Author: Kick Writers

Kick Writers are a crew of loyalty lovers and savvy Shopkickers fueled by caffeine and curiosity. From sharing the best ways to rack up kicks to smart shopping hacks, they’ve covered it all — and they’re on a mission to make earning rewards as fun as it is easy.

Within reach: The ultimate guide to mobile proximity marketing for retailers

Posted on by Kick Writers

Within reach: The ultimate guide to mobile proximity marketing for retailers

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Mobile proximity marketing is a powerful way to share messages with consumers as they’re in the actual “path” and mindset to make a purchase. These strategies leverage the consumer’s location to provide messages based on deals in their area, which can drive interest and encourage product interaction. The technology needed for this varies, but often, it’s much more affordable and easier to implement than most retailers realize.

Most major retailers already use some form of proximity marketing, whether they’re offering notifications leading to rewards through beacon-based technology or the ability to interact with RFID embedded-chip displays. Regardless of the bespoke tools and desired outcome, using a combination of mobile proximity marketing strategies sets retailers up for the best results through flexibility in when they can reach at the right place and right time. It helps regardless of whether retailers want to guide consumers to specific products, better understand buying behaviors, or maximize their sales and so forth.

Types of Mobile Proximity Marketing Systems

Mobile proximity marketing is a very general term that can refer to many different strategies. The type of technology involved, messages sent, and other features can also vary. Here is a breakdown of the four types of mobile proximity marketing systems that brands may choose to leverage.  

Type Pros Cons
Bluetooth

The system requires a Bluetooth broadcaster, as well as a cell phone with Bluetooth enabled to transmit content, data, and images.
  • Works with a wide range of cell phone types and screen sizes
  • Is independent of the location’s existing IT infrastructure
  • Is mostly affordable, as broadcasting depends on small, low-cost beacons
  • Many consumers default to turning off Bluetooth due to concerns over battery life or security.
  • ROI calculations are challenging, as it’s difficult to tell what messages drive the most sales until after the campaign.
Near Field Communication

NFC uses RFID chip embedded tags to enable communications between the tag and the devices that come in very close proximity with it. NFC’s most common use is in simplifying payments for the consumer, but can work with marketing as well.  
  • Leverages “pull” marketing, in that the consumer chooses to interact with the tag using their phone to discover more information
  • Works with tags and consumer cell phones alone, meaning retailers do not have to incorporate anything into their existing IOT infrastructure
  • NFC can be expensive to implement, and it can be difficult to determine the overall ROI.
  • Not all smartphones are NFC-enabled, meaning that retailers could miss many opportunities to reach the consumer.
  • It’s typically a “single-use” strategy designed to perform one action or deliver a single message.  
WiFi

WiFi-based systems are very similar to Bluetooth systems, in how messages are transmitted and received. But that information travels over general WiFi, rather than relying on low-energy Bluetooth.

  • The main benefit of WiFi is data. It can gather information based on the electronic devices it connects with and follows through the store so that retailers can get a better idea of foot traffic flow and consumer shopping behaviors.
  • It can reach a wide range of devices as it detects signals emitted from both Bluetooth- and WiFi-enabled devices.
  • It typically works throughout an entire location with WiFi and for a short-range outside.  
  • This type of system needs far more equipment than simple Bluetooth beacons and requires incorporation into the location’s existing IT infrastructure.
  • Push notifications can be disruptive to consumers, and cause them to turn off phone WiFi to avoid them.
  • If store WiFi goes down, the system goes down with it and can result in a loss of valuable data.  
Geofencing

This system allows messages to reach users in a specific, geographical area.

  • Geofencing can work when a consumer is near a store, rather than simply inside it, which encourages them to enter in the first place.
  • Geofencing can provide real-time analytics of consumer traffic flow through the store.
  • It is not a standalone process and must be used with another method of mobile proximity marketing to work effectively.
  • Geofencing parameters may be too broad for a business’ needs.

Retailers rarely choose one single form of mobile proximity marketing. In most cases, they leverage several, and many of these systems complement each other well.

Best Practices in Mobile Proximity Marketing

Mobile proximity marketing is powerful because it allows brands to reach consumers during crucial shopping moments. It can also reinforce brand affinity and prime consumers for sale throughout their purchase journey. When embarking on a mobile marketing campaign, retailers and brands should:

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Be specific

Mobile proximity marketing is designed to drive interest in products based on their availability nearby. As such, messages should center on deals available by location or on certain items, rather than just standard marketing messages. Generic marketing messages are less impactful as they don’t encourage a consumer to take a specific action, which is a crucial part of mobile marketing. It’s also important to know how often to send messages. You don’t want to bombard consumers with too many messages—one or two, here and there, is just enough.

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Gamify the program

Gamification—or the process of turning a mundane event into a fun activity—is a great method for driving engagement with products. Allowing consumers to use their phones to discover the hidden features of an advertisement or seek out products in the store can increase the likelihood that they will continue to use the app. This means brands can gain more attention for their advertising as well as a longer retention rate for the app.

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Incentivize interaction

A major part of gamification is the reward for participation. There must be something that marks the consumer’s accomplishment as they participate. This is where mobile reward programs can provide an opportunity. Consumers in these programs can collect points that they can save and redeem for branded merchandise, gift cards, and more. These incentives provide the added benefit of creating a sense of product value without the need to offer a discount.

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Leverage mobile video

Mobile video is the most engaging medium for shoppers. Users of mobile are three times more likely to view a video when shopping than desktop or laptop users. Brands should look to incorporate video which can be viewed seamlessly within an app, or in other words, vertical video. Video in this format allows consumers to view video content without changing their phone’s position, making it ideal while consumers are shopping or on-the-go.

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Use multiple programs

As many mobile proximity marketing campaigns require user permission, it’s critical that retailers and brands take advantage of as many as possible. A mobile phone user may have their Bluetooth disabled, but are still likely to have their WiFi enabled. By using multiple proximity-based strategies, brands can gain the attention of a larger audience.

Mobile proximity marketing is a particularly strong opportunity for brands in highly competitive categories. This is especially true for those in the cosmetics industry, like Rimmel London. When Rimmel wanted to gain greater attention in the shopping aisle, the beauty brand chose to partner with Shopkick to reach its active audience. They set up a campaign which included proximity messaging that offered pre-shopping advertising to familiarize consumers with products before and during the shopping journey. Then, they rolled out options in-store where consumers could seek out specific products, scan UPCs, and receive kicks for participating. By contacting Shopkick, Rimmel London managed to pull 14% of the market share from competitors and saw a 5:1 ROI.

Of course, brands can only enjoy these benefits if they choose to partner with the right mobile app providers. That means reviewing a few key metrics and options of all available programs to garner the best results.

Selecting a Mobile Proximity Marketing Partner

Retailers and brands have the option to create proprietary apps. However, there are limitations to these features, one being the audience. If a consumer is already following a retailer or brand, it’s likely because they’re already loyal. While rewarding pre-existing loyalty is wise, it doesn’t serve to grow the brand or retailer’s audience. Companies must supplement their proprietary programs with third-party app providers to reach new users.

Third-party app providers help companies reach new audiences who may not have considered their products before. They also take the expense out of a mobile app program as these providers handle the development, app retention, marketing, and innovations that drive consumer use. Before partnering with a third-party app, brands should take into account the app provider’s:  

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Reputation:

Companies will share the reputation of any app provider with whom they partner. As a result, they must ensure the reputation of these apps is above reproach, in that they use consumer information fairly and correctly and provide strong security.

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Active users:

Companies may focus on apps with a high number of downloads as well as retention rates, but often, consumers will download an app never to use it again. Active user metrics allow companies to better understand how much activity that app gains from its user base.

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Features:

Companies should partner with apps that offer features consumers want the most. The ability to gain rewards and enjoy exclusive content are major drivers of an app’s success. Also, features like rewarded video—where consumers receive an incentive for viewing content to the end—appeals to consumers as it allows them to gain something in exchange for a minimal time investment.

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Prior campaign success:

App providers should be able to show a history of success for brands within a niche. They should offer clear figures relating to return on investment, sales lift, and market share growth as just a few examples. Metrics of prior campaigns allow brands to see the kind of results they can expect from a mobile app campaign with that provider.

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User demographics:

Brands and retailers want to be able to reach household decision-makers, but they also want those decision-makers to be the prime audience for their products. Partnering with an app with a diverse mix of users allows brands to target the best possible sales prospects to create a successful campaign.

It’s important to target a wide range of mediums such as apps that provide rewards, voice interaction, and augmented reality. Multiple partnerships make it easier to cost-effectively take advantage of innovations in mobile technology.

Retailers and brands should consider offering their own mobile proximity marketing programs, but also supplement those programs with third-party apps that provide additional features. This strategy allows brands to provide the widest range of services while engaging a broad audience of consumers in the shopping aisle.

Shopkick assists our partners in their mobile proximity marketing campaigns by providing an intuitive app with an active user base where they can advertise their products and reach out to traveling consumers. To see some of our past results, review our success stories.
Posted in b2b

Top Three Last Minute Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

Posted on by Kick Writers

It’s official, we have entered into the final days of our countdown to Father’s Day because this Sunday, June 16, is for dads! If you’re feeling as though it was just January and suddenly we’re about to experience the middle of June, I am right there with you. In case the fact that the year feels like it’s flying by has officially caught up with you and you’re not quite ready to celebrate, I thought I would help you get back on track. Below, let’s chat through three simple, easy, fun, and completely doable last minute gifts and ways to celebrate Father’s Day with your dad with a little help from Shopkick!

1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

If you’re on a budget but still hoping to do something fun, go on a kick scavenger hunt with your dad! Visit stores like Target, Walmart, or even the grocery store and see how many kicks you can earn by scanning throughout the store. You can even split up, set a timer, and see who can earn the most if you would like to have a friendly competition! If staying at home feels more your speed, open the app and view lookbooks and videos together. You can still enjoy a competition, and you will still earn kicks because they’re hidden throughout the content on the Discover tab! May the best shopkicker win! Shopkick Tip: You only need to earn 250 kicks to redeem for your first gift card, which can be earned in a single errand run!

2. See a Game with SeatGeek

In my opinion, experiences are always more enjoyable than things. This year, skip the tie and explore SeatGeek. You can purchase tickets to games, concerts, and more, and you could very well score tickets to enjoy on Father’s Day. Of course, another option is to purchase tickets and wrap them or simply place them in a card for you and your dad to enjoy together soon. Your dad will be thrilled time with you is on the horizon! Shopkick Tip: Make sure you shop for tickets on SeatGeek with your Shopkick app! Through this weekend, you can earn BIG KICKS per $1 spent, and you won’t want to miss out.

3. Stock Up on Tech

Dads love tech, and so do we! If you would like to check out the latest gadgets, plan an afternoon out together to explore everything Best Buy has to offer. He can view new televisions in person, finally purchase the new camera he’s been eyeing just in time for summer vacation season, stock up on phone accessories, buy a new printer (perhaps one to print family photos!), say “yes” to a new appliance, explore new movies and television shows, and so much more. Shopkick Tip: Once his cart is full and you’re checking out, make sure to present your Shopkick Best Buy QR code to the cashier before they click “total”! You will earn plenty of kicks, and you might just be able to redeem for a gift card too!

What are your top ways to celebrate Father’s Day? Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and let us know!

5 best practices for brand storytelling on social media

Posted on by Kick Writers

5 best practices for brand storytelling on social media

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There are many benefits CPG companies can enjoy through brand storytelling on social media. This method of marketing uses commercials and messages to create a narrative arc which keeps individuals invested. It can help to give a company personality, which establishes brand affinity and improves customer loyalty.

Brand storytelling does not have to be limited to social media. Brands can leverage this strategy  through both proprietary and third-party apps by creating shorter, easily digestible content. This content can speak to consumers as they’re in the shopping aisle and improve the likelihood of future sales. Whether your brand is telling its story on social media or through a mobile app the benefits are numerous, and brands can enjoy them by adhering to some standard best practices.

How Brand Storytelling on Social Media Creates Meaningful Connections

Brand storytelling isn’t just about making sales. It’s about aligning a brand with its target market. The kind of top-of-mind awareness that CPG brands need to succeed isn’t possible without establishing an emotional connection that drives consumer loyalty.   

Brand storytelling is the process of turning standard marketing into an engaging narrative. CoverGirl’s tagline shift from “Easy, Breezy, Beautiful” to “I Am What I Make Up” is an example of moving away from product-focused advertising to brand storytelling.

The old tagline, which the brand used for more than six decades, was tied to the products, rather than the individuals that actually used them. It highlighted how easy the products were to apply and how good they looked, but it wasn’t an inclusive or particularly powerful message. As a result, the brand had a hard time connecting with younger consumers who are focused on independence and self-expression.

“I Am What I Make Up,” on the other hand, is a very literal approach to brand storytelling. Rather than treating the model wearing the makeup as a prop, the brand allowed the personalities of their models to shine through. During the brand’s spots, their models—who range in age, ethnicity, and gender—discuss their personal stories, as well as why they wear makeup. The overall focus is on self-expression, rather than fitting in with a traditional definition of beauty which helps the brand’s message resonate with consumers.

While it’s too early to determine if CoverGirl’s new attitude will offer long-term sales results, it does appear to be resonating with consumers. The brand boasts half a million YouTube subscribers as well as 2.5 million followers on Instagram, which are crucial channels for their target markets.

The clear benefit of brand storytelling is the emotional connection it creates with consumers. These consumers are more willing to become brand ambassadors on social media, which can increase future sales and improve customer loyalty for the long term. Of course, that’s not to say that brand storytelling on social media is effortless. Brands must consider ways they can gain consumer buy-in for their message while maintaining a genuine and transparent persona. All best practices for this type of advertising should center on that.

#1: Let Consumers Drive the Message

One of the essential parts of establishing a brand storytelling campaign on social media is to listen to what is important to consumers. Brands may often find they already have brand equity behind their products which they can leverage online by doing a deep dive of available information. This was a strategy Kellogg’s used when they rolled out a new, and highly successful, campaign for Pringles.

One of the first steps Kellogg’s took in designing the campaign was performing a “digital audit” with the assistance of Google. The brand searched out mentions of their product across digital platforms and found a unique trend of consumers combining multiple flavors to create new ones. They built their campaign off this “Stackable” concept, even using it in their Super Bowl commercial.

One of the brand’s biggest focuses in this campaign was where the trend was born—YouTube. By focusing on YouTube as a platform for continuing the campaign, the brand saw exceptional results. They reported an overall two-to-one return on ad spend, seeing 120 million impressions and a 3% sales lift.
Digital audits can help brands discover what their consumers are saying about their products, as well as ways they can use those ideas to create a compelling story. Brands can consider working with data analysis firms to better understand their online buzz as well as the ways to best leverage the information when creating an engaging story.  

#2: Focus on the Emotional Response

Storytelling doesn’t work without emotional investment. These narratives must include a component that intrigues consumers and encourages them to watch through to the end of an ad. Some brands advertise using humor, while others focus on nostalgia and sentimentality. As long as there is a human connection to the story, brands can keep consumers engaged.

If there is any brand that knows how to manage emotions in advertising, it’s Purina. The brand is excellent at using their target market’s connection to pets to get them invested in their brand storytelling on social media. The company leveraged this in a recent charitable contribution drive, Service Dog Salute, to help raise money for Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF).

The brand partnered with BuzzFeed to provide engaging stories centered on veterans and rescue dogs coming together. From July 4th to November 11th, the stories of many of these individuals were shared on Facebook, with an invitation to watch even more at the company’s Dog Chow homepage. The company had an overall goal of raising $500,000 for charity which they quickly reached as $1 was donated by Dog Chow to ARF’s veterans program for each unique share.
Emotional storytelling is particularly vital in charitable campaigns as consumers want to know who they’re helping by participating. Purina is a major proponent of such campaigns, so they’re well-versed in creating a compelling story that drives individuals to give. Of course, that emotional response doesn’t have to be sentimental. A brand can leverage humor or nostalgia to create a connection that resonates with the consumer. As long as it matches the brand and its values, these tactics can be very beneficial.

#3: Stay True to the Product

When trying to create a branded story, brands may focus a bit too much on the narrative and forget to highlight the product. Such marketing may not connect with consumers in a way that makes sense for the brand. Even the best brands can make missteps when storytelling doesn’t fit the product.

This was an issue MillerCoors faced when they rolled out their “Climb On” campaign in 2016. While the campaign was beautifully done, with compelling and exciting stories, the problem was that the central idea of overcoming personal challenges was too serious for the product. When sales started to slump, the brand reversed its trajectory by switching back to its more humorous and “refreshing” roots. They tweaked the “Climb On” idea to be more focused on the product, which helped them recover.
Brands should be careful that the message they convey is part of their traditional branded values. Branded stories must find a way to engage consumers with the story and the products. Luckily, in the case of MillerCoors, the brand recovered quickly because they watched their results carefully and pivoted the campaign when it was needed.

#4: Monitor Key Metrics and Update As Needed

Brands must monitor metrics during their campaigns to ensure they’re able to change direction if it’s not performing. Sales lift isn’t the only metric worth focusing on. Here are a few metrics brands need to consider when using brand storytelling on social media.

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Click-through rate (CTR):

The CTR offers base engagement rates, as these are the individuals who choose to view the ad on a given platform. It can also show how traffic filters into a website, which provides the marketer with an understanding of their most important channels.

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View-through rate (VTR):

The VTR takes the CTR a bit deeper, by showing the individuals who viewed content all the way through. VTRs for advertisements are typically higher when the video is shorter as consumers often have the option to skip longer ads.

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Engagement rates:

Likes, comments, and hashtag mentions are a valuable resource for seeing exactly how an ad is coming across to viewers. More than a few brands have been able to pivot their campaigns thanks to early information obtained through social media engagement.

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User activity:

User activity is less about content and more about strict numbers. It can help brands discover when they can get the most engagement from ads. It can also help them track down issues with ad fraud. For example, a brand noticing a high number of clickthroughs during times when their audience wouldn’t likely be active, like after midnight on a weeknight, can be a clear indication of useless bot traffic used to inflate CTRs.

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Incremental sales lift:

Sales explicitly related to the marketing message compared to standard base sales are much easier to gauge now than they used to be. Before the internet, brands had to compare prior period sales to current sales to determine which were attributed to marketing. However, mobile apps and websites offer brands the ability to watch how marketing converts to sales in real time, as the user is trackable from the moment they view the promotion until they make the purchase.

The digital space gives brands many opportunities to discover issues with their branded storytelling and fix them early on to ensure the best results. It can also provide them with the chance to find the best possible platforms to gain widespread attention for their campaigns outside of social media.

#5: Leverage Multiple Platforms and Mediums to Spread the Message

Brand storytelling shouldn’t just be limited to social platforms. Brands can take the message even further, gain valuable data, and better understand audience responses by working with third-party app providers to share small snippets of campaigns.

This is a reason many of our clients choose to contact us, as we offer a valuable platform for sharing video and other branded content that tells a story. Brands can leverage rewarded video opportunities available through Shopkick to tell consumers a memorable story in the moments that matter. Rewarded video provides consumers with the ability to gain points, valuable game loot, or in our case, kicks for watching short advertisements. Through this, brands can gain recognition for their commercials and build positive brand affinity. Also, as the app allows traveling consumers to view content, they’re more likely to see branded information when they’re close to stores and expected to make a purchase.

Shopkick uniquely allows brands to deliver video content in the aisle, at the shelf, when the product is actually in a consumer’s hands through its post-scan video feature. This allows brands to tell a story in the exact moment of the purchase decision.   

There are many opportunities to be leveraged in brand storytelling on social media, provided brands create content that establishes an emotional bond with consumers. These campaigns build brand affinity rather than only offering immediate sales. By adhering to some best practices for providing genuine and engaging content, brands can increase loyalty, and over time, their market share.

Shopkick helps our partners supplement their brand storytelling on social media by spreading awareness with our intuitive mobile app. To see the results of some of our campaigns, review our success stories.
Posted in b2b

Top 5 Apps to Use While Shopping in Stores

Posted on by Kick Writers

I have a question that’s often met with a great debate: Do you like shopping in stores in person, or do you prefer shopping online? I am not a stranger to the joys and pure convenience of shopping online. After all, nearly everything we need is at our fingertips without a closing time. However, I find it’s enjoyable, and often eye-opening, to shop in stores. 

 

My allegiance to shopping in stores may be due to the fact that I truly love any excuse for an outing – I typically catch up on podcasts or audiobooks while I drive, and I often join with friends to shop together. Plus, I almost always discover something in stores that I would have scrolled past online, especially if I’m searching for a new piece to add to my closet.

 

In the past, the point that may have encouraged me to shop online rather than in stores was the ability to save money by using apps. But, I have discovered great options that completely justify my in-store allegiance and create the same type of seamless experience. Whether you’re running to Target, shopping for clothes, or purchasing your weekly groceries, I like to think of these apps as the top five best apps to use while shopping in stores. Here’s the rundown:

 

1. Target:

The Target Circle app has been my trusted companion for years, streamlining my shopping experience. Once known as Cartwheel, it’s evolved into a multifunctional tool that allows me to browse weekly ads, spot discounts on my must-have products, and confirm store inventory — all in one place. This convenience, paired with the 5% savings I get using my Target card, has made the app an indispensable resource for smarter shopping and better budgeting.

 

2. Shopkick:

Since finding Shopkick last year, it’s become my go-to app for earning rewards while I shop! Shopkick lets me collect “kicks” in-store or online, and my favorite feature is earning kicks for simply walking into a store. Walk-in points are awarded near the entrance, so I always have my app ready. As I browse stores like Target, Walmart, or CVS, I scan eligible products listed in the app to gather even more kicks. To maximize my rewards, I also upload receipts for purchased items I’ve scanned!

 

3. Rakuten Rewards:

After reading about Rakuten Rewards on my favorite blog, it quickly became my go-to for online shopping. The plugin effortlessly notifies me of cash-back opportunities on partner sites, making saving money completely hassle-free. To top it off, I discovered that Rakuten offers cash back for in-store purchases, too!

 

Within the app’s ‘In-Store’ section at the bottom, you can explore a variety of participating brands. Just link your credit card, and you’ll start earning cash back on qualifying purchases at their partnered retailers. It’s an easy, hands-off way to save money. Keep in mind, though, that your cash back is distributed quarterly in the form of a “Big Check,” so it’s not instant gratification. Even so, the simplicity of earning cash back both online and in-store makes it an invaluable tool for any savvy shopper.

 

4. Fetch:

I do my weekly shopping at a family-owned grocery store that isn’t recognized by most mainstream apps. They’re completely off the grid! That’s why Fetch is my go-to solution.

Fetch lets you earn rewards at any grocery store by shopping for products from over 250 brands, such as Breyers, Campbell’s, and Kraft. All you need to do is upload your receipt to the app, which automatically detects which purchases qualify for points. The only downside is that points are restricted to certain products from partnered brands.

 

5. RetailMeNot:

RetailMeNot is a one-stop solution for anyone looking to save money without the hassle of traditional couponing. I frequently use the app at stores like The Gap, Pier 1, and Staples. Although it also offers cash-back features, I find its digital coupon options the most useful.

Imagine this: you toss out a coupon mailer, assuming you won’t need it, only to realize later that you do. RetailMeNot eliminates this problem by letting you access those same deals directly on your phone. No more paper clutter or missed savings! Whether you’ve thrown a coupon away or simply forgot to bring one, the app ensures you always have discounts at your fingertips. It’s a seamless, efficient way to save money without carrying a stack of coupons. RetailMeNot turns saving into a stress-free experience, making it an indispensable tool for shoppers everywhere.

 

Does shopping in stores sound appealing? Which apps do you prefer for cutting costs? (We recommend starting with Shopkick.) Smart tip: Pairing multiple apps is a clever way to save even more during your shopping adventures!

Seek Theme Park Fun and Thrills This Summer

Posted on by Kick Writers

As much as I love beaches and visits to cities, I will forever and always believe there is nothing like planning a vacation (or even a single day!) to visit a theme park in the summer. Theme parks offering something for everyone – there are shows for entertainment lovers or those who aren’t fans of rides, there are roller coasters for adrenaline seekers, and there are themed attractions created to remind us of some of our most-loved movies. What’s not to love?

To keep your budget in check (and to help you say yes to a theme park vacation), you can earn 10 kicks per $1 spent when you book your trip with Hotels.com through your Shopkick app between now and May 27, 2019. To save even more, you can also trade in your kicks for gift cards that you can use during your stay! With kicks and money saved, isn’t it time to make this summer one to remember by planning a visit to a theme park? I’m going to make a bold statement and say it’s time!

To help you decide which park and destination to visit, I thought I would offer even more inspiration:

Disneyland:

If you and your family have yet to visit a Disney park or if you’ve been more times than you can count, Disneyland should be on your list! The park is located just south of Los Angeles in Anaheim, California, and it’s a complete experience you won’t soon forget. Similar to its East Coast counterpart, Walt Disney World, Disneyland also has Disney hotels and resorts that will add plenty of perks to your experience. With that said, if budget is your main concern, there are a host of well-known hotels located a stone’s throw away from the park or closer to the city. The choice is completely up to you, but make sure to book your stay with Hotels.com through your Shopkick app to earn kicks!

The length of time needed to explore Disneyland is completely up to you! However, Disneyland offers the opportunity to visit the park of the same name as well as Disney’s California Adventure. You and your family will find classic Disney rides at Disneyland, as well as parades and everyone’s favorite characters. Kids young, old, and young-at-heart are sure to enjoy it, but if you’re traveling with an older group or thrill seekers, Disney’s California Adventure and its many thrill rides may be more their speed. Please note: if you wish to explore both parks, you will need to purchase separate tickets.

Universal Studios Florida:

Thanks to its location in Orlando, Universal Studios Florida is one of the most easily accessible parks on the East Coast. Plan to fly into Orlando International Airport (their airport code is MCO) and stay at Universal. There are a few hotels associated with the resort, and there are also plenty more located nearby. Plus, if you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, it’s so easy (and common!) to incorporate Universal Studios Florida into your vacation because they’re quite close to each other.

Before you go, it helps to determine which rides and shows your family is most excited to experience. If everyone loves movies and TV shows, you won’t want to miss Universal Studios Florida. Be warned: If everyone in your party enjoys Harry Potter, a visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter World is a must do! Make sure to allow plenty of time to view every nook and cranny and ride every ride. And, if you’re traveling with a group who loves roller coasters and attractions to test their adrenaline, you will also want to visit Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay:

Busch Gardens has two locations. One in Tampa, and one in Williamsburg. But, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay tops our list!

Busch Gardens’ location in Tampa makes it equally as accessible as Universal Studios, Florida. You could even plan the ultimate vacation and visit both in one trip! There are plenty of hotels near the park, and there are even more in Tampa itself. So, it will be easy for you to book your accommodations with Hotels.com through your Shopkick app!

Once you’ve arrived, your family will have plenty of fun at their fingertips. Busch Gardens is home to a host of roller coasters, including the new roller coaster Tigris, so adventure seekers will have plenty of fun. There are also wonderful themed areas for the littlest of visitors, thanks to the recent opening of Sesame Street Safari of Fun! Here, kids can meet characters, see shows, and ride rides that are definitely their speed. And, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also offers a safari! You won’t want to leave.

Have you booked your trip? You only have until May 27, 2019 to earn 10 kicks/$1 on Hotels.com, so don’t miss out on earning up to 4% back in kicks!

Make sure to download Shopkick for free, and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more shopping inspiration!