Every time you check your Starbucks app to see if you’ve earned a free coffee, open your Sephora account to redeem a reward, or spin a wheel for a discount, you’re engaging with e-commerce gamification.

Nike Run Club rewards users for completing challenges. McDonald’s Monopoly game drives millions in extra sales.

It’s not by accident.

Gamification in marketing taps into human psychology. The same principles that make casinos, video games, and social media addictive are baked into loyalty programs, discount mechanics, and shopping experiences.

Progress bars. Limited-time coupons. Random surprises. It’s all deliberate. 

These strategies are carefully designed behavior loops meant to grab attention and keep customers engaged.

Nir Eyal’s book Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products breaks down exactly why people keep using certain apps, websites, and services. And almost all of those concepts can be applied to e-commerce gamification:

• Triggers – External triggers (like a spin-the-wheel popup) grab attention. Internal triggers (like wanting to complete a loyalty challenge) keep people coming back.
• Action – The simpler the action, the more likely a customer is to take it. Clicking a button to claim a reward or playing a scratch card for a discount is effortless and risk-free.
• Variable Rewards – The element of surprise makes rewards way more compelling. Spinning a wheel or unlocking a mystery discount creates the same psychological pull as a slot machine.
• Investment – The more time, effort, or money a customer puts into a program, the harder it is to leave. That’s why tiered loyalty rewards keep people spending. No one wants to abandon their progress.

In this article, you’ll see a bunch of powerful examples of e-commerce gamification that use these strategies to increase engagement, sales, and customer loyalty. Let’s break them down.

Top E-Commerce Gamification Tools

Tool	Gamification Features	Price from	Ease of Use	Overall Score (⭐/5)
Triggerbee	Spin the Wheel, Memory Game, Quizzes, Referrals, Website Surveys	€39 / month for 50K page views. See pricing	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
OptiMonk	Spin the Wheel, Scratch Cards	$19 / month for 20K page views. See pricing	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Wisepops	Gamified popups (Spin the Wheel)	€66 / month for 100K page views. See pricing	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)
Sleeknote	Spin the Wheel, scratch to win, calendars, quizzes & daily deals	€68 / month with gamification. See pricing	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐ (3.9/5)
OptinMonster	Gamified popups (Coupon Wheels)	$9 / month for 2,500 page views. See pricing	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐ (3.8/5)
Klaviyo	Spin the wheel	$30 / month for email only. See pricing	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)

1. Spin to Win Popups

Popups are easy to ignore. But the second you make them fun, something interesting happens. People stay, engage, and don’t instinctively shut them down. Spin-to-Win popups don’t feel like a regular popup (or maybe they do, but at least people want to click them).

Why it works

You’ve seen it before. A wheel. A spin. A prize. And an almost irresistible format.

It’s the movement, the colors, the chance to win something better than the usual 10% off. But most of all? Curiosity. Once they see the wheel they need to know what they’ll get.

That’s why it works. The second someone spins they’re engaged. They’ve already played so why waste the prize? Even if they land on something small it feels earned. And when something feels earned they’re more likely to use it.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Give away real rewards (Nope, a 5% off won’t cut it).
• Make every spin feel like a win. Give them an extra spin or a second chance to make it even more exciting.
• Time it right. Show it after a visitor has been on the site for a while not the same second they arrive.

A spinning wheel is instantly engaging

A simple pop-up is easy to ignore, but a spinning wheel? You have to see what happens. It taps into the psychology of variable rewards—the same reason slot machines and social media notifications are so addictive. Customers don’t know what they’ll win, which makes them more likely to play.

Spin to win triggers a psychological commitment

The second someone spins, they’re invested. They earned their discount, and now they don’t want to waste it. And if there’s a time limit? Even better. They’re more likely to act before the deal disappears.

Spin to win popups increases email & SMS signups

Most spin-to-win popups ask for an email or phone number before spinning. But by switching it up and letting your customers win something before they can claim it, you can boost your conversions even more. Either way it’s one of the best list-building strategies out there.

Spin to win boosts conversions with urgency

Ever seen a countdown timer next to a prize? A 15-minute window to claim a discount? That’s loss aversion at work. If customers feel like they might lose their reward they’re far more likely to use it immediately.

Makes discounts feel special

A generic “10% off” coupon on a banner? Boring. Winning a discount through a game? That feels like a win. And when something feels won, people are way more likely to use it.

2. E-commerce quizzes

Instead of making customers browse through endless products, you ask them a few questions and recommend exactly what they need. It’s like having a personal shopper—just automated.

And the results? They speak for themselves. When done right, quizzes don’t just engage visitors. They boost conversions, increase average order value, and make shopping feel effortless.

Case 1: Care Of Gerd’s Personalized Skincare Guide

Care Of Gerd wanted to recreate the in-store consultation experience online. Shoppers needed guidance, just like they would in a physical store.

So with the help of their marketing agency Extend Marketing, they launched a 13-question skincare guide, built with Triggerbee. Customers answered simple questions about their skin type, concerns, and preferences. At the end? They got a fully personalized product recommendation.

The results?

• 79% of customers who started the quiz completed it.
• 87.9% clicked through to view their recommended product.

That’s huge. And it makes sense. When customers see a product that feels made for them they’re way more likely to buy.

Case 2: Apohem’s Sunblock Finder Quiz

Apohem took a similar approach—but for sunblock. Instead of making customers scroll through dozens of SPF options, they built a multi-step quiz that instantly recommended the right product based on their needs.

• 7.3% of visitors started the quiz.
• 15% bought something after completing it.
• 42% bought their recommended product.

No opt-in required. The whole point was to give their users a frictionless experience and guide them to the right choice without forcing them to sign up for anything.

Why it works

Personalizes the shopping experience

Instead of customers guessing what to buy, the quiz tells them exactly what fits their needs. No decision fatigue. No endless scrolling. Just a straight path to the perfect product.

Increases conversion rates

When people get personalized recommendations, they’re way more likely to buy. Apohem’s 42% conversion rate for recommended products proves it.

Improves the shopping experience

A skincare routine? Picked out for you. The right sunscreen? Already matched to your skin. Customers don’t have to think. They just follow the results.

Works for almost any niche

Skincare. Supplements. Clothing. Fitness. Whether it’s finding the right pair of jeans or choosing a protein powder, quizzes guide customers to exactly what they need.

And the best part?

You can use quizzes for way more than just recommendations. Build an “Are you a VIP?” quiz to gamify loyalty. Use style quizzes to upsell entire outfits. Or create a gift finder during the holidays.

3. Mystery Rewards

Mystery rewards are all about psychology. Humans hate not knowing what’s hiding behind the curtain. That’s why surprise rewards work so well.

Instead of just handing out a discount, you make it a mystery. Customers click, tap, or pick a hidden reward. Could be 10% off. Could be free shipping. Could be something way better. And that’s the whole point. The uncertainty makes it impossible to ignore.

Why it works

Instant curiosity

If there’s one thing we need to do, it’s uncover secrets. When customers see a hidden reward, they have to check what’s inside. It’s why scratch-off tickets and loot boxes are so addictive. The not knowing makes it exciting.

Boosts engagement without feeling forced

Nobody wants to feel tricked into interacting with a brand. A mystery reward flips that. Instead of being a hard sell, it’s an invitation. Customers want to play because they feel like they’re getting something special.

Makes discounts feel more valuable

A 10% off banner? Meh. A 10% discount inside a mystery box? Now we’re talking. It’s the same discount, but packaged in a way that makes it feel completely different. And when people feel like they won something, they’re way more likely to use it.

Encourages repeat visits

Some mystery offers reset daily or weekly. Customers who miss out will check back just in case something better is waiting. It’s the same trigger that keeps people using Instagram and Tiktok on a daily basis.

And the best part?

You can run these in so many ways. Hide a daily reward in an Easter egg hunt. Offer mystery discounts in exchange for an email signup. Or gamify free gifts with a “Pick a Box” campaign. The core gamification mechanic stays the same, but the execution of it is very flexible.

4. Scratch & Save

Imagine a scratch-off ticket, but digital. Instead of handing out a standard discount you let customers reveal their own deal. And that tiny bit of effort makes it both engaging and rewarding.

People love scratch cards. The act of slowly revealing the reward introduces excitement, even if it’s the same 10% off you’d normally give away.

Why it works

Taps into curiosity & the need to reveal

When people see something hidden they have to know what’s underneath. It’s the same psychological pull that makes mystery boxes, lottery tickets, and even advent calendars so satisfying.

Makes discounts feel more valuable

A popup that says “Here’s 15% off” is boring. Everyone and their aunt uses these. But a scratch card where you uncover 15% off feels like a win and it’s way more exciting.

Encourages instant action

Most Scratch & Save campaigns come with an expiration date. Simply adding a ticking clock adds urgency and make customers act fast before their deal disappears.

Turns discounts into an experience

Compared to a standard form where you just sign up and receive a coupon code, the act of scratching turns it into a micro experience. I mean, you can’t start scratching off the top layer and stop halfway through. And once they’ve revealed the prize? They’re way more likely to use it.

And the best part?

It works for almost any campaign. Run it as a Black Friday special. Use it to boost email signups. Or make it exclusive for VIP customers. The format stays the same, but the angle of it can be tweaked endlessly.

5. Daily Deals & Challenges

If you are looking for repeat engagement, then daily deals are the way to go. Instead of a one-time discount, your customers get a reason to return every single day. Whether it’s a new deal, a challenge to complete, or another chance to win. It builds a habit.

Power, a Swedish retailer, nailed this with their Wheel of Deals campaign during Black Week. Customers could spin the wheel three times a day, then come back for three more spins the next day. The result? People checked in daily, hoping to score a bigger deal.

Why it works

Encourages repeat visits

If today’s deal is good, tomorrow’s might be better. That’s the hook. Customers return just to see what’s next, and every time they come back they’re one step closer to buying.

Triggers FOMO

Miss a day, miss a deal. That feeling of losing out is a powerful driver. Whether it’s limited-time discounts or an exclusive challenge, people don’t want to be the ones who could have saved more.

Turns shopping into a daily habit

Ever opened a shopping app just to check for new deals? You want to create a reason for your customers to build a routine of checking in (even if they don’t plan to buy). Because when the right deal hits they’re ready to make a purchase.

Perfect for multi-day holidays

Daily deal campaigns shine when shoppers are already in buying mode. Black Week, Christmas season, Summer sales. Power’s multi-day spin-to-win strategy kept customers engaged the entire Black Week, not just on Black Friday.

But the best part about daily deals?

You can run this in so many ways. A daily scratch card. A progress-based challenge where customers unlock bigger rewards. Or even a mystery deal where the discount changes every 24 hours. The key is to make every visit worth it.

6. Memory & Puzzles

Memory games are super intuitive and most people know exactly what to do:

• They see a bunch of cards
• Find the pairs
• Win the reward

Everyone’s played memory or find the pairs as a kid. It’s second nature. No instructions needed.

Däckskiftarna’s Memory signup campaign: A 250% lift in signups

Däckskiftarna, together with their marketing partner Extend Marketing, wanted to test a simple question: 

“Does gamification actually make a difference?” 

So they ran an A/B-test:

• Variant A: Traditional Popup – A classic signup form with a simple message: Win a free tire change & tire hotel! This variant had a 0.97% conversion rate.
• Variant B: Memory Game Signup – Same message and same prize. But instead of showing a sign up form, they started by letting their visitors play a game of memory. The result? A 3.4% conversion rate and a 250% increase compared to the non-gamified version.

Why it works

Instantly grabs attention

A normal signup form is forgettable. A memory game? That’s something people stop for. The moment they start flipping tiles they’re invested. And once you’ve found a pair it’s very hard to stop halfway through.

Makes signups feel like a reward

Instead of just handing over their email, customers earn their signup reward. And when something feels earned, people value it more.

Boosts conversions (without feeling like a hard sell)

Regular popups are annoying. People want to be entertained, and with a game like Memory, they’re way more open to handing over their contact details.

Turns regular forms into interactive experiences

Regular sign up forms are everywhere, and people find them annoying. Memory games and puzzles make them fun. And fun gets remembered.

And the best part?

You can tweak the angle in infinite ways. Instead of saying it’s a memory game, say it’s a quick puzzle. Make visitors match icons to unlock a deal. Or create a challenge where the memory acts as a discount booster. The format is super flexible.

7. Reward Points

You shop, you earn points, you get rewards. It’s the simplest gamification model there is and it works.

Why? Because it taps into commitment and sunk cost psychology. The more points your customers collect, the harder it is to not use them. If you are close to a reward, you’ll want to make another purchase. 

Loyalty points are literally everywhere. Starbucks Stars. Sephora Beauty Insider. Airlines. Gyms. Coffee shops. Points programs have been used for decades because they do one thing better than anything else… they keep customers coming back.

Why it works

Encourages repeat purchases

When customers know they’re earning something extra with every order they choose to buy from the same store instead of looking elsewhere.

Builds long-term loyalty

Points works because they track progress. If you’ve spent months collecting points, you’re not going to abandon them and start over with another brand. This is exactly why people RAVE about their American Express points.  

Makes spending feel justified

If customers know their purchase gets them closer to a freebie, that little nudge can push them to spend a little more than they planned.

But here’s an important thing to remember…

Points don’t matter if people forget about them. Here are a few tactics, or “Loyalty boosters” as we call them, you can use to remind people of their points: 

Loyalty boosters: How to get customers to use their points and rewards

Most brands set up loyalty programs and just assume customers will redeem their points. But most people have no idea what their point status are. So they let rewards expire, because they have other stuff to think about. 

Smart brands fix that with reminders, nudges, and personalized popups that bring those unused points back into the customer’s mind at the right time.

Case 1: KICKS Loyalty points reminder

KICKS had a problem. Members earned bonus checks and reward points, but forgot to redeem them. That meant lost sales and lower engagement. So they used Triggerbee to target members with unused rewards and reminders based on their membership level.

The result? A 480% higher click-through rate compared to regular promotional popups.

Case 2: Apohem’s Membership Coupon Reminder

Apohem wanted more people to use their loyalty coupons. Instead of waiting for customers to remember, Apohem proactively reminded them at the perfect time.

Here’s what they did:

1. Identified members with unredeemed coupons in their CRM.
2. Synced that data with Triggerbee to create a targeted audience.
3. Designed a personalized popup that appeared when those members visited Apohem.se.

And it worked.

• 19.11% clicked the reminder.
• 28.6% went straight to purchase.

Just by reminding customers what they already had they got a huge lift in conversions.

How to boost engagement in any points program

The biggest mistake 9/10 loyalty programs commit is to let points sit unused.

Here’s how to make sure customers use them:

• Send reminders before points expire. Urgency works because no one wants to waste rewards.
• Show available points on-site. A small banner saying “You have 1,200 points. Redeem now!” can be the push they need.
• Offer special “points-only” deals. Let customers spend points on exclusive products or limited-time offers.
• Send tier-based nudges. If they’re this close to the next reward level, remind them how much they need to spend to get there.

Loyalty programs work great, but only if customers remember to use the points. The right reminders at the right time? That’s what turns potential sales into real revenue.

8. VIP Tiers & Progress Bars

People love feeling like VIPs. They want to be part of the inner circle, get exclusive perks, and see visible proof that they’re moving up. That’s why tiered membership levels with progress bars work so well.

Instead of just collecting points, customers level up. They go from Bronze to Silver, Silver to Gold. Every purchase brings them closer to better rewards. And that small shift, from “earn points” to “unlock status”, completely changes the way people engage with loyalty programs.

Why it works

Makes loyalty feel like an achievement

A basic points system is passive. But VIP tiers gamify the experience.

Taps into exclusivity & status

Getting to the next tier is all about access. Early product drops, VIP sales, faster shipping. These types of rewards feel premium. And once someone reaches a higher tier they’re not going to let that status go.

Triggers loss aversion

If customers know they need to spend a little more to stay in the Gold tier next year, they’ll do it. Nobody wants to be downgraded. It’s the same mechanic that keeps people renewing airline status, gym memberships, and VIP programs.

Progress bars make everything more addictive

Ever noticed how you’re way more motivated to finish something when you can see your progress? That’s why progress bars work. If someone sees they’re 80% to the next VIP level, they need to close the gap.

How brands use it

Most big loyalty programs use tiered rewards because they work.

• Sephora Beauty Insider – Spend more, level up, unlock better rewards. Simple but effective.
• Airline Status Programs – Keep flying or lose your perks. A classic.
• Nike Membership – Special access to drops, events, and exclusive content based on loyalty.

And e-commerce brands can use this just as easily.

• Show customers their current tier and how close they are to the next one.
• Offer VIP-only perks that feel exclusive. Early access, premium support, invite-only sales.
• Add a countdown so customers feel the urgency to shop again before they drop down a level.

VIP Progress in Action

One of the easiest ways to boost engagement in VIP programs is with reminders and progress tracking. Here’s an example of how KICKS constantly reminds their customers about how many points they have left until the next tier.

9. Leaderboards & Social Competition

Leaderboards tap into a deep human desire… The need to win. The need to see our name at the top. 

And the second you turn shopping into a competition, people are hooked.

Leaderboards and social competitions make customers feel like they’re part of something bigger. Instead of just asking customers to buy or refer people randomly, leaderboards create a reason to act. And if they’re close to the top you know they’ll push harder to win.

Why it works

Creates friendly competition

Nobody wants to be in last place. Even if there’s no massive prize, just seeing your name on a leaderboard makes you want to climb higher.

Builds social proof

A leaderboard full of top referrers or buyers sends a strong message—people love this brand. It makes others want to join in too.

Rewards the most engaged customers

The people at the top of the leaderboard are your biggest fans. Give them VIP perks, exclusive rewards, or early access, and they’ll keep coming back.

10. Gamified referrals

Referrals are nothing new. “Share this code with a friend and get 10% off.” You have seen it before, I have seen it before, we’ve ALL seen it before.

But gamified referrals? That’s *almost* completely different.

Instead of a basic “get a discount” setup, gamified referrals turn sharing into a challenge, a race, or a progress-based reward system. The more you refer, the bigger and better your rewards.

Why it works

Organic expansion of your customer base

A friend’s recommendation beats any ad. When customers refer people, they bring in highly qualified leads who already trust your brand.

Keeps customers engaged after their first purchase

A standard referral program is a one-time thing. But when you gamify it? Customers come back again and again to check their progress, climb the ranks, and unlock more rewards.

Rewards loyalty and drives growth

You’re not just acquiring new customers—you’re keeping existing ones actively involved in your brand. That’s what makes referral gamification so powerful.

How you can gamify referrals

Gamified referral programs go one step further from the ordinary “share this link” setup. Here’s how to make your referral program more addictive:

• Add tiered rewards – The more people you refer, the better your reward. One referral gets you 10% off, but five gets you exclusive VIP perks.
• Leaderboards – See where you rank among top referrers and compete for top prizes.
• Add milestone bonuses – Unlock extra points or surprise gifts at referral milestones like 3, 5, or 10 signups.
• Countdown challenges – Limited-time referral contests that push customers to act fast.

Platforms that do this well

Want to gamify your referrals? These platforms make it easy:

• Triggerbee – Can integrate with loyalty programs to reward top referrers dynamically.
• Viral Loops – Great for leaderboard-based referral programs.
• ReferralCandy – Simple and effective for tiered referral rewards.

11. Badges & Achievements

It’s a simple trick but incredibly effective. A well-designed badge system turns passive shopping into active participation. Customers are unlocking achievements. They’re progressing. And once that mindset kicks in their engagement usually skyrockets.

Why it works

Recognizes customer efforts

People love feeling appreciated. Whether it’s a “First Purchase” badge or an “Elite VIP” title, small rewards make customers feel seen and valued.

Encourages continued engagement

The moment someone earns one badge, they need to get the next one. It’s the same reason video games keep players grinding to unlock new levels.

Turns shopping into a game

Earning rewards just for buying feels like getting something extra. It makes every purchase more fun and memorable.

How E-Commerce brands use badges

Badges drive real engagement.

Hööks: Uses Gamifiera to reward loyal customers with badges for purchases, reviews, and engagement. Horse lovers love this because it turns shopping into a community-driven experience.

Apohem: Their loyalty program includes achievement-based rewards to keep members engaged beyond just discounts.

Types of badges that work

Want to implement badges in your e-commerce store? Here are some great ideas:

• First Purchase Badge – Welcomes new customers with an instant reward.
• VIP Tier Badges – Bronze, Silver, Gold. Simple, effective, and makes status feel earned.
• Review Badges – Encourage repeat reviews by rewarding customers who leave feedback.
• Referral Badges – Acknowledge top referrers and make them feel like brand ambassadors.
• Milestone Badges – “100 Orders Club” or “Spent $1,000” makes big spenders feel seen.

The psychology behind badges and achievements

Badges aren’t just cute icons. They create engagement loops that keep customers coming back.

• They act as micro-rewards. Customers don’t need to wait for a discount—they get instant recognition.
• They create social proof. Public leaderboards or customer profiles showing earned badges make others want in.
• They make loyalty visible. Seeing progress makes people want to keep going.

Summary

People love to play. They love to win. And when shopping feels like a game instead of just another transaction,they stay longer, engage more, and spend more. It’s just psychology.

Spin-the-wheel popups? They tap into curiosity.
Memory games? They make signups feel like a reward.
Leaderboards? They turn the entire experience into a competition.
VIP tiers? They make loyalty visible and nobody wants to lose status.

But the best part about e-commerce gamification is that it works almost everywhere. You don’t have to be a billion-dollar brand to use it. Even simple tweaks like… 

• a scratch card
• a daily challenge
• or a points reminder

…can keep customers engaged and coming back.

Because at the end of the day, people don’t just want discounts. They want an experience.

What if you could get an almost instant 60% increase in customer engagement by gamifying your customer experience?  

What Is Gamification Marketing?

Gamification in marketing means using games, points, and rewards to engage customers. Instead of just saying “buy now” or relying on discounts, gamified marketing campaigns can tap into powerful psychological triggers.

Here’s the deal:

Your brain releases dopamine when you play or make progress in a game. Your brain rewards you and tells you that this is a good thing to motivate you to keep playing. This keeps you hooked and it’s is why something as simple as a spin the wheel popup can feel irresistible.

Gamification also creates a “just one more try” loop. Temu has gone all in on gamification and tactics like free discount spins, progress bars, and rewards to keep customers coming back.  And slot machines in casinos use random rewards to keep players spinning. Mobile games hook you with daily rewards and streaks. Both tap into dopamine-driven activities which leaves you wanting more.

The Psychology Behind Gamification and Why it Works

At its core, gamification makes tasks (such as signing up for a newsletter) feel less like work and more like a fun challenge. When people think they have a chance to win something, without risking anything, they don’t want to lose that chance. It creates curiosity, which has a huge impact on our decision making. 

Pair curiosity with a nice reward and you have a super powerful recipe for increasing conversions.

Key Psychological Principles & Biases at Play in Gamification

Reciprocity Bias (Cialdini, 1984)
When people receive something they feel the need to give something in return. By offering a small reward like a discount code, you can increase the odds of someone following through with a purchase.

Endowed Progress Effect (Nunes & Drèze, 2006)
When people feel like they have already made progress toward a goal they are more likely to complete it. Think partially filled progress bars, or being a few points away from the next membership level. It makes users feel like they are on their way to earning a reward.

Loss Aversion (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979)
People have a stronger urge to keep what they already have compared to the urge they feel to gain something. Limited-time offers and expiring rewards take advantage of this bias by making users feel like they don’t want to let go of their reward.

Zeigarnik Effect (Bluma Zeigarnik, 1927)
Unfinished tasks stick in people’s minds more than completed ones. Make someone complete a simple 4×4 memory game in less than 20 seconds. If they don’t complete it, they will feel the urge to try again.

Social Proof & Competition (Festinger, 1954)
Most people don’t make decisions in isolation. They look for comfort in other’s decisions before them. Also, most people are naturally drawn to competition. Both leaderboards and social sharing take advantage of this.

How Game Mechanics Influence Behavior

Game Mechanic	Psychological trigger	Why it works
Spin-to-Win Wheel	Reciprocity, Loss Aversion	Offering a chance to win makes customers feel they should give something in return, like an email or a purchase. The fear of missing out on a prize also encourages immediate action.
Progress Bars	Endowed Progress Effect, Zeigarnik Effect	Seeing progress already made makes people more likely to complete the task. If they leave before finishing, they remember the incomplete goal and feel the urge to return.
Quizzes & Trivia	Curiosity, Social Proof	Users enjoy testing their knowledge or discovering something new. Sharing quiz results on social media also taps into the need to compare and showcase achievements.
Points & Badges	Social Proof, Endowed Progress Effect	Visible achievements motivate users to keep earning. Seeing others with more points or badges can inspire competition and push users to engage more.
Memory Games	Zeigarnik Effect, Endowed Progress Effect	Matching pairs feels rewarding, and seeing how many are left to find pushes users to complete the game. Unfinished puzzles stay on their minds, making them want to return.
Leaderboards	Social Comparison Theory, Competition	Public rankings fuel competition and drive users to engage repeatedly. Players often check back to see if they’ve moved up or if someone has passed them.
Limited-Time Offers	Loss Aversion, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)	Deadlines make users act quickly to avoid missing out. The idea of losing an opportunity feels more urgent than the idea of gaining a reward later.
Mystery Rewards	Curiosity Gap, Anticipation	Uncertainty creates excitement. Users continue engaging to uncover the reward, driven by curiosity and the possibility of getting something valuable.

Why you should be using Gamification

1. Higher Engagement
   Thanks to the Zeigarnik Effect, once a user starts a game-driven activity, they’re more inclined to complete it, driving up dwell time on your site or app.
2. Stronger Brand Loyalty
   Repeated positive micro-experiences like earning points or unlocking achievements creates a deeper emotional bond. A Harvard Business Review study notes that customers who feel engaged on an emotional level are more than 52% more valuable compared to those who are simply “satisfied”.
3. Reduced Friction
   When you offer something of value (like a discount code), users tend to feel they “owe” you, or that they “owe themselves” not to let the discount go to waste. This can lower the guard for users and reduce friction of signing up.
4. Social Amplification
   Whenever badges, high scores, or quiz results are easy to share, you can see a ripple effect of new signups and referrals. It’s sparked by the competitive or communal drive to show off achievements.

Benefits of Using Gamification in your Marketing

A well-planned gamified campaign can do more than just entertain. It can lead to higher brand awareness, repeat purchases, and deeper loyalty. 

According to a study by Talon One, effective gamified promotions can drive up to a 60% increase in customer engagement. A boost in customer engagement will probably translate to more frequent purchases. 

Shopify also reports that using gamification in e-commerce can greatly help reduce cart abandonment rates and boost overall conversion.

Below are the main advantages of gamification and why they matter for your brand:

Boosts conversions

Getting people to visit your site is one thing. Making them convert is another. Gamification helps you bridge that gap by tapping into the “fun factor” to keep visitors engaged longer, guiding them naturally toward the next step in your funnel. 

Swedish auto service company Däckskiftarna used a Memory Game Signup Campaign where users flipped virtual cards to match images, and upon success, they received a freebie or discount. This simple, interactive element generated a 250% boost in email signups and demonstrates how simple gamification techniques can boost conversions.

Boosts Engagement

Turning your website or emails into mini adventures can keep visitors on your site longer. People aren’t just clicking; they’re exploring quizzes, spinning wheels, or solving puzzles. This deeper interaction encourages them to discover more pages and products. Quizzes in particular are a great way to boost product discovery.

Higher Retention

Gamified campaigns gives your customers a dopamine boost and in turn associate your brand with positive feelings. It’s subtle, but enough to encourage repeat visits. 

By having engaging and interactive content like daily or weekly challenges, you create small but powerful motivators for customers to return. A daily spin-to-win contest, for instance, turns casual visitors into returning users who regularly check back to see if today is the day they’ll win something.

Stronger Customer Loyalty

Gamification speaks to people’s sense of accomplishment. According to Talon One, consumers are more likely to develop an emotional tie to a brand when they’re actively engaged in a playful reward system.

This is the reason why loyalty points are such a powerful motivator. These tactics can create bonds that go beyond one-time transactions and lead to word-of-mouth recommendations. 

Shopify also notes that loyalty programs with tiered badges or achievements significantly increase repeat sales. It just goes to show how game-like progress markers help buyers feel that they’re truly invested in your brand.

Increased Data Collection

When people play a game and win something, even a small prize, they become more attached to that “win” and are willing to go a step further to claim or protect it. 

In practice, that can translate into higher form completion rates, more personal data shared, or detailed survey participation. 

Quizzes in particular are a gold mine of customer insights. As users answer questions to discover the right product or solution, they’re also telling you about their needs, preferences, and pain points. 

From a marketing standpoint, this data is incredibly valuable. You can tailor follow-up emails, product recommendations, or loyalty offers based on a user’s quiz responses or game interactions. 

Gamification types and tactics

There are endless ways to use game mechanics in marketing. However, most tactics fall under a few broader categories.

Spin to win

One of the simplest and most popular ways for e-commerce brands to introduce game mechanics is through a spin the wheel popup. When used right, the spin to win tactic is incredibly addicting and almost impossible for your visitors to ignore. 

How to create your own spin the wheel promotion

Triggerbee has a very nice spin to win template which can be customized and tailored to your needs.

• Instant Reward or Email Capture
  With Triggerbee you can decide whether visitors receive their reward immediately or if they must provide an email address to claim it.
• Customization Options
  Design the wheel with your own branding, color scheme, and prizes. You can add as many price slices as you want, control the winning percentage for each slice, and have any reward. By personalizing each part of the wheel, you can make sure it looks like your brand.

Memory Games

If you want to create longer lasting engagement, Memory games are an amazing alternative to spin the wheel popups. It’s simple, intuitive, and 9/10 users know exactly how to play without any instructions. 

Visitors flip over cards to match pairs, and they get a small prize or exclusive offer when all pairs are matched. 

How to create your own memory game 

If you’re using Triggerbee’s onsite marketing platform, you can publish your own memory game on your website in just a few minutes as it’s a pre-made component with just a few settings to adjust. 

• • Easy Setup & Customization. Using the memory gamification campaign from Triggerbee, you can quickly adjust grid sizes (2×2, 3×3, up to 6×6) and upload your own graphics or brand-related icons to replace the standard card backs. This can help you create any type of game. Make visitors match products from your store, or match things from your company story – it’s up to you!
  • Extended Engagement. Because flipping cards takes more time than a single spin, memory games naturally boost session length. Visitors often stick around to complete the puzzle.
  • Random Order. We know users like to figure out the pattern of a memory, which is why our memory component always randomizes the order of the cards. So even if a user plays again the order of the cards will be completely different.

Quizzes and Trivia

Are you aiming for top-of-funnel engagement or a more helpful approach? Quizzes and trivia challenges invite your audience to showcase what they know (or think they know) in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Whether it’s “Which product fits your personality?” or “How well do you know this industry?”, quizzes help you build trust early on while collecting valuable data about user preferences.

• Personalization Goldmine. Every question answered can be used to tailor recommendations or segment your audience.
• Social Sharing. Everyone loves showing off a high score or a unique personality match, so quizzes are often shared among friends and followers.

Raffles and Competitions

Looking to offer a quick boost of excitement? Raffles and competitions tap into people’s natural love of winning—whether the prize is a free product, a limited-edition item, or early access to a new collection. 

This method works well in the awareness and consideration stages, generating buzz and urgency that can easily be amplified on social media.

• Quick Win Potential. A straightforward entry form, plus a grand prize, will capture leads almost instantly. Announce the winner on social channels or via email for extra hype.
• Scalable for Small or Large Campaigns. Raffles and contests can be as simple as a one-time giveaway or as complex as a multi-week challenge with different tiers of rewards. Just a tip: For your own sake, keep it simple.

Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs reward users for repeat actions such as purchases, referrals, or social shares. And users are rewarded with extra points, badges, or VIP tiers. They’re especially effective for mid- and bottom-funnel customers who already like your brand but need extra motivation.

• Tiered Progression. Shoppers might begin at a Bronze level and advance to Silver or Gold with each new purchase. This sense of achievement can make your customers feel special and give them a reason to come back.
• Long-Term Engagement. Loyalty programs encourage ongoing interactions. However, members very rarely check their points status or track their progress. So once you’ve acquired a new member, make sure to constantly remind them of their membership status and unused points. Swedish beauty brand KICKS reminds members who return to their website about new coupons and offers. Read the case study here.

Leaderboards

Want your community to bond over competition? Leaderboards put your most active fans front and center by showcasing their achievements. This tactic works wonders for brands with active user bases (i.e gaming, fitness, or any niche where users naturally share accomplishments) and have the potential to completely transform your brand feel.

• Community Building
  Publicly recognizing top performers, whether they’ve racked up the most points, written the most reviews, or referred the most friends, creates a sense of competition.
• Encourages Repeat Actions
  As users try to climb (or stay at) the top of the leaderboard, they frequently return to your platform. This recurring engagement can become a habit, driving sustained growth and participation.

By strategically selecting the gamification approach that fits your brand’s goals, you offer customers a fun way to interact with your business—while collecting data, driving conversions, and building long-term loyalty.

When to use Gamification and when does it become too much?

Gamification isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. You’ll get the best results by aligning the right mechanics with a specific user group or funnel stage. 

That means you should plan your strategy around use cases (like boosting signups or cart conversions) or audience segments (new vs. returning visitors, loyal customers, etc.).

Below are some practical examples of how your brand can use gamification in various stages of the customer experience.

By Use Case

• To Get More Email Signups
  Use a Spin-to-Win popup for first-time visitors. The excitement of spinning for a prize makes people more likely to enter their email so they don’t miss out.
• To Increase Immediate Sales
  Offer a spin-the-wheel game with an instant reward that doesn’t require an email. Giving users something right away, like a discount or free shipping, makes them feel like they should return the favor by completing their purchase.
• In the Shopping Cart
  Add a progress bar to show how close customers are to unlocking free shipping or a discount. Seeing their progress encourages them to add more to their cart instead of leaving the site.
• After a Purchase
  Keep customers engaged by offering loyalty points for completing a survey or sharing their purchase on social media. You can also bring them back with a weekly Memory Game that includes a leaderboard. Seeing others compete makes users more likely to return and play again.

By Audience Segment

• New Visitors
  Welcome first-time visitors with a Spin-to-Win popup to grab their attention right away. Since they’re new, require an email signup so you can turn their curiosity into a lead.
• Returning Visitors
  If someone has visited multiple times but hasn’t bought anything, adjust the spin-the-wheel game in their favor by offering a bigger discount or a free gift. This extra push can turn a hesitant visitor into a paying customer.
• Loyalty Members
  Reward your most dedicated customers with exclusive games like a VIP-only raffle or a tiered Memory Challenge. You can also give loyalty points for playing, making their engagement feel even more valuable.
• Dormant or “Lost” Customers
  If someone hasn’t made a purchase in 6 to 12 months, bring them back with a fun challenge. A daily “Wheel of Deals” or bonus points for completing a quiz or memory game can reignite their interest. Even a small win can remind them why they loved your brand in the first place.

When does gamification become too much?

Gamification is a powerful tool, but like anything else, too much of it can backfire. Imagine eating pizza every day. It’s exciting at first, but after a while, you get tired of it. The same thing happens when users are constantly hit with popups, spin wheels, points, badges, leaderboards, and timers. What starts as fun and engaging quickly turns into sensory overload.

Take Temu as an example. Their entire platform is built on gamification and constant dopamine triggers. Flash deals, spin-to-win popups, countdown timers, referral rewards, in-app credits, and daily check-ins all compete for attention at the same time.

But here’s the thing: it works for them. Say what you will about their aggressive marketing, but they have over 92 million monthly active users in the EU alone—meaning millions of people return to their app at least once a month.

That doesn’t mean it will work for you.

Unless your brand is built around constant gamification, going from 0 to 100 overnight would likely drive your customers crazy.

So, how do you strike the right balance?

• Use gamification sparingly and with purpose. Instead of stacking multiple game elements on one page, choose one or two key moments in the customer journey where it makes sense, like a spin-the-wheel popup for new visitors or a loyalty challenge for repeat customers.
• Keep the experience simple. A progress bar for free shipping or a fun memory game once in a while keeps engagement high without overwhelming users.
• Avoid constant interruptions. If every interaction feels like a game, it WILL start to feel like a chore. Let your customers browse and shop without feeling like they need to “unlock” something every few seconds.

Gamification should enhance your user experience, not take it over. If customers start to feel like they’re navigating an arcade rather than an online store, it’s time to scale back.

The Anatomy of Well-Designed Gamification Marketing

Think of a gamified campaign as a puzzle. Each component should fit neatly with the others to create a seamless, enjoyable experience for your audience.

• User-Friendly Mechanics
  A Spin to Win-popup should not have rules and too many prizes. Keep your tactics and rewards straightforward and visually appealing.
• Motivating Rewards
  The prize doesn’t have to be huge. It just needs to feel relevant and exciting to your audience.
• Progress Indicators
  Let participants see how far they’ve come. Whether it’s a progress bar or a dynamic points count, visible progress makes them more likely to stay and keep going.
• Fair Rules and Transparency
  If you are running a competition, clearly outline how winners are chosen, how points are tallied, and which data you’re collecting. Clear communication builds trust.

Compliance Considerations

Gamification must be done ethically and transparently. While playful mechanics can increase conversions, misleading tactics or unclear data practices can damage trust and even lead to legal trouble. Here’s what to keep in mind when integrating gamification into your marketing strategy.

GDPR and Data Privacy Compliance

If your gamification campaign collects user data you must comply with data privacy laws like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the EU and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) in the U.S.

To stay compliant:

• Clearly disclose what data you collect and how it will be used. If a spin-the-wheel game requires an email, be upfront about whether they’ll receive marketing emails afterward.
• Give users a choice. Make sure users opt in to data collection rather than being automatically enrolled.
• Allow easy opt-out options. If users later decide they don’t want to receive promotional emails or be part of your loyalty program, make unsubscribing simple and accessible.

A lack of transparency can lead to fines, legal complaints, and, most importantly, a loss of trust from your audience.

Avoid Manipulative Game Mechanics

Gamification should feel fun and rewarding. Not a high-pressure sales tactic. Overusing competitive pressure, creating unrealistic expectations, or making it difficult for users to claim their rewards just creates a bad experience.

Here’s what to avoid:

• “Fake scarcity” tactics: If your countdown timer resets every time a visitor refreshes the page, users will eventually catch on to that.
• Complicated reward structures: If users need to jump through multiple hoops to redeem a simple prize, they will end up feeling frustrated and scammed.
• Surprise fees or conditions: If a user wins a discount or freebie, ensure the terms are clear upfront. Hidden fees or exclusions will backfire.

Personalization in Gamification

Gamification works best when it feels relevant to the user. Not all customers respond to the same incentives, so a one-size-fits-all approach may not deliver the best results. By tailoring game mechanics to different segments, you can create a more engaging and meaningful experience that drives conversions and long-term loyalty.

Segmented Rewards

Different types of customers should receive different types of rewards. Repeat buyers are already invested in your brand, so offering them higher-value prizes or exclusive perks makes them feel appreciated and keeps them coming back. First-time visitors, on the other hand, might not need a big reward to take action. A small but appealing discount can be enough to encourage them to make an initial purchase.

Example:

• New visitors spin a wheel for 5% or 10% off.
• Returning customers spin a wheel with larger discounts, free shipping, or bonus loyalty points.
• VIP customers or loyalty members get access to exclusive gamified experiences, such as raffles with bigger prizes or early access to special sales.

Dynamic Difficulty

Not every user wants the same level of challenge. A first-time visitor may prefer a simple, easy-to-complete game, while a more engaged or competitive customer might be motivated by something harder to win.

Example:

• A beginner quiz asks three easy questions and rewards participation.
• A returning visitor faces more complex trivia or problem-solving tasks for better rewards.
• A loyalty program member gets tiered challenges where harder tasks unlock bigger prizes.

By adjusting the difficulty based on a user’s experience level, you keep them engaged without frustrating newcomers or boring experienced users.

Personalized Rewards and Recommendations

People engage more when they feel a brand understands them. Instead of offering random prizes, use past browsing behavior or purchase history to shape the rewards. This makes the experience feel customized rather than generic.

Example:

• A customer who frequently shops for skincare might win a discount on beauty products instead of a general storewide coupon.
• Someone who recently browsed athletic gear might see a fitness-themed challenge or reward.
• A returning customer who buys seasonal items could be invited to a holiday-themed gamified campaign based on their past purchases.

When gamification feels personal, customers are more likely to participate and take action. Instead of a gimmick, it becomes a valuable and enjoyable part of their shopping experience.

Amazing Examples of Gamification

Many brands have successfully used gamification to increase engagement, build loyalty, and encourage repeat behavior. These examples show how different industries apply game mechanics to create a more interactive and rewarding experience for their users.

Temu: Turning Shopping Into a Game

Temu integrates gamification throughout its app, keeping users engaged with interactive challenges, daily rewards, and referral-based incentives. Customers can earn credits or free products by completing small tasks, such as inviting friends, spinning a wheel, or checking in daily. The constant stream of achievable goals encourages shoppers to return frequently, increasing both retention and overall spending.

Strava: Competing for Fitness Goals

Strava has built a thriving fitness community by using competition and achievement-based rewards. Runners and cyclists can track their progress, compare times with friends, and challenge themselves through leaderboard rankings. Monthly challenge badges provide an extra layer of motivation, giving users a sense of accomplishment and encouraging them to stay active. By tapping into social proof and friendly competition, Strava keeps users engaged long after their initial sign-up.

Duolingo: The Power of Streaks and Progress Bars

Duolingo makes language learning feel like a game by incorporating progress tracking, daily streaks, and reward-based feedback. Users earn points and level up as they complete lessons, reinforcing the habit of daily practice. The streak feature plays on loss aversion, making users more likely to return each day to avoid breaking their progress. The simple act of seeing a streak number grow can be enough to keep users engaged for months or even years.

Starbucks: A Loyalty Program That Feels Like a Game

Starbucks has perfected the use of gamification in its Star Rewards loyalty program. Every purchase earns stars, which can be redeemed for free drinks or food. Customers can track their progress, unlock bonus challenges, and earn extra rewards for limited-time promotions. The system encourages repeat visits by creating a sense of progress and rewarding users for continued engagement. Unlike traditional discount programs, the star system makes earning rewards feel like an achievement rather than a transaction.

Each of these brands has successfully applied gamification by understanding what motivates their audience. Whether it is social competition, daily habits, or the excitement of earning rewards, they use game mechanics to create engaging and repeatable experiences that keep users coming back.

Gucci: Entering Roblox

Gucci has taken gamification to a new level by integrating its brand into Roblox, a popular virtual world with millions of active players. Instead of relying on traditional marketing, Gucci created Gucci Town which is an interactive virtual space where users can explore, play mini-games, and collect digital fashion pieces for their avatars.

This gamified experience taps into digital ownership and brand exclusivity, two trends shaping the future of online engagement. Players can earn in-game currency to purchase limited-edition Gucci items, engage in virtual art exhibitions, and even complete challenges to unlock special rewards.

Wrapping It Up

Gamification goes beyond short-term hype by turning brand interactions into playful adventures. It engages visitors, nurtures them through multiple touchpoints, and can boost loyalty in a way traditional marketing rarely matches. According to a Deloitte study, 66% of consumers prefer brands that incorporate playful elements into their user experience, so this isn’t a fleeting trend.

Remember to track ROI, stay transparent about data, and continuously refresh your game elements to keep them exciting. With powerful tools like Triggerbee—and a dash of creativity—you can shape a brand journey that feels like an ongoing quest. Try these ideas in your own funnel and see how they level up your key KPIs.

Traditional discount popups are easy to ignore. Your customers either close them immediately or enter fake emails just to grab a coupon.

Spin the Wheel popups change the game by introducing an interactive element that makes visitors want to engage.

Instead of forcing a discount on users, this strategy turns the experience into a game. people love a challenge, and the chance to win something gives them a dopamine boost, which makes them more likely to claim their discount and complete a purchase.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• How Spin the Wheel popups work
• The best ways to customize and target them for better results
• Advanced campaign strategies you won’t find in most guides
• Practical examples and copywriting tips to help you launch faster

How A Spin the Wheel Popup Works

Spin the Wheel popups let visitors spin a digital “wheel of fortune” and win a reward such as a discount, free shipping, or a free gift.

Instead of giving away coupons like most e-commerce brands do, an interactive strategy improves the customer experience and adds an element of excitement.

Spin the Wheel popups are also called spinning wheel popups, spin the wheel popups, lucky wheel popups, or gamified popups, but no matter the name they all are the same thing.

Since the outcome is unknown, it creates curiosity and excitement. This small shift in experience will have a huge impact on the decision process of your visitors and make it almost impossible to ignore spinning the wheel.

Spin the wheel popups almost always have a measurable impact on conversions. Simply the act of spinning makes users more likely to claim and use their reward. The interactive format also helps with email collection, since most Spin the Wheel popups require visitors to enter their email before spinning (however that’s entirely up to you, at least if you use Triggerbee).

When comparing Spin the Wheel popups to traditional discount popups, we guarantee you’ll see higher engagement, more email sign-ups, and an increase in completed purchases.

What makes spin the wheel popups powerful?

• Spin the wheel popups feel like a game and trigger engagement instead of a reaction.
• Spin the wheel popups create an instant dopamine reward which makes users more likely to claim their prize.
• Spin the wheel popups boosts email sign up rates (if you require the user to submit an email before spinning)

The result? Higher conversion rates, more signups, and increased sales.

The Anatomy of a High-Converting Spin the Wheel Popup

Most platforms provide pre-made templates which makes setting up a campaign quick and easy. While these templates work well, adding your own custom touches can take the experience to the next level. Here’s how to set up a spin the wheel popup that won’t bother your visitors and grow your list fast.

How to Create a High-Converting Spin the Wheel Popup in Triggerbee

With Triggerbee’s Spin the Wheel, you can increase email signups, drive more sales, and reward loyal customers in a way that feels fun instead of forced.

• Easy to set up. Get your campaign live in minutes. No coding needed.
• Fully customizable. Design, prizes, and settings tailored to your brand.
• Smart targeting. Show the wheel at the right time to the right visitors.
• Unique coupon codes. Prevent abuse and keep discounts under control.
• Works for any promotion. Black Friday, seasonal sales, loyalty rewards, and more.

Set it Up in Just a Few Steps

Design and Customization options

With Triggerbee you get pre-made style presets for your wheel. Just pick a design, tweak the colors, and the campaign is ready to go. If you want a custom look, you can adjust the colors of the wheel, buttons, inputs, and you can even add as many steps as you want.

If you want your Spin the Wheel popup to work, you need a visually appealing design. Here are a few tweaks that can make a big difference:

• Match your brand colors so the popup feels like part of your site. If it looks off, people will close it before even reading your offer.
• Make the offer easy to read with strong contrast. If your visitors don’t see the offer in the first second or two, they won’t bother.
• Make the spin button un-ignorable. Give it high contrast from the background. Or just make the wheel start spinning as soon as your popup appears.

A few small changes go a long way. If your popup looks clean, loads fast, and feels like it belongs on your site, more people WILL engage with it.

A clean design with a bold call-to-action encourages more spins. Bright colors and a clear “Spin” button ensure visitors notice and engage with the campaign.

Fine-Tune the Wheel’s Behavior

Looks matter, but how the wheel feels is just as important. If the experience is slow, people will ignore it. But a few simple tweaks can make the experience feel smooth.

• Keep spin times short on mobile. On desktop, a slightly longer spin adds excitement without feeling slow.
• Make desktop spins slightly longer. Bigger screens, more patience. A bit of suspense can make winning feel more exciting.
• Add confetti or a quick animation when the wheel stops. Winning should feel rewarding. A small visual effect makes a big difference.

If the wheel feels fun and responsive, more people will actually use it. With Triggerbee you can adjust these settings to fully customize the behavior of your spin the wheel campaign:

• Spin duration
• Auto-spin
• Borders, shadows, and pointer style

Customize Prizes and Winning Probabilities

Not every visitor should win a major discount. With Triggerbee’s built-in winning probability settings (See screenshot below), you can adjust the odds for each prize.

If you want most visitors to win small discounts while reserving larger ones for fewer people, you can easily set those probabilities in the editor.

You decide what users can win and how often. Each slice can be labeled with a discount, free gift, or a “Try Again” message.

• Adjust win probabilities to limit or increase specific rewards.
• Show the prize instantly or require an email signup first.

If you want to drive immediate sales, show the coupon code right away. If your focus is growing your email list, requiring an email before revealing the prize turns the game into a lead-generation tool.

Unique Coupon Codes: Prevent Fraud and Overuse

Triggerbee has built-in email validation which also stops repeat abuse. If someone has already received a discount, they won’t be able to use the same email again to claim another prize. A common trick is using incognito mode to refresh the page and spin again.

Standard discount codes can be copied and shared, but when using Triggerbee’s coupon sets, you can be sure that every code is unique and single-use.

• Each visitor gets a one-time-use coupon which prevents sharing and multiple redemptions.
• The campaign can automatically pause once all codes have been used.
• Even visitors using incognito mode won’t be able to spin multiple times, since the system recognizes past email entries.

With unique coupon codes, every winner gets a one-time-use discount. This prevents visitors from sharing codes or claiming multiple discounts.

This is essential for VIP discounts, limited-time promotions, and fraud prevention. If you want to reward only high-value customers, you can target those who have spent above a certain amount (requires revenue tracking).

Target the Right Users at the Right Time

Most guides tell you to trigger the popup after a few seconds or when someone is about to leave. That’s fine, but it’s not how you get the best results. The real magic happens when you show the wheel to the right visitors at the right time based on what they’ve done on your site before.

Instead of blasting the same popup to everyone, fine-tuning who sees it makes a massive difference. 

Someone browsing for the first time won’t respond the same way as a repeat customer. A shopper who added something to their cart needs a different nudge than someone just looking around.

Trigger settings in Triggerbee: When to display the wheel

• Exit intent: Show the wheel just as someone is about to leave. This works well for first-time visitors who need an extra incentive to stay.
• Cart abandonment: Only trigger the popup if someone has added items to their cart but hasn’t checked out. Offering a discount at this moment can save the sale.
• Time on page: Display the wheel only to visitors who have spent time browsing. Someone who has been on a product page for a while is much more likely to engage than someone who just landed on the homepage.

Not every visitor should see your spin the wheel popup, and even if they should, there should be at least some targeting involved. With Triggerbee’s trigger settings, you can decide when to display the campaign.

For checkout-based triggers, showing the wheel only when a user is about to abandon their cart helps reduce drop-off rates.

Session Conditions: Who Sees the Wheel
Session-based targeting allows you to personalize the campaign based on visitor type, browser settings, or referral source. If a user arrives from an Instagram ad, the campaign can be customized to reflect that offer.

Someone coming from a paid ad might need a stronger incentive than a repeat customer who already trusts your brand. Personalizing rewards based on visitor type makes the popup feel relevant rather than generic.

• New vs. returning visitors: First-time visitors might respond better to a discount, while repeat shoppers might appreciate free shipping or bonus loyalty points.
• Target by UTM parameters: If someone clicked an ad on Instagram, their popup could highlight a product featured in the ad. Visitors from email campaigns might see a different reward tied to the email offer.
• Segment by past purchases: Offer bigger rewards to high-value customers while keeping discounts smaller for those who haven’t bought yet.

New visitors might see an introductory discount, while returning customers get a loyalty-based spin.

Audience Targeting: Personalize Based on CRM & Purchase Data

For even deeper personalization, Triggerbee allows you to target specific customer segments based on CRM data and past purchases.

For stores that track customer data, targeting based on previous transactions and CRM insights can make Spin the wheel even more effective. Instead of showing the same popup to everyone, tailor it based on what customers have already done. Smart targeting makes your popup feel more relevant and timely instead of an interruption.

• Show the wheel only to customers who have completed a purchase.
• Reward VIP customers based on their spend amount (requires revenue tracking).
• Trigger the wheel for email subscribers only, using CRM sync.

For example, if you want to offer higher discounts to customers who have spent over $200, set up revenue logging and create a segment based on past transactions.

Beyond Discounts: Creative Spin the Wheel Campaign Ideas

Daily Deal Wheel

Instead of giving visitors a discount they can only claim once, let them spin every day for a new reward. 

Electronics retailer Power used a daily deal wheel for their Black Week campaign in Sweden 2024.I for one came back every day to use my 3 spins.

This turns the wheel into a reason for people to come back, check out new offers, and stay engaged with your brand. If you’re running a multi-day sale, like Black Friday week or a holiday countdown, this setup keeps the excitement fresh and going for longer

It’s also a great fit for loyalty programs. Customers who know they can spin for an exclusive deal every time they visit are more likely to return.

Spin & Save – Email List Growth

Visitors must enter their email before spinning, making this a great way to collect leads.

Limited-Time Spin for Cart Abandoners

Over 70% of your visitors abandon their carts. A well-timed exit-intent Spin the Wheel can stop them right before they leave and give them a last-minute reason to stay. But don’t give out a regular exit discount like 5% off or free shipping. Instead frame it as an exclusive, one-time chance. The spin should feel urgent. Like if they don’t take the offer now it’s gone. It’s a small shift in messaging that can dramatically reduce your cart abandonment rates.

Black Friday Mega Spin – Limited-Time Sales

A high-intensity campaign featuring deep discounts, free gifts, and exclusive flash deals.

Wheel of Love – Valentine’s Day Special 

A seasonal campaign featuring romantic-themed discounts or couples’ offers.

Why These Strategies Work

By using a spin the wheel popup as a strategy to engage repeat visitors or loyalty members, cart abandoners or referrals, you can turn it into a long-term conversion tool instead of just another discount popup. 

Tracking & Optimization: Improve Performance Over Time

Creating and publishing your Spin the Wheel popup is just the start. To get the best results, you need to optimize it continuously.

One of the biggest mistakes we see e-commerce brands commit is that they are constantly coming up with NEW campaigns. 

Truth is, if you have an offer that works… Squeeze out every last drop of it. And that can only be done by optimizing what you already have.

Key Metrics to Monitor

Some numbers matter more than others. Here are the most important ones to keep track of: 

• Spin-to-signup conversion rate – How many visitors enter their email and spin the wheel? Aim for more than 5%. If this number is low, the offer might not be compelling enough, or the popup might be appearing too soon.
• Email quality – Are you collecting real, usable emails, or are people entering fake ones just to grab a discount? If you’re seeing a lot of temporary or throwaway email addresses, consider adding email validation or requiring users to confirm their prize via email.
• Discount redemption rate – A visitor spinning the wheel is great, but how many actually use their prize at checkout? If redemption rates are low, your offer might not be enticing enough, or visitors might not feel urgency to claim their discount.

How to Improve Performance of your Spin the Wheel popup

Adjust Prize Distribution

If visitors aren’t engaging enough, it could be because the rewards aren’t exciting. Try testing different prize distributions—if most users only win small discounts, they might not find it worth spinning. Adding a few higher-value rewards, even if rare, can make the experience feel more rewarding.

Refine Your CTA for Higher Engagement

The wording of your call-to-action matters. If “Spin to win!” isn’t performing well, test variations like “Try your luck!” or “Unlock your exclusive deal”. Even subtle differences can impact how many people participate.

A/B Test Different Designs

A simple color change, a different wheel size, or moving the spin button can make a surprising difference in conversion rates. A/B testing helps you find the most effective combination by comparing two versions of your popup and seeing which performs better.

📌 Screenshot Placeholder: Example of an A/B test comparing different Spin to Win popup versions

Small Changes, Big Impact

A Spin the Wheel popup isn’t something you set and forget. The best results come from constant testing and improvement. By tracking key metrics and making data-driven changes, you can increase email sign-ups, boost conversions, and get more visitors to redeem their rewards.

If engagement drops, don’t assume the popup doesn’t work—tweak the prize, adjust the timing, or test a new CTA. Small optimizations can turn a good campaign into a great one.

Final Thoughts: Make Spin the Wheel a Part of Your Strategy

A well-executed Spin the Wheel campaign does more than just collect emails—it creates an engaging experience that visitors actually want to interact with. By personalizing your campaign, optimizing its targeting, and using creative incentives, you can turn casual visitors into repeat customers.

If you’re ready to increase conversions, grow your email list, and drive more sales, launch your first Spin the Wheel campaign today and see the difference gamification can make.