A creative and well-thought-out name for each tier can turn an ordinary program into an engaging, memorable experience that your customers will love.
Think about it: Would you rather be part of a “Gold Tier” or something more exciting like the “Sparklie” when shopping for skincare products?
If you’re in search of creative names for your membership levels and tiers, then this article is for you! Whether you run a fashion store, a tech brand, or a cozy café, the ideas you are about to find out will inspire you to craft membership-level names that resonate with your customers and make your loyalty program stand out.
Why Do Your Membership Tier Names Need To Be Creative?
Let’s be honest, “Gold” and “Platinum” are a bit… well, expected, aren’t they? So, think outside the box when it comes to naming their membership tiers. Creative names can make all the difference in how your customers perceive and engage with your loyalty program.
- Memorable Names Stick: Unique and creative loyalty program names are more likely to stick in your customers’ minds.
- They excite and motivate customers. Creative names can evoke achievement or exclusivity, make customers feel valued, and inspire them to reach higher levels.
- They reflect your brand’s personality. Thoughtful tier names tell a story about your brand—whether it’s playful, luxurious, or eco-conscious—showcasing your attention to detail and creating a deeper connection with your audience.
For example, creative for a coffee shop could be: Bean, Brew, and Roast Master.
Strategies For Naming Your Membership Tiers & Examples
Here are some proven strategies to find creative names for your membership levels, along with examples to inspire you:
Classic and Hierarchical Names
Classic and hierarchical names are straightforward, timeless, and easily understood by customers. Additionally, they are versatile and align with many industries, from retail to travel.
Here are some examples of hierarchical membership tier names for some industry:
- General:
- Bronze – Silver – Gold – Platinum
- Basic, Plus, Premium, Elite
- Starter, Growth, Pro, Ultimate
- Classic, Superior, Deluxe, Prestige
- Luxury:
- Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond
- Standard, Deluxe, Premier, Luxury
- Beauty and Skincare:
- Glow, Radiance, Luminary, Star
- Fresh, Natural, Glam, Flawless
- Travel: Explorer, Voyager, Globetrotter, Nomad
- Hospitality: Guest, Member, VIP, Elite
- Gaming: Rookie, Pro, Veteran, Legend
- Health and Fitness: Beginner, Enthusiast, Athlete, Champion
American Express uses a hierarchical structure with recognizable names: Green, Gold, Platinum, and the ultra-exclusive Centurion (Black) card. These tiers represent increasing levels of prestige.
Brand-Related Themes
Brand-related tier names give your loyalty program a distinct personality that aligns with your brand’s identity. It helps differentiate your program from generic loyalty systems, making it more engaging and emotionally connected to your audience.
Examples of brand-related membership-level names:
- Eco-Friendly Brands
- Seedling, Sprout, Bloom, Evergreen
- Leaf, Tree, Forest Keeper
- Outdoor Apparel:
- Hiker, Trekker, Mountaineer, Summit Squad
- Basecamp, Summit, Peak Performance
- Education and Learning
- Learner, Scholar, Mastermind
- Beginner, Advanced Thinker, Genius
- Food and Beverage: Taster, Foodie, Gourmet
- Bookstore: Page Turner, Chapter Champion, Novel Nerd
- Subscription Box: Curiosity Box, Discovery Box, Deluxe Box
- Gaming: Bronze Shield, Silver Sword, Golden Crown
Starbucks uses a brand-related theme for its loyalty tiers: Green Level and Gold Level. These names are simple yet effective, aligning with Starbucks’ iconic green logo and the premium status of gold. This thematic naming reinforces the brand’s identity while making it easy for customers to understand and aspire to the higher tier.
Luxury and VIP Membership Level Names
By using names that evoke a sense of sophistication, privilege, and high status, you can make your members feel like they belong to an elite club.
Examples of luxury membership-level names:
- Hospitality:
- Platinum Suite, Royal Retreat, Diamond Elite
- First Class, Business Class, Private Suite
- Home and Living
- Luxe Decorator, Interior Innovator, Design Elite
- Comfort Seeker, Home Pro, Luxe Resident
- Airlines & Cruise Lines: Silver Voyage, Golden Horizon, VIP Explorer
- Fashion and Apparel: Stylist, Trendsetter, Fashion Insider
- Beauty & Skincare: Beauty Lover, Glam Enthusiast, Flawless Icon
Marriott Bonvoy uses tier names like Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Titanium Elite to emphasize exclusivity and encourage progression through their loyalty program.
Playful and Fun Membership Level Name Ideas
Playful and fun membership tier names create a lighthearted and engaging experience for your customers. This strategy is perfect for brands that want to foster a sense of joy, creativity, and approachability.
Examples of playful and fun membership-level names:
- Food and Beverage:
- Eat ‘Em All, Eat ‘Em Twice, Eat ‘Em Forever
- Tiny Taster, Hungry Hero, Feast Freak
- Toy: Play Pal, Toy Collector, Family Fun Leader
- Pet: Furry Friend, Paw-some Pal, Purr-fect Partner
TUSHY, a brand known for its bidets, uses a fun and cheeky approach to its membership tier names that align with its playful brand personality. Their loyalty program, as seen on their TUSHY Loyalty Rewards Page, includes tiers like: Early Turd, Rising Fartist, Super Pooper, Top Plopper, and Royal Flush.
This naming style is clever, humorous, and directly ties into their brand’s product, creating an engaging and memorable customer experience.
Product-Inspired Names
Product-inspired membership tier names directly connect your tiers to your brand’s core products or services. This strategy works well for brands with iconic products or services, as it evokes familiarity and strengthens the emotional connection with the brand.
Examples of product-inspired membership-level names:
- Food & Beverage:
- Espresso Enthusiast, Latte Lover, Cappuccino Master
- Doughnut Dreamer, Pastry Pro, Sweet Tooth Supreme
- Home & Garden Supplies
- Seed Planter, Garden Grower, Bloom Master
- Candle Collector, Decor Designer, Home Hero
- Stationery & Office Supplies
- Notebook Newbie, Pen Pro, Journal Junkie
- Sticky Note Starter, Planner Perfectionist, Office Organizer
For example, Adobe Creative Cloud uses product-inspired names in its subscription models, such as Photography, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro. This approach ensures that users instantly know which products they’ll have access to, enhancing clarity and engagement.
Time-Based Progression Names
Time-based progression names are ideal for memberships that reward loyalty and long-term engagement. This strategy emphasizes growth over time, offering members a sense of progression and accomplishment as they stay longer.
Examples of time-based membership-level names:
- Coffee Shop
- Morning Brew, Daily Drip, Lifetime Latte
- First Sip, Second Cup, Endless Espresso
- Fitness Products
- First Steps, Strong Streak, Peak Performer
- Warm-Up Warrior, Daily Mover, Lifetime Champion
- Subscription Boxes
- First Month Fan, Quarterly Keeper, Yearly Loyalist
- Newbie Box, Regular Receiver, Forever Fan
- Travel and Adventure: Weekend Wanderer, Seasoned Explorer, Timeless Traveler
- E-Learning Platforms: Beginner, Proficient, Expert
- Gaming: Rookie, Challenger, Legend
Duolingo is an excellent example (even though it’s not a loyalty program, you can still learn from it). Its Streak Society celebrates users who maintain a long streak of daily learning with special badges. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to reward consistency and keep customers engaged.
Customer-Centric Names
Customer-centric names put your audience at the heart of your loyalty program. Here’s why you should opt for this strategy:
- Strengthen Customer Relationships: This approach shows your customers that you value their input and that they are an integral part of your brand’s community.
- Increase Engagement: Customers are more likely to be excited about a loyalty program where they feel a sense of ownership and connection.
- Boost Brand Advocacy: When customers feel like they’ve helped shape your brand, they’re more likely to become loyal advocates and spread the word.
How to Involve Your Customers:
- Contests: Hold a contest where customers can submit their ideas for tier names. Offer a reward for the winning entries.
- Polls and Surveys: Use polls or surveys to get feedback on potential tier names and let your customers vote for their favorites.
- Social Media: Engage your followers on social media and ask for their input on tier names.
How To Come Up With Your Membership Level Names
Here’s a guide that expands on each step to help you come up with great membership-level names ideas.
Step 1: Reflect Your Brand
Your membership-level names should reflect your brand’s personality and values. Consider the tone and message your brand conveys—is it professional and corporate or fun and casual?
Use names that reinforce your brand’s image and help members instantly associate them with your business.
Step 2: Consider Your Industry
Incorporating industry-specific language into your membership levels can make the names more relatable and meaningful. Think about terms that are commonly used or revered in your industry. This approach adds an extra layer of relevance and helps members feel more connected to the community.
Step 3: Brainstorm and Get Creative
This is where you can let your creativity flow! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – try using metaphors, cultural references, or unique descriptors. Brainstorm a list of potential names and categorize them by theme or level.
Tip: Keep the names simple and easy to understand. Overly complicated or obscure names can confuse rather than engage your audience.
Step 4: Get Feedback
Before finalizing your membership level names, gather feedback from your team, existing members, or a focus group. What sounds appealing to you may not resonate with others.
Tools and Resources to Help Brainstorm Membership Tier Names
There are many tools and resources available to help brainstorm your membership-level names. Below are some of them:
1. Work with a Loyalty Expert
The team at Joy Loyalty offers 24/7 expert advice and support to help you create a custom loyalty program that shines. They can help you brainstorm tier names, design your program structure, and optimize your rewards strategy.
2. Survey Your Customers or Community for Suggestions
Your customers are your best resource for ideas! Run a social media poll or send an email survey asking for suggestions. This will not only provide fresh ideas but also make your audience feel involved. You’ll be surprised at how creative your customers can be!
Pro Tip: To encourage participation, offer a small incentive (such as bonus points or early access to a new feature).
3. Analyze Big Names in the Industry
Take a look at the loyalty programs of well-known brands in your industry or related industries. See how they’ve named their tiers and what strategies they’ve used to create a sense of exclusivity and aspiration. Analyze their strategies and adapt them to fit your niche. Just make sure your names remain unique to your brand.
4. AI-Powered Tools
AI-powered reward program name generator can create hundreds of name ideas in seconds. They analyze language trends and provide suggestions based on key themes or values from your input. Here are some popular AI tools you can check out:
- Namelix: This tool generates brand and tier names based on specific keywords and preferences.
- ChatGPT (like the tool you’re using now!): AI can assist by offering creative, thematic, or descriptive tier names based on your brand’s mission and goals.
- Thesaurus and Word Generators: AI-enhanced word generators help find synonyms or related terms that can elevate tier names.
Bottom Line
Creative membership-level names do more than just distinguish tiers—they tell a story, spark excitement, and make members feel truly valued. By thinking outside the box and aligning names with your brand’s identity, you can transform a simple loyalty program into an unforgettable experience!
