Referral Programs
This article explains how to provide users with the ability to invite friends to the loyalty program by sharing a unique referral link.
Last updated
This article explains how to provide users with the ability to invite friends to the loyalty program by sharing a unique referral link.
Last updated
Open Loyalty allows seamless member referrals through the use of a unique referrer token. Each member receives this token upon creation, enabling them to invite others through various channels such as mobile apps, URLs, or personalized links. In this article, we'll explore how to utilize the referrer token externally and the process for passing it to Open Loyalty upon member creation.
The referrer token is a unique identifier created by Open Loyalty when a new member is added to the system. This token can be shared externally to track referrals.
It is essential to note that the token must be provided during the creation of a referred member—it cannot be added retroactively.
The referrer token can be used in several external contexts, such as:
Mobile Apps: Members can share their unique referral link with friends via mobile applications. The app can embed the referrer token in the shared link, which new users can click to sign up.
URLs and Web Pages: The referrer token can be embedded in URLs, enabling users to share their link on social media, messaging apps, or websites. For example:
URL Format: https://examplelink.com/invite?referrerToken=XYZ123
When the new member clicks this link and completes the registration, Open Loyalty receives the referrer token and links it to the new member account.
Email Invitations: Referrer tokens can also be included in email campaigns or personal invites. Members can send emails containing their unique referral link, allowing friends or colleagues to register through their link.
Here is an example of how it could visually appear in your app.
When a referral token is used externally, it must be passed back to Open Loyalty during the referred member's creation. This is crucial to ensure that the connection between the referrer and referee is created when the invited friend registers.
The generation or service for referral links is not provided by Open Loyalty and must be managed through the integration layer.
Steps to Pass the Referrer Token During Member Creation
Retrieve the Referrer Token: Get a member's unique referral token from Open Loyalty.
Generate Referral Link: Use your service to generate a unique link that can be used in your app and email communications.
Capture the Referrer Token: Ensure that the referrer token is captured from the external source (e.g., URL parameter, mobile app deep link, or email link).
Include in the Registration Process: When the new member registers, the captured referrer token should be included in the registration API call sent to Open Loyalty. The token cannot be added later, so it's vital that this step is completed during the creation process.
Confirmation: Once the new member is created, the referrer token is saved, and Open Loyalty automatically links the new member to the referring member, allowing the referrer to earn rewards based on the loyalty program’s rules.
Here’s a basic example of how the referrer token can be passed in the API call:
Below you can find a diagram visualizing the sample flow of the integration for referrals:
Every member, including referred members, has their own referral URL once they are registered. They can share this link to invite others, using the same flow described above.
For example, once "John Doe" has registered via a referral, he will receive his own referral token and can invite others using his personalized link:
John Doe's Referral Link: https://examplelink.com/invite?referrerToken=ABC456
Seamless User Experience: Make sure to integrate the referral process smoothly in your mobile app or website. Prompt users to share their referral link easily once they join.
Test the Token Flow: Before launching your referral program, ensure that the referrer token is correctly passed in all external channels (e.g., mobile, web) and that it is successfully linked during member creation.
Promote Sharing: Encourage users to share their referral links through multiple platforms such as email, messaging, and social media to increase the visibility of your loyalty program.
Referrer Token Missing: If a referred member is created without a token, the referring member cannot be credited for the referral. Ensure the token is always included in the creation process.
Invalid Token: Ensure that the referrer token is correctly formatted and passed to the Open Loyalty system during the new member's registration.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilize referrer tokens to grow your loyalty program through external channels while ensuring that referrers are properly rewarded.
