How do you build a loyalty program linked to seasons and holidays?

Aug 13
5 min read

Updated: Aug 27

In the modern business world, the loyalty program is no longer just an additional tool, but has become one of the main pillars of customer attraction and retention strategies. However, many programs fail to achieve the desired results because they lack flexibility or ignore timeliness. Here is the smart solution: Linking the loyalty program to seasons and holidays.

This connection makes customers feel emotionally connected to the brand, and turns religious, national and social occasions into golden opportunities to enhance loyalty and increase sales.

In this article we will review:

• Why is it important to link a loyalty program to seasons?

• Practical steps for designing a seasonal loyalty program.

• Practical examples and innovative ideas suitable for various sectors.

• Challenges you may face and how to overcome them.

First: Why are seasons and holidays an ideal opportunity for loyalty programs?

• The emotional side During seasons such as Ramadan or national holidays, customers are more emotionally open, and love interacting with brands that share the spirit of the occasion.

• Increase the rate of spending Figures prove that consumer spending rises significantly during holidays and seasons. Thus, linking loyalty to events increases the chances of raising the average bill value.

• The ability to excel A seasonal loyalty program sets your brand apart from competitors, because it offers customers something beyond traditional discounts.

• Strengthen long-term engagement When a customer associates your brand with an anniversary or recurring event, they are more committed to coming back to you year after year.

Second: Practical steps to build a successful seasonal loyalty program

Study customer behavior in each season

Start by analyzing past sales data:

• What are the most in-demand products in Ramadan?

• Does the demand for gifts increase on national holidays?

• What age groups are most active in certain seasons?

Set clear goals

Before launching the program, ask yourself:

• Is the goal to increase sales in a short period?

• Or collect new data about customers?

• Or build a strong mental image associated with the occasion?

Design special rewards for the occasion

example:

• Ramadan: Double points when purchasing before breakfast.

• National Day: Green discounts or gifts (reflecting national identity).

• Eid al-Adha: Purchasing vouchers linked to family gifts.

Effectively market the program

• Use digital channels like Instagram and TikTok to launch seasonal advertising campaigns.

• Design visual content that bears the identity of the season (Ramadan crescent, Eid colors, national flag).

• Make the message clear: "Every purchase today = bonus points for [the season]."

Simplifying the participation mechanism

• Don't make the customer go through complicated steps.

• A digital loyalty card linked to a mobile number is sufficient.

• Or a direct registration link via WhatsApp message.

Follow-up after the season ends

• Send a personal thank you: "Thank you for joining the Ramadan program."

• Offer a small reward to encourage them to come back: "We've saved an extra treat for you that's good for after the holiday."

Third: Practical examples and innovative ideas

In the restaurants and cafes sector

• Ramadan: Offering double points for every group breakfast order.

• Eid: A small gift (a free dessert or drink) for every customer who visits the branch on Eid.

• National Day: Custom coupons in the colors of the national flag.

In the retail sector (clothing and gift shops)

• Ramadan: Special discounts when purchasing family gifts.

• Mother's Day: Launching additional points when purchasing products aimed at mothers.

• National Day: Providing a discount coupon to the customer who shares a photo with a product bearing the national colors.

In the electronics sector

• Ramadan: Free maintenance for devices during the blessed month.

• holiday: Offering double points on entertainment-related devices (screens, headphones).

In the perfumes and cosmetics sector

• Ramadan: Small fragrance gifts with every purchase.

• Eid: "Eid Gift Box" with a special discount for members.

Fourth: How do you make the seasonal loyalty program sustainable?

• Smart repetition Don't limit the show to just one season. Repeat annually with minor improvements.

• Merging seasons with eternal loyalty Link seasonal points to the overall loyalty system. For example: Ramadan points can be used after Eid. National Day points are added to your permanent loyalty balance.

• Flexibility in rewards Leave the customer free to choose: a gift, discount, or voucher.

• Measure results Number of participants in the program. Ratio of new versus returning customers. Average purchase value.

Fifth: Challenges and how to overcome them

• Crowded market during seasons The solution: Provide a unique offer that does not imitate competitors.

• The high cost of gifts The solution: Rely on digital rewards (points, electronic vouchers).

• Data management Solution: Use CRM systems or simple loyalty management software that links the customer directly to the mobile number.

• Poor customer engagement Solution: Make signing up simple and offer an instant bonus once you join.

Sixth: Marketing strategies for a seasonal loyalty program

• Email Marketing: Personal messages: "So-and-so, your points have doubled today on the occasion of Eid."

• Social media marketing: Small competitions related to the season: "Share your photo with our Ramadan products and win extra points."

• Local partnerships: Cooperation with other stores: "Your points with us = discounts at a partner restaurant during Eid."

Seventh: Brief case studies

• A Saudi restaurant chain during Ramadan It launched a loyalty program entitled "Iftar earns you," whereby customers receive double points when booking for families. The result: a 35% increase in group bookings.

• Electronics store on National Day Offer a small discount (19%), but every customer gets double points. The result: sales increased by 42% compared to the previous year.

• Mother's Day gift shop Offer a digital loyalty card, where the customer gets an additional coupon if he buys a gift for the mother. The result: the average bill increased by 50%.

Conclusion

Building a loyalty program linked to the seasons and holidays is not just a temporary marketing campaign, but rather a long-term investment in the relationship with your customers. When you make a customer feel that your brand celebrates with them and gives them additional value on occasions that are important to them, you are not just selling a product, but you are building an ongoing human relationship.

Golden rule:

In this way, you will transform the seasons and holidays from just a consumer rush period into a strategic opportunity to build strong and lasting connections with your audience.

Translated from the original Arabic post.