Imagine customers not wanting to leave your online shop. Not because they’re desperately searching for the right product, but because they’re simply having fun.
Gamification is no longer just a feature of the gaming world. A great example is Duolingo users, who proudly share their streaks on social media. Why? Because they feel rewarded, see their progress, and don’t want to break the chain.
You can achieve the same effect in your online shop—just create an experience that keeps customers coming back. And you don’t need to revamp your entire store. Start with small but effective steps. Here are five proven gamification tactics that work for our clients.
1. Loyalty programs: Rewarding repeat purchases
79% of customers say loyalty programs motivate them to shop again. What does this mean? Rewarding purchases, reviews, or referrals turns casual visitors into loyal brand advocates.
Badges, often part of loyalty programs, serve as a visual representation of customer achievements. They create a sense of progress and encourage further engagement. Plus, exclusive products available only to badge holders increase the feeling of exclusivity and prestige.
Example: On Golfcentrum.sk, customers earn points for purchases and redeem them for discounts. This system encourages repeat shopping while increasing registrations, making order and return management easier.
2. Spin-the-wheel: A chance that drives purchases
Who doesn’t love surprises? Interactive elements like a spin-the-wheel feature motivate customer engagement. Just spin and win—a discount, free shipping, or a small gift. Statistics show that spin-to-win pop-ups can convert up to 30% of website visitors into buyers!
Mystery gifts, where customers receive a surprise gift with purchases over a certain amount, add excitement and encourage larger orders. These gifts can include seasonal items, surplus products, or samples that introduce customers to new products while helping clear inventory.
Example: New visitors to DrMax.sk could spin the wheel for a discount. This interactive feature boosted customer engagement and encouraged immediate use of the discount.
3. Progress bars: The motivation to complete a goal
Progress bars are subtle yet powerful tools that keep customers engaged and encourage them to complete an action—whether filling out a form or completing a purchase. These visual cues provide clear feedback on what’s left to do, reducing frustration and increasing completion rates.
Forms with a visual progress indicator have up to 20% higher completion rates because customers clearly see how many steps remain.
Example: On Zachej.sk, a progress bar was added to the checkout process, showing how much was left to qualify for free shipping or a gift. This simple addition increased completed orders and average cart value as customers added more items to reach the threshold.
4. Contests & interactive games: Beyond shopping
Customers love contests! Whether quizzes, order-based sweepstakes, or social media challenges, these activities boost engagement and expand customer reach. Interactive quizzes recommending products based on answers connect fun with personalization, driving sales.
Interactive campaigns such as games and contests can boost conversion rates by up to 40%, according to HubSpot, compared to traditional advertising.
Example: Voňavý domov ran a contest where customers who placed an order had a chance to win exclusive product bundles. Nearly 3,800 orders were placed during the campaign, proving that combining shopping with rewards is a strong motivator.
5. Referral programs: Rewards for recommendations
92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends more than ads. That’s why referral programs are one of the most effective ways to attract new customers.
Referral programs not only expand the customer base but also strengthen emotional connections with the brand. Recommendations from friends feel authentic, fostering long-term customer loyalty.
Example: On the online shop Gudvio.sk, customers can refer friends and both receive a discount on their next purchase. Additionally, they earn points for following social media, writing reviews, and completing their profiles. This system not only encourages interaction and community building but also organically expands brand reach and strengthens customer loyalty.
Try it yourself
Gamification doesn’t have to be complicated. Small tweaks—like a spin-the-wheel, loyalty program, or contest—can transform a simple purchase into an experience. These details boost customer engagement, encourage repeat purchases, and strengthen brand loyalty. If you want your online shop to be a place customers love returning to, gamification is the way forward.
Did we inspire you? We’d be happy to implement gamification features in your project!
Sources:
- Bond Loyalty Report 2022 – bondbrandloyalty.com/reports/
- Harvard Business Review – Game on: Engaging customers and employees through gamification
- Spinify, 2023 – Gamification Statistics
- Amazon UX Research – Publications
- HubSpot Study on Interactive Marketing – Gamification Examples
- Microsoft Research on Achievement Badges – Using Achievement Badges for Motivating Exploration and Mastery
