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9 Best Ways to Use WhatsApp for Your E-commerce Loyalty Programs (With Examples)

So, you know WhatsApp is the perfect channel for loyalty programs. But how do you actually use it? Simply sending random discount messages won’t work. You need a strategy that keeps customers engaged, excited, and coming back for more.

In this section, we’ll break down the best ways to use WhatsApp for loyalty programs—with real examples to show how it works. 

1. Personalized Rewards & Exclusive Offers

Customers love feeling special. A generic discount might not excite them, but a personalized reward just for them will definitely do. Also, 63% of marketers stated that they saw an increase in conversion rates due to personalization. 

WhatsApp makes personalized rewards instant and engaging. Instead of generic promotions, brands can:

  • Send offers based on past purchases, customer’s shopping habits etc (e.g., discounts on a preferred product category).
  • Use customer names and location data for a personal touch.
  • Share exclusive perks that feel special.
  • Send one-tap redeemable links for hassle-free shopping.

Plus, WhatsApp allows real-time conversations, so if a customer has questions about the offer, they can ask instantly. 

This WhatsApp campaign by Lenskart is a perfect example of a personalized offer. Here’s why it works:

  • Personalized greeting ("Dear Sapna") makes it feel exclusive.
  • Custom offer ("Free progressive lenses") based on past shopping behavior.
  • Message from the store manager makes it feel personal and trusted.
  • Direct "Shop Now" button for instant redemption.

This personal touch makes them feel valued, encouraging repeat purchases and stronger brand loyalty. 

2. Points-Based Loyalty Program Updates

Loyalty points lose their charm if customers forget about them. Many shoppers don’t track their points or miss redemption deadlines. This leads to lost engagement and fewer repeat purchases. Regular updates can keep them excited and encourage them to use their points before they expire.

WhatsApp makes it easy to send real-time updates about loyalty points. You can remind customers about:

  • How many points they have
  • When they expire
  • What they can redeem them for

Since WhatsApp messages are read almost instantly, customers are more likely to take action. Plus, you can include a direct link to redeem points, making it hassle-free. There is no need for customers to login and search—they can just tap and shop. This keeps customers engaged and makes them feel rewarded for their loyalty.

This WhatsApp message from Pantaloons does everything right:

  • Personalized greeting makes it feel exclusive.
  • Clear points balance so the customer knows exactly what they have.
  • Urgency (expires on 30th Oct) creates FOMO and encourages action.
  • Direct shopping link makes redemption seamless.

By using WhatsApp for points-based updates, brands can increase redemption rates, boost sales, and make customers feel valued. 

3. VIP Access for Exclusive Customers

When customers get early access to deals, exclusive perks, or members-only discounts, they feel valued and connected to the brand. 

WhatsApp lets brands personally invite VIP customers to sales, special events, or exclusive deals. Since messages are opened instantly, your best customers won’t miss out. You can:

  • Send priority access links before sales go live.
  • Share exclusive discount codes only for VIPs.
  • Create a sense of exclusivity with private offers.

By using personalized WhatsApp messages, brands can make customers feel like insiders, boosting excitement and driving sales.

This marketing campaign by Giva nails WhatsApp VIP marketing by: 

  • Creating exclusivity with "Sshhh! Your VIP Access is HERE!"
  • Offering special perks like free silver jewelry for VIP shoppers.
  • Using urgency with limited-time offers (midnight sale).
  • Providing direct shopping links for instant action.

This approach builds excitement, increases sales, and strengthens customer relationships. 

4. Automated Birthday & Anniversary Rewards

Everyone loves a birthday surprise or a special treat on their anniversary. It makes customers feel valued and strengthens emotional bonds with the brand. 

WhatsApp Business allows brands to automate birthday and anniversary messages with special discounts, freebies, or reward points. With WhatsApp, you can:

  • Send a personalized discount code based on past shopping habits.
  • Use rich media (GIFs, videos, or images) to make the message exciting.
  • Add a one-tap redemption link so customers can claim their reward instantly.

This makes loyalty programs feel more personal, engaging, and rewarding without extra effort from the brand’s side.

Check out this automated birthday rewards Whatsapp campaign by Westside: 

  • Personalized message addressing the customer by name.
  • Special discount (20% off) just for the birthday customer.
  • A clear CTA ("Avail the treat now!") to encourage immediate action.
  • Use of celebratory emojis 🎂🎉 to make the message feel festive.

This way brands create meaningful touchpoints, increase sales, and make customers feel valued. 

5. Gamified Loyalty Programs

People love games—especially when they come with a chance to win rewards. Gamification makes loyalty programs fun, interactive, and engaging, rather than just another boring points system. When customers feel like they’re winning something, they’re more likely to stay connected with the brand.

WhatsApp is perfect for gamified loyalty programs because it allows brands to send interactive challenges, scratch cards, lucky draws, and spin-the-wheel contests directly to customers. With WhatsApp Business API, you can:

  • Send instant notifications about game-based rewards.
  • Let customers redeem prizes with a single tap using clickable links.
  • Create urgency by setting time limits on rewards (e.g., “Claim your scratch card in the next 24 hours!”).

AJIO’s Whatsapp campaign is a great example of gamified loyalty marketing:

  • Scratch card reward (Up to ₹500 AJIO Money) makes it fun and engaging.
  • Time-sensitive offer (“Last day to claim”) creates urgency.
  • Direct CTA ("Shop Now" button) allows instant redemption.
  • Personalized experience that makes the customer feel special.

6. Post-Purchase Engagement & Upselling

Selling doesn’t end when a customer makes a purchase. Keeping them engaged after the sale is key to turning them into loyal, repeat buyers. 

Post-purchase engagement helps brands boost retention, increase lifetime value, and encourage additional purchases. Studies show that return customers spend 67% more than new customers, making upselling an essential part of any loyalty program.

WhatsApp makes post-purchase engagement instant and personalized. Instead of waiting for customers to return on their own, brands can:

  • Send personalized product recommendations based on past purchases.
  • Offer limited-time deals to encourage repeat shopping.
  • Use interactive buttons for easy navigation to related products.

Myntra’s campaign is a great example of upselling: Here’s why: 

  • Personalized reminder ("Remember those jeans you bought?") makes it relevant.
  • Suggested complementary products (T-shirts, sweaters, shoes) encourage additional purchases.
  • Limited-time deals ("Valid from 7 PM to midnight") create urgency.
  • Clickable product categories make exploring and buying effortless.

By using WhatsApp marketing tools for smart post-purchase engagement, brands can turn one-time buyers into repeat customers. 

7. Referral Program with WhatsApp Sharing

Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful. People trust recommendations from friends and family more than ads. A referral program helps brands gain new customers while rewarding existing ones, creating a win-win for both. But many referral programs require too many steps, leading to low participation.

WhatsApp makes referrals super easy by allowing customers to share referral links with just one tap. Instead of copying links and pasting them in different apps, users can:

  • Send personalized referral messages to loyal customers.
  • Allow users to share links instantly within their WhatsApp chats.
  • Send real-time updates on referral earnings and rewards.

Since WhatsApp has higher open and engagement rates than emails, referral messages actually get seen and used. This means more people join the program, increasing customer acquisition and retention.

This campaign by Headway India is a great example of a WhatsApp referral program in action:

  • Simple and clear message ("Refer friends and get 20% off").
  • Unique referral code (PREETI20) makes sharing easy.
  • Clickable "Refer Now" button allows instant participation.
  • No extra steps, making the process seamless.

By integrating referral programs into WhatsApp, brands can turn happy customers into brand ambassadors, boosting sales and loyalty. 

8. Back-in-Stock Alerts for High-Demand Products

Nothing is more frustrating for customers than finding their favorite product out of stock. That’s why sending real-time back-in-stock alerts is crucial. It helps brands re-engage customers and drive immediate sales while maintaining loyalty.

WhatsApp makes back-in-stock notifications instant and action-driven. Instead of customers repeatedly checking a website, brands can:

  • Send personalized restock alerts for previously viewed or waitlisted items.
  • Add a one-click purchase link, making it easy to buy immediately.
  • Create urgency by highlighting demand (e.g., "Only a few left!").

Nykaa’s WhatsApp campaign is a good example of a back-in-stock alert done right:

  • Personalized message ("Your fave is BACK IN STOCK!") grabs attention.
  • Urgency factor ("472 eyes are on it 😱") creates FOMO.
  • Direct purchase link ("LET'S GO") makes buying effortless.
  • Casual, engaging tone makes the message feel friendly, not pushy.

9. Time-Sensitive Flash Sales & Limited-Time Offers

Urgency drives action. When customers know an offer is only available for a short time, they’re more likely to act fast. Also, flash sales and limited-time deals create a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), pushing customers to make impulse purchases. 

But if customers don’t see these offers in time, they miss out. That’s where WhatsApp solves the problem. WhatsApp makes time-sensitive deals instant and hard to ignore by allowing brands to: 

  • Send real-time alerts about flash sales.
  • Use personalized messages to make offers feel exclusive.
  • Include clickable CTAs for one-tap shopping.
  • Create urgency with countdowns or stock updates

Nykaa’s BOGO (Buy One Get One) Flash Sale is a perfect example of a WhatsApp-driven flash sale:

  • Personalized message ("Nishtha, Buy 1, Get 1 Free!") feels exclusive.
  • Step-by-step instructions make redemption easy.
  • Urgency ("Hurry, the clock is ticking! ⏳") triggers FOMO.
  • Clickable “Shop Now” link enables instant purchase.

Conclusion

Implementing an eCommerce loyalty program can boost customer retention and overall business growth. One innovative approach is using WhatsApp loyalty programs—a direct and personalized way to engage customers.

With WhatsApp tools, you can offer instant rewards, exclusive deals, and seamless interactions, making loyalty programs more engaging and effective. Whether through points, tiers, or special perks, a well-designed program keeps customers coming back.

Want to strengthen customer relationships? Start by exploring how a WhatsApp-based loyalty program can enhance your ecommerce marketing strategy and drive long-term success.

Author Bio

Sapna Singhal is a Freelance Content Writer who specializes in writing data-driven blog posts around B2B Marketing and SaaS. She has over 5 years of experience in content writing and marketing. When she's not writing, you can find her chit-chatting with her sisters or reading books!