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<Img 
img="/uploads/Blog_3d85602fec.png"
alt="8 Ways to Protect Your Customer Data"
/> 

Previously, only one department of the company stood guard over customer data. Now data safety is the business of every employee, since access to information is provided to almost everyone, but to varying degrees. In this post, we will talk about the constant protection of personal information, the consequences of leaks and the components of reliable protection.

## Why data protection is important

When it comes to protecting customer data, it is about protecting personally identifiable information (PII). PII are individual markers of a person: full name, passport details, residential address, contact information (phone, email, social networks), IP address, payment details and social status. This information should be carefully protected from accidental leaks.

Moreover, not only large companies should think about this issue, but also the smallest ones that have any kind of customer database. Ironically, the worst data offenders are conglomerate companies like Yahoo, Amazon, and Google. However, you can't be too careful in this matter.

From **a legal point** of view, failure to comply with PII protection requirements will inevitably lead to fines. Laws vary depending on the scope of the business and territorial affiliation. They are most often tied to the location of the user, not the data processor. For example, it is likely that any digital business will fall under the [**GDPR**](customer-data-privacy-issues-in-digital-marketing) (General Data Protection Regulation for EU citizens).

There are also **reputational risks**. Leaks to third parties can lead to loss of customer loyalty and trust in your company. At best, the business will get a lot of [**negative reviews**](how-to-use-customer-feedback-to-increase-sales) on various resources and a bad reputation in the media, and at worst, it will get a lawsuit, perhaps even a class action lawsuit.

As for **internal business processes**, it is unprofitable for a business to spend extra time (and therefore money) on handling incidents related to the leakage of customer data. Inside the company, it is better to [**build a system**](ways-to-address-customer-data-privacy-issues-in-digital-marketing) for protecting personal information so that it functions reliably almost offline and does not take time from employees.

The most important things are **privacy** and **security**:

- To maintain privacy, take action on information in accordance with the permissions received from users and control access to information.
- To ensure security, you need to have a plan of action to prevent scammers, hackers and untrustworthy employees from accessing confidential information.

## How to get started with data protection

Before you begin to study the components of the security of personal information, try to answer the following questions as honestly as possible:

### Do you have sufficient knowledge of the legal requirements for protecting confidential data in the area of your business?

Not only do the requirements of the legislation vary in different countries and in different areas, but lawmakers are constantly making changes to the set of rules that must be followed.

### Are you sure about the reliability of the third parties whose services you use?

It is likely that your business operates on the basis of third-party services. If they dishonestly dispose of the [**client data**](first-second-and-third-party-data) that you provide to them, the responsibility for what happened will still fall on you. Therefore, carefully choose partners: hosting, CDP, email services, and others.

If you've reviewed your answers to the questions above and come to the conclusion that there's nothing to worry about, it's time to move on to specific steps you can take to secure your client database.

## 8 steps of reliable protection of confidential data

### 1. Define the risks

Good data protection strategies are based on the analysis of risks and threats for the business. If you approach the issue comprehensively and describe in detail all possible threats, you get a full-fledged risk profile. This way, the company will have an idea of the dangers and weaknesses, and it will have time to develop countermeasures. 

### 2. Find a Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Perhaps a small business will find it unnecessary to hire a data protection specialist, but every company should make sure someone is in charge of data protection and security. The specialist is engaged in training and auditing, monitors legislation, and also closely cooperates with regulatory authorities. DPO will also be able to deal with customer requests on data security issues at a higher competent level.

### 3. Store information in one place

The more places where information is stored, the higher the likelihood of leaks. In addition, disparate information is difficult to process and analyze. Most often, such data is not suitable for effective work with them. What’s more, it easily leaks outside the company, gets into unauthorized applications and disappears out of control. The problem is solved by the use of [**Customer Data Platforms**](/features/cdp) (CDP), which combine all information into single client profiles with access to them by a limited number of people.

<Img
img="/uploads/digital_profile_2_e79e5283cc.png"
alt="Customer digital profile"
/>

The CDP traces the history of the data and all associated permissions. This is especially important for businesses that are regulated by GDPR and CCPA laws.

### 4. Collect only the data you need

Extra information will not help you in any way to achieve your goals, and it will soon become outdated, lose its relevance and become unusable. And if this data is leaked, you will be responsible for it. A large amount of information attracts hackers and scammers.

<Img
img="/uploads/tilda_subscription_form_ed2f130145.png"
alt="Opt-In form on a website"
/>

### 5. Limit employees who have access to information

Not every employee in your company needs access to customer information in order to work. Let the information remain at the disposal of only those persons who actually need it for the quality performance of their work duties.

### 6. Choose reliable software

Most modern technology is already equipped with primitive anti-fraud measures. But it is important to make sure that the built-in antiviruses work correctly. Don't rely on them alone. Better install a firewall, use external links, and test the software to see if it flags suspicious emails.

### 7. Develop a contingency plan

Hackers are now progressing and can break even a reliable system. All previous steps were aimed at preventing data leakage: identifying the danger, trying to level it completely, or reduce the negative consequences. If a leak does occur, it's a good idea to have a working emergency plan. At a minimum, you need a good external specialist for expert assistance.

### 8. Train employees

Not all employees need access to personal information, but it is everyone's responsibility to think about the security of work information. You should educate staff about basic data protection practices and how to recognize fraud. In case of violations, employees must immediately inform the competent authorities. Let the issue of safety be included in the onboarding training of newbies.

## Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of confidential customer data is an important business task. The significance of the issue is confirmed both by legislation and reputational aspects. Collect only the data you need. Firstly, users are annoyed when they are asked about all areas of life, and secondly, complete databases are highly valuable and attract scammers and hackers. Take a closer look at the other ways to protect information described in this post. Perhaps one of them will save your business from trouble.

In this post, we talk about why information privacy is important, and how businesses can protect customer data.

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In the digital world, information is an attractive source for hackers, so the safety of data is an important task in business.

How to Protect Your Customer Data: 8 Effective Ways

8 Ways to Protect Your Customer Data

<Img
img="/uploads/blog_6538062d62.jpg"
alt="What is a customer loyalty program and how to create it"
/>

Once a marketer has enticed prospective clients to use their products or services, their marketing mission immediately turns to ensuring these same customers will return. A satisfying user experience is essential to making that happen.

One strategy, an effective loyalty program, has proven infallible in bringing customers back, even for decades, after that initial purchase.

Quality, value, and customer satisfaction will always be the fundamental drivers of consumer decisions. But airlines, hotels, car rentals, banks, coffee shops, grocery and drug stores, restaurants, credit card companies, and most other businesses today rely on loyalty programs to [**retain**](customer-trust) their client base.

## What are Loyalty Programs and Loyalty Marketing?

Loyalty programs, sponsored by retailers and other businesses, usually consist of rewards, discounts, freebies, or other incentives to entice buyers to come back to buy future products or services.

While loyalty programs of some type have been around for centuries, these have become more prevalent, sophisticated, and far-reaching in recent years. More miles or overnight stays, more money spent, and more frequent purchases often mean free goods or services, money back, or other powerful incentives to maintain [**loyalty**](customer-loyalty).

Customer loyalty programs not only retain more customers for future purchases, but these clients are more likely to try new products. And, on average, these consumers will spend 31% more than first-time buyers.

In any instance, the lure of a free airline flight, hotel stay, prizes, gifts, and discounts earned with a certain number of purchases becomes an irresistible draw that comes them coming back.

<Img
img="/uploads/customer_loyalty_b5ca658567.jpg"
alt="Customer loyalty"
/>

## How to Create an Effective Loyalty Program

If you have not already implemented a loyalty program, creating one can be a low-cost, high-return strategy to lock in and grow your client base.

Businesses spend five times more to attract a new client than to keep existing ones. Increasing customer retention by just 5% can create a 25% to 90% increase in profitability, depending on the starting point.

So, how does a new or existing company go about creating an effective loyalty program?

**Excellent products and services** are the first and most crucial element of a successful loyalty program. A loyalty program cannot even begin to capture the consumer’s interest unless what you offer addresses the fundamental reasons why they came to you in the first place.

**Stay Consistent** with your products and communications. One bad experience can damage the relationship permanently since the possibility of future bad experiences becomes a deterrent to returning.

**Focus on the customer.**  Be sure you understand their needs and continually determine whether your products or services are meeting them.

**Do more than what is expected.** Whenever possible, add something extra to prove your commitment to the customer.

**Reward customer loyalty.** Design your program to offer meaningful rewards.

**Make the Rewards Program available** for all interactions, both in-person and online.

**Create Status Levels.** Airlines, among others, do a great job of rewarding Frequent Fliers with status levels that offer preferred seating, upgrade possibilities, boarding preferences, lounge availability, and more.  Similarly, wineries reward their exclusive Club Members (those who spend more) with direct access to the more exclusive wines, complimentary wine tastings and winery tours, and further recognition while visiting the winery.

**Surprise and delight customers.** Awarding customers when they may not be expecting anything is a great way to solidify a relationship. A birthday gift, for example, can be a warm, personal way to reward them. For example, Altcraft platform allows you to [**personalize emails**](/features/personalization) and wish every customer a happy birthday by sending a promo code.

**Offer first opportunity to buy new offerings.** As you introduce new products, an introductory offer to your Loyalty Program participants is a way to show them that they are preferred.

**Be Creative** when naming the program and even your rewards points.

<Img
img="/uploads/Leading_factors_disliked_about_loyalty_programs_bd1d27b935.jpg"
alt="Digital customer loyalty punch card"
/>

## Types of Loyalty Programs

Types of loyalty programs vary depending on the products offered. These may include:

- **Points**

While programs have different requirements, some offer a single point for each dollar spent during a specified period. In some instances, points should never expire. However, setting a time limit may encourage more frequent visits. While a weekly visit to a grocery store can be a natural frequency, airlines do not expect their less-than-elite customers to fly as often. So, their rewards “miles” may never expire.

One of the most popular point programs is Sephora’s Beauty Insider rewards program. Customers earn points for each purchase they make: 1 point for every dollar spent. When there are enough points, they can exchange points for limited cosmetics.

<Img
img="/uploads/sephora_beauty_insider_feb7957ea0.png"
alt="Sephora’s Beauty Insider rewards program"
src="Sephora’s Beauty Insider rewards program"
/>

- **Cashback Programs**

When customers spend a certain amount of money, they may be rewarded with coupons or cash to be used at the issuer’s business. Bank credit cards also offer cashback awards that can be redeemed as credits on balances, deposits to checking or savings, or purchase items at specified retailers.

- **Punch Card Programs**

Each time a customer purchases, one or more holes of their customer loyalty cards get punched. When the card is “fully punched,” the customer receives a free item. This is if we’re dealing with paper cards. When it comes to digital punch cards, they exist within a mobile app, but the idea is the same.

<Img
img="/uploads/mccage_digital_customer_loyalty_punch_card_70d2e8faf9.png"
alt="Digital customer loyalty punch card"
src="Digital customer loyalty punch card at McCafe"
/>

- **Promo Codes**

Promo codes to loyal customers can enhance your relationship with prospective and current customers. These may be personally directed or general and can be presented through multiple platforms.

In [**Altcraft Marketing**](/en) automation platform, it is convenient to generate personal promotional codes: set up your own marketing automation workflow and decide at what moment you want to give your loyal customer a [**promo code**](/features/loyalty-programs).

<Img
img="/uploads/gamification_of_activity_image_en_52c917855a.jpg"
alt="Leading factors disliked about loyalty programs"
src="Promo code workflow sample"
/>

- **Partner Programs**

These programs involve earning “points” at more than one business to be used at any of the participating companies.

## Conclusion

An intense focus on customer care will benefit your company in very significant ways. Satisfied customers will relay their positive experiences to friends, thereby creating new business and will positively represent your brand to others. An effective loyalty program is an integral part of customer care.




Customer loyalty programs help you attract new customers and keep existing ones. Read about the types of loyalty programs and learn how to create your own. 

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Businesses spend five times more to attract a new client than to keep existing ones. Increasing customer retention by just 5% can create a 25% to 90% increase in profitability.

What Is a Loyalty Program and How to Create It

Customer Loyalty Program: What Is It and How to Build It

![customer-confidence.jpg](/uploads/customer_confidence_eb1a158f1d.jpg)

Trust plays a key role in our lives. Human relationships are imbued with trust. You won't share your life with a person you are not sure about.

The same thing happens in business. It is consumer confidence that helps companies move forward. The purpose of building relationships of trust is making your customers loyal to your brand.

These days most of people are concerned about how their data are collected and stored. They will think a hundred times before giving information about themselves to a company. Moreover, every consumer had a bad experience with low-quality products or unfair performance of services at least once in life. In this regard, gaining trust becomes a complex and lengthy process that requires a special approach. After all, as soon as the buyer sees that he risks entering into a relationship with you, he will quit. According to **Stephen MR Covey**, trust is one of the essential elements of business, and the ability to create, preserve and restore trust is one of the most important skills today, inside and outside the office. When level of trust falls, the same thing happens, for example, with sales. Without trust business slows down and costs rise.

In this article we will tell you how to gain and maintain customer confidence.

## Firstly, ask yourself 4 questions:

**1. What is your company's reputation like?**

> Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist Alfred Nobel said: “A good reputation is more important than a clean shirt. Unlike reputation, the shirt can be washed”.

Try to remember, have you ever let your clients down? If so, what have you done to fix the situation and not make the same mistakes again? These days, when everyone can tell the world about your mistake openly, it's very important to take care of your reputation. Show that you are able to solve difficult issues quickly, admit your mistakes and correct them.

**2. How do clients perceive your business?**

Think, do people feel that you care about them sincerely and want to help? If consumers see you as a company that needs only profit, they are unlikely to come back to you. Or they will immediately refuse to cooperate. Nobody likes to be used.

**3. What does your brand demonstrate?**

In the era of rapidly changing wishes it is important to understand whether your brand is associated with high quality, improvements in your business field and the ability to predict the desires of customers. When you make statements about yourself, you should correspond to them. Show that you are achieving your goals in a trustworthy way.

**4. Is your company associated with its results?**

> "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done," said the eminent poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

You have to show people that you keep your promises. If you are going to improve the quality of the product, or add a new delivery method, or cooperate with a new brand - do it! Customers are interested not only in your current results. They compare them to the past assuming what to expect from you in the future. Show consumers a visual history of your achievements. And people will advise your company to their friends with confidence.

Honest answers to these questions will help you understand what you are doing wrong and what you are missing in building a trusting relationship. Don't be the ones who talk a lot and don't do anything. After all, you can lose a client in an instant. And the cost of attracting a new one will be higher than keeping the old one.

## There are 6 ways to gain the trust of your clients and not lose it:

**1. Speak honestly who you are, what you offer, and how you run your business.**

Nowadays every large company should have a high quality website to attract attention and show its best sides. Write about the company and the product in detail. Don't forget to include your contact details and information about yourself. Users are more likely to trust firms that do not hide the information.

Consumers also respect transparency in business. This way they feel comfortable and confident because they know that nothing is being hidden from them. Find out what information your clients value and provide them with it.

Altcraft is transparent to its customers and partners. We don’t hide anything. For example, every year we submit reports to Federal State Statistic Service. This information is available for  everyone.

**2. Help clients make their values a reality.**

Consumers, when choosing a company, take into account lots of criteria. For example, how the product is produced, whether there is a team of professionals, what is the mission of the company and etc. Not the least role in this is played by the values that you transmit to the world. Such as:

- problems that you highlight and help to solve (for example, social, environmental),

- companies and organisations you work with,

- fair pay and good working conditions for your employees.

Customer confidence depends on how well your business helps consumers live up to their values.

When creating its products, Altcraft adheres to the following principles:

- solving real business problems;

- ensuring high speed and reliability of work;

- developing a clear and user-friendly interface;

- creating a scalable architecture.

According to Marketing Charts, only 20% of American buyers feel connected with their favorite brands. The remaining 80% believe that companies do not reflect their values.

![Brands.png](/uploads/Brands_c3abb11e64.png)

**3. Be involved with your customers, show participation.**

Companies that provide high quality customer service are in great demand. Organizations demonstrate this attitude because they understand the needs, desires and motivation of customers. When a company respects the customer, it is possible to increase productivity, sales and loyalty by several times.

Altcraft treats its customers with reverence. We instantly respond to any requests by adapting the product to the needs of users.

**4. Find out what people write about you on social networks.**

Regularly monitor your product reviews. This will help you understand what you're doing right and what should be fixed.

For example, users are complaining about long responses from the technical service. Take note of this and improve your feedback by giving your staff the right assignment. Consumers will see that you take into account their wishes and they  will continue working with you. Moreover, it will be a good incentive for your development.

As it happens, Altcraft does not need to track feedbacks about itself. We are constantly in touch with our customers in the chat. This allows us to solve problems in real time. Also users have an opportunity to influence our roadmap by taking part in platform development. In this way they get a product that is ideal for their tasks.

**5. Test your product on yourself.**

Follow your client's path. You want to convince people to stay with you. So you need to know the product that you are promoting. Try your product as a consumer to gain client experience. In this way you will discover the pros and cons and will be able to correct the situation if necessary.

Before releasing an update to the platform, Altcraft employees thoroughly check the result on themselves. This way they note the shortcomings and difficulties that customers may have and instantly fix the situation.

According to Marketing Charts, 94% of customers are likely to recommend the company with very good customer experience.

![Loyalty.png](/uploads/Loyalty_4632b78bba.png)

**6. Thank customers for their trust**

It may happen that you are too busy looking for new prospects and forget about existing clients. It is easy to predict that users will refuse the services of companies that do not remember them. Don’t forget to thank clients for their choice. Give promotional codes and personal discounts. By taking care of your client you increase their trust limit significantly .

**Conclusion**

When you extend trust to others, your work becomes effective. The truth is that you can influence trust: create, develop, distribute, and even restore it. Take our advice and do everything possible to reduce the number of losses. Thus, your speed will always be at the same level, and the costs will be minimal.


In this article, you will learn what customer trust is, why it is so important to business, and how to gain it, but not lose it.

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From this article you will learn how to gain customer trust and maintain  it.

Customer Trust: What It Is, How to Win and Keep It

How to Gain and Maintain Customer Trust

All user information is systematically collected in a unified customer data platform

Distributing messages across various communication channels: email, SMS, push notifications, messengers

Promo codes, bonuses, and points for building long-term customer relationships

You can create and edit any HTML template, as well as save your own custom blocks

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