Overview
Once you've created your loyalty card, the next step is getting it into your customers' hands. The most effective method is sending personalised emails or SMS messages with unique installation links directly from the Perkstar platform.
Tip: Personalised installation links significantly outperform generic links because customers immediately see their own information, current balance, and stamps without any manual data entry required.
What you can do:
Send individual or bulk messages to your entire customer base
Include personalised installation links that work for both iOS and Android
Track delivery and installation rates
Customise message content to match your brand voice
Schedule campaigns or send immediately
This approach works for existing customers you want to migrate to your digital loyalty program, as well as new customers you're adding to the system.
Before You Begin
Requirements:
Active loyalty card created and configured
Customers added to your customer database
Loyalty cards issued to those customers (generates unique links)
Email or phone numbers for your customers
Warning: Each customer needs an issued card before you can send them an installation link. The system automatically generates a unique link when you issue a card to a customer profile.
How Personal Links Work
What Makes Links "Personal"
Each installation link is unique to a specific customer and contains:
Their pre-loaded loyalty card with any existing balance or stamps
Their customer information (name, contact details)
A secure token that identifies them in your system
When customers tap the link:
They're taken directly to the installation page
The card displays their name and current loyalty status
They can install it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet with one tap
The card is immediately linked to their profile in your system
Why Personal Links Matter
Compared to generic QR codes or links:
✅ Customers see their own information immediately
✅ No manual entry required
✅ Higher conversion rates (they see their existing balance/stamps)
✅ Better tracking of who installed vs. who didn't
✅ Professional, personalised customer experience
Preparing to Send Cards
Step 1: Add Customers to Your Database
If customers aren't already in your system:
Go to the Customers section
Add customers individually or import in bulk:
Individual: Click Add Customer and enter their details
Bulk Import: Use Import Customers with a CSV file containing names, emails, and phone numbers
Note: When importing, make sure your CSV includes the contact method you plan to use (email addresses for email campaigns, phone numbers for SMS).
Step 2: Issue Loyalty Cards
Before sending installation links, issue cards to your customers:
For individual issuance:
Open a customer's profile
Click Issue Card
Set their starting balance, stamps, or membership level (if applicable)
Confirm the issuance
Info: This step generates the unique installation link for that customer. Without an issued card, you cannot send a personalised installation link.
For bulk issuance:
Select multiple customers using checkboxes
Click Bulk Actions → Issue Cards
Set default starting values if needed
Confirm to issue cards to all selected customers
Sending Installation Links
Option 1: Send from Customer Profiles (Individual Messages)
Best for: Personal outreach, VIP customers, testing your message
Navigate to Customers
Open the customer's profile
Locate the Send Card or Message button
Choose your delivery method:
Email (if email address is on file)
SMS (if phone number is on file)
Customise your message (optional)
Click Send
Result: The customer receives a message with their personal installation link immediately.
Option 2: Create a Bulk Campaign (Mass Communication)
Best for: Launching your program, seasonal promotions, re-engagement campaigns
Full Campaign Process:
Go to Marketing or Messages section
Click Create Campaign or New Message
Select your campaign type:
Email Campaign
SMS Campaign
Choose your recipients:
All customers (entire database)
Filtered segment (based on status, card type, location, etc.)
Custom selection (manually choose specific customers)
Compose your message:
Write your subject line (email) or message text (SMS)
The system automatically includes the installation link
Personalise with merge fields like
{customer_name}or{balance}
Preview your message
Choose timing:
Send now (immediate delivery)
Schedule (set date and time)
Click Send or Schedule
Info: The platform automatically inserts each customer's unique installation link into the message. You don't need to manually add links—just write your message and the system handles personalisation.
Message Best Practices
Email Subject Lines
Effective approaches:
"Your [Business Name] Loyalty Card is Ready! 🎁"
"Get Rewarded: Install Your Digital Loyalty Card"
"Welcome to [Business Name] Rewards Program"
"Your loyalty points are waiting..."
Avoid:
Generic subjects like "Important Information"
ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation
Overly long subjects (keep under 50 characters)
Message Content
Structure your message like this:
Opening (Why they're receiving this):
"Thank you for being a valued customer..."
"We're excited to launch our new digital loyalty program..."
"Your loyalty card is ready to install..."
Value Proposition (What's in it for them):
"Earn [X] points for every purchase"
"You already have [X stamps/points] waiting for you"
"Get exclusive discounts and early access to sales"
Call to Action (What to do next):
"Tap the link below to install your card"
"Install now and start earning rewards today"
Clear, clickable installation link
Support (How to get help):
"Questions? Reply to this message or call [number]"
Link to installation help guide
Sample Email Template
Subject: Your Digital Loyalty Card is Ready! 🎁 Hi [Customer Name], Thank you for being a loyal customer at [Business Name]! We're excited to introduce our new digital loyalty program. Your loyalty card is ready and already loaded with [X points/stamps] from your recent visits. [INSTALL YOUR CARD] ← (This is where the personal link appears) With your digital card, you'll: • Earn rewards with every purchase • Receive exclusive member-only offers • Never worry about forgetting your card at home Installing takes just a few seconds and works with both iPhone and Android. Need help? Just reply to this email. Thanks for being part of the [Business Name] family! [Your Name] [Business Name]
Sample SMS Template
Hi [Customer Name]! Your [Business Name] loyalty card is ready. You've already earned [X points/stamps]! Install now: [LINK] Questions? Call us at [number]
SMS Tips:
Keep it under 160 characters when possible
Be conversational and friendly
Always include your business name
Provide a support contact method
Tracking and Follow-Up
Monitor Campaign Performance
After sending, track these metrics:
Delivery Metrics:
Messages sent
Messages delivered
Failed deliveries (check contact info for bounced messages)
Engagement Metrics:
Links clicked
Cards installed
Installation rate (installs ÷ delivered messages)
Access tracking:
Go to Marketing or Analytics
Select your campaign
View detailed performance report
Follow-Up Strategies
For non-installers (after 3-7 days):
Send a gentle reminder with the link
Offer installation help ("Need assistance?")
Include a small incentive ("Install now and get bonus points")
For installers:
Send a welcome message with program details
Explain how to earn and redeem rewards
Encourage their first reward redemption
Troubleshooting
"Customer didn't receive the message"
Check:
Contact information is correct - Verify email address or phone number in customer profile
Email spam folders - Ask customer to check spam/junk folders
SMS carrier issues - Some carriers may delay or block automated messages
Delivery status - Check campaign report for delivery confirmation
Fix:
Update contact information if incorrect
Resend the message
Try alternative contact method (email instead of SMS, or vice versa)
"Customer says link isn't working"
Common causes:
Link expired - Links typically don't expire, but check if card was deactivated
Card not issued - Verify the customer has an issued card in their profile
Technical issues - Test the link yourself or generate a new one
Fix:
Reissue the card to generate a fresh link
Send a new message with the updated link
Direct customer to your generic card installation page as backup
"Installation link opens but card won't install"
Note: This is usually a device issue, not a link issue. Direct customers to your installation help articles for Apple Wallet or Android guides.
Common solutions:
Update iOS/Android version
Check Wallet app is enabled
Free up storage space
"Can I send to customers without issued cards?"
Warning: No - Cards must be issued first to generate personal links. If you send messages before issuing cards, customers will receive generic links without their information pre-loaded.
Solution:
Bulk issue cards to all customers first
Then create and send your campaign
Advanced Options
Segmented Campaigns
Target specific customer groups:
By Status:
Active customers (visited recently)
Lapsed customers (haven't visited in X days)
VIP customers (high spenders)
By Card Type:
Stamp card holders
Cashback card members
Gift card recipients
By Behavior:
Customers close to earning a reward
Customers with unredeemed rewards
New customers (first 30 days)
Automated Messages
Set up automatic installation link sending:
Triggers:
New customer added to database → automatic welcome email with card link
Card issued → immediate installation message
Card approaching expiration → reminder to use points
Configure in: Marketing → Automation or Messages → Automated Flows
Multi-Language Support
If you serve customers in multiple languages:
Create separate campaigns for each language
Segment customers by language preference
Translate your message content (the installation link works in any language)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can customers forward their installation link to friends?
While links can be forwarded, they're tied to the specific customer's profile. If a friend installs using someone else's link, they'll see the original customer's name and information on the card. Each customer should use their own unique link.
Q: What happens if I send another link to a customer who already installed?
They'll receive the new link, but if they tap it, they'll see a message that they already have the card installed. The link won't create a duplicate card.
Q: How long are installation links valid?
Links remain valid indefinitely as long as the customer's card is active in your system. If you deactivate or delete a customer's card, their installation link will no longer work.
Q: Can I customize the installation page customers see?
The card itself is customized with your branding (logo, colors, etc.) from your card design settings. The installation page is standardized by the platform for optimal conversion rates.
Q: Should I send via email or SMS?
Both work well. Email allows longer messages and is better for detailed program explanations. SMS has higher open rates and is better for quick reminders. Many businesses send an initial email, then follow up with SMS for non-openers.
Q: Can I test the message before sending to everyone?
Yes! Send a test message to yourself or a colleague first. Issue a card to your own profile, then send yourself the installation link to see exactly what customers will experience.
Q: What if a customer changes their phone or email?
Update their contact information in their customer profile, then resend the installation link to the new address. Their existing card and balance remain unchanged—only the delivery method updates.
Q: Can I include other links or attachments in the message?
Yes for email (you can include program terms, other links, images). SMS is more limited due to character count, but you can include one additional short link if needed.
Q: Do I need to issue cards manually before each campaign?
You can issue cards in bulk before sending a campaign. Select all relevant customers, use Bulk Actions → Issue Cards, then immediately create and send your email or SMS campaign.
Q: What if I have customers without email addresses or phone numbers?
You won't be able to send them digital installation links. Consider collecting this information at their next visit, or provide in-store QR codes they can scan to join.
Q: Can I see who opened my emails?
Most email platforms track open rates. Check your campaign analytics to see delivery, open, click, and installation metrics for each campaign.
Q: Should I send cards to all customers at once or in batches?
For large databases (1,000+ customers), consider batching over several days to manage support inquiries. For smaller lists, sending all at once works well.
:::tip For best results, send an initial email campaign, wait 3-5 days, then follow up with SMS to customers who didn't install. This multi-channel approach maximizes installation rates while respecting customer preferences. :::