Most loyalty programs have the same quiet problem: the merchant pays for every reward. Points are a discount you have not given yet, and the more your program works, the more it costs. Advertiser-funded loyalty flips that. Someone else pays for the rewards, and your store keeps the customer relationship.
The idea in one paragraph
In an advertiser-funded program, a brand that wants new customers pays to reach your shoppers. Part of that spend becomes the reward the shopper earns. The shopper gets something of value, the advertiser gets an engaged new user, and the merchant offers a bigger reward without touching margin.
How it works with games
Mobile game studios spend heavily to find new players, and they pay when a person installs a game and plays it. AppsPrize, a loyalty app for Shopify stores, uses that budget as the reward:
- A shopper opens your rewards page and picks a game.
- They play on their phone and reach milestones, such as a level.
- Each milestone earns points that can only be spent in your store.
- The studio pays for the points. Your store earns when a shopper installs a partner game from your page.
The reward is earned by doing something clear, and the amount is shown up front. Nothing is decided by chance.
Who pays whom
| Party | What they get | What they pay |
|---|---|---|
| Shopper | Points they can spend with you | Time spent playing a game |
| Game studio | New, engaged players | Their user acquisition budget |
| Merchant | A rewards page, repeat visits, a new earning | Nothing to install |
What to check before you try one
- Who pays, exactly. Ask for it in writing. "Free to install" and "no discount budget" should be stated plainly.
- How rewards are earned. Rewards tied to clear milestones are easy to explain. Prize draws and loot-box style mechanics can raise legal questions in some places, so avoid anything decided by chance.
- What happens to your shoppers' data. You should know what is shared with advertisers. With AppsPrize, shopper email addresses and purchase data are not shared with game partners.
- Whether it replaces your program. The better tools sit alongside what you already run.
- How it looks. The page should use your colors, logo and messaging.
Is it right for every store?
Not always. It suits stores whose shoppers already spend time on their phones, and who want a reason for people to come back between purchases. If your customers are unlikely to play mobile games at all, a different tactic will serve you better.
Frequently asked
Is advertiser-funded loyalty the same as affiliate marketing? No. Affiliate marketing pays someone for sending buyers to you. Here, advertisers pay to reach your shoppers, and the shopper earns rewards for taking part.
Does it cost the merchant anything? AppsPrize is free to install for Shopify stores, with no monthly fees.
When can I try it? We are finishing the Shopify listing now. Join the early-access list and we will email you when it is live.
