Program Updates
Smart Program Updates
One of Clientify.app's most powerful features is the ability to update your loyalty programs anytime without disrupting existing customers. This guide explains how it works and best practices.
How Program Updates Work
The Smart Update System
When you update an active loyalty program:
- Existing customers continue with their current cards
- New customers automatically join the updated program
- No rewards are lost - everyone completes their current program
- Seamless transition when existing customers claim their rewards
Space for update flow visualization
Example Scenario
Your Current Program: 5 visits = free coffee
Customer Status:
- Alice has 3/5 visits
- Bob has 1/5 visits
- Carol is new
You Update To: 8 visits = free coffee + pastry
What Happens:
- Alice continues with 5-visit program, needs 2 more visits
- Bob continues with 5-visit program, needs 4 more visits
- Carol gets the new 8-visit program automatically
- After Alice claims her reward, she gets a new 8-visit card
When to Update Your Programs
Good Reasons to Update
Seasonal Changes:
- Holiday special rewards
- Summer vs winter offerings
- Back-to-school promotions
Business Evolution:
- New menu items or services
- Changed pricing structure
- Improved rewards based on feedback
Performance Optimization:
- Analytics show completion rates too low/high
- Customer feedback suggests changes
- Competitive adjustments
Promotional Campaigns:
- Limited-time enhanced rewards
- Special events or grand openings
- Partnership promotions
What You Can Update
Reward Description:
- Change the reward offered
- Update value or specifics
- Seasonal variations
Visit Requirements:
- Increase or decrease visit count
- Adjust based on customer behavior
- Test different completion rates
Branding:
- Update colors to match seasons
- Change logo or imagery
- Refresh visual appearance
Program Name:
- Internal reference only
- Helps track different versions
Space for update form screenshot
Step-by-Step Update Process
Step 1: Access Program Settings
- Go to Loyalty Programs in your dashboard
- Find your active program
- Click "Edit Program"
Step 2: Make Your Changes
Review Current Settings:
- Note how many customers have active cards
- Check completion rates and feedback
- Consider seasonal or business changes
Update Fields:
- Change visit requirements if needed
- Update reward description
- Modify branding colors/logo
- Update internal program name
Step 3: Preview Changes
Before saving, review:
- How new cards will look
- Customer experience changes
- Impact on existing customers (none!)
Space for update preview screenshot
Step 4: Confirm Update
- Click "Update Program"
- Confirm you understand existing customers continue unchanged
- Program updates immediately for new customers
Understanding Customer Experience
For Existing Customers
Their Cards Don't Change:
- Same visit count requirements
- Same reward description
- Same progress tracking
- No confusion or disruption
After They Claim Rewards:
- Reward QR is generated for current program
- You process their reward as normal
- New card is created with updated program
- Smooth transition to new version
For New Customers
Immediate Access:
- Join updated program automatically
- See new reward descriptions
- Updated visit requirements
- Fresh branding/colors
No Grandfather Clauses:
- New customers can't join old versions
- Everyone new gets the current program
- Consistent experience for new users
Best Practices
Timing Your Updates
Optimal Times:
- Beginning of new seasons
- Start of promotional periods
- After gathering customer feedback
- During slow business periods
Avoid:
- Right before holidays when customers are close to rewards
- During your busiest seasons
- Too frequently (confuses customers)
Communication Strategies
Announce Changes:
- Social media posts about new rewards
- In-store signage highlighting improvements
- Email to existing customers explaining benefits
- Staff training on new program details
Manage Expectations:
- Explain that current card-holders finish their current program
- Highlight improved rewards for future cards
- Emphasize no one loses progress
Space for communication examples
Testing Different Programs
A/B Testing Approach:
- Run program version A for 2-3 months
- Analyze completion rates and feedback
- Update to version B with improvements
- Compare performance over time
- Iterate based on data
Key Metrics to Track:
- Enrollment rate (new customers joining)
- Completion rate (customers finishing programs)
- Time to completion (how long it takes)
- Customer satisfaction feedback
Advanced Update Strategies
Seasonal Rotations
Example - Coffee Shop:
- Spring: 7 visits = free iced coffee
- Summer: 6 visits = free cold brew
- Fall: 8 visits = free hot latte + pastry
- Winter: 5 visits = free hot chocolate
Value Progression
Example - Restaurant:
- Version 1: 5 visits = free appetizer
- Version 2: 6 visits = free appetizer + dessert
- Version 3: 7 visits = free entree
Limited-Time Enhancements
Example - Retail Store:
- Regular: 8 visits = 15% discount
- Holiday Special: 8 visits = 25% discount + gift wrap
- Back to Regular: 8 visits = 15% discount
Managing Multiple Program Versions
Tracking Active Programs
Your dashboard shows:
- Current Program: What new customers join
- Active Cards: How many customers on each version
- Completion Timeline: When existing cards will finish
Customer Support
Common Questions:
- "Why is my friend's card different?"
- "Can I switch to the new program?"
- "When will I get the new reward?"
Standard Responses:
- Everyone completes their current program first
- New program starts after claiming current reward
- No one loses progress or benefits
Space for program management interface
Troubleshooting
Q: Can customers switch to the updated program?
A: No, existing customers complete their current cards first. This prevents confusion and ensures fairness.
Q: What if I made a mistake in the update?
A: You can update again immediately. Only new customers will see the newest version.
Q: How do I know when to update my program?
A: Monitor completion rates, customer feedback, and seasonal business changes. Update when you see clear opportunities for improvement.
Q: Can I pause my program instead of updating it?
A: Yes, you can deactivate programs. Existing cards remain valid, but new customers can't join until you reactivate.
Next Steps
Now that you understand program updates:
Learn About QR Code Management →
Track Your Program Analytics →
Process Customer Rewards →
Need Help?
- Email: hello@clientify.app
- Priority Support: Pro+ customers get 24-hour response
- Documentation: Browse all guides at /docs
Smart program updates help you continuously improve customer experience while protecting everyone's progress! 🔄