Mobile coupons, loyalty and rewards programs offer restaurants the chance to engage fully with clientele.
In this week’s episode, we’re talking restaurants, diners and drive-ins… oh wait, sorry, that’s another show. We ARE, however, talking about how nearly any type of hospitality industry business can use mobile coupons, loyalty or rewards programs – or a combination of them all – to increase foot traffic, garner higher sales, raise the per ticket average of customer spending and generally make more money per customer overall.
[LISTEN: Loyalty program setup using mobile notifications – PODCAST EPISODE]
New restaurants are spending upwards of 30% of their entire budget on marketing and branding, and that’s a huge spend as a part of the overall nut. Even established restaurants are spending as much as 15% of their total budget on advertising and marketing, so anything that engages customers with a lower cost per engagement is always going to be a positive for the establishment.
Did you just say sizzle?
But just like in any other industry, right now the story is the sizzle and that’s what is selling repeat customers and newcomers alike on where they’re going to decide to dine out, take out, or shack up on the weekend. Mobile coupons, loyalty and rewards programs, lock screen notifications, and a unified hub that brings together social media, online and offline promotions, reviews, menus, web pages and more are the key to a fully functioning omnichannel marketing campaign that resonates with customers.
In this episode, we are walking through a variety of options for using mobile coupons and programs to target and message the correct demographic; how to draw a response using effective calls-to-action, and what sort of ideas are working well to turn single visit clients into repeat, regular customers.
We are also putting together the reasons that a good story always helps your business, and teaching you how to use modern technology coupled with age old word of mouth to increase your foot traffic and first time customers while cementing your relationship with your regulars and making them feel more like family.
Pockets Full of Potential: How Mobile Coupons Can Supercharge Your Restaurant Business
In the cutthroat world of restaurants, attracting new customers and keeping them coming back for more is a constant challenge. But what if you could tap into a powerful marketing tool that lives right in your customers’ pockets? Enter mobile coupons – digitized vouchers delivered straight to smartphones, offering a convenient and effective way to boost your restaurant business. Here’s how mobile coupons can become your secret weapon for driving sales and building a loyal following:
Convenience is Craved:
Mobile coupons eliminate the hassle of paper flyers or forgotten punch cards. Customers can easily access and store your deals on their phones, ensuring they’re tempted by your delicious offerings at the exact moment hunger strikes. This instant accessibility translates to a higher redemption rate compared to traditional methods, putting more money in your register.
Targeted Treats, Tantalized Taste Buds:
Mobile coupon marketing lets you ditch the one-size-fits-all approach. Segment your customer base by demographics, past orders, or even preferred dishes. This allows you to send personalized offers that resonate with specific groups, like lunchtime discounts for busy professionals or weekend brunch deals for families. Targeted promotions not only increase the impact of your campaigns but also show your customers you understand their cravings.
Supercharge Sales and Savor Repeat Business:
Mobile coupons are like culinary call-to-actions. Limited-time discounts or special offers create a sense of urgency, encouraging diners to try your restaurant or indulge in a new dish. Loyalty programs with mobile coupons reward repeat customers, turning them into enthusiastic brand ambassadors who spread the word about your delicious food.
Measurable Results for a Mouthwatering Strategy:
Mobile coupon campaigns go beyond guesswork. Unlike traditional marketing, they provide valuable data and analytics. Track how many people view your coupons, redeem them, and what dishes they order. This data allows you to measure the success of your campaigns and refine your strategies for future promotions. You can see exactly which offers resonate with your customers and tailor your future campaigns for maximum impact.
Serving Up Success: A Recipe for Mobile Coupon Implementation
Ready to add mobile coupons to your marketing menu? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Choose Your Platform Wisely: Several platforms offer mobile coupon creation and management tools. Consider factors like ease of use, pricing, and features that integrate with your existing restaurant management system.
- Craft Crave-Worthy Deals: Design enticing promotions that offer real value to your customers. Consider lunchtime specials, happy hour discounts, or percentage-off offers on specific menu items. The key is to incentivize new customers to try your food and existing customers to return for more.
- Spread the Word, Fill the Seats: Advertise your mobile coupon program across all channels. Announce it on social media, include it in your email marketing blasts, and display enticing signage in your restaurant. Encourage diners to sign up for your mobile marketing list to receive exclusive offers directly on their phones.
- Seamless Integration, Satisfied Customers: For a smooth dining experience, consider integrating your mobile coupon platform with your point-of-sale system. This allows for easy redemption and tracking of mobile coupon usage at the time of purchase.
Beyond Discounts: A Mobile Coupon Smorgasbord:
Mobile coupons are more than just digital discount vouchers. Here are some creative ways to leverage them for even greater impact:
- Exclusive Early Access: Offer mobile coupon holders early access to new menu items or limited-time specials. This creates a sense of exclusivity and incentivizes diners to engage with your mobile marketing efforts.
- Birthday Feasts and Anniversary Appetizers: Send personalized mobile coupons to customers on their special days, offering celebratory discounts or free appetizers. This personal touch fosters customer loyalty and encourages repeat visits.
- Referral Rewards: Incorporate a referral program into your mobile coupon strategy. Offer discounts to both the referrer and the new customer, expanding your reach and rewarding loyal patrons for spreading the word about your restaurant.
Cultivating a Community of Craving Customers:
Mobile coupons are a powerful tool for attracting new diners. But the true magic lies in building a loyal following. By offering relevant and personalized promotions, providing a seamless redemption experience, and tracking your results, you can transform mobile coupon marketing into a recipe for success. Remember, in today’s digital world, mobile coupons aren’t just discounts; they’re an investment in building a thriving restaurant community. So, start implementing this marketing strategy today and watch your customer base – and your profits – sizzle!