Sales gamification is an increasingly popular strategy for sales teams to boost employee engagement and productivity. It involves incorporating game-like elements into the sales process, such as competition and rewards. However, as we move into 2023, it's important to keep your sales gamification strategy fresh and exciting. Here are five creative sales gamification ideas for 2023:

## Head-To-Head Matchups Over Leaderboards

In place of or in addition to [sales leaderboards](/gamification/business/sales/software/sales-leaderboard-software), a more effective idea for incentivizing sales reps is to have a round-robin season of head-to-head matchups throughout the quarter. The sales rep with the best win-loss-tie record at the end of the quarter wins a reward or incentive. Weekly matchups provide benefits over leaderboards, such as increased variability each week, more motivation to engage with opponents, and a greater number of opportunities for victories.

![sales_leaderboard_matchups](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/sales_leaderboard_matchups.webp)

## Virtual Reality Sales Training

[Virtual reality (VR)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality) technology has come a long way in recent years and is now accessible to more businesses than ever before. One way to incorporate VR into your sales gamification strategy is by using it for sales training. By immersing employees in a virtual environment, you can simulate real-world sales scenarios and give your team the opportunity to practice their skills in a safe and controlled setting.

![virtual-reality-sales-training](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/virtual-reality-sales-training.jpg)

## Custom Mobile Games

Mobile games are a fun and convenient way to incorporate gamification into your sales strategy. You can create custom games that challenge your team to meet specific sales goals or reward them for completing certain tasks. These games can be accessed on employees' personal devices, making it easy to participate and engage.

Or you can take it a step further and create custom mobile games that gamify customer sales. For example, a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant in Japan recently utilized gamification to promote its latest line of shrimp-based food items. KFC collaborated with Nintendo game designers to develop a game called "Shrimp Attack." The objective of the game was to defend a KFC castle by slicing as many shrimps as possible, similar to the popular game "Fruit Ninja." The game was free to play on the KFC website and awarded reward coins that could be redeemed for discounted meal combos at the nearest KFC location. Despite initially struggling to attract customers, the brand saw a 22% increase in game registrations after launching "Shrimp Attack." Eventually, KFC witnessed a significant 106% spike in overall sales growth. See our [recent post on sales gamification stats](/25-key-sales-gamification-statistics-you-need-to-know-in-2023) for more examples like this.

## Imaginative Sales Gamification Prizes

Incentivizing sales teams with unique and imaginative prizes can be an effective way to boost motivation and engagement. Here are a few examples of creative sales gamification prizes and the benefits they can provide:

1.  Sports Car Weekend - Renting the winner an over the top sports car for the weekend is a great way to leave gift cards in the dust. Lime green Lamborghini? Tesla Model S Plaid with "[ludicrous mode](https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/ludicrous-mode-ludicrous-plus-mode)"? Yes please.
2.  **Butler Boss** \- Having the big boss doing things that bosses don't normally do is sure to not only build camaraderie, but also create a memorable and unexpected prize. Be the winner's butler. Wear a mascot suit. Lean into it and embarrass yourself a bit!
3.  **Short Friday** - This low cost reward can be a big deal for the recipient. Turn it into a half-day on Friday or even a couple hours off each weekday.
4.  **Champs Only Parking** - Create a champions only sign and put it over the best parking spot. Then make this a weekly or monthly recurring prize. 
5.  **Movie Lunch** - Gift the winner matinee tickets during the workday. Simple yet effective.
6.  **Fancy Lunch** - People love food. But take this obvious fact to the max and award the highest end lunch that you can get in your area. Go all out.
7.  **Conference Room Spa** - Bring in a masseuse and turn one of the rooms in your office into a spa. Then you can create a day full of a variety of challenges where the winners get an hour of top notch relaxation. 
8.  **Celebrity Surprise** - Using an app such as [Cameo](https://www.cameo.com), you can award winners a video message from their favorite celebrity tailored just for them. 
9.  **Volunteer Opportunities** \- Providing opportunities for employees to volunteer for a cause they are passionate about can be a meaningful reward. Volunteering can foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can help employees feel more connected to their work and the company.
10.  **Just For You** - Personalized rewards, such as a customized piece of jewelry, a tailored suit, or some other reward that matches the recipient's unique personality can make employees feel recognized and valued. These types of prizes show that you have taken the time to understand the employee's interests and preferences, which can lead to higher engagement and job satisfaction.

## Pairing Sales Reps

Combining salespeople into teams of two can be highly advantageous for their engagement and personal development, especially when incorporated into your sales competitions, challenges, goals, and other gamification related activities. Here are a few ways in which this approach can be beneficial:

-   Shared accountability: By working as a team, salespeople can hold each other accountable for their outcomes, which can promote a sense of responsibility and motivate them to stay on track with their objectives. This shared accountability can also encourage them to work harder and achieve better results.
    
-   Collaborative learning: Pairing salespeople can promote a spirit of collaboration and teamwork, enabling them to share ideas, insights, and strategies with one another. This can assist them in enhancing their abilities and techniques. They can also learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses, providing feedback and support to help each other develop.
    
-   Mentorship opportunities: Pairing seasoned salespeople with less experienced reps can provide mentorship and coaching opportunities. More experienced salespeople can offer their expertise and knowledge to their partners, providing guidance and advice on how to enhance their performance. This can help new reps learn and grow more quickly, speeding up their personal growth.
    
-   Sense of belonging: Collaborating in teams can promote a sense of camaraderie and belonging. Salespeople can feel more connected to their colleagues and the company, which can boost job satisfaction and morale. This sense of togetherness can also foster more collaboration and innovation, as salespeople work in unison to achieve their objectives.
    

Sales gamification can be a powerful tool for motivating your team and driving revenue. By incorporating these five creative sales gamification ideas into your strategy, you can keep your team engaged and excited about their work in 2023 and beyond.

* * *

[Outfield](https://www.outfieldapp.com/) is pioneering performance-based CRM with the industry's leading [sales gamification software](https://www.outfieldapp.com/sales_gamification_software_and_app). Learn how our modern approach boosts output up to 3x.

By incorporating these five creative sales gamification ideas into your strategy, you can keep your team engaged and excited about their work in 2023 and beyond

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5 Creative Sales Gamification Ideas For 2023

Sales gamification is the use of game elements and mechanics in a sales environment to motivate and engage salespeople, boost productivity, and drive revenue growth. It involves setting up [contests](/gamification/business/sales/contests/how-a-gamification-sales-contest-done-right-can-skyrocket-your-results), challenges, [leaderboards](/gamification/business/sales/software/sales-leaderboard-software), and other interactive features to create a competitive and fun atmosphere that encourages sales reps to perform their best. In fact, the global gamification market is projected to grow from [$9.1 billion in 2020 to $30.7 billion by 2025](https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/gamification-market-991.html), at a compound annual growth rate of 27.4%.

Sales gamification concepts have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Here are some key sales gamification statistics that highlight the benefits.

## Sales Productivity

Sales gamification can provide an extra level of motivation and engagement that drives sales people to work harder and achieve more. By setting up challenges, competitions, and leaderboards, sales gamification creates a fun and competitive environment that drives reps to work harder and achieve more. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity, as reps are more focused and energized to close deals, generate revenue, and exceed their targets. Here are some key sales productivity stats:

-   Kenco achieved a [45% boost](https://blog.kencogroup.com/proven-returns-with-gamification) in their bottom-line sales margin following the implementation of a sales gamification tool.
-   If work were more game-like, [89% of employees](https://www.talentlms.com/blog/gamification-survey-results/) believe they would be able to enhance their productivity.
-   The implementation of gamification motivates [72% of employees](https://review42.com/resources/gamification-statistics/) to increase their efforts at work.
-   The utilization of gamification in the workplace can amplify [company productivity by up to 50% and employee engagement by 60%](https://www.elearninglearning.com/gamification/statistics/?open-article-id=10681320&article-title=benefits-of-gamification-in-training&blog-domain=paradisosolutions.com&blog-title=paradiso).

## Employee Engagement

[Sales employee engagement](/gamification/business/sales/software/gamification-apps-for-sales-employee-engagement) refers to the level of involvement, commitment, and motivation that sales employees have towards their work and the company they work for. Gamifying employee engagement can be an effective way to motivate and engage employees in various aspects of their work. Here are a number of sales gamification stats related to employee engagement:

-   According to a Gallup report, [71% of millennials](https://news.gallup.com/businessjournal/195209/few-millennials-engaged-work.aspx) do not feel particularly committed to their work.
-   The implementation of gamification at work can increase employee happiness, as stated by [88% of respondents](https://www.talentlms.com/blog/gamification-survey-results/).
-   The use of game elements in the workplace results in [87% of employees](https://www.talentlms.com/blog/gamification-survey-results/) feeling more socially connected.
-   [86% of young job applicants](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333655639_Gamifying_Onboarding_How_to_Increase_Both_Engagement_and_Integration_of_New_Employees) find gamification at work to be entertaining and enjoyable.
-   [71% of employees](https://elearningindustry.com/how-gamification-improve-employee-engagement-2020) believe that gamification can elevate their energy levels.
-   Employees have reported a [66% decrease in stress levels](https://elearningindustry.com/how-gamification-improve-employee-engagement-2020) due to the implementation of gamification at work.

## Customer Engagement

Gamification can significantly enhance customer engagement by creating a more interactive and enjoyable experience. By using game mechanics, companies can incentivize customers to engage more frequently and deeply with their products or services. This approach can also foster a sense of competition and community among customers, leading to increased loyalty and advocacy. Furthermore, gamification can offer customers a sense of achievement and recognition for their efforts, which can create positive emotions and motivate them to continue engaging with the brand. Here are a few concrete examples and stats:

-   Molton Brown, the British luxury fragrance brand, gamified its Christmas film through the Finding Poppy app as part of its digital campaign. This initiative led to [47,685 new raffle draw entries, 32,367 new users, 21,967 referrals, and 18,983 new subscribers](https://smack.agency/blog/gamification/gamification-examples/) to its mailing list.
-   Target developed an app that allows users to create Christmas wish lists, which garnered 75,000 initial downloads. During the holiday season, the app generated over [100,000 wish lists with 1.7 million list items worth $92.3 million in potential sales](https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/blog/gamification-marketing-examples-being-used-in-business/).
-   LivingSocial transformed its annual reviews into gamified experiences, resulting in more than [90% voluntary participation](https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/gamification-market).

## Conversion Rates

Game mechanics can also be applied to various stages of your customer acquisition and sales funnels, becoming a powerful tool to improve sales-related conversion rates by enhancing the customer experience and driving desired behaviors. Companies can use such mechanics to incentivize customers to take specific actions, such as making a purchase or providing their contact information. Additionally, gamification can help customers to better understand the benefits and features of products or services, leading to increased engagement and confidence in their buying decisions. Here are some results:

-   Extraco, a Texas-based bank, implemented a gamified process to educate customers about its offerings and benefits. As a result, the [conversion rate increased from 2% to 14%](https://www.mytotalretail.com/article/gamification-the-key-to-creating-brand-engagement/), and customer acquisitions rose by 700%. (TotalRetail, 2020; Mordor Intelligence, 2021)
-   Autodesk, a software company, saw a 40% increase in trial usage and a [15% increase in conversion rates](https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/gamification-market) after incorporating gamification into its approach. (Mordor Intelligence, 2021)
-   Teleflora, a floral wire service, experienced a 105% boost in Facebook referrals and an impressive [92% conversion rate](https://yukaichou.com/gamification-examples/top-10-ecommerce-gamification-examples-revolutionize-shopping/) after gamifying its store.

## Revenue

Ultimately, the goal of sales gamification is to drive revenue growth. Without further ado, here are some key gamification stats for boosting revenue:

-   KFC Japan created gaming content that resulted in a [106% boost in store sales](https://www.gamify.com/gamification-blog/7-best-gamification-examples-2021).
-   Moosejaw, a clothing company, implemented a gamified system that [increased sales by 76%](https://www.ebridgeconnections.com/media/blog/february-2019/gamification-increase-ecommerce-customers.aspx), generated an ROI of 560%, and skyrocketed its social media impressions to 240,000. 
-   After deploying the Starbucks Rewards app, Starbucks experienced a [$2.65 billion revenue increase](https://www.gamify.com/gamification-blog/7-best-gamification-examples-2021), and its membership program attracted 25% more loyal customers.
-   [90% of sales managers](https://tryout.outfieldapp.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-gamify-your-sales-team) that were surveyed reported gamification had a positive impact on sales numbers & revenue.

## Learning, Retention, & Turnover

Gamification can be a powerful tool for training, development, and employee retention. This is because gamification creates a more engaging and rewarding work environment that encourages reps to learn and stay with the company longer. Here are some specific examples:

-   A study conducted by the University of Colorado revealed that gamification can lead to a [14% increase](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319232131_Gamification_as_transformative_assessment_in_higher_education) in scores on skill-based knowledge assessments and an 11% increase in scores on factual knowledge tests.
-   [78% of respondents](https://www.talentlms.com/blog/gamification-survey-results/) believe that companies would be more attractive if they used gamification in their recruitment process.
-   Research has shown that [83% of employees](https://www.talentlms.com/blog/gamification-survey-results/) who received gamified training reported feeling motivated, compared to only 61% who received traditional training.
-   Companies utilizing gamification can experience up to a [43% lower turnover rate](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/05/27/using-technology-to-reduce-employee-turnover/?sh=7d0980c23ba9) than those that do not.
-   [69% of employees](https://hbr.org/2012/12/social-tools-can-improve-e) are more inclined to stay with a company for over three years if social 7 gamified tools are incorporated into their work experience.

## The Dark Side

The above stats paint a compelling picture for sales gamification, but achieving such results is not as simple as just slapping together a leaderboard or handing out merit badges for a job well done. For example, back in 2013, Omnicare, which is a US-based healthcare and pharmacy company currently owned by CVS Health, [attempted to reduce wait times for their customer service](https://medium.com/swlh/how-gamification-in-the-workplace-impacts-employee-productivity-a4e8add048e6). They created a leaderboard with monetary incentives for those who could complete customer calls in the shortest time possible. However, the initiative did not go as planned. Employees felt that they were being overly monitored, leading to increased response times and some staff quitting. This situation ended up having negative effects on the company.

According to a 2016 Gallup survey (cited in [blog posts](https://blog.gitnux.com/gamification-statistics/) but not directly accessible), 87% of employees are disengaged from their work and desire more than just monetary rewards, such as recognition and appreciation. Furthermore, 63% of business owners felt that implementing a gamification system was too complex and required a significant budget and technical expertise. 57% of employees considered gamification as just a trend, while 24% felt that it was ineffective, a waste of time, or a form of manipulation. The survey also revealed that 24% of employees had no understanding of the concept of gamification, while 72% felt that they did not have access to the necessary resources to leverage its potential.

## Conclusion

Here's the final statistic: [70% of the 2,000 largest companies in the world are making use of gamification](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/2226015). Sales gamification is a powerful tool that can significantly improve productivity, engagement, learning and retention, customer relationships, revenue growth, and employee retention. But in order to be effective and lasting, it must be implemented with a degree of care and understanding. If done well, leveraging game mechanics can enable sales leaders to create a more motivated, productive, and successful sales team.

* * *

[Outfield](https://www.outfieldapp.com/) is pioneering performance-based CRM with the industry's leading [sales gamification software](https://www.outfieldapp.com/sales_gamification_software_and_app). Learn how our modern approach boosts output up to 3x.

Gamifying sales can provide extra motivation & engagement that drives sales people to achieve more. Here are the supporting sales gamification stats

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25+ Key Sales Gamification Statistics You Need To Know In 2023

Incorporating game elements into non-game settings, also known as gamification, has become increasingly popular as software and apps have become more prevalent. A growing number of businesses are now utilizing gamification strategies to enhance their sales and employee engagement with favorable results. Studies have revealed that gamification apps can effectively incentivize sales staff, boost their performance, and increase their job satisfaction. This article delves into the advantages of gamification apps and their potential to improve sales employee engagement.

## What Is Sales Employee Engagement?

Sales employee engagement is the measure of dedication, enthusiasm, and drive demonstrated by sales staff towards their work and the company. Engaged sales employees exhibit a high level of passion and devotion towards their responsibilities, and they feel accountable for their duties. They are willing to surpass expectations and perform to the best of their ability to help the organization achieve its objectives. Such employees remain devoted to their goals, and they invest the necessary time and effort to excel in their roles.

## Employee Engagement vs. Employee Experience

The concepts of employee engagement and employee experience are interrelated but dissimilar, and they carry significant importance in contemporary workplaces. Employee engagement concentrates mainly on the emotional and intellectual bond that employees share with their job and organization. On the contrary, employee experience centers on the overall journey of an employee within the company, ranging from hiring to retirement. Job satisfaction, meaningful work, recognition, and career advancement are factors that foster employee engagement. In contrast, company culture, physical work environment, technology, work-life balance, and benefits shape employee experience. These distinctions must be taken into account while devising gamification plans for your sales team. You must ensure that your targeted employee engagement tactics for the sales department do not clash with broader employee experience gamification approaches (if any) used by your organization.

## How Do You Gamify Employee Engagement?

Gamifying employee engagement can be an effective way to motivate and engage employees in various aspects of their work. Here are some steps that you can take to gamify employee engagement:

1.  Set clear goals and metrics: Start by defining the specific goals and metrics that you want to gamify. These can be related to sales, customer service, employee performance, or any other relevant area of your business.
    
2.  Identify game mechanics: Look for game mechanics that can be applied to your goals and metrics. For example, you could use a points-based system, badges, [leaderboards](/gamification/business/sales/software/sales-leaderboard-software), challenges, or quests to encourage employees to engage with their work.
    
3.  Create an engaging user interface: Develop an interface that is visually appealing and easy to use. Make sure that the gamified system is accessible and user-friendly for all employees.
    
4.  Offer rewards and recognition: Offer rewards and recognition for employees who achieve specific goals or reach certain milestones. These can be in the form of prizes, bonuses, and promotions; but ideally they are tailored to the unique motivational drivers of your employees. More ideas in [this post](/gamification/business/sales/ideas/5-creative-sales-gamification-ideas).
    
5.  Provide feedback: Provide regular feedback to employees about their performance, progress, and status within the game. This will help them to understand how they are doing and what they need to do to improve.
    
6.  Encourage social interaction: Create a social aspect to the game by allowing employees to share their achievements, challenge each other, and offer support and feedback.
    
7.  Measure and evaluate: Measure the effectiveness of the gamified system by tracking the progress of employees and evaluating the impact on performance, engagement, and motivation. Use the data to make improvements and refine the gamification strategy.
    

## Gamification Apps For Employee Engagement

There are many types of gamification apps that can be used to improve employee engagement. Here are some examples:

1.  Sales gamification: Sales gamification apps use game mechanics such as performance points, matchups, achievements, [leaderboards](/gamification/business/sales/software/sales-leaderboard-software), and challenges to motivate sales teams to achieve their targets, improve their performance, and earn rewards.
    
2.  Learning gamification: Learning gamification apps use game mechanics such as quizzes, quests, and challenges to make learning more engaging and fun. Employees can earn badges or points for completing modules, and progress can be tracked through leaderboards.
    
3.  Wellness gamification: Wellness gamification apps encourage employees to engage in healthy behaviors, such as exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep. These apps can use challenges, rewards, and social interaction to motivate employees to take care of their health.
    
4.  Onboarding gamification: Onboarding gamification apps use game mechanics to make the onboarding process more engaging and effective. New employees can complete challenges, earn points, and compete with their colleagues to learn about the organization and its culture.
    
5.  Collaboration gamification: Collaboration gamification apps encourage teamwork. These apps can be used to build camaraderie and improve communication and productivity.
    
6.  Recognition gamification: Recognition gamification apps use game mechanics to encourage peer recognition and feedback. Employees can earn badges or points for recognizing their colleagues, and recognition can be tracked through leaderboards or other visual displays.
    

These are just a few examples of the many types of gamification apps that can be used to improve employee engagement. The key is to identify the specific needs and goals of your organization and choose an app or platform that is tailored to those needs.

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[Outfield](https://www.outfieldapp.com) is pioneering performance-based CRM with the industry's leading [sales gamification software](https://www.outfieldapp.com/sales_gamification_software_and_app). Learn how our modern approach boosts output up to 3x.

Many types of gamification apps can boost employee engagement. We dive into a number of examples & provide context against the broader employee experience

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How Gamification Apps Improve Sales Employee Engagement

The use of leaderboards for sales performance tracking has its roots in traditional [sales contests](/gamification/business/sales/contests/how-a-gamification-sales-contest-done-right-can-skyrocket-your-results) and incentives. In the past, sales managers would manually keep track of sales numbers and rank their reps based on their performance.

![physical_sales_leaderboard](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/physical_sales_leaderboard.webp)

_Old school car salesmen leaderboard_

With the rise of technology, sales leaderboards have evolved into digital tools that can track and display sales performance in real-time. These software systems automate the process of tracking key metrics and enable managers to view and analyze sales performance data at a glance. The popularity of sales leaderboards has grown rapidly in recent years with the proliferation of cloud-based software and mobile devices. Today, sales leaderboards are widely used by organizations of all sizes to increase sales productivity and motivation.

![sales_leaderboard_software_app_dashboard](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/sales_leaderboard_software_app_dashboard.webp)

_Modern sales leaderboard software apps_

## What Is Sales Leaderboard Software?

Whether you call it sales leaderboard software, a sales leaderboard app, or a sales leaderboard dashboard, it is a tool used by organizations to track and monitor the performance of sales teams. Inspired from sports and other games, sales managers use it to try and create a competitive environment by ranking sales reps based on metrics such as revenue generated, deals closed, and touchpoints made. In software form, they are often presented to managers and reps within a web application, a mobile app, and various sales dashboards. At a high level, sales leaderboards enable reps to see how they are performing in comparison to their peers. 

![basic_sales_leaderboard](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/basic_sales_leaderboard.webp)

This leads us to the core idea of a leaderboard, which is to leverage [social comparison](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-social-comparison-process-2795872) mechanics from behavioral psychology to boost output. Social comparison theory suggests that we value our personal + social worth by assessing how we compare to others. Specifically, sales leaderboards typically use upward social comparison. This takes place when reps compare themselves with those who they believe are better than them. These upward comparisons often focus on the desire to improve their current status or level of ability. They may compare themselves to someone better off and look for ways that they can achieve similar results.

Thus, sales leaderboards serve as a platform for measuring success, fostering healthy competition, and driving continuous improvement within a sales organization, identifying top performers and areas for improvement within the team.

## Traditional Sales Leaderboard Software & Dashboards

Most sales leaderboards tacked onto business software & dashboards are a basic list of reps usually ranked by total sales. However, this crude approach predictably ends up only motivating the top few because each week/month/quarter, the same subset of reps often end up at the top of the rankings. For the rest of the team, it's not very motivating to constantly end up in the middle or bottom of the leaderboard feeling like you have no chance of winning or being recognized for your performance. Reps end up feeling that their hard work goes unnoticed as the focus is solely on the top performers on the leaderboard. This symptom of basic sales leaderboards is the main contributing factor to what's known as leaderboard burnout.

Leaderboard burnout is a phenomenon where the continuous use of sales leaderboards to track and monitor performance can lead to negative consequences such as decreased motivation, morale, and job satisfaction among sales reps. In addition to the behavior described above, leaderboard burnout is accelerated when reps feel that their performance is being constantly monitored and that they are under intense pressure to perform, leading to increased stress. Additionally, leaderboard burnout can quicken when reps feel that the metrics used to rank them are not a fair representation of their efforts or that the stakes are too high. 

At a basic level, to avoid leaderboard burnout, it is important for organizations to use sales leaderboards with care and ensure that the metrics used for ranking reps are fair and relevant. Managers should also regularly communicate with reps to understand their needs and concerns, and take steps to address any issues that may be contributing to burnout. However, there are a number of advanced tactics that you can deploy to more effectively defeat leaderboard burnout. More on that in a minute.

## Modern Apps Applied To Sales Leaderboards

Modern software and apps have greatly enhanced the functionality and capabilities of sales leaderboards, making them more effective and user-friendly. Some of the ways modern software has improved sales leaderboards include:

1.  Real-time tracking and updates: With modern software, sales leaderboards can provide real-time updates on performance, enabling reps to instantly see how they are doing in comparison to their peers.
    
2.  Customizable metrics: Modern leaderboard apps allow sales organizations to track a wide range of metrics, including revenue generated, deals closed, touchpoints logged, events planned, tasks completed, etc and even to fully customize the metrics used for ranking.
    
3.  Data analysis and reporting: Today's sales leaderboards provide managers with detailed data analysis and reporting capabilities, enabling them to better understand sales performance trends and identify areas for improvement.
    
4.  Mobile compatibility: With the rise of mobile devices, many leaderboards are now designed to be compatible with mobile devices, allowing reps to access performance data and updates from anywhere, at any time.  
      
    
5.  Integration with other tools: Many sales leaderboards now integrate with other sales tools and business applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, sales enablement platforms, and other KPI sources, making it easier for orgs to access and update performance data.
    

![sales_software_integrations](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/sales_software_integrations.webp)

Overall, modern software and apps have significantly enhanced the functionality and capabilities of sales leaderboards, making them more effective tools for driving sales performance and motivation. But the vast majority do not address the fundamental issues of leaderboard burnout previously discussed, because at their core they are still just a basic leaderboard. 

## How The Best Sales Leaderboards Level Up

The best leaderboards introduce mechanics to create competition not only at the top, but also at other levels of the rankings. Let's put sales orgs aside for a moment and look to professional sports for a couple concrete examples. A simple example occurs at most [PGA golf tournaments](https://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/schedule.html).

![pga_golf_leaderboard](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/pga_golf_leaderboard.webp)

A standard stroke play tournament is played in four days from Thursday to Sunday and after 2 days (36 holes), ["the cut"](https://www.pga.com/archive/events/pgachampionship/pga-championship-cut-rule-explained-who-makes-weekend) occurs where the top portion of players make the cut and advance to play Saturday and Sunday. This additional level of competition to the golf tournament leaderboard provides motivation and incentive for players in the middle of the pack to try and make the cut, earn more money, and stay alive for winning the title. For viewers it also provides a little extra excitement at the midpoint of the tournament.

The [English Premier League](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) and other European football (i.e. soccer) leagues take it to another level...well 10+ more levels. The UK uses a ["football pyramid"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_football_league_system) of league levels where the Premier League sits alone at the top.

![english_football_pyramid_of_leagues_2](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/english_football_pyramid_of_leagues_2.webp)

Then after each season, the top and bottom few teams in each league's rankings are promoted up a league or relegated down a league. With this system, even the smallest clubs in the country can theoretically rise to the very top league (and sometimes do in epic fashion). This system provides a number of advantages for both the competing teams as well as the fans:

1.  Increased competition: The threat of relegation adds pressure for teams near the bottom of the table to perform, leading to more intense and competitive matches.
    
2.  New teams: The promotion of teams from the lower leagues introduces new competition to the Premier League and can create new rivalries.
    
3.  Relegation battles: Teams fighting to avoid relegation provide additional drama, adding to the excitement of the end of the season.
    
4.  Financial rewards: The financial benefits of playing in the Premier League, such as increased revenue and sponsorship opportunities, drive teams to fight hard for promotion and avoid relegation.
    

Overall, the promotion and relegation system adds to the excitement of UK and European football by creating a dynamic and constantly evolving league with new challenges and storylines for fans to follow. Contrast this system to the big four American sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL) where the middle and bottom teams have nothing to play for near the end of the season, no one watches their games, and those teams even experience reverse motivation to try to finish last to get the top draft pick for next season. Swing and a miss.

Now let's bring it back to sales leaderboards. The above mentioned tactics as well as others enabled by software have recently began showing up in advanced sales leaderboards. For example, if you have enough reps, splitting up your sales leaderboard into say 3 levels and implementing a promotion + relegation system is a great way to help defeat leaderboard burnout and increase engagement.

![sales_leaderboard_app_with_promotion_and_relegation_3](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/sales_leaderboard_app_with_promotion_and_relegation_3.webp)

It gives reps at the top and bottom of each leaderboard something to play for, which positively affects the reps who would have been in the middle of your basic combined/mega leaderboard. Furthermore, it allows for a more storied journey for your new reps to rise through the levels and ranks as they improve. 

Other major improvements to traditional leaderboards continue to build upon this trend of expanding the number of entry points for competition. In other words, add more ways for your reps to compete. Competing against yourself is another one. For example, within the leaderboard there can be a spot for your "shadow" from last week to see if you can outperform your past self and improve this week. Your shadow self from last week can even appear to earn dollars/deals/touchpoints/etc at the same pace this week as they did last week, so you are not simply striving to hit a fixed total, rather you can see at any time if you are ahead or behind your shadow as the week progresses. It turns out that this is a great approach to improve reps near the bottom of the leaderboard because it feels much more attainable to build on your past performance one step at a time compared to feeling like you need to make a large jump to get to the top of the board.

![advanced_sales_leaderboard_with_goals_and_shadows](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/advanced_sales_leaderboard_with_goals_and_shadows.webp)

There are a number of other strategies that the best sales leaderboards use, such as competing against quotas & goals right on the leaderboard and ranking reps based on a custom set of weighted metrics to better capture total performance. But now let's look beyond leaderboards at even better ways to make it more rewarding for your team to improve & perform well.

## Beyond Leaderboards

It turns out that leaderboards aren't the only way (or even the best way) to use competition to boost sales performance. Again taking inspiration from golf, in addition to the standard stroke play tournament that uses a running leaderboard, there are a number of other types of golf competitions:

1.  Stroke Play: This is the most basic format of golf competition, where the player with the lowest score over a specified number of holes or rounds wins.
    
2.  Match Play: In this format, two players or teams compete against each other hole by hole, with the player or team that wins the most holes declared the winner.
    
3.  Best Ball: A type of competition where a team of two or more golfers play their own ball and take the best score on each hole.
    
4.  Scramble: A type of competition where a team of golfers play a single ball and take the best shot from each player on each hole.
    
5.  Alternate Shot: A type of competition where two players take turns hitting shots and playing the same ball.
    
6.  Bogey Competition: A type of competition where the goal is to score as close to one over par on each hole as possible.
    
7.  Stableford: A type of competition where points are awarded based on a player's score on each hole, with higher scores awarded for better performances.
    
8.  Pro-Am: A type of competition where professional golfers play alongside amateur golfers.
    

Each of these formats offers a unique challenge and requires different strategies and skills, making golf a diverse and exciting sport for competitors and fans alike. Now imagine a version of each of these applied to sales organizations. For example, in addition to leaderboards, you could have a round-robin season of head-to-head matchups between your reps and the best win-loss-tie record at the end of the quarter wins an incentive or other reward. Weekly matchups have many advantages over leaderboards such as increased variability each week, more incentive to engage with your opponent, and more chance for wins.

![sales_leaderboard_matchups](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/sales_leaderboard_matchups.webp)

Another opportunity to go beyond leaderboards is through multiple levels of incentives and rewards. There are far more opportunities to reward performance than a winner of a leaderboard. For example, rewarding the most improved rep, breaking a company record, going on a hot streak, top performer for each KPI, mystery/surprise rewards, first sale, first big sale, biggest comeback, etc. And then on top of that is the design and variety of incentives and rewards you give out. Of course there are the obvious things like bonuses and promotions, but there are many more variations that tap into recent knowledge about employee [drive](https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/) and motivation. It turns out the strongest motivation lies within 3 categories: mastery, autonomy, and purpose. So for example, for employees with strong leadership and autonomy drive, perhaps winning the opportunity to lead a new company initiative. Or for an employee with a desire to learn, perhaps acceptance into an internal mentoring program from the CEO. Or for an employee who has strong family purpose with kids that love Disney, perhaps an exclusive VIP trip to Disneyland. Or if they value a particular charity or cause, donate company resources to the cause. Think ["The Walter Payton Award."](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Payton_NFL_Man_of_the_Year_Award) You get the idea (check out [this post](/gamification/business/sales/ideas/5-creative-sales-gamification-ideas) for more ideas). Obviously, it's important to evaluate in your case which rewards should be baked into company culture and which should be offered as performance incentives. 

![experiential-employee-recognition-bg](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/experiential-employee-recognition-bg.webp)

Finally, don't underestimate the power of notoriety. Yes, basic leaderboards award a degree of notoriety within the organization for the rep at the top. But the best performance systems pour gas on this fire. Some sales performance software is pioneering more opportunities for notoriety not only within your company, but also your industry or even the sales profession as a whole. For your company, you could create a company SportsCenter-like report motivating reps to make the highlights. Or just keep it simple and celebrate goal completion. More on notoriety in a future post.

![notoriety_for_sales_motivation](https://9307172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9307172/notoriety_for_sales_motivation.webp)

From leveling up to higher sales leaderboards/leagues/tiers, tailoring achievement challenges, finally beating a matchup rival, or busting out an 8 week streak of self improvement, there are a wide range of modern strategies you can deploy to level up from basic leaderboards. With multiple levels of competition & challenge, create a "game mode" for everyone. Whether you start small or aim straight for the top, hopefully the strategies and techniques we've discussed above help you boost [employee engagement](/gamification/business/sales/software/gamification-apps-for-sales-employee-engagement) and productivity while hammering leaderboard burnout for good. 

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[Outfield](https://www.outfieldapp.com) is pioneering performance-based CRM with the industry's leading [sales gamification software](https://www.outfieldapp.com/sales_gamification_software_and_app). Learn how our modern approach boosts output up to 3x.

Most sales leaderboard software, apps, & dashboards are a basic ranking list that only motivate the top few. Here's how to level up your leaderboards.

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Sales Leaderboard Software: Boosting Productivity & Defeating Burnout

Ever wonder why some advertising campaigns skyrocket in terms of user engagement and sales while others fizzle out without leaving a mark? A significant part of the answer lies in an often misunderstood and underutilized tool: gamification in advertising. It's not just about adding a playful touch to campaigns; it's a powerful mechanism rooted in behavioral psychology that drives human interaction and action, potentially resulting in boosted sales and unparalleled user engagement.

But hold on a second. This subject is far from straightforward, littered with both myths and facts that need to be untangled for true understanding. Our central thesis is simple yet crucial: The fog surrounding gamification in advertising can be lifted by borrowing advanced concepts from the disciplines of sports and behavioral psychology. And that's precisely what we're about to do. In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at common myths that need debunking, as well as facts that have empirical backing and success stories to prove their efficacy.

## Why Gamification Works: Insights from Behavioral Psychology

### The Power of Positive Reinforcement: The Nike Case

If you've ever wondered why Nike's advertising efforts, particularly their mobile apps, have such a strong following, consider the principle of positive reinforcement from behavioral psychology. The Nike Training Club App is an excellent example of this principle in action. The app doesn't just track your workouts; it rewards you with badges, offers personalized training plans, and even provides audio-guided runs from Nike's coaches and athletes. Every action you take feels rewarding, creating a cycle where users are motivated to stay active, contributing to the brand's ethos of athleticism. In essence, Nike uses positive reinforcement to keep its users engaged and loyal.

### The Starbucks Rewards Loop: More than Just a Cup of Coffee

How can purchasing a cup of coffee feel like an achievement? Enter the Starbucks Rewards program. This program is a masterclass in understanding behavioral loops that make games so addictive. Starbucks uses a point-based system where you earn 'Stars' for each purchase. Accumulating Stars leads to different tiers with various perks, including free food and drinks. Starbucks then ups the ante by offering "Double Star Days," thus accelerating the rewards loop. It's a perpetually reinforcing cycle: the more you buy, the more you're incentivized to buy again. In much the same way that gamers are hooked on achieving the next level or reward, Starbucks customers find themselves engaged in a similar loop.

### The Reciprocity Principle in Action

Another cornerstone from behavioral psychology that often finds its way into gamified advertising is the principle of reciprocity. In a nutshell, when you offer something valuable to consumers, they're more likely to reciprocate by engaging with your brand. The Headspace app leverages this principle brilliantly by offering free meditative sessions. Once users experience the tangible benefits of these sessions, they are more inclined to subscribe to the paid version of the app. Headspace doesn't just advertise; it offers value upfront, banking on the principle of reciprocity to convert free users into paying customers.

So, why does all this matter? Because understanding these advanced behavioral psychology principles allows companies to craft advertising campaigns that are not just effective but also deeply engaging. And this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Imagine coupling these behavioral strategies with the dynamism and excitement of sports. What could that look like? Stay tuned as we explore how sports strategies can further amplify the effectiveness of gamification in advertising.

## A Play-By-Play Analysis: How Sports Strategies Can Inform Gamification in Advertising

### The Two-Minute Drill: Flash Sales in a Different Light

Think about those heart-pounding final two minutes in an American football game. The clock is ticking, the stakes are high, and every move is calculated to maximize output in a limited time. This is known as the "two-minute drill," a playbook of hurried actions and strategies designed to make the most of the game's closing moments. In the business arena, this aligns strikingly well with the concept of flash sales or limited-time offers. Take Amazon's Prime Day, for instance. For a short period, prices plummet, and consumers are inundated with discounts. Like in the two-minute drill, every second and click counts, inducing a sense of urgency that drives up sales and engagement.

### The Scoreboard Effect: How Leaderboards Drive Engagement

Scoreboards in sports serve multiple functions. They're not just a display of points; they also intensify competition, engage spectators, and even influence the strategies players adopt. Leaderboards in apps like Duolingo or even corporate performance dashboards play a similar role. Consider the success of Duolingo's weekly leaderboards: they ignite a sense of competition among users, encouraging them to complete more lessons and earn more points. And let's not forget the 'social proof' aspect, where seeing peers excel can push an individual to enhance their own performance. You could say it's the advertising equivalent of a soccer player revving up after seeing their team's name climb up the league table.

### Home-Field Advantage: The Power of Personalization

In sports, home-field advantage is a well-documented phenomenon where teams tend to perform better on their home turf. Could there be a parallel in advertising? Absolutely. Consider how Spotify creates playlists based on individual user preferences. It's a tailored, familiar experience that resonates with the user. By personalizing gamified elements, brands can create a sense of 'home,' encouraging longer interaction times and deeper engagement. Like a baseball team that knows every inch of its home field, a brand that understands its users down to the minutiae can craft experiences that feel both personalized and engaging.

So, when you blend advanced behavioral psychology with the vibrant strategies extracted from the sports arena, you get a marketing game plan with the precision of a chess match and the dynamism of a basketball game. But before we assume that gamification is the end-all-be-all for advertising strategies, it's crucial to sift through some common myths. Are these strategies universally applicable and effective for all? Let's examine the research and case studies to separate the wheat from the chaff.

## Common Myths in Gamification in Advertising: Separating Wheat from Chaff

### No, Gamification Isn't Just for Young Audiences

Many marketers mistakenly believe that gamification primarily appeals to younger audiences. Remember, not all skateboarders are teenagers, and not all video game enthusiasts are in their twenties. A 2017 study from the Pew Research Center highlighted that 67% of Americans across various age brackets engage with games of some kind. Furthermore, another study by Limelight Networks showed that people aged 25-45 also constitute a significant portion of the gaming demographic. Gamification is not a one-size-fits-all hoodie that only fits the youth; it's more like a tailor-made suit that can appeal to a broader audience if stitched correctly.

### Gamification and Brand Integrity: More Cohesive Than You Think

Another persistent myth is that gamification trivializes a brand’s message, making it seem less serious or authoritative. Let's talk about Coca-Cola for a moment. In one of their recent campaigns, "Happiness Quest," participants could accumulate points by purchasing Coca-Cola products and then use them to win rewards. Here, Coca-Cola didn't just create a game; they extended the essence of their brand into an interactive experience. Did this dilute their brand message? On the contrary, it deepened customer relationships and engagement without compromising the brand’s essence.

### Not All Games Are Created Equal

If gamification is a tool, then we should acknowledge that not every tool is right for every job. Consider the case of Microsoft's Clippy, the paperclip assistant designed to help Microsoft Office users. While one could argue that Clippy was an early attempt at gamifying user experience, it became notorious for its intrusive and, often, irritating presence. The reason? Clippy failed because it was a one-size-fits-all approach to a diversified user base. What worked for a beginner annoyed an experienced user. Thus, choosing the right type of game mechanics is crucial; otherwise, your gamification strategy could backfire, like a tennis player using a badminton racket.

We've untangled some of the myths surrounding gamification, offering a more nuanced understanding of its possibilities and limitations. But debunking myths is only the first step toward creating a successful gamified strategy. To solidify this newfound clarity, let's shift our focus to examples that put these insights into practice, affirming the efficacy of gamification in advertising.

## Real-World Successes: Validating the Facts

### Lacing Up with Adidas: How Gamified Mobile Ads Scored Big

Let's start by taking a closer look at Adidas and their approach to gamified mobile ads. Their interactive campaigns didn't just sit in a corner; they went for a full-court press, using quizzes, puzzles, and challenges to engage potential customers. It's similar to a high-stakes basketball game where keeping the audience's attention is key. And just like a player making decisive moves to get past defenders, Adidas crafted their ads to guide users through a funnel towards conversion.

The results spoke volumes. According to a case study, their click-through rate skyrocketed by 25% and conversion rates saw a significant uptick as well. The gamified experience mimicked the adrenaline of sports, encouraging participants to take immediate action. Customers weren't just passive viewers; they were engaged players in an arena constructed by Adidas, where the grand prize was a special offer or new product.

### Airline Frequent Flyer Programs: The Ultimate RPG for Travelers

Airlines have been piloting (pun intended) one of the most iconic forms of gamification: frequent flyer programs. Rather than a straight point-for-dollar conversion, they've employed a system resembling Role-Playing Games (RPGs), complete with levels, rewards, and badges. Ever wondered why people are so loyal to certain airlines despite minor differences in service? This leveling up experience has become so immersive that passengers are more inclined to stick with the same airline to keep climbing the status hierarchy.

And the results? According to McKinsey, customers who engaged with an airline's loyalty program were 60% more likely to choose that airline for subsequent flights. That's not just customer retention; it's almost akin to having fans in the bleachers, painting their faces in your brand colors and cheering you on.

### By the Numbers: Metrics That Don't Lie

If you're still skeptical, let's turn to cold, hard metrics. For Adidas, the higher click-through and conversion rates were backed by an average session time that increased by almost 40%. In the case of airlines, the true power of their frequent flyer programs was manifested in impressive repeat business rates. Not only did customer retention rates rise by nearly 20%, but the programs also contributed significantly to word-of-mouth referrals, arguably the most potent form of advertising.

These numbers aren't just icing on the cake; they're the protein in the sports shake, strengthening the advertising muscles. After all, what good is a strategy if it doesn't improve your performance metrics? But remember, there’s more to it than just pasting a leaderboard on your website or mobile app. Just like a well-executed soccer game involves strategy, teamwork, and skill, so too does the implementation of gamification in advertising.

Having laid out the case for the efficacy of gamification through real-world successes, it's time to consolidate our understanding and map out the future possibilities of this powerful tool.

## Final Thoughts

As we've navigated through the intricacies of gamification in advertising, one resounding message is clear: it's not a gimmick or a fleeting trend. The utility of behavioral psychology, akin to how a tennis player anticipates an opponent's serve, allows us to structure gamified elements that resonate with an audience's intrinsic motivations. Likewise, borrowing strategies from sports—think about the meticulous planning behind a football team’s playbook—can add layers of engagement and competition that drive action. In effect, understanding the combination of myths and facts around gamification isn't just informative; it's the playbook for constructing a robust advertising strategy.

For brands on the sidelines wondering if it's worth stepping into the game, the time is now. The success stories and compelling metrics we've discussed are more than just highlights; they're game film showing you what's possible. Taking cues from psychological triggers and the competitiveness we see in sports, there's an untapped well of potential for brands willing to make their move. So don't wait for the buzzer; take your shot now.

To echo the words of legendary Brazilian soccer player, Sócrates, "Beauty comes first. Victory is secondary. What matters is joy."

* * *

[Outfield](https://www.outfieldapp.com/) is pioneering [sales gamification software](https://www.outfieldapp.com/sales_gamification_app) to power CRM or any tech stack. Learn how our modern approach boosts output up to 3x.

Explore the science & strategy behind gamification in advertising. This article debunks common myths, highlights real-world successes, & offers actionable insights for brands to up their game

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