better suited for stores with development resources
5. Integration with Other Tools
If you’re using other marketing tools like email marketing, SMS marketing, or review collection apps, make sure the loyalty app you choose integrates well with them. For instance, AiTrillion combines loyalty programs with email and SMS marketing in one platform. Alternatively, Smile.io integrates with platforms like Klaviyo and Mailchimp, allowing you to align your rewards program with your email campaigns.
6. Customer Support and Scalability
As your business grows, your loyalty program should be able to scale with you. Consider an app that offers scalable features like tiered plans (e.g., Smile.io and Growave). Also, pay attention to the app’s customer support reviews. Apps like Yotpo and Ekoma have strong support teams that can help you set up and manage more complex loyalty features.
7. Customer Feedback
Look into user reviews for real-world feedback. Some apps may promise advanced features but fall short when it comes to user experience. For example, Growave and Smile.io are highly rated for ease of use, while Yotpo is often praised for its comprehensive feature set but criticized for its higher pricing
Benefits of Implementing a Loyalty Program for Your Shopify Store
Loyalty programs offer numerous advantages for eCommerce businesses, helping them increase revenue and build stronger relationships with their customers. Here are the key benefits of implementing a loyalty program:
1. Increased Customer Retention
One of the biggest benefits of loyalty programs is their ability to keep customers coming back. By rewarding repeat purchases with points, discounts, or exclusive perks, you give customers a reason to choose your store over competitors. Studies show that retaining customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones — and loyalty programs are one of the best ways to do this.
2. Boosted Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV)
Loyalty programs encourage customers to spend more over time, increasing their lifetime value to your business. When customers are rewarded for their purchases, they are more likely to buy additional products and return to your store, leading to higher revenue in the long run. According to research, loyal customers spend 67% more than new customers.
3. Increased Word-of-Mouth and Referrals
Many loyalty apps, such as Smile.io and Yotpo, include referral programs where customers earn rewards for referring friends and family. This turns your most loyal customers into brand advocates, helping you reach new customers at little to no marketing cost. Word-of-mouth referrals are highly effective, as people trust recommendations from friends more than traditional advertising.
4. Enhanced Customer Engagement
Loyalty programs foster ongoing interaction between customers and your brand. By offering rewards for actions like social media shares, reviews, or account signups, customers stay engaged with your store even when they’re not actively shopping. This keeps your brand top of mind and builds a stronger connection with your audience.
5. Better Customer Insights
Loyalty programs provide valuable data on customer behavior, helping you understand how customers interact with your store. Apps like LoyaltyLion and AiTrillion offer advanced analytics, allowing you to track which rewards are most popular, how often customers return, and which customer segments are most engaged. This data can help you refine your marketing strategies and improve the effectiveness of your loyalty program.
6. Encourages Higher Spending
Many loyalty programs use point systems or VIP tiers to incentivize higher spending. For example, customers might spend more to reach the next reward tier or accumulate enough points for a bigger discount. This can lead to larger cart sizes and increased revenue for your store.
7. Improved Brand Loyalty
By rewarding customers for their loyalty, you build a stronger emotional connection with them. Loyalty programs can create a sense of exclusivity and appreciation, which makes customers feel more valued. This helps transform casual buyers into loyal brand advocates, fostering long-term relationships and increasing the chances of repeat business.
8. Competitive Advantage
A well-executed loyalty program can give your store a competitive edge. Customers are more likely to choose a store that offers rewards over one that doesn’t. In a crowded eCommerce market, a loyalty program can be a key differentiator that sets you apart from competitors.
FAQs
1. How do loyalty programs increase customer retention?
Loyalty programs incentivize repeat purchases by offering rewards like points, discounts, or exclusive offers. This gives customers a reason to return to your store instead of going to a competitor. Over time, loyal customers also tend to spend more, improving your store’s overall revenue and customer lifetime value.
2. Which Shopify loyalty app is best for small businesses?
For smaller businesses, apps like Smile.io and Glow are great choices because they offer free plans with sufficient features to manage loyalty programs for small audiences. They are user-friendly, easy to set up, and require no coding skills.
3. Are there free Shopify loyalty apps?
Yes, several Shopify loyalty apps offer free versions, such as Smile.io, Glow, and Joy. However, these free plans often come with limitations, like the number of customers or orders per month, so it’s important to evaluate your business needs before selecting an app.
4. Can I integrate my loyalty program with other marketing tools?
Many Shopify loyalty apps integrate seamlessly with other popular marketing tools. For example, Smile.io and LoyaltyLion can be integrated with email marketing platforms like Klaviyo and Mailchimp, while AiTrillion offers built-in email and SMS marketing features.
5. How much does it cost to run a Shopify loyalty and rewards program?
The cost varies depending on the app and the features you need. Most apps offer free versions with limited features, while paid plans can range from $9/month (like Glow) to as much as $199/month (like Yotpo) or more for enterprise solutions. The price usually scales with your store’s size and order volume.
6. What’s the difference between point-based and store credit loyalty programs?
Point-based programs reward customers with points for specific actions like purchases, reviews, or referrals. These points can then be redeemed for discounts, free products, or special offers. On the other hand, store credit programs (like Rise.ai) reward customers with store credits that act like real currency, making them feel more valuable and flexible.
7. Can I customize the appearance of my loyalty program to match my brand?
Yes, most loyalty apps allow for customization. Apps like Growave, Smile.io, and LoyaltyLion offer extensive options to match the loyalty program’s design to your store’s branding, including fonts, colors, and the overall layout of reward panels.
8. Which app is best for physical and online stores?
For stores that have both physical and online locations, apps like Joy and Ekoma are ideal because they support Shopify POS (Point of Sale) integrations, allowing you to offer rewards both in-store and online seamlessly.
9. How do referral programs work in Shopify loyalty apps?
Referral programs reward customers for bringing new buyers to your store. Apps like Smile.io, Yotpo, and AiTrillion allow you to set up referral incentives, where customers can share a referral link with their friends, earning points or discounts when a new customer makes a purchase through the referral.
Conclusion
Choosing the right loyalty and rewards app for your Shopify store can be a game changer in growing your customer base, increasing repeat purchases, and boosting overall revenue. Loyalty programs help foster deeper connections with your customers by rewarding them for their continued support. Whether you’re looking for simple points-based systems or more advanced referral and VIP programs, there’s an app that will suit your needs.
Apps like Smile.io and Glow are excellent for smaller businesses or stores just getting started, offering user-friendly setups and essential loyalty features. For more advanced requirements, apps like Yotpo and LoyaltyLion provide powerful tools, including in-depth analytics and advanced customization options. Each app has its unique benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your budget, customer base, and growth goals.
A successful loyalty program can not only drive customer retention but also transform your most loyal buyers into brand advocates who help spread the word. As your store scales, these loyalty apps can grow with you, providing the tools and insights needed to refine your marketing strategies and create long-term customer relationships.
