Restaurant apps are a great tool to build customer loyalty. Smartphones have become an integral part of all areas of life. According to Ofcom, 71% of UK residents owned a smartphone by the beginning of 2016, this figure has grown 6% from the previous year. Currently, over 66% of UK residents use their mobile to access the internet.
Let’s look at some of the benefits a personalised mobile app can provide your restaurant business.
1. Grow Your Bookings
Having an app allows customers to book a table on the move. Offering the ability to reserve a table at your restaurant in advance not only improves customer experience by cutting down wait time but also allows staff to better prepare for busy periods.
2. Push Notifications
This option allows you to drive more walk-in traffic, or send out attractive offers and deals, to remind customers of your restaurant using pop-up notifications on their mobile screens.
3. Loyalty & Referral Programs
71% of UK consumers are more likely to return to a restaurant if it offers a loyalty scheme. Loyalty programs are one of the top motivators for customers to spend more, and a mobile app is the easiest way to offer customers a loyalty programme that is convenient.
4. Provide Information
Include a traditional FAQ section, or work information into relevant sections of the app. The Information you may need to share could include:
- Trading hours
- Maximum party size you are able to accommodate
- Link to Google Maps
- Contact number
- Options for diners with special dietary needs or food allergies
- Help navigating the table picker.
5. Customer Reviews
Including a feature in the app which allows customers to find and leave reviews of the restaurant allows customers the opportunity to document their experience. What they say, and how you respond to them has the potential to enhance your brand.
6. Stand out from Competitors
Providing an app for your restaurant early on will allow you be more noticeable within your market.
7. Social Media Integration
To stay at the front of your customer’s minds you can integrate your social media pages within the app, which would improve visibility on those social media platforms.
8. Increased Sales Amongst Younger Customers
According to Restaurant Marketing Labs, each millennial spends an average of $174 per month eating out. Furthermore, a survey conducted in 2016 found 90% of 16-24 year-olds and 91% of 24-34 year-olds in the UK owned a smartphone. Catering to the habits of young restaurant goers can improve business revenue.
There are many ways to application into the hands of you customers, the best way is to offer it along with special deals, promotions, monthly party invites.
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