How to use a loyalty program effectively

A loyalty program is a simple and powerful tool that helps increase the number of returning customers. In BotMarketing.pro, the program is built into your Telegram bot, works automatically, and fits both offline visits and orders placed in the bot.

The main goal is to make participation convenient and natural for the customer: they simply scan a QR code, start the bot, and immediately see their bonuses and progress. At the same time, the loyalty program is not limited to visits or fixed rewards. BotMarketing.pro also supports cashback mechanics that reward customers for purchases and recommendations, turning one-time visits into long-term relationships.

The main tool: a printed QR code at the point of sale

The most effective way to involve people in the program is to place a QR code in your location with a link like:

Scanning this code:

• opens your bot;
• takes the person straight to the loyalty program section;
• automatically records the source "offline point of sale" ("cafe_qr" in the link);
• adds the person to the customer base if they were not in the bot before.

Important detail

If a person once blocked your bot, Telegram will show the "Start" button again when they open the link. After pressing it, the customer becomes active, and you can continue interacting with them. This is a good way to restore contact with people you may have lost earlier.

How the offline visit loyalty program works

The visit program works by the model: every Nth visit brings a reward, for example every 7th coffee is free.

The customer participation flow is very simple:

1. The customer scans the QR code in the location.
2. The bot opens the loyalty section and offers a "Request code" button.
3. The customer presses the button and shows the generated code to staff.
4. Staff enter the code in their staff bot.
5. The visit is recorded automatically, and the customer sees updated progress and, if the threshold is reached, receives a reward.

The whole process takes 3-5 seconds, works without mistakes, and does not require manual stamps or paper cards.

Where to place QR codes

• on the entrance door;
• at the counter or on the bar menu;
• on tables;
• on packaging or cups;
• on promotional materials;
• on business cards or flyers.

The more often the QR code is visible, the higher participation becomes.

How loyalty for online orders works

BotMarketing.pro supports loyalty by order amount.

The logic is simple:

1. The customer places an order in the bot or mini-site.
2. After checkout, the order amount is added to their progress.
3. When the customer reaches the threshold, for example 5,000, they receive a reward.

This is especially convenient for services, delivery, products, and any situation where a customer makes several purchases during a month.

Cashback for purchases: motivation to return more often

In addition to rewards by order amount, the system supports a cashback-for-purchases program. In this case, the customer receives a percentage of the order amount as bonuses, which are stored on their balance and can be used for future purchases.

Cashback is credited automatically after order completion, both in the Telegram bot and through the mini-site. The customer always sees the current balance and understands that the next purchase will be more beneficial.

This format works especially well in businesses with regular orders: services, delivery, stores, and rentals, where it is important to stimulate not one large order, but constant returning.

How to attract more people to the loyalty program

QR code at the point of sale
Works best because customers scan it exactly when they make a visit.

QR code on packaging or pickup
Works for takeaway coffee, delivery, rental services, and products. A person can scan the code later, already at home.

Link in social media
You can place the loyalty program link in Instagram, Telegram channel, Facebook, TikTok, and any other channels where you have an audience.

Cashback for friends: customers bring customers

The referral mechanic deserves separate attention: cashback for friends. In this scenario, the customer receives a personal link and can share it with people they know. If the invited person actually becomes a customer and places an order, the inviter receives a bonus.

The important point is that the reward is credited not for the click itself, but only for the real result. This makes the mechanic honest and profitable for the business: you pay bonuses only for new active customers.

For the customer, it looks simple: they share the link, and the bot shows how many friends have already brought bonuses and what progress has been reached.

Where to get the right links and QR codes

You do not need to configure anything manually.

All smart links are available in two places:

• The "Smart bot links" article in the Guide section; you only need to insert your bot address.
• Company dashboard → "My company" block → "Bot: ..." row → information icon.

How to create a nice QR code

After copying the required link, you can generate a QR code in any convenient service. Recommended free options:

• qr-code-generator.com
• qrstuff.com
• goqr.me
• beaconstac.com (free plan)
• QR icons in Canva, for visual design.

Tips:

• use color, brand elements, and a short text like "Scan to record your visit" or "Check your progress";
• print in good quality;
• place the code in several spots so it is definitely noticed.

Recommendations that increase program activity

Clear conditions

State the rule simply and clearly, for example: "Every 7th coffee is free". Customers participate more willingly when the rule is understandable and achievable.

Use cashback as a return anchor

When a customer sees accumulated bonuses or understands that recommending a friend brings value, the chance of a repeat visit or order grows noticeably. Even small cashback works better than a one-time discount because it creates the feeling of value already accumulated.

Combine offline and online

Use QR codes in your location plus links in social media. This expands program reach and brings in even people who rarely visit offline.

Use automatic messages

The service allows you to send reminders to customers who have not ordered or scanned a QR code for a long time. Soft, unobtrusive messages increase customer return rates.

Rewards must be real

If the goal is too hard, participation drops. The most effective programs are those where the reward is reachable within 4-8 visits or one or two large purchases.