With the gradual disappearance of third-party cookies, companies can no longer afford to remain passive when it comes to their data.
It is better to focus on what they already have.
This brings us to first-party data. And the good news is that it is often the most valuable data.
Why? Because it is reliable, relevant, 100% GDPR compliant... and, above all, it belongs to you.
But you still need to know what it really is, how to collect it and, above all, how to use it intelligently to improve customer loyalty.
Let us explain everything.
Key Takeaways:
- First-party data is collected directly from your users. It's reliable, free, and privacy-friendly.
- With third-party cookies ending in 2025, it’s now essential for your marketing strategy.
- Focus on 4 steps: define goals, map touchpoints, centralise data, and activate it.
- Use loyalty programs, forms, purchases and browsing to collect data without friction.
- Leverage that data to personalise, segment and optimise the customer experience.
What is first-party data?
First-party data refers to all data that you collect directly from your own users, customers or prospects.
You don't need to purchase this information or rely on a partner: it comes to you naturally, via your customers.
This could be data entered in a form, purchase history, browsing behaviour on your website or even an exchange with customer service.
Every interaction counts, every click, every preference, every opinion shared.
And that's the power of this data. Because it comes from a direct relationship with your users, it accurately reflects their needs, expectations and habits.
No random guesswork or vague algorithms: you have the right information, in the right place.
Add to that the fact that it is free (or almost free), easily actionable, and much more privacy-friendly than most other types of data.
It's simple: first-party data is your best ally for understanding your customers and building lasting relationships with them.
Why will first-party data become essential in 2025?
The countdown has begun: Google plans to permanently remove third-party cookies in 2025.
This is a revolution for digital marketing, which has relied on these trackers for years to target internet users.
At the same time, the GDPR continues to change practices. Consent, transparency, the right to be forgotten: users are regaining control of their data.
The result? Brands must reinvent how they get to know their customers.
But beware, it's no longer just about ‘targeting’ or ‘converting’. It's about building a relationship of trust based on voluntary and useful exchanges.
First-party data is therefore becoming essential.
It allows high-quality information to be collected with the user's consent, while offering value in return: personalisation, rewards and improved service.
It's a win-win approach... and now essential for remaining competitive.
4 key steps to collecting first-party data
Implementing a first-party data collection strategy cannot be improvised. Here are the basics you need to know to avoid mistakes and get real value from your data.
Step 1: Define your business and CRM objectives
Before collecting data, you need to know why you are doing it.
Do you want to segment your customers better? Increase retention? Optimise your email campaigns?
Each objective determines which data to prioritise.
Without a clear vision, you won't know what data to collect.
Step 2: Identify collection points on your customer journey
Forms, purchase funnels, emails, customer service, social media...
Your customers interact with you in many places.
It's up to you to identify the moments when they are most likely to share information and make this collection smooth and frictionless.
Step 3: Unify and centralise data in a suitable tool (CDP, CRM, etc.)
Scattered data is lost value. Use a CRM for your e-commerce or a Customer Data Platform to easily centralise and activate your data.
Your future platform will allow you to cross-reference transactional data, for example, to activate more relevant, faster and better targeted campaigns.
In other words, it saves you from having 15 different solutions for collecting your data, meaning less loss and more value.
Check out our guide to the 8 best CRMs for e-commerce.
Step 4: Use the data
Data is worthless if it stays in a spreadsheet.
Use it to personalise your messages, reward loyal customers, re-engage those who drop out or activate ambassadors.
In short: turn it into a customer experience.
4 effective channels for collecting first-party data
Data collection should not be a constraint for your customers, but a lever for engagement.
Here are the most powerful channels for enriching your first-party data base without compromising the user experience.
1. Transactional data
Every purchase is a gold mine. Order date, purchase frequency, average order value...
This information allows you to better understand your customers' purchasing behaviour and segment them effectively.
It is the basis for identifying your best profiles and personalising your marketing actions without any additional effort on the user's part.
2. Browsing behaviour
Which products are viewed? How much time is spent on a page?
Your visitors tell you a lot... without saying anything.
This passive data, collected via your website, reveals their interests, purchase intentions and any friction in your journey.
3. Loyalty programs
A good loyalty program is not just a retention lever: it's a first-party data machine.
Repeat purchases, participation in a challenge, use of a referral code... every action tells you more about the user.
With Loyoly, you can go even further: users can complete gamified missions in exchange for rewards.
This is the perfect opportunity to get them to fill out forms, subscribe to your newsletter, enter their birthday or join a WhatsApp group.
These are simple but highly effective actions that will enrich your database.
Forms remain essential for collecting declarative information such as name, email address or product preferences.
And for a seamless experience, Loyoly integrates directly with Typeform.
The result: you collect accurate insights without breaking your funnel.
5 steps to using first-party data
Collecting data is good. Using it is better. Here's how to turn your first-party data into concrete actions that boost your marketing performance and customer loyalty.
1. Know your customers before segmenting them
Before segmenting, start by analysing overall behaviour: purchase frequency, favourite products, engagement rates.
This initial analysis gives you a clear view of your customer base and helps you identify key trends.
2. Segment your customers
Once you've analysed your data, it's time to take action.
Segment your customers according to their lifecycle, history or preferences.
Create groups such as ‘VIP customers’, ‘new customers’ or ‘inactive customers’.
You'll then be able to communicate with them in a much more relevant way.
3. Personalise marketing campaigns
Thanks to your segments, you can send targeted emails, make tailored offers or recommend the right products.
The result: more engaging messages and improved performance across all your indicators: open rates, click-through rates and conversion rates.
4. Analyse behaviour to anticipate needs
Have you noticed a drop in purchase frequency? A visit without adding anything to the basket?
These are weak signals that deserve a quick response.
By automating reminders or upsell offers based on this data, you stay one step ahead.
5. Optimise the customer journey and experience
Behavioural data also helps you improve your website.
You can adapt the UX, highlight the right products or offer personalised content.
The experience becomes smoother, more relevant, and therefore more effective.
Combine first-party data and customer loyalty with Loyoly
First-party data is much more than just a marketing tool. It is the foundation of a lasting customer relationship built on trust, transparency and added value.
In a world without third-party cookies, it is impossible to build customer loyalty without really knowing your customers. And to get to know them, there's nothing more reliable than their own data, collected with their consent at key moments in their journey.
That's exactly what Loyoly offers with its loyalty and referral programmes. You collect qualified data with every interaction (purchase, referral, review, etc.), personalise your actions in real time, and strengthen long-term engagement.