> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.smile.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to build an effective VIP program in 3 steps

> Learn how to structure your VIP tiers, create meaningful rewards and perks, and make the most of your VIP program.

<Check>
  **Feature availability:** VIP is available on **Growth, Plus, and Enterprise** plans.
</Check>

## 3 steps to build your VIP program

**Step 1** ⭐ — Build a tier structure that encourages progression

**Step 2** 🎁 — Make each tier more valuable than the last

**Step 3** ✨ — Make VIP status and progress visible

## Step 1: Build a tier structure that encourages progression

Start by creating clear milestones that give customers something meaningful to work toward.

### Where to update

Configure your VIP tiers in Smile Admin: **Program** **→ VIP → [Add tier](https://app.smile.io/reward-programs/vip)**.

### Choose recognizable tier names

Choose tier names that make the progression between levels clear and fit your brand.

### Set achievable milestones

Set milestone requirements that are achievable enough to motivate customers while making higher tiers something worth working toward.

### Choose how customers qualify

Decide whether customers reach VIP tiers based on how much they spend or how many points they earn.

Points-based milestones can reward engagement beyond purchases, while amount-spent milestones reward spending directly.

You'll also need to choose whether customers qualify based on a calendar year or their lifetime activity.

[Learn more about VIP tier milestones](/en/articles/4036321-understand-vip-tier-milestones).

<Note>
  **Note:** At least two tiers are required before the VIP program can be activated.
</Note>

### Plan your tiers before launching

Tier names and milestone requirements can only be changed while the VIP program is inactive. Plan these settings before launching to avoid needing to deactivate the program later.

If changes are needed after launching, review [how to deactivate or reactivate your VIP program](/en/articles/11801166-deactivate-or-reactivate-vip-program) before making changes. Deactivating the program can affect customers' current tiers.

## Step 2: Make each tier more valuable than the last

Give customers something to look forward to when they reach a new tier, and ongoing benefits that make staying there worthwhile.

### Where to update

Configure entry rewards and perks in Smile Admin: **Program** **→ [VIP](https://app.smile.io/reward-programs/vip) → Select a tier**.

### Combine entry rewards with ongoing perks

Use entry rewards to recognize customers when they reach a new tier, then use perks to give them ongoing value while they remain in that tier.

Perks can include benefits such as early access, priority support, exclusive products, complimentary gifts, or event invites.

<Note>
  **Note:** Smile displays VIP perks to customers, but your team is responsible for delivering them. Only include benefits your team can consistently fulfill.
</Note>

[Learn more about VIP tier entry rewards](/en/articles/4036325-configure-vip-tier-entry-rewards).

### Increase the value as customers move up

Increase the value of rewards and perks as customers move up so higher tiers feel meaningfully different.

Give higher-tier customers opportunities to earn points faster by configuring VIP-specific earning rules.

[Learn how to configure points earning rules for VIP tiers](/en/articles/configure-points-earning-rules-for-vip-tiers).

You can also reserve certain rewards for specific tiers using VIP-exclusive ways to redeem.

[Learn how to configure VIP-exclusive ways to redeem](/en/articles/configure-vip-exclusive-ways-to-redeem).

## Step 3: Make VIP status and progress visible

Once your tiers, rewards, and perks are set up, use Smile's customization options to help customers recognize their VIP status and see what they're working toward.

### Customize your tier icons

Give each VIP tier a distinct icon to help customers recognize their current tier and the tiers they can work toward.

[Learn how to customize VIP tier icons](/en/articles/4036323-customize-vip-tier-icons).

### Consider using the Loyalty Hub

<Check>
  **Feature availability**: Loyalty Hub is available on **Growth, Plus** and **Enterprise** plans for merchants on **Shopify only.**
</Check>

The Loyalty Hub gives signed-in customers a place to see their current VIP tier and progress toward the next tier.

[Learn how to configure the Loyalty Hub.](/en/articles/11325846-add-loyalty-hub-to-your-store)


## Related topics

- [How to build an effective points program in 3 steps](/en/articles/4036285-3-steps-to-build-the-best-points-program.md)
- [How to build an effective referral program in 3 steps](/en/articles/4036299-3-steps-to-build-the-best-referral-program.md)
- [How to increase loyalty program engagement](/en/articles/4036310-maximize-rewards-program-roi.md)