A pro program is a membership for your best customers, such as athletes, coaches, trainers, guides, employees, ambassadors, or any influential customers in your industry. These programs offer discounts and perks, aiming to foster brand loyalty and community among your best customers.
Despite all these benefits, running a pro program on Shopify has been a challenge up until now. Without a dedicated app on the platform, lots of businesses struggle with manual work and inefficiencies. This is where Alliance Pro can help.
Contrary to popular belief, pro programs aren't exclusively for high-profile athletes or celebrities. In reality, pro programs thrive on the real influencers: passionate customers who are deeply embedded in your industry. These individuals might not have a massive social media following, but they have an undeniable impact on their local communities and networks.
Who is a pro program for?
Pro programs originated in the outdoors industry, but are applicable to any industry with passionate, dedicated customers. Some examples include health & wellness, fitness, trades, interior design, education, or creative fields like fashion, music, craft, and visual art.
Pro programs are best suited for brands that design and manufacture their own products.
Perks for pros
Pro customers typically benefit from various special offerings from discounts to early access. What perks you offer is determined by any special deals or discounts you’ve offered special customers in the past.
- Product discounts: Members usually receive significant discounts on products, often at wholesale prices. This allows them to access the latest gear without the full retail markup.
- Exclusive access: Early access to new products before they are released to the general public is a common perk. This not only allows pros to have the latest items but also helps brands by having influential figures seen with their newest offerings.
- Customized products: Some programs offer customization options that are not available to the general public. This can include specific designs, colors, or team logos on apparel and equipment.
These perks not only enhance the appeal of the brand among influential community members but also help in building a loyal and engaged customer base that can provide authentic brand endorsements and valuable feedback on products.
What kind of customers would want to be in a pro program?
Typically, professional or speciality customers are ideal. Look for passionate customers who use your products day-in day-out for their job, hobby, or volunteering. These customers exist in more industries than you may think, and you just need to look for them.
Look for customers who:
- Make repeat purchases
- Talk about your brand online
- Email you asking about discounts
- Are known in your field (to you or your other customers)
Often, brands require these customers to qualify for their pro programs before they’re approved. Who you approve for your pro program depends on your business, since different industries have different types of certifications or qualifications. For example, in the outdoors industry, a guide or instructor could submit a certificate for approval, but you can decide what kind of certification you want for your members.
"A Game-Changing Pro Purchase Solution"
- OneUp Components Shopify ReviewOrbit Apps' Shopify App has greatly improved our pro purchase program for our outdoor brand. Unlike any other product we've tried, it perfectly caters to our unique needs and allows us to easily manage our Pro Purchase Program via Shopify - something we have not yet been able to do efficiently!
What truly sets Alliance Pro apart is the incredible team at Orbit Apps. They seamlessly integrated the app into our store, adapting its styling to match our brand. The developers are not only receptive to feedback but also proactive in implementing improvements.
Despite being a new app that is still developing its core features, I foresee this app becoming a vital part of our tech stack in driving incremental revenue from our Pro Purchase program while reducing the workload on our customer service team.
Kudos to Orbit Apps for creating a game-changing solution!
How pro programs can help your business
Running a successful pro program can be a win-win situation for your brand and your specialty customers. Professionals gain easier access to your quality equipment and products, and your brand can benefit in several ways:
- Additional revenue stream: While the products may be offered at a discount, the sheer volume of products utilized can lead to a lucrative revenue stream.
- Increased product visibility and credibility: When your products are used by recognized professionals in the outdoor industry, it automatically enhances your brand's credibility and visibility.
- Organic marketing: Professionals often share their positive experiences with the brand within their circles, serving as organic marketing agents.
- Customer feedback: The valuable insights and feedback received from these professionals can be instrumental in product development.
Implementing your pro program with Alliance Pro
Implementing your pro program with Alliance Pro simplifies what has traditionally been a complex and time-consuming process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your community and strengthening your brand. With Alliance Pro, you can seamlessly integrate the management of your pro program directly into your existing Shopify store, eliminating the need for disjointed tools or manual processes.
The platform offers a streamlined application process for members, automatic discount management, and member group management. This ensures a hassle-free experience for both you and your program members, fostering a more engaged and loyal community. By leveraging Alliance Pro, you're not just administering a discount program; you're building a professional network that values your brand and contributes to its growth through authentic engagement and feedback.
Inquiries about Alliance Pro? Email us: alliancepro@orbitapps.com