Your loyalty program generates valuable customer data—points balances, VIP tiers, referral activity—but if that data stays siloed, your SMS campaigns remain generic and underperform. Connecting your Shopify loyalty program to Attentive unlocks hyper-personalized messaging that drives measurable retention results. Brands using integrated loyalty and SMS marketing see significant improvements in customer lifetime value, with studies showing that increasing customer retention rates by just 5% can boost profits by 25% to 95%. The best part: Rivo's OAuth integration is a quick, simple process that most brands complete in under 30 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Rivo's one-click OAuth integration with Attentive is one of the fastest loyalty-SMS connections available on Shopify
- 72% of shoppers only engage with personalized communications—loyalty data enables that personalization
- Real-time data sync passes points balances, VIP tiers, referral URLs, birthdays, and loyalty status directly to Attentive for segmentation
- Acquiring new customers costs 5-25x more than retaining existing ones—integrated retention tools maximize customer lifetime value
- HexClad generated $450K in loyalty revenue within their first 90 days using Rivo
- The integration syncs customer attributes for advanced segmentation but does not currently trigger automated journeys based on loyalty events
Understanding the Power Duo: Loyalty and Attentive SMS/Email
Why Combine Loyalty Data with SMS Marketing?
SMS delivers unmatched immediacy for retention messaging. According to research, SMS messages achieve read rates exceeding 95% within minutes of delivery, compared to 20-25% open rates for email. When you pair that immediacy with loyalty data—knowing exactly how many points a customer has or what VIP tier they've reached—you create personalized moments that drive action.
The integration syncs customer loyalty attributes to Attentive as custom properties. These include:
- Points balance — Current redeemable points
- VIP tier status — Gold, Platinum, or custom tier names
- Referral URL — Unique sharing link for each customer
- Birthday — For personalized birthday campaigns
- Store credit — Available credit balance
- Loyalty status — Active program membership status
With this data flowing automatically, your team can build SMS campaigns like "You have 2,000 points ready to redeem—claim your $20 reward now" instead of generic blasts that get ignored.
Benefits of an Integrated Retention Strategy
The financial case for integration is compelling. Research from Harvard Business School shows that a 5% increase in retention can boost profits by 25-95%. Brands that connect loyalty platforms to SMS marketing see compounding benefits:
- Higher engagement rates — Personalized loyalty SMS outperforms generic messages by significant margins
- Increased redemption — Timely reminders drive point usage and repeat purchases
- Reduced churn — Win-back campaigns target at-risk members before they lapse
- Better customer insights — Combined data reveals behavior patterns that inform strategy
Rareform, a Rivo customer, achieved a 26.9% increase in 30-day repurchase rate after implementing coordinated retention strategies. That lift came from treating loyalty and messaging as interconnected systems rather than running them in isolation.
The integration also supports your referral program by syncing unique referral URLs to Attentive. This enables SMS campaigns that encourage sharing, turning satisfied customers into brand advocates who drive new customer acquisition at a fraction of traditional marketing costs.
Prerequisites: Preparing Your Accounts for Integration
Essential Rivo Settings for Attentive Sync
Before connecting Rivo to Attentive, verify your loyalty program configuration is complete. You'll need:
- Active earning rules — Points for purchases, reviews, social follows, or custom actions
- Redemption options configured — Discounts, free products, or store credit rewards
- VIP tiers set up (optional but recommended) — Tiered programs sync tier names and benefits to Attentive
- Rivo Scale or Plus plan — Attentive integration requires a paid Rivo plan
The integration uses OAuth, meaning no API keys or technical configuration are required from your side. Rivo handles the authentication automatically, making this one of the simplest loyalty-SMS integrations available on Shopify.
Configuring Attentive for Incoming Loyalty Data
On the Attentive side, ensure you have:
- Active Attentive account — Contact Attentive sales if you don't have one
- Admin access — Required to authorize the OAuth connection
- SMS subscriber collection active — Sign-up units deployed on your site
When customers subscribe via Attentive sign-up forms, ensure those forms collect email addresses in addition to phone numbers. Loyalty platforms match customers by email, so collecting both data points ensures accurate attribution when awarding points for SMS subscription.
Step-by-Step Integration Guide: Connecting Rivo and Attentive
Authorizing the Attentive Integration within Rivo
The Rivo-Attentive connection uses one-click OAuth—the simplest integration method available. Here's the process:
Step 1: Access Rivo Integrations
Navigate to your Rivo Dashboard, then select Integrations from the left menu. Find "Attentive" under the Email & SMS Marketing section.
Step 2: Click Configure
Select the Configure button next to Attentive. A Connect button will appear.
Step 3: Authorize the Connection
Click Connect. A new tab opens to Attentive's login page. Enter your Attentive credentials and click "Authorize" when prompted.
Step 4: Verify Connection Status
You'll be redirected back to Rivo showing "Connected" status. The initial data sync begins immediately—most data appears in Attentive within minutes for smaller customer databases.
Step 5: Confirm in Attentive
In your Attentive dashboard, go to Subscribers and search for a test customer. Click their profile, select "View full profile," then the "Attributes" tab. You should see Rivo-specific attributes like "Rivo Points Balance" and "Rivo VIP Tier Name."
The complete setup process typically takes most brands under 30 minutes from start to verified connection.
Understanding What the Integration Syncs
According to Rivo's official documentation, the integration currently syncs six core customer attributes to Attentive:
- Rivo Points Balance
- Rivo VIP Tier Name
- Rivo Referral URL
- Rivo Date of Birth
- Rivo Store Credit Balance
- Rivo Loyalty Status
These attributes update in real-time as customers interact with your loyalty program. For now, the integration focuses on passing these attributes for use in segmentation and personalization. The attributes work as filters in segments, allowing you to create highly targeted audience groups within Attentive.
Leveraging Loyalty Data in Attentive for Targeted Campaigns
Segmenting Customers by Loyalty Tier in Attentive
Attentive's segmentation tools let you build audiences based on Rivo data. Access Segments in Attentive, create a Dynamic segment, and use custom attributes to filter:
Example segments to create:
- High-value VIP members — Rivo VIP Tier = "Platinum" AND purchase count > 5
- Points-rich, inactive customers — Rivo Points Balance > 1,000 AND last purchase > 60 days
- Referral champions — Custom attribute tracking referral count > 3 (for ambassador-style outreach)
- New loyalty members — Loyalty Status = "Active" AND first purchase within last 30 days
- Near-tier upgrade customers — Points balance within 500 points of next tier threshold
These segments enable campaigns that feel personal rather than mass-marketed. A "Platinum tier exclusive" SMS carries more weight than a generic promotional blast because it acknowledges the customer's specific relationship with your brand.
Personalizing Messages with Point Balances and VIP Status
Attentive supports dynamic variables that pull Rivo data directly into your message copy. Use placeholders like:
- {{custom.rivo_points_balance}} — Inserts current point count
- {{custom.rivo_vip_tier_name}} — Inserts tier name
- {{custom.rivo_referral_url}} — Inserts unique referral link
Sample SMS template:
"Hi {{firstName}}, you've got {{custom.rivo_points_balance}} points ready to redeem! As a {{custom.rivo_vip_tier_name}} member, that's worth $XX off your next order. Shop now: [link]"
This approach drives measurable results. When customers see their specific point balance and understand its concrete value, redemption rates increase significantly. Personalized point reminders convert passive members into active buyers.
Advanced Segmentation Strategies for Maximum Impact
Beyond basic tier and point balance segments, consider these advanced targeting strategies:
Win-back campaigns for dormant high-value customers
Target customers with high lifetime value who haven't purchased in 90+ days. Combine purchase history data from Shopify with Rivo points balance to create compelling offers: "We miss you! You still have 2,500 points waiting—use them before [date] for 20% off."
Tier upgrade motivation campaigns
Identify customers within striking distance of the next VIP tier. Calculate the gap between their current points and the threshold, then send targeted messages: "You're just 500 points away from Gold status! Make one more purchase this month to unlock free shipping."
Birthday month campaigns with loyalty bonuses
Use the synced birthday attribute to trigger month-long birthday celebrations. Offer bonus points for purchases made during their birthday month, creating urgency while making customers feel valued.
Reward redemption nudges
Target customers with high point balances who haven't redeemed in 60+ days. These customers have demonstrated loyalty through earning but may not understand how to redeem or may have forgotten their balance. A simple reminder can unlock dormant value.
Campaign Ideas That Drive Results
Points Balance Reminder Campaigns
Schedule regular campaigns to remind customers about their available points. The key is making the value concrete:
- Calculate the dollar value of their points
- Show them specific products they can afford with their balance
- Create urgency with limited-time bonus redemption offers
Example message:
"Quick reminder: Your 1,500 points = $15 off! Use them this weekend for an extra 10% bonus discount. Expires Sunday at midnight."
VIP Tier Exclusive Offers
Your VIP customers expect special treatment. Use tier-based segmentation to deliver it:
- Early access to new product launches
- Tier-exclusive discounts (Platinum gets 25%, Gold gets 20%)
- Free shipping thresholds adjusted by tier
- Birthday month point multipliers
Example message:
"{{custom.rivo_vip_tier_name}} EXCLUSIVE: Get first access to our summer collection—24 hours before anyone else. Plus earn 2x points on every purchase. Shop now: [link]"
Referral Activation Messages
Many customers don't realize they can earn rewards for referrals. The synced referral URL makes activation simple:
Example message:
"Love our products? Share your unique link with friends and earn 500 points for every referral! Your link: {{custom.rivo_referral_url}}"
This transforms satisfied customers into active promoters. Referral programs often deliver some of the highest ROI in ecommerce because they leverage existing customer enthusiasm while acquiring new customers at low cost.
Common Pitfalls and Best Practices
Technical Issues to Avoid
Email field missing from sign-up forms
Loyalty platforms match customers by email. If your Attentive sign-up unit collects only phone numbers, the system can't properly attribute points to the correct customer. Always require email addresses on sign-up forms to ensure accurate data syncing.
Customers subscribed before loyalty account exists
If someone subscribes to SMS before creating a Shopify account and joining your loyalty program, automatic point attribution won't work retroactively. This is expected behavior—you may need to manually award points for these edge cases or clearly communicate that points are awarded upon account creation.
Testing with insufficient data
Don't launch campaigns before verifying the integration works correctly. Subscribe to your own list with a test account, make a purchase, earn points, and verify that all attributes sync to Attentive before sending to your full subscriber base.
Best Practices for Maximum Impact
- Start with 3-5 high-impact segments — Don't overcomplicate. Focus on segments that drive revenue first: high-value inactive customers, near-redemption point balances, and tier upgrade opportunities
- Test with your own phone number — Subscribe to your list, earn points, and verify the full flow before broad rollout
- A/B test message timing — Some audiences respond better to immediate sends; others prefer next-day reminders. Test both approaches with small segments
- Monitor weekly — Spot-check 5-10 customer profiles in Attentive to confirm attributes update correctly. Catch data sync issues early
- Refresh segments quarterly — Customer behaviors change; update segment criteria to reflect current patterns and seasonal trends
- Use clear calls-to-action — Every message should have one primary action you want customers to take. Don't confuse them with multiple offers
- Respect frequency caps — Even personalized messages become annoying with too much volume. Balance loyalty messaging with your broader SMS strategy
Compliance and Data Privacy Considerations
When connecting customer data between platforms, always maintain compliance with data privacy regulations:
- Ensure your privacy policy discloses data sharing between Rivo and Attentive
- Respect opt-out requests immediately across all platforms
- Follow TCPA guidelines for SMS marketing (obtain explicit consent, honor STOP requests)
- Consider GDPR and CCPA requirements if you serve international or California customers
Rivo maintains enterprise-grade security with 99.98% uptime, ensuring your customer data remains protected and accessible.
Making the Most of Your Rivo-Attentive Integration
The true power of connecting Rivo to Attentive isn't just technical integration—it's the strategic advantage of treating retention as a coordinated system. When your loyalty program data flows seamlessly into your SMS marketing platform, you stop sending generic promotions and start having personalized conversations at scale.
Why Rivo Delivers the Best Attentive Integration Experience
When evaluating loyalty platforms for Attentive integration, Rivo offers distinct advantages for Shopify brands:
Fastest setup available
Rivo's one-click OAuth connection is one of the simplest loyalty-SMS integrations available on Shopify. No API tokens to copy, no technical configuration, no developer required. Most brands complete the entire setup in under 30 minutes.
Developer Toolkit for advanced use cases
The Rivo Developer Toolkit provides REST API, JavaScript API, and webhooks for brands needing custom implementations beyond standard integration capabilities. Build custom triggers, sync additional data points, or create unique workflows that match your specific business requirements.
Transparent, fair pricing
Starting at $49/month for Scale plans with Attentive integration included. No annual contracts required—Rivo is 100% bootstrapped and offers month-to-month billing. As your business grows, pricing scales predictably based on order volume, not arbitrary feature gates.
Proven results at scale
Rivo powers loyalty for brands generating eight and nine figures annually. HexClad generated $450K in loyalty revenue within their first 90 days. Kitsch attributed $5.8M in revenue to their Rivo loyalty program. Ultra Football drove $800K+ in loyalty-attributed revenue in six months. These aren't theoretical results—they're actual outcomes from brands using the same integration you're setting up.
24/7 support when you need it
Every paid plan includes live chat support. Plus and Enterprise customers receive dedicated Slack channels and customer success managers for hands-on assistance. When questions arise during setup or campaign planning, you get answers from people who understand both the platform and ecommerce strategy.
The platform processes 2.9 billion API calls annually with 99.98% uptime—enterprise-grade reliability for brands that can't afford integration downtime or data sync delays.
Measuring Success and Optimizing Over Time
After launching your integrated campaigns, establish clear metrics to track performance:
Key metrics to monitor:
- SMS click-through rates by segment (compare loyalty segments vs. general list)
- Redemption rates following SMS campaigns
- Revenue per message for loyalty-targeted campaigns vs. general promotions
- Customer lifetime value (CLV) of active loyalty program members vs. non-members
- Repeat purchase rate changes after implementing personalized loyalty messaging
According to Investopedia, return on investment (ROI) is calculated by dividing the net profit from an investment by the cost of that investment. For your Rivo-Attentive integration, track loyalty-attributed revenue against your total loyalty program costs (Rivo subscription + Attentive messaging costs + time invested in campaign creation).
Most Rivo customers see positive ROI within their first 60-90 days, with results compounding as their loyalty program matures and they refine their segmentation strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Rivo data syncs to Attentive automatically?
The integration syncs six core attributes: points balance, VIP tier name, referral URL, birthday, store credit balance, and loyalty status. These attributes update in real-time as customers interact with your loyalty program and work as filters in Attentive segments for creating targeted audiences.
Can I reward customers for subscribing to Attentive SMS?
Yes. Create an SMS Subscribe earning rule in Rivo, set the points value, and customers automatically earn points when they subscribe through Attentive sign-up units. Ensure your sign-up forms collect email addresses to enable proper customer matching between platforms.
How long does the initial data sync take?
Most customer data appears in Attentive within minutes of completing the OAuth connection. For brands with larger customer databases, full historical sync may take longer. Test with individual customer profiles to verify sync before launching campaigns.
Does Attentive integration work with Rivo's free plan?
No. Attentive integration requires Rivo Scale ($49/month) or Plus ($499/month) plans. The free plan supports up to 200 orders monthly but doesn't include third-party integrations like Attentive. You can view current pricing details on Rivo's website.
What happens if data stops syncing between platforms?
First, verify the integration status in both Rivo and Attentive dashboards shows "Connected." If connected but data isn't updating, test by manually triggering a loyalty event (award test points to a customer) and checking Attentive within 30 minutes. For persistent issues, contact Rivo's 24/7 support team via live chat—they can diagnose API connectivity problems and restore sync quickly.
