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Navigating the Consumer Journey: Awareness to Conversions

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At a AdWeek retail event Shopkick’s Vice President of CPG and Retail Partnerships, Stephanie McHale talked with Mondelez’s Regional Vice President, Omni Shopper Activation and Strategic Partnership, Steve McGowan.  The event provided valuable insights into adapting strategies to meet the changing needs and preferences of shoppers. Here’s a recap of some key takeaways from the discussion:

  • Embracing Digital Engagement: With the Shopkick app at the forefront, attendees explored the integration of digital engagement with physical retail experiences. Shopkick’s Vice President highlighted the app’s role in engaging shoppers from discovery to purchase, emphasizing the importance of seamlessly blending digital and in-store experiences.
  • Prioritizing Shopper-Centric Strategies: Amidst constant consumer evolution, speakers emphasized the need to prioritize shopper-centric strategies. By putting the shopper at the center of decision-making processes, brands can better understand and address their needs, driving engagement and loyalty.
  • Balancing Digital and Physical Touchpoints: As digital influence on purchases continues to rise, speakers stressed the importance of balancing digital and physical touchpoints in the shopper journey. By combining both channels effectively, brands can maximize reach and engagement while ensuring a cohesive brand experience.
  • Leveraging Data for Optimization: The integration of data analytics into retail strategies emerged as a key theme. By leveraging data insights, brands can optimize their efforts, identify best-performing tactics, and drive incremental sales growth.
  • Addressing Friction in the Shopping Experience: Speakers highlighted the importance of reducing friction in the shopping experience, particularly in-store. With consumers increasingly seeking convenience and simplicity, brands must focus on streamlining processes and making shopping experiences hassle-free.
  • Ensuring Product Availability: Product availability emerged as a critical factor influencing the shopper experience. By maintaining consistent product availability on shelves, brands can enhance shopper satisfaction and prevent lost sales opportunities.
  • Personalization and Experiential Retail: Looking to the future, speakers envisioned a retail landscape driven by personalization and experiential offerings. By delivering personalized messaging and immersive experiences, brands can create memorable shopping journeys that resonate with consumers.
  • Measuring Incrementally and ROI: Finally, speakers emphasized the importance of measuring incrementally and return on investment (ROI) in retail activations. By accurately assessing the impact of marketing efforts, brands can refine their strategies and allocate resources effectively.

The retail activation event provided valuable insights into navigating the complex consumer journey. By embracing digital engagement, prioritizing shopper-centric strategies, leveraging data analytics, and focusing on friction reduction and product availability, brands can stay ahead in an ever-evolving retail landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, personalization and experiential offerings will play a crucial role in shaping the future of retail engagement.

Disruptors or Delighters?

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“If your goal is to delight – and you delight your consumers as much as you can – you end up disrupting those who were not delighting.” – Craig Dubitsky 

In his keynote speech at our inaugural Disruptors Series event in January, Craig Dubitsky, Founder of Hello Products, Co-Founder of eos, early-stage investor in Method and overall industry guru, sparked a fuse that set the energy for the remainder of the day. Throughout the presentations, panels, and break-out discussions that followed, the more than 100 industry experts in attendance contemplated their use of the word “disrupt” while working to incorporate the word “delight.”  

This thought-provoking concept was introduced when Craig put forth the idea that “delight” encapsulates what the best brands were actually doing (or aiming to do) for their consumers in the market, while “disrupt” more aptly describes the effect that such innovative brands have on peer or competitor brands who are continuing with the status quo. So, while disruption could eventually be a part of a brand’s journey, the path to get there should be focused on providing a product that people are delighted by.  

 

Finding the whitespace.  

Pulling inspiration from his favorite lyricist Leonard Cohen, Craig approaches innovation with the idea that “there’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”  

Overall, the bar is low for the average “stuff” people are given in the marketplace and, when delighting is not the goal of the competitors, the bar remains low. In these dormant categories, the products are mundane, thus leaving plenty of room for entrepreneurs, innovators and creators to find the crack: the opportunity to delight consumers with products that are more functional, prettier, more eco-friendly, more affordable, etc. Then, in return, this delighting of people disrupts the category, raising the bar and pushing the entire marketplace forward. Shopkick is a great solve for helping to delight consumers along the entire shopper journey. Either through lookbook quizzes, in-app messages, or in-store scavenger hunts, shoppers can interact with brands in a fun and gamified way – delighting them through those moments. Brands should look to solutions that engage consumers, not just force a transaction to create an emotional connection.  

Throughout his career, Craig has lived by this “delight to disrupt” mentality by finding the whitespace in markets dominated by one way of doing things. In Craig’s world, there are no boring categories, just boring executions. So, whether it’s home cleaning products that feel safe rather than toxic (Method), a lip balm that is fun and easily found (eos), or toothpaste that abandons the clinical-feeling industry standard (Hello Products), he has helped shake up monopolized industries by introducing new items that people can enjoy, trust and even get excited about.   

 

“Delight to disrupt.” 

The ultimate goal is not to strike out the word “disrupt” from our vocabulary or the conversation completely. Rather, it’s time to recognize that there is a better way to approach the process.  

The most innovative brands do not disrupt people’s lives, they delight them.  

By giving people products that cater to their wants and needs while making their lives easier and better, a brand naturally edges out other brands that are not doing so – changing the market and the industry through heightened consumer expectations.  

The Shopkick app brings delight to both its community and partners alike. With its innovative features and user-friendly interface, Shopkick provides an immersive and rewarding shopping experience for consumers. Users can earn points, or “kicks,” by simply walking into participating stores, scanning barcodes, and making purchases, which can be redeemed for gift cards or other exciting rewards. At the same time, Shopkick partners benefit from increased foot traffic, enhanced customer engagement, and valuable insights into consumer behavior. Shopkick’s unique approach to bridging the gap between consumers and retailers makes it a win-win for both parties, making it a truly delightful app for everyone involved. 

 

 

Celebrating International Women’s Day (today and every day)

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International Women’s Day is a day to recognize and honor the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women throughout history, in the present day, and will continue to do so in the future. It is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made toward gender equality and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. This year, IWD is all about #embracingequity. This isn’t just a hashtag for this year’s theme, this means recognizing and addressing the systemic barriers and discrimination that women face in all areas of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and politics. Embracing equity for women requires a commitment to creating a world where women have equal opportunities and access to resources, where their contributions are valued and celebrated, and where their voices are heard and respected. At Shopkick, by Trax, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by showcasing our Fearless Female (as we like to call them) team members’ voices through a month packed with activities and forums where women can share their experiences and insights.

To kick this amazing day off, we thought we’d ask some of the women that are supporting Shopkick to be the best shopping engagement app, how they strive to be the best women leaders at home, at work, in their community and in their free time. See what they have to say below.

 

How do you empower yourself every day?

“I wake up with a glass nearly full mentality and a positive outlook for the possibilities of what each new day may bring; I keep connected to amazing friends, even if only sharing a text to say hello. I can honestly say I have best friends from a very very young age and have added my friends throughout every phase of my life.  I wouldn’t be who I am without my girls!” – Pauline Echols, Senior Account Director (based in North Carolina)

“By pushing myself out of my comfort zone, having a positive attitude, and being consciously kinder to myself. I find that the more self-care I have, the more empowered I become.” – Sarah Roberts, Visual Designer (based in Texas)

“I set daily goals to accomplish and check them off my to-do list. There is something about checking even the smallest things off a list that helps make you feel like you conquered the day.” – Allison Kaminski, Regional Director (based in Illinois)

 

If you could have dinner with any 3 women (dead or alive), who would it be?

“RBG because she spent her life standing her ground in the face of sexism and has paved the way for so many women that have come after her. Lucille Ball because I grew up watching I Love Lucy (thanks to my mom). Not only was she brilliantly funny, but she also proved you can do it all in terms of balancing a demanding career and motherhood. Mariah Carey because she is one of the greatest singers of all time, boasting the most number one hits as a solo artist, female songwriter & female producer. Also, I think she would be a very entertaining dinner guest after a glass of wine or two .” – Joanna Riggio, Sr. Sales Planning Manager (based in New York)

“Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Oprah Winfrey. Their stories of strength and navigating men-dominated fields, not only as women but as women of color, would be fascinating.” – Maria Baez, Content Creator (based in California)

“Michelle Obama – she is incredible in many ways, a brilliant mind, a kind human, a great mother, a great wife, a fashion icon, and a powerhouse of a presence! Dame Joan Sutherland – my favorite voice of all time, a woman who was immensely talented but didn’t have the looks to open her doors to the theatrical world. She became world-renowned yet remained kind and always lifted other women around her. Laskarina Bouboulina – an unlikely leader during the worst times, she became a naval commander by chance and with pure grit. I am her descendant and would love to hear about her journey into commanding a fleet fighting for her country’s freedom, but also learn about our lineage.” – Helen Pastras, Lead Product Manager (based in North Carolina)

 “DOLLY PARTON (I would cry), Amanda Gorman and Tara Schuster” – Sarah Roberts, Visual Designer (based in Texas)

 

What is some advice you’d give younger women entering the workforce?

“Enjoy the journey and live in the moment when it comes to work. My younger self was always so eager to advance, to get ahead, to go in early and stay super late sometimes at the expense of a healthy work/life balance. Thankfully I have evolved from that and am enjoying a very healthy work/life balance as part of an organization that embraces #equity, bringing your whole self to work and where I strive to live in the moment!” Stella Araya, Senior Director, Partnerships (based in New Jersey)

“BE CONFIDENT! Women deserve it all too, so the most important advice I would give is to not cut yourself short, ask for what you deserve, and keep learning. Especially when just entering the workforce. I would also tell them to not be afraid to change their career paths, or to explore different ones, until they find something they actually like.” – Nancy Awad, Manager, User Analytics (based in Toronto, Canada)

“Never be afraid to speak up or ask questions! Nobody at your job knows everything, and I promise that if you have a question about something, you aren’t the only one. Asking questions is a sign you are engaged and are trying to learn, which is always a great thing.” – Joanna Riggio, Sr. Sales Planning Manager (based in New York)

 

What can men do to help #embraceequity?

“I believe men can help to #embraceequity by using their actions and voice to advocate for their female counterparts, as well as showing support to the women in their lives by listening and setting good examples for future generations.” – Maria Baez, Content Creator (based in California)

“I have been so lucky to work with men throughout my career that #embraceequity, but of course, I have still had my fair share of negative experiences. What I think men can do to help is to not be afraid to speak up if they notice any inequality happening, and of course to always look inwards and reflect their own behaviour, and ask themselves if they are giving everyone the same opportunities and chances to learn, be heard and grow.” – Nancy Awad, Manager, User Analytics (based in Toronto, Canada)

“Actively listen to women’s perspectives and acknowledge their point of view and experiences.” – Allison Kaminski, Regional Director (based in Illinois)

“Several things need to happen to eventually lose the stereotypes that still impact women in myriad ways. I’d start with the common but immensely useful: think of your female coworkers as if they are your daughters or mothers. How would you want others to talk to them and think of them?
We are all humans with our flaws, and we will judge others. When judging, though, we should have the same standards for what is acceptable or annoying for everyone, regardless of gender identity or other differences.” – Helen Pastras, Lead Product Manager (based in North Carolina)

 

Strong female leadership is an integral part of Shopkick’s history, today and every day. As you can see in the responses above, #embracingequity is about recognizing the intersecting identities and experiences of women, including race, ethnicity, sexuality, ability, and socio-economic status, and working to address the unique challenges and barriers that these women face. We are so proud of our female leaders for who they at Shopkick, in their community, and at home. Here’s to each of you!!! Happy IWD.

How to Prioritize Yourself & Your Kids While Back To School Is in Full Swing

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To all our Shopkickers with little ones — we see you. Between school pickups, packing lunches, and juggling work or home responsibilities, your own well-being can easily take a backseat. But self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Here are five simple ways to care for your body and mind — in just five minutes or less. Whether you’re in the car line, at your desk, or prepping dinner, these quick habits can help you reset and feel a little more grounded.

1. Breathing Exercises

A few deep breaths can do wonders. Lie flat on the floor if you can, placing one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose, exhale slowly, and focus on how your body moves with each breath. It’s a small pause that can release big tension.

2. Quick Yoga or Stretching

Even one minute of mindful movement counts. Stand tall, stretch your arms overhead, roll your shoulders, or reach down to touch your toes. Moving with intention — even briefly — helps improve circulation and eases tightness that builds up during the day.

3. Shoulder Rolls

This one’s easy to do anywhere — while cooking, working, or even sitting in the car. Roll your shoulders in big circles, then smaller ones. Reverse the direction and repeat. This simple motion helps loosen tension in the neck and shoulders, common areas of stress.

4. Keep a Calming Scent Nearby

Aromatherapy on the go? Yes, please. Carry a small rollerball, essential oil, or portable incense with a calming scent like lavender or eucalyptus. A quick inhale can help you pause, reset, and feel more centered.

5. Splash Cold Water on Your Face

Feeling overwhelmed? Step into the bathroom and splash cool water on your face. It’s a small physical jolt that can help regulate your nervous system and bring you back into the moment. Bonus: it feels incredibly refreshing.

Small Moments = Big Impact
Parenting is full of beautiful chaos. But you deserve care, too. These little rituals can help release built-up tension and bring moments of calm into your day — no extra time, budget, or setup required. The more you support yourself, the better you’ll feel showing up for your family.

 

Budget Friendly Fall Bucket List

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With autumn in full swing, it’s the perfect time to wrap yourself in cozy layers, spend quality time with loved ones, and soak up all the seasonal magic. We’re talking earthy tones, crunchy leaves underfoot, sweet pumpkin scents, and blankets so soft you could melt into them.

To help you celebrate everything this joyful season has to offer, we’ve created a simple fall bucket list to get you started:

1. Visit a Brewery or Grab a Fall-Flavored Drink

This time of year, breweries roll out their best seasonal brews — think pumpkin ales, toasted lagers, and spiced blends. If that’s not your thing, a hot cocoa or spiced cider works just as well. These cozy beverages are perfect for savoring with friends or while wandering a fall festival.

2. Enjoy a Free Art Museum Day or Local Festival

Check your local museum’s schedule for free admission days — it’s a great way to slow down and explore something new. You can also find fall-themed farmers’ markets, outdoor art exhibits, or small-town festivals filled with music, crafts, and treats.

3. Build a Fort and Watch Halloween Movies

Bring on the blankets and pillows — it’s fort time! Whether you’re snuggling in with your kids or having a nostalgic movie night with friends, a homemade fort makes the moment extra fun. Add snacks, flashlights, and your favorite fall flicks for a night of pure comfort.

4. Get Creative with DIY Crafts and Fall Baking

Cold weather = craft weather. Break out the supplies for pumpkin carving, candle making, or painting a festive doormat. In the kitchen, try baking pumpkin bread, spooky cookies, or classic pies. These activities are great solo or with company — and they’ll fill your home with fall warmth.

Soak in the Season
These ideas are just a starting point — fall is full of small moments worth savoring. Whether you’re out exploring or staying cozy indoors, we hope this season brings you comfort, joy, and a whole lot of happy memories.

Simple Spring Bucket List for Foodies

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When a new season arrives, we’re often drawn to bucket lists packed with must-do activities. But instead of overwhelming you with options, we’re keeping things simple — and delicious.

Spring brings back vibrant produce, warmer weather, and plenty of reasons to gather with loved ones. So why not let food lead the way? Here are six fun, food-focused ways to savor the season with friends and family.

1. Pick Your Own Berries

Spring is peak season for strawberries and blueberries, and picking them yourself is half the fun. Find a local u-pick farm and plan a visit — many offer extra attractions like hayrides, petting zoos, or homemade snacks. Once you’ve filled your baskets, head home and whip up something sweet. (We highly recommend blueberry muffins or strawberry shortcake!)

2. Pack a Picnic

Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones. Make sandwiches at home, grab takeout from your favorite spot, or pick up a ready-made spread from the grocery store. Then head to the park, beach, or even your own backyard to dine outside. A new view makes any meal feel special.

3. Dine Al Fresco

Is there anything better than eating outside on a warm spring day? Take advantage of the weather by grabbing a table on the patio at a local restaurant. Whether it’s your go-to brunch spot or a new place you’ve been meaning to try, switching up your scenery can add a whole new flavor to your meal.

4. Make S’mores (No Campfire Required)

S’mores aren’t just for summer! Celebrate the return of longer days with this classic treat. If you don’t have a firepit, no problem — you can make s’mores on the grill, in the oven, or even in the microwave. All you need are graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Simple and so satisfying.

5. Plant a Garden

Spring is the perfect time to get your hands dirty. Start small with herbs in pots or go all in with a veggie garden. Growing your own ingredients is rewarding — and you’ll have fresh flavors to cook with all season long (and maybe even into fall!).

6. Try a New Restaurant

New season, new menu! Spring is a great excuse to support a local spot you haven’t tried yet. Whether it’s a newly opened café or a long-time favorite you’ve never visited, you might discover a dish — or a dining experience — you’ll want to return to again and again.

What’s on Your Spring Foodie List?
Whether you’re planting herbs or picking berries, spring is full of delicious possibilities. Share how you’re celebrating the season with food — we’d love to hear from you on Facebook or Instagram!

5 Simple Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

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We love moms — and all the women who play a motherly role in our lives. From grandmas and aunts to cousins, girlfriends, and chosen moms, this day is all about celebrating the women who show up with love, strength, and heart every day.

Whether you’re planning something big or keeping it simple, here are five easy and meaningful ways to show your appreciation this Mother’s Day.

1. Cook a Full Day of Delicious Meals

Give mom the gift of rest — and good food. Start with a cozy breakfast like a French toast casserole, move on to a simple yet satisfying savory toast for lunch, and finish the day with a crowd-pleasing dinner like tacos, burgers, or homemade pizza. Bonus points if she doesn’t have to lift a finger!

2. Frame the Kids’ Art

Turn a sweet piece of kids’ artwork into a lasting keepsake. Pick up a frame at Target, Walmart, or a craft store like Michaels — or go custom with a service like Framebridge. Want to surprise her? Have the kids create something new, especially anything with their handprints or footprints.

3. Create an At-Home Retreat

Give mom a mini escape without leaving home. Set up a cozy corner with her favorite book or magazine, run her a bubble bath, or prep a quiet space with candles, coffee, wine, or her go-to playlist. A little solitude can feel like the ultimate luxury.

4. Pick Your Own Flowers

Skip the pre-made bouquet and opt for a more hands-on approach. Visit a local flower farm and pick your own blooms — it’s a fun outdoor activity and a meaningful way to spend time together. You’ll leave with beautiful flowers and some great photos.

5. Send Her to the Spa

Whether it’s a massage, facial, or mani-pedi, a gift card to her favorite spa or salon is always a hit. It’s a thoughtful way to encourage her to relax, recharge, and enjoy a little well-deserved pampering.

Celebrate Her, Her Way
No matter how you celebrate, the most important thing is making her feel seen, loved, and appreciated. A thoughtful gesture — big or small — can go a long way. Here’s to the women who make life a little brighter every day. Happy Mother’s Day!

What to Buy, Make, Bake, Sip, and Watch for Valentine’s Day

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We’re celebrating all of the holidays this year, and Valentine’s Day is this Sunday, February 14! Though not everyone enjoys seeing all of the red, pink, and white, we are completely on board with any holiday that celebrates love and positivity. Whether you are searching for simple and fun Valentine’s Day cards your kids can DIY for family, friends, and classmates or a fun movie to watch as a family, we have you covered below. We’re sharing what to buy, make, bake, sip, and watch to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home!

Buy:

The winter can feel long, and flowers are a quick way to brighten any mood or space. Stop by the grocery store and treat yourself to a bouquet or add one to your cart for a Covid-safe delivery to a loved family member.

Make:

Rather than purchasing Valentine’s Day cards this year, why not turn them into a fun craft? We’ve found excellent sources for your kids to make their own cards. Messy Little Monster, Oh Joy!, and  Studio DIY (these are fun for adults, too!) all shared printable Valentine’s Day cards. Also, The Pioneer Woman shared nearly 40 cards you can DIY! 

Bake: 

We have been craving sugar cookies, and Ashley Brooke Designs shared a recipe that is allergy-friendly. Learn how to make her gluten-free and dairy-free sugar cookies! Because half of the fun of sugar cookies is decorating them, don’t forget the icing, sprinkles, and cookie cutters.

Sip:

We’re almost certain you have a go-to cocktail, but when was the last time you made a mocktail? Serve Valentine’s Day drinks your kids can enjoy too when you make one of these recipes from Parenting – we have to say the Shirley Temple with Pop Rocks caught our eye! We also spotted this Hibiscus Mocktini from Real Simple.

Watch:

Once your cookies are out of the oven and your mocktails are set, you’re ready to watch a movie! A rom-com is a must for Valentine’s Day. The Today Show launched a bracket with their top picks. If you’re looking for more kid or teen-friendly flicks, what about turning on “The Parent Trap”, “The Princess Diaries”, or “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”? The final suggestion is based on a beloved YA book series with the same name by Jenny Han – teens love it! 

How are you spending your Valentine’s Day? Let us know how you plan to celebrate on Facebook!

4 Simple Hacks for Productivity

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Do you ever feel the urge to hit reset when a new season rolls around? Same here. Whether it’s updating your go-to recipes or reorganizing your space, a seasonal shift often brings a wave of motivation to refresh different parts of life.

But instead of overhauling everything at once, we’re focusing on one area: productivity.

Because here’s the thing — one of the best feelings is ending your day knowing you spent your time well. Whether that means checking off every to-do, squeezing in a workout, or spending quality time with family, what matters is that you did what you set out to do.

So why save that “A+ day” feeling for just once in a while? Here are four easy ways to boost your productivity and make that kind of day your new normal.

1. Focus on the Small Picture

Big-picture goals can feel exciting… and overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to break them down.

Let’s say your goal is to organize your closet. Instead of tackling it all at once, start small: sort your t-shirts into keep/donate/toss piles. Group seasonal items together. These quick wins build momentum and help you make real progress — one step at a time.

2. Set Three Daily Goals

Long to-do lists look productive, but they can be exhausting. Instead, pick three priority tasks each day. It might be:
✔ Work out
✔ Submit a project
✔ Attend a soccer game

If you check off all three? Great — you nailed your most important tasks. Anything else is a bonus. This helps you stay focused, avoid burnout, and actually feel accomplished.

3. Create Screen-Free Boundaries

Let’s be honest: we all spend more time on screens than we’d like. Instead of trying to go cold turkey, set up physical or digital boundaries:

  • Charge your phone in another room while working

  • Use screen time settings to limit app use

  • Designate “no phone zones” (like the dinner table or your bedroom)

With fewer distractions, you’ll be amazed at how much more focused — and fulfilled — you feel.

4. Block Your Time

Think of your day like a schedule with dedicated blocks. Group similar tasks together so you can fully focus on one thing at a time:

  • Morning block: family time, dog walk

  • Mid-morning block: email replies

  • Midday block: deep work or a creative project

  • Afternoon block: errands or admin tasks

Time blocking reduces the urge to multitask, helps you manage energy, and adds structure to your day without being rigid.

Your Reset Starts Now
Productivity doesn’t mean doing more — it means doing what matters with intention. Start small, stay focused, and give yourself permission to define what a great day looks like for you.

What productivity tip do you swear by? Share it with our community on Facebook — we’re always looking for inspiration!

10 Work from Home Tips

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With our current climate, many people have had to jump into working from home without having the opportunity to properly prepare emotionally, mentally, and physically. It’s safe to say, it’s a big shift all around! Understandably, you might feel as though you’re attempting to determine your new normal as you go. To help you create a work from home life you can grow to enjoy, we thought we would offer our top 10 work from home tips. For many of our Shopkick teams, working from home is part of our weekly routine. So, here’s how we get things done:

10 Work from Home Tips:

1. Keep Your Routine

If you had a morning routine you enjoyed before the quarantine went into effect, make sure to keep that going! If you like to get up and workout first thing, continue doing that. Maybe you look forward to drinking coffee and checking social media – keep it up! Routines help us to feel “normal”, and having that sense of normalcy will keep your productivity going throughout your day.

2. Get Dressed

Shopkickers, getting dressed it key! We know it’s tempting to stay in your pajamas all day because the option of going out is suddenly no longer a true possibility. But, getting dressed will likely make you feel more alert and ready to tackle your day. Again, this also relates to the above of creating and continuing your routine – getting dressed will likely make you feel better. And, for that reason, it’s worth it!

3. Explain Your Work to Family

Working from home can feel tricky, especially if you’re home with kids, other family members, or partners who aren’t joining you by working from home. Your loved ones might spot you and think because you’re also home, you’re free to spend time together. So, set work from home boundaries. Maybe your signal to be interrupted is an open door, or perhaps you step away to enjoy a snack or lunch together. Reminding those you love and who also love you that you’re still working even though you’re home will help everyone to adjust through the transition.

4. Create Your Workspace

If you typically work in an office setting, you likely spend your days at your desk. However, the options will likely feel endless at home. Decide where you would like to work, but don’t feel limited in your options. If you have a desk at home and you enjoy working there, go for it. But, if you would prefer to work from your table or living room, that’s fine too. As a general note: kitchen counters, especially those that have bar height counters can serve as excellent standing desks. Move around your house! It may help your productivity and inspiration.

5. Soak in the Sun

We’ve all woken up to a rainy day and felt like going back to sleep. Working without natural light in sight has the ability to make you feel tired before you begin, so work where you can see the sun. Natural light helps us to feel energized, and working by a window also offers the opportunity to enjoy a nice view and even catch a glimpse of people walking outside.

6. Don’t Snack

One of the top questions many people ask when they’re first starting to work from home is how to avoid snacking. The answer is simple and complicated at the same time: don’t do it! To go back to the first point we mentioned about keeping a routine, keep your breakfast and lunch times intact throughout the day. This will help you to feel satisfied because you will already know when your next mealtime will occur. The other tip: choosing not to work from your kitchen (and the source of the snacks) will likely help if you feel like your willpower is in question.

7. Socialize

The biggest complaint many have to offer about working from home is the lack of socialization. You likely went from eating lunch with coworkers and attending in person meetings throughout the day to being by yourself for hours on end. So, make it a point to meet with coworkers for meetings, meals, and even post-work cocktails over Zoom and Google Hangout. If you’re leading work meetings, start things off by asking everyone round table style how they’re doing. A quick catch up has the ability to remind everyone that though you’re not all physically together, you’re still equally as connected virtually.

8. Go for a Walk

It’s easy to not even realize how many steps you take walking to and from your car into work and throughout your workplace during the day until you’re at home without the need to move around as much. So, get outside! Take a walk in the morning before you start working, plan to walk again after lunch, and consider taking another walk at the end of your day. Use this time to listen to music, an audiobook, or a podcast. You’ll feel refreshed and energized to keep going, and you’ll get your steps in.

9. Log Off

When you’re working from home, you’re likely working from your computer, which is now just feet or a few rooms away from you at all times. The temptation to work at odd times or to keep working into the night is definitely there. But, if you typically walk away from work when you work in-person, keep that up! The best way to make sure this happens is to sign out of all of the apps and programs you use rather than keeping them open on your desktop. Knowing you have to login oftentimes provides enough of a barrier to keep you from continuing to work.

10. Plan Your Evening

The other thing that will help you to sign off from work and feel as though you still have separation between your personal and professional lives is to make plans during the evening. Schedule a call with friends, let your family know you want to have a movie night together, remember to watch your favorite TV shows, workout virtually, make dinner, catch up on chores, etc. Knowing you have things to do will make you feel encouraged to use your time well during the day so you can rest at night.

Do you work from home? What do you find helps you to embrace it? Let us know on Facebook!

5 effective ways to reward customer loyalty

Posted on by shopkick

These days, rewarding customer loyalty is often expected in the competitive marketplace as part of doing business. One study found that 79% of customers will only consider shopping with brands that demonstrate they understand and care about them. Brands looking to prove to customers they care should consider ways to reward customer loyalty.  

On average, loyal customers are worth ten times the value of their first purchase, so it pays to court newcomers to become regulars. The decision to reward loyal customers is, of course, the easy part. The more difficult task is finding effective ways to reward customer loyalty that are also profitable for your business.

What Do People Want From a Customer Loyalty Program?

In any loyalty program, customers expect to:

  • Easily understand what your program is all about.
  • Save money through store credit or members-only discounts.
  • Have some choice in reward.
  • Receive a reward they don’t have to wait for. 
  • Receive special treatment with exclusive VIP perks.
  • Feel an emotional connection with your brand.

It’s not enough to simply say, “Thank You.” Businesses these days are expected to show their gratitude in a unique, brand-focused way. 

5 Effective Ways to Reward Customer Loyalty

Consider these popular methods of rewarding the most loyal brand ambassadors:

  1. VIP Services

Department stores in particular benefit from rolling out the red carpet for their shoppers; Forrester Research found that more than three-quarters of department store shoppers say they prefer to receive premium service through their loyalty programs. For instance, members of Nordstrom’s “Nordy Club” receive VIP services that other shoppers don’t have access to such as early access to the retailer’s anniversary sale, extra points with every purchase, curbside pickup, free clothing alterations, and priority access to special events. The program is free to join but is structured in four different levels, depending on spending, with benefits increasing at each tier. 

  1. Partnerships

5 ways to reward customer loyaltyStrategic brand partnerships are increasingly becoming more important, as companies look to add value; expand their benefits beyond what they alone provide; and find exciting new ways to reinvigorate their brand image. When the benefits are reciprocal, they also serve to increase the size of their loyalty base. The NikePlus Unlocks reward program began providing partner perks from Apple Music, the Headspace mindfulness app, and ClassPass studio fitness program membership when their own fitness app users reached running milestones or completed new workout routines. Select purchases also aligned with partner perks. Members purchasing a Nike Epic React Flyknit shoe in an exclusive color would receive four months of Apple Music for free. 

  1. Punch Cards

Punch cards are traditional ways to build brand affinity and encourage customer loyalty. What do you want your customers to buy or do? Clearly state the path and reward and watch participation grow. It’s as simple as offering a free coffee and a fresh punch card after a loyal customer has already purchased nine. They’re encouraged to return to your business with a promise of being rewarded for their loyalty.   

  1. Referral Bonus

Often, your already loyal customers will lead to even more loyal customers because people tend to trust their family and friends’ recommendations. Offering a referral bonus is an easy way to introduce yourself to an expanded network. The best referrals provide something free for the referrer and the referee, so it’s a win-win proposition. For instance, meal service HelloFresh provides three free referral gift cards worth $40 off for up to three months. Friends and family receive the discounted meals, while the referrer gets a $20 credit for each new referral. Once a person starts referring, the perks increase. 

  1. Gift Cards

For the last 12 years, the National Retail Federation has reported that gift cards are the most desired gift. When it comes to loyalty programs, consumers say they prefer gift cards 2:1 over any other type of reward. If consumers can choose their own gift cards, they are even more satisfied. Shopkick is a mobile shopping app that offers gift cards to retailers like Target, Walmart, and Sephora in exchange for shopper engagement. With Shopkick, consumers receive “kicks” that can be redeemed for gift cards to the retailer of their choice. These incentives don’t just encourage the use of the app. They also build brand affinity, as the consumer attributes the rewards to the brand they used to get them. 

For the last 12 years, the National Retail Federation has reported that gift cards are the most desired gift.

By leveraging one or all of these ways to reward customer loyalty, brands can bet on building a relationship that encourages customers to return time after time.  

If you’re looking for the most effective ways to reward customer loyalty, become one of our partners. Shopkick users are encouraged to engage with partnering brands and retailers through rewards and incentives. Contact us to learn how easy it is to offer greater rewards and earn customer loyalty. 

Image courtesy of Black Salmon