Customer Loyalty In Digital Age

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In the information technology age, there is an array of digital services that are offered for consumer and enterprise use. Online subscriptions to software and other applications can be purchased by individuals, businesses, organizations and other entities. Digital services are available in trial versions that allow customers to decide if they want to upgrade to a full version.

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Trial Software and Services

Trials for software programs usually last between seven to thirty days. Such editions also come with limited features and therefore users have incentives to upgrade to premium editions. Sometimes, it might be a smart move for software publishers to include premium features in beta mode trial programs for customer use.  I see this when reviewing many trial based software applications such as video editing programs adding a watermark to videos or limiting the length of the video that can be created with the free version, and honestly prefer some limitation to the free version or trial version than simply only being allowed to register and use for 14 or 30 days since often I will install and start an application but may not get to test it for 15 days where it may be past trial period already.

Instant Discounts

Instant discounts can be offered on software downloads in order to encourage customers to make certain purchases. For example, 25 percent can be taken off the final checkout price if a client chooses to subscribe to software for two years instead of one year. Companies need to come up with innovative marketing campaigns that can optimize client retention. Last minute offers featuring great discounts can ultimately make or break a deal that generates long term income for a company.  This works well for software that gets updates frequently and subscribing to update subscriptions can save them money when getting new and updated versions instead of having to only get incremental updates for free, but when the product goes from Version 7 to Version 8 you have to basically buy Version 8 all over a new or with a small discount for existing customers.

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Bundling

Bundling is another common trend in the digital service industry. Customers should have the option of signing up for multiple subscriptions in order to receive major discounts on the final price. Digital bundle packages are comparable to bulk purchases of physical goods. For example, an individual might choose to sign up for anti-virus and online file backup services for multiple computers. Without a bundle plan, each digital service or product would come at a regular price.  Honestly just looking at the way games get bundled for sales is a great example on how bundling can make a digital content more attractive and if the customer is getting more value for their buck they will be more inclined to use it.

Reminders and Alerts

Online customers could also be retained with effective reminders and alerts. For example, a software user can be notified when his or her subscription is about to end within several weeks. Such offers can be delivered by email and text messages. When customers sign up for software subscriptions, it’s important for the companies to collect basic contact information that’s used to deliver relevant promotional content only rather than spam advertisements. Clients are also encouraged to follow their service providers on social media pages that are updated frequently.  It is important to let all existing customers know whenever you have a new service or digital content available that they may be interested in, give them free trials and first looks to help ensnare and catch interest as well.

We are influencers and brand affiliates.  This post contains affiliate links, most which go to Amazon and are Geo-Affiliate links to nearest Amazon store.