Gamifying Brand Engagement In Marketing

You may be looking for a way to engage your customers and build brand loyalty, but the techniques your company has been using for years aren’t yielding the results you need. A growing trend among companies is gamification to keep existing customers coming back to their websites and attract new ones. It uses the exciting, engaging aspects of games to keep customers coming back for more. So, let’s look at how gamifying brand engagement in marketing works.

What is Gamification?

Gamification is actually an old concept that has been around for decades. A good example from the past was coffee shops giving out wooden nickels for a free cup of coffee, and a more recent example would be fast food chains running contests where customers get a game piece with each purchase. The same concept works in the digital world. Things like rewards points or achievement badges make interacting with your website or digital marketing platform feel like a game.

Why Should You Use Gamification?

Gamification keeps customers engaged and, therefore, more likely to return to your website or use a pay-per-click ad. It is especially effective for website visits, where studies have shown that the more time someone spends on a website, the more likely they are to convert from a visitor to a paying customer.

Gamification Lets Your Marketing Stand Out From The Crowd

Every day, consumers are exposed to hundreds of ads, so how do you stand out from your competitors? Gamification makes your marketing memorable: customers who visit your website or click a fun ad are more likely to remember your brand, as there is a positive association. Trying to garner more badges or get another reward is just one example of why customers will remember your company.

Gamification Builds Customer Loyalty

It makes sense that if customers receive rewards, are given positive reinforcement with badges, or other engaging game aspects in a company’s digital marketing, they will keep coming back for more. Gamification grabs and holds a customer’s attention and doesn’t let go. 

Gamification Lets You Gather Valuable data on Your Clientele

One of the most important things about using gamification as a marketing strategy is that it lets your company collect data from your customers. You can discover insights that you wouldn’t with traditional marketing. You can find out their preferences and which type of gamification they engage with most, which will help you craft an effective marketing strategy.

Gamification Strategies

Here are some gamification ideas below you can incorporate into your marketing strategy:

Reward Loyalty

Rewarding customers is not a complicated or even new concept, but it works. Make sure your customers are aware of what actions or purchases earn them reward points. You should also have levels for your reward system. A customer who makes multiple purchases a month should be on a different level than someone who only makes a few purchases over a six-month period. 

Make sure that you leverage what you have as a business in your rewards, and be creative. For instance, if you are a high-end restaurant and offer a rewards program, one of the perks for VIP’s could be a tour of the kitchen, wine cellars, etc. For any type of business, branded merchandise as a reward acts as a form of advertising for your business. 

Use Interactive Games

Interactive quizzes and puzzles are a useful tool in gamification marketing. Why? They offer both entertainment and forge a connection with your brand. 

X Marks the Spot

Augmented reality can be used to create virtual treasure hunts for customers. Place the treasure around your retail location or counter service eatery so they are more likely to make a purchase. You can partner with nearby businesses to have each other’s customers walk through your doors. Augmented reality has been around for a few years and has already proven to be a powerful marketing tool.

To Sum Up

Making gamifying part of your overall marketing strategy will not only enhance it, but will take it to the next level. There are a variety of choices that fit your brand and will delight your customers.

Brandtastic Knows Marketing

With over thirty years of marketing experience, Brandtastic stays up to date on the latest and most effective marketing tools, including gamification.  Our goal is to provide “results-driven” marketing while providing your company with tailored, individual service. If you are in Central Florida and interested in new techniques to boost your marketing results, contact us today. One of our team members will gladly discuss how we can help your marketing campaign. Don’t settle for lackluster marketing results, reach out to us now.