One of the most common goals for loyalty programs is to help brands increase their Average Order Value (AOV), which basically means convincing their members to spend more money on every single purchase. While the goal is clear, the methods might require a more careful approach.
In today’s article, we’ll show you how you can strategically boost your loyalty program AOV to reach your KPIs while also offering real value to your customers. We also show how our own tech adds to the equation – so if you want to jump to action and talk tech, we are happy to show a live demo.
Speaking of AOV, if you are planning to take your budget and ROI calculations to the next level, make sure you equip yourself with our handy ROI calculator worksheet for loyalty programs.
1. Create a New Tier System – Spend More to Reach a More Beneficial Tier Level With Exclusive Perks
A tiered loyalty program offers progressively better rewards and benefits as customers move up tiers based on their spending or engagement levels. It taps into customers’ desire for exclusivity and status while encouraging them to spend more to reach the next tier. The feeling of progression keeps them engaged and motivated. Make sure to clearly communicate the benefits of each tier and ensure progression feels attainable. Use names (e.g., Gold, Platinum) that resonate with the aspirational nature of the tiers.
2. Provide Benefits Redeemable Only on the Next Purchase Above a Certain Spend Limit – Eligible for Your Next Purchase
Rewards (e.g., discounts or perks) are given to customers, but can only be redeemed on their next purchase, provided it exceeds a specified spend threshold (e.g., a €15 discount only applies if their next purchase is over €100). It encourages repeat purchases while nudging customers to spend more than they might usually. This increases both purchase frequency and AOV, creating a win-win scenario for loyalty and revenue growth.
As a tip, set the spending limit slightly above your current average order value to encourage incremental spending. Clearly communicate the conditions and expiration date to maintain urgency and clarity, ensuring customers don’t feel tricked by the requirement.
3. Set Up a Category Challenge – Buy from a High-Spend Category
Reward customers with extra points or perks when they make purchases from a specific, often premium, product category. This drives interest and purchases in categories with higher price points or profit margins, encouraging customers to explore new products. We recommend highlighting the challenge prominently in your marketing communications and ensuring the chosen category aligns with current customer trends or needs (e.g., seasonal or popular items).
4. Offer a Quantity Challenge – Buy X Many Products
Here, customers are challenged to purchase a certain quantity of products to earn rewards or receive a discount. Donig so encourages bulk purchases, driving up AOV while fostering a sense of achievement for completing the challenge. The rule of thumb is to bundle related products or offer a discount for purchasing the required quantity to make the offer feel like a value-added opportunity.
5. Provide Benefits Upon a Certain Spending Threshold – Spend X Amount in the Next 3 Months
Customers unlock rewards (e.g., discounts, bonus points) when they spend above a set amount within a specific time period. If you succeed, you can encourage customers to spend more in one transaction or over a set period to reach the threshold, thereby increasing AOV. Also, set thresholds slightly above the average order value for your customers to nudge them toward larger purchases without feeling out of reach.
6. Appeal to Customers with Attractive High-Spend Rewards – e.g., Private Yoga Lesson
In other words, unique, high-value rewards are offered to customers who spend above a significant threshold, such as exclusive experiences or premium services. This surely appeals to aspirational and affluent customers, creating a strong incentive to spend more for exclusive benefits. Be sure to choose rewards that align with your customers’ values and lifestyle. For example, experiential rewards like private classes or events often feel more personalized and valuable.
LuisaViaRoma’s Privilege program is renowned for its high-end rewards that resonate with the hearts and minds of all members. These rewards include Yoga sessions and vineyard visits.
7. Offer Exclusive Access to New Products – Latest Influencer Collab Pieces
The goal is to let loyalty members receive early or exclusive access to new or limited-edition products. This works because it creates a sense of exclusivity and urgency, making customers feel valued while motivating them to spend more to access the products. Pair this with email or app notifications to create buzz. Include messaging like “limited quantities available” to enhance urgency.
8. Implement Time-Limited Offers to Leverage FOMO – Valid Only During New Collection Launch Week
Short-term promotions where customers can earn extra rewards, discounts, or bonuses for purchases within a set time frame. This tactic leverages urgency and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) to drive immediate action, increasing AOV during the promotional period. Use countdown timers and clear deadlines in marketing materials, as well as combine with other strategies (e.g., bonus points for higher spending thresholds) to amplify the impact.
10 Practical Campaign Examples in Antavo to Increase the Loyalty Program AOV
- Tiers: Climb the Ladder to Exclusive Rewards
Encourage customers to level up to a higher tier before the holidays by offering double points on all purchases for two weeks. - Benefits Redeemable Only on the Next Purchase Above a Certain Spend Limit: Shop Now, Save Big Later
Customers who spend €75 today get a €15 voucher for their next purchase over €100. Promote via email and social media ads. - Quantity Challenge: Stock Up & Save
Offer a 10% discount when customers buy 5 or more items from the same category, like jeans. - Attractive High-Spend Rewards: Luxury Awaits You
Customers spending over €500 in a single transaction can choose a reward like a private yoga session, a gourmet dining experience, or a spa day. - Spending Threshold Rewards
Customers spending over €150 this month receive a surprise gift box filled with seasonal products. Use countdown timers to create urgency. - Exclusive Access to New Products: Be the First to Try
Launch a new product line exclusively for loyalty members for the first two weeks. Offer early access invitations via email. - Time-Limited Offers: Flash Weekend Deal
During a three-day event, customers earn triple points for orders over €100. Promote with a countdown timer and website banners. - Gamified Rewards: Collect more Entries for a Contest
After spending a certain amount, customers can double entries into a Contest. - Seasonal Campaigns: Spring Into Savings
Customers who spend €50 or more receive exclusive spring-themed merchandise, like tote bags or water bottles, paired with a social media campaign.
If we managed to pique your interest with our sophisticated loyalty technology, we encourage you to get in touch with our loyalty experts by booking a demo and seeing in action what Antavo’s AI Loyalty Cloud can do for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loyalty Program AOV
1. What does AOV mean in the context of loyalty programs?
AOV, or Average Order Value, refers to the average amount a customer spends per transaction. Loyalty programs can influence AOV by encouraging members to add more items to their cart, purchase premium products, or spend more to unlock better rewards.
2. How do tiered loyalty programs increase AOV?
Tiered programs motivate customers to spend more to reach higher levels that unlock exclusive perks. This creates a sense of progression and aspiration, which drives customers to increase their spending in order to access the next tier.
3. What’s the difference between boosting purchase frequency and boosting AOV?
Purchase frequency measures how often a customer buys, while AOV measures how much they spend in a single transaction. A successful loyalty strategy should balance both—encouraging repeat visits while also motivating customers to add higher-value items to their basket.
4. Which types of rewards work best for increasing AOV?
Experiential rewards (like VIP events or early access) and high-value perks tied to spending thresholds are especially effective. They create excitement, exclusivity, and a strong incentive to spend more in one go to unlock them.
Get Started On Your New Strategy
To boost your loyalty program’s AOV, you can implement a tiered program that provides better rewards as customers spend more, or you can offer time-limited benefits and exclusive access to new products for your loyalty members. Whichever avenue you choose, make sure to continuously monitor your progress and how your customers respond to the brand-new tweaks and offers. Just keep in mind that focusing on short-term goals might bring quick relief, but thinking long-term will truly set you up for success.
Also, check out our handy, downloadable ROI Calculator Worksheet, to instantly get a clear picture of your KPIs.
Sara is a Customer Success leader with a proven track record in driving customer retention and advocacy. With over six years of experience, she blends creativity and strategy to implement scalable programs. Known for her human-first approach, Sara excels at fostering authentic relationships and creating innovative solutions.
