Let’s be honest, getting someone to buy from your store once is hard enough. Getting them to come back again and again? That’s where the real challenge (and long-term value) lies.

Customer engagement isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s the difference between a brand that grows sustainably and one that’s constantly chasing new eyeballs. Whether you are running a growing DTC brand or scaling a Shopify store, here are six strategies worth paying attention to in 2025.

1. Launch Your Mobile App

Mobile commerce now accounts for over 57% of all global e-commerce sales. And within that, mobile apps consistently outperform mobile websites in conversion, retention, and session time.

• App users are 2x more likely to return within 30 days
• They convert 157% higher than mobile web users
• Push notifications can see open rates up to 90%

When your brand lives on someone’s home screen, you are not competing with browser tabs, you are building a direct, high-retention channel.

2. Send Smarter Push Notifications

A generic “new drop” push notification won’t move the needle. But a well-timed nudge, like reminding someone of a product left in their cart, is proven to drive engagement.

• According to Braze, Personalized push notifications can increase engagement by 191%. Users who receive personalized push notifications are significantly more engaged compared to those who don't receive any messages.
• Push notifications are a high-impact, low-cost channel for abandoned cart recovery, driving 8-12% conversion rates.

Pro tip:  Segment users based on behavior, browsing history, time of day, purchase history. The more relevant the message, the better it performs.

‍3. Reward Loyalty Where It Happens Most

Loyalty programs are powerful but only if they are accessible and genuinely rewarding. Instead of hiding rewards behind a login, highlight them in your app or customer portal. ‍

• 85% of consumers say loyalty programs make them more likely to stick with a brand
• Returning customers spend 67% more than new ones
• Loyalty program members generate 12–18% more incremental revenue than non-members

Whether it’s points, tiered benefits, or app-exclusive perks, the key is to incentivize the actions you want repeated. When rewards are easy to access and redeem, casual shoppers are far more likely to become loyal customers.

4. Use Content to Keep Customers Coming Back

Products are great, but stories create a connection. That’s why e-commerce brands are doubling down on content- tutorials, founder videos, customer stories, and more.

• 68% of consumers follow brands on social media to stay informed about new products or services
• Landing pages with video can boost conversion rates by up to 80%

Short-form videos, storytelling, and educational content don’t just inform, they deepen brand connection and drive loyalty.

‍5. Make Engagement a Two-Way Street

Customers don’t just want to be sold to, they want to be heard. Enabling two-way communication builds loyalty, trust, and community.

• Implementing live chat provides immediate support and enhances the shopping experience, leading to higher conversion rates. Live chat can boost conversion rates by 8–20%
• In-app surveys can see 30% or higher response rates, far outperforming email surveys

Try integrating post-purchase surveys, quizzes, or even “vote on the next drop” polls to turn passive buyers into active participants.

6. Create Personalized Post-Purchase Journeys

Many brands focus on getting the sale, but what happens after checkout is just as important. Post-purchase touchpoints build trust and pave the way for repeat purchases.

• Post-purchase emails have a 49.75% open rate and a 22.64% click-to-conversion rate
• Upselling post-purchase can increase average order value by up to 22%

‍What this can look like:

• Order tracking updates through your app with tailored product suggestions
• A short onboarding email flow with tips or upsells
• Timed reminders like “Running low?” or post-purchase check-ins

These moments show customers you care, even after they have paid.

‍Takeaways

Customer engagement isn’t just something you track, it’s something you design with intent. In 2025, successful e-commerce brands aren’t just focused on transactions; they’re focused on building meaningful, high-retention journeys that feel seamless, personalized, and relevant across every touchpoint.

Whether it’s through a mobile app, smarter post-purchase flows, or behavior-driven content, each interaction is an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with the customer.

Start small. Test one or two of these strategies. Track what works. Then scale.

Because the brands that win today aren’t just selling products, they are delivering experiences customers want to return to, again and again.