Grow Your Business with a Restaurant Loyalty Program

Trying to recruit new customers is five times more expensive than retaining your current customers.

What’s more, trying to establish loyalty between you and a new customer is 16 times more costly than focusing on the relationship between you and existing customers.

What can you learn from these compelling statistics?

Brand loyalty is powerful.  To tap into brand loyalty, begin nurturing a following of loyal customers through customer loyalty programs.

1. Loyalty Programs Make Your Restaurant More Competitive. Did you know that over 70 percent of customers make their choices based the loyalty program offered? Customer loyalty programs give you an edge over the competition by attracting new customers and retaining them.
2. Loyalty Programs Build Trust. Cost-conscious consumers are more focused than ever before on supporting brands they can trust. A loyalty program sends the message that you care about your guests and want to reward them for choosing you.  When you build long-term relationships, it helps you establish trust and share gratitude.
3. Loyalty Programs Improve Your Bottom Line. Customer loyalty programs can have a significant impact on your restaurant’s bottom line. A small lift in customer retention can make a measurable increase in your company’s profit.
   

Loyalty programs have the potential to offer both you and your guests a variety of benefits.

What sort of loyalty program is right for your restaurant? Think about your guests and what they expect, and get started with these five ideas for restaurant loyalty programs:

1. Start a Mobile Loyalty Program for Online Ordering and Customer Engagement: A mobile program lets you easily reach your customers on their mobile devices anywhere. It’s quick, convenient, and gives you the chance to target special offers to specific audiences.
2. Promotional Gifts and Incentives with Purchase: This is a great idea to use during the holidays when everyone is hungry after a long day shopping. A free gift for guests who visit at this otherwise busy time of year gets your customers excited and keeps your business top of mind.
3. Loyalty Points Rewards System: If your restaurant business has a high frequency of returning guests, a points system is a great way to go. It’s low-risk, flexible, and makes it fun for your customers as they earn and spend points.
4. Gift Cards: Smart restaurant owners take advantage of gift card sales. When a guest pre-purchases the dining experience, they’re more likely to return because it’s convenient, and in their mind their meal is pre-paid.
5. Referral Programs: Give customers discounts and exclusive rewards for referring new guests. Referrals bring in new customers (since people trust recommendations from friends and family) and encourages your current customers to bring their friends for a memorable dining experience.

The added benefit to loyalty programs is the intangible benefit of creating community. When you get to know your frequent guests and continue to delight them, they share about the great experience you give them. It’s a win for everybody!