How To Choose a Rewards Program
Choosing a Rewards Program That’s Right for You
The Hidden Power Behind Every Successful Restaurant
Imagine having a tool that not only brings customers back but also helps you track their every visit and spending habit, making it easier to know how to engage with them.
This is what a rewards program can do for your restaurant. But not all rewards programs are created equal, and choosing the right one is crucial to maximizing its potential. In this guide, I'll walk you through what to look for and why it matters.
Start With Your POS System
Did you know many point-of-sale (POS) systems come with a built-in rewards program? Before diving into the sea of options, check if your current system already has this feature. A simple call to your POS provider could reveal a goldmine of marketing power you didn’t even know you had. If it doesn't, don't worry—we’ll talk about what to look for in an external system shortly.
A Rewards Program Is Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool
Think of a rewards program as more than just a points system. It’s a powerful marketing tool that allows you to monitor customer behavior and engage with them to boost loyalty and profits. Every program will store basic customer information like names and emails, but what separates a good program from a great one is how it helps you use that data for your marketing.
Nurture the Relationship, or It Dies
Think of your customers like friends. If a close friend stopped talking to you for three months, wouldn’t you reach out to check in? The same goes for your customers. When someone hasn’t visited in a while, your rewards program should trigger an automatic message, reminding them why they loved your place. Maybe it’s a friendly reminder, or perhaps a small coupon to bring them back. Either way, the relationship needs nurturing.
How to Reach Your Customers: 4 Powerful Tools
A good rewards program doesn't just collect data—it takes action. Here are four ways a rewards program can reach your customers:
Email Marketing
Facebook Ads
Push Notifications
Chatbots
But here’s the thing—you shouldn’t have to do this manually. Your rewards program should automate these processes, adding and removing customers from your marketing lists based on their purchase history.
Make Signing Up a Breeze
The sign-up process for your rewards program should be as easy as ordering a drink. But here’s the challenge: staff often feel awkward asking customers to sign up. Training them to pitch the rewards program can be tough, especially with turnover. Instead, use a QR code on tables where customers can easily scan and sign up on their own. It’s simple, non-intrusive, and gets the job done.
Bonus tip: Make sure your rewards program connects with Facebook so you can run ads that automate the sign-up process.
Make Tracking Customer Purchases Simple
Your staff should have an easy way to log rewards customers’ purchases—whether for dine-in or delivery. Ideally, this can be done with a scanner app or by phone number. Staff should also make it a habit to ask every customer if they’re a rewards member, ensuring that every purchase is logged and your customer profiles are up to date. This way, you’ll have accurate data to know who your loyal customers are and who might need a little nudge to return.
Turning Customers into Marketers: The Power of Referrals
Want to turn your best customers into an extension of your marketing team? A referral program does exactly that. Check if your rewards program offers one, and make sure the process is seamless for customers. Referrals can increase revenue without needing to run expensive ads, so track the results carefully—both in terms of revenue and who is referring new customers.
Track the Right KPIs
A great rewards program should help you monitor key metrics like customer acquisition cost, customer lifetime value, average purchase frequency, and average order value. These KPIs give you a clear picture of how effective your marketing is and where you can improve.
BETR Group Rewards Program
If you are interested in a rewards program check out ours by clicking here.
