When running an eCommerce store, customer loyalty and exclusive perks can be game-changers. For Shopify stores, tokengating and loyalty apps are crucial to create unique experiences that bring customers back again and again. Tokengating refers to restricting access to products or benefits to certain customers—often those who hold digital tokens or NFTs. Loyalty programs reward customers for repeat purchases, referrals, and more.
You might be wondering, “Which Shopify apps should I use for tokengating or loyalty programs?” This article will give you an overview of the 6 best tokengating and loyalty apps available for Shopify. These apps will help you offer everything from exclusive merchandise to point-based rewards, making sure your customers keep coming back.
Shopify Payments handles over 60% of Shopify’s GMV, totaling $45.1 billion in Q4 2023. (source)
6 best Shopify tokengating and loyalty apps
1. Smile.io
Smile.io is one of the most popular loyalty apps on Shopify. It is designed to reward your customers for taking specific actions like making a purchase, leaving a review, or even sharing your brand on social media. It’s an all-in-one solution that offers both loyalty points and referral programs to keep your customers engaged and coming back for more.
Key Features
- Points-based Loyalty System: Customers earn points for actions like purchases, account sign-ups, or social media shares.
- Referral Program: Reward customers for referring friends to your store.
- Customization: Fully customizable to match your brand identity, including points name, emails, and display banners.
- Multi-language and Multi-currency Support: Great for international stores.
- Integrations: Works seamlessly with popular Shopify apps like Klaviyo, ReCharge, and more
Pros
- Extremely easy to set up and use.
- Highly customizable to fit your store’s branding.
- Comprehensive integration options with major Shopify apps.
- Effective in boosting customer retention with loyalty and referral programs
Cons
- The free plan is somewhat limited, and some advanced features are only available on higher-priced plans.
- There are occasional bugs, and some features may not work perfectly at all times.
- Can become expensive for small businesses as pricing increases with advanced features
Pricing
- Free Plan: Basic referral program.
- Starter Plan: $49/month, offering loyalty points and referrals.
- Growth Plan: $199/month, with email and on-site features.
- Pro Plan: $599/month for full API access and advanced analytics
User Reviews Smile.io has an average rating of 4.7/5 across thousands of Shopify stores. Users frequently praise its easy setup and customer engagement features, although the pricing can be a downside for smaller stores
2. PERCS NFT Gating
PERCS NFT Gating is a cutting-edge app for Shopify merchants looking to integrate Web3 and blockchain technology into their eCommerce store. This app allows businesses to create unique, token-gated experiences, such as exclusive access to products or discounts for customers who hold specific NFTs.
Key Features
- NFT Verification: Offer token-gated access to products, discounts, or memberships based on owned NFTs.
- Blockchain Integration: Supports Ethereum, Polygon, and other popular blockchains for seamless NFT-based access.
- Custom Memberships: Create unique membership tiers based on token holdings
Pros
- Excellent for stores looking to integrate NFTs and blockchain technology.
- Easy-to-use NFT verification system that integrates smoothly into Shopify.
- Free plan available for stores just getting started with Web3
Cons
- Limited to stores that are invested in or planning to adopt NFTs.
- Niche appeal as it targets a very specific market of blockchain and NFT users
Pricing
- Free Plan: Available with basic features.
- Paid Plans: Pricing depends on the level of blockchain integration and volume of token-gated transactions.
User Reviews PERCS NFT Gating has a perfect 5-star rating from a small number of Shopify stores. Users appreciate its smooth NFT integration and how it enables exclusive token-gated perks for customers
3. LoyaltyLion
LoyaltyLion is another robust loyalty and referral program app for Shopify. It allows eCommerce store owners to create custom loyalty programs that reward customers not only for purchases but also for leaving reviews, social media shares, and friend referrals.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Loyalty Program: Points for purchases, referrals, reviews, and more.
- VIP Tiers: Create VIP programs that reward your best customers with extra perks.
- Seamless Shopify POS Integration: Works smoothly with Shopify’s point-of-sale system for both online and offline rewards.
- Advanced Reporting: Detailed insights and analytics on customer behavior and program performance
Pros
- Highly customizable, with options for creating tailored loyalty programs.
- Includes robust referral program and VIP tier systems to encourage customer engagement.
- Provides detailed insights and analytics that are easy to use
Cons
- The high pricing plans might be too expensive for smaller businesses.
- Customer support can be slow, especially on the lower-tier plans.
- The UI can be complex due to the abundance of options
Pricing
- Classic Plan: Starts at $399/month.
- Advanced Plan: Starts at $729/month.
- Plus Plan: Starts at $1,650/month
User Reviews LoyaltyLion is highly rated by users for its customization capabilities and seamless integration with Shopify. It has an average rating of 4.8/5, with many praising its ability to drive customer loyalty through tailored rewards
4. Yotpo Loyalty & Rewards
Yotpo is well-known for its focus on customer reviews and UGC (User-Generated Content), but its Loyalty & Rewards app is an excellent addition for Shopify stores looking to boost customer retention. It offers advanced loyalty features alongside powerful fraud protection, making it a popular choice for stores aiming to offer secure and reliable rewards programs.
Key Features
- VIP Tiers: Create exclusive membership levels with unique perks for your best customers.
- Referral Program: Easily set up and manage referral programs to encourage word-of-mouth marketing.
- Advanced Analytics: Provides in-depth insights into customer behavior and program performance.
- Fraud Protection: Built-in fraud detection tools to ensure the integrity of your loyalty program
Pros
- Strong integration with UGC features, allowing you to showcase reviews alongside loyalty perks.
- Highly secure, with built-in fraud protection measures that are especially useful for large stores.
- Seamless checkout redemption, allowing customers to use points or rewards right in the checkout process
Cons
- Yotpo’s pricing can be high, especially for smaller businesses.
- Some users report that certain advanced features require a steep learning curve
Pricing
- Free Plan: Available for stores managing up to 100 monthly orders.
- Growth Plan: $79/month for up to 500 orders.
- Prime Plan: $169/month for advanced insights and integrations
User Reviews
Yotpo has an average rating of 4.7/5 from over 2,000 Shopify stores. Users praise the fraud protection and seamless integration with existing marketing tools but note that the learning curve can be challenging for beginners
5. Rivo Loyalty & Referrals
Rivo Loyalty & Referrals is an excellent Shopify app for growing stores looking to create customizable loyalty programs. This app offers both loyalty points and referral programs, along with VIP tiers to reward your most loyal customers. Rivo is easy to set up, with a drag-and-drop editor that allows you to quickly customize the rewards interface.
Key Features
- Customizable Loyalty Programs: Create point-based rewards, referral programs, and VIP tiers.
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Easily customize the look and feel of your loyalty program.
- Referral Program: Encourage existing customers to refer friends and earn rewards.
- 30+ Pre-built Actions: Allow customers to earn points for a variety of actions, like signing up or social shares
Pros
- User-friendly, with an easy setup process and highly customizable options.
- Offers a dedicated loyalty page that matches your store branding.
- Affordable with a free plan and reasonable pricing for small to medium businesses
Cons
- Some users report that the advanced features are only available in paid plans.
- Limited analytics compared to some higher-end loyalty apps
Pricing
- Free Plan: Available with basic loyalty features.
- Paid Plan: Starts at $9/month for advanced features like tiered rewards
User Reviews
Rivo Loyalty & Referrals has an average rating of 4.9/5, with users praising its affordability and ease of use. The customizable drag-and-drop editor is frequently highlighted as a major plus for small businesses
6. Manifold Merch Bridge
Manifold Merch Bridge is designed for Shopify merchants who want to create a seamless shopping experience by combining traditional eCommerce with token-gated content. It allows you to offer tokenized discounts and exclusive access to merchandise for customers who hold specific tokens or NFTs.
Key Features
- Token-Gated Merchandise: Offer discounts or exclusive products based on NFT ownership.
- Wallet Integration: Allows customers to connect their digital wallets for easy verification of token ownership.
- Easy Setup: Drag-and-drop functionality to add NFT gating to any product
Pros
- Perfect for stores offering exclusive, high-end, or collectible merchandise.
- Strong security features, making it a trustworthy option for token-based purchases.
- Free plan available
Cons
- Niche product, not ideal for stores without plans to integrate NFTs.
- Requires some familiarity with blockchain for setup
Pricing
- Free Plan: Available with basic features.
- Paid Plan: Pricing varies based on the volume of transactions
User Reviews
Manifold Merch Bridge is rated 5/5 by users who enjoy the seamless integration of token-gating and Shopify’s existing features. However, the niche appeal may limit its adoption
How to choose right tokengating and loyalty apps?
Choosing the right tokengating and loyalty apps for your Shopify store depends on several factors, including your store’s size, budget, and specific goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:
1. Define Your Goals
- Loyalty: If your main goal is to increase repeat purchases and customer retention, focus on apps that provide point-based rewards, VIP tiers, and referral programs (like Smile.io or LoyaltyLion). These apps excel at keeping customers engaged through discounts and loyalty points
- Exclusivity/NFTs: If you’re looking to offer exclusive access to products or discounts through NFT ownership, apps like PERCS NFT Gating or Manifold Merch Bridge will be better suited for you. These apps allow you to integrate blockchain technology and token-based access
2. Consider Your Store Size
- Small Businesses: If you’re running a small store, you’ll want a loyalty app that is affordable and simple to use, such as Froonze or Rivo. These apps are budget-friendly and come with basic features that can be scaled up as your store grows
- Medium to Large Stores: Larger stores or those processing many transactions may need more advanced features like detailed analytics, VIP tiers, and referral programs. In this case, apps like LoyaltyLion or Yotpo are better, though they come with higher pricing
3. Budget & Pricing Plans
- Start by looking at free plans if you’re not ready to invest heavily in a loyalty program. Apps like Smile.io, Rivo, and Froonze offer free tiers, though they may have limited features.
- For more advanced functionality, review the pricing of higher-tier plans. For example, LoyaltyLion starts at $399/month for advanced features, whereas Yotpo offers mid-range plans starting at $79/month
4. Check for Key Features
Look for features that match your needs:
- Referral Program: If you rely on word-of-mouth, apps like Smile.io and Rivo have strong referral systems.
- VIP Tiers: If you want to reward your top customers with special privileges, choose apps like LoyaltyLion or Yotpo that offer tiered rewards.
- NFT Integration: If you plan to use blockchain, focus on apps like PERCS NFT Gating that enable token-gating for exclusive offers
5. Integration with Other Tools
- Make sure the app integrates well with your current tech stack. Apps like Smile.io and Yotpo integrate seamlessly with popular tools such as Klaviyo, ReCharge, and Shopify’s native POS system
6. Look at User Reviews & Support
- Customer reviews provide real-world insights into the app’s functionality and ease of use. For instance, Smile.io is praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, while Yotpo is lauded for its security and analytics but has a steeper learning curve
- Check what kind of customer support is available, especially if you’re on a higher-tier plan. Some apps, like LoyaltyLion, offer priority support at higher price levels, which could be crucial if you’re managing a large store
FAQs
What is tokengating in Shopify apps?
Tokengating allows eCommerce stores to offer exclusive content, products, or discounts to customers who own specific digital tokens or NFTs. This adds a layer of exclusivity and personalization to your store, driving more customer engagement.
Are there any free loyalty apps for Shopify?
Yes, many Shopify loyalty apps offer free plans with limited features. Smile.io, Rivo, Froonze, and Growave all provide free tiers, allowing you to test the app’s features before upgrading to a paid plan.
Which app is best for NFT-based loyalty programs?
PERCS NFT Gating and Taco Loyalty Rewards Tokengate are both excellent choices for stores looking to integrate NFTs into their loyalty systems. These apps provide easy blockchain integration and NFT verification.
How does a referral program help my store?
Referral programs encourage your existing customers to refer friends to your store in exchange for rewards, like discounts or points. This drives new customer acquisition at a low cost while rewarding your loyal shoppers.
How do VIP tiers work in loyalty apps?
VIP tiers reward your best customers with additional perks based on their purchase behavior. Apps like Yotpo and LoyaltyLion allow you to create tiered levels, offering exclusive discounts, early access to new products, or other special incentives.
Can I use more than one loyalty app on Shopify?
It’s generally not recommended to use multiple loyalty apps simultaneously as it could lead to conflicts or a confusing customer experience. Most apps provide comprehensive features that cover all aspects of loyalty and referrals, so it’s better to choose one that fits your needs.
What’s the most affordable loyalty app for Shopify?
Froonze is one of the most affordable Shopify loyalty apps, with plans starting at just $5/month. It’s perfect for small stores that need basic loyalty features without the high cost.
Conclusion
Choosing the right loyalty and tokengating apps can significantly impact customer retention and engagement for your Shopify store. Whether you’re looking to offer simple points-based rewards, VIP perks, or exclusive access through NFTs, there’s an app tailored to your needs. For small businesses, apps like Froonze and Rivo offer affordable entry points with the flexibility to grow as your store scales. For larger stores or those delving into the world of Web3, PERCS NFT Gating and Manifold Merch Bridge provide cutting-edge features to enhance exclusivity and customer loyalty.
The ultimate decision depends on your store size, budget, and whether you plan to integrate blockchain and NFTs. Whatever path you choose, loyalty and tokengating apps help you create a more personalized shopping experience, turning one-time customers into lifelong brand advocates.
