Creating a loyalty program that works: tips for small eateries
In the competitive restaurant scene across the UK and Ireland, standing out requires more than just good food and fast service. One of the most powerful ways to drive repeat business and build a loyal customer base is through a well-executed loyalty programme. For small restaurants and takeaways, loyalty programmes can be the key to turning casual diners into regulars, especially in the growing takeaway and delivery market.
1. Keep It Simple, Yet Engaging
One of the most common mistakes small eateries make is designing a loyalty programme that’s too complicated. Overly intricate point systems or confusing reward structures can overwhelm customers. Instead, consider using a digital stamp card. Every time a customer orders, whether through an in-store kiosk or online, they earn a stamp that brings them closer to a reward.
Many takeaway businesses, like a family-run fish and chip shop in Leeds, have successfully implemented this by offering customers a free side dish after 8 purchases. Their Flipdish-powered digital stamp card showed an increase in repeat orders within the first three months, all because the process was straightforward and easy for customers to understand.
2. Offer Rewards Customers Actually Want
A well-designed reward system isn’t just about freebies—it’s about offering value. For small eateries, this might mean free coffee, discounts on future orders, or even exclusive menu items for loyalty members. The goal is to provide customers with rewards that keep them excited to return.
With Flipdish’s POS system, you can track individual customer preferences and purchasing habits, allowing you to tailor rewards that feel personalised. A café in Birmingham used their Flipdish system to offer regular coffee drinkers a free pastry after 5 purchases. This increased customer engagement as the reward aligned with their existing behaviour.
3. Make It Personal and Timely
Modern customers expect a personalised experience. By using the data from your digital ordering platform or kiosk system, you can create loyalty programmes that resonate with your customers on a deeper level. Consider sending personalised emails on birthdays or anniversaries offering a special discount or complimentary dish.
Flipdish’s customer engagement platform allows you to automate personalised email campaigns. With Flipdish’s advanced customer data tracking, you can segment your customer base and send targeted promotions based on their specific preferences or order history, ensuring that every interaction feels tailored and relevant.
4. Leverage Technology to Your Advantage
The real power of a loyalty programme lies in how seamlessly it integrates into your overall operations. With Flipdish’s digital ordering platforms, you can ensure that your loyalty programme works across multiple channels—whether customers are ordering online, using a self-service kiosk, or dining in. Customers are automatically reminded of their loyalty points during the checkout process, encouraging them to engage more with the programme.
A popular quick-service restaurant implemented Flipdish kiosks in their takeaway outlets, which automatically prompted customers to sign up for the loyalty programme during their orders. This led to a 30% increase in loyalty sign-ups within just two months, driving higher repeat business.
Using Flipdish’s advanced technology, you can easily set up a digital loyalty programme that integrates seamlessly with your point-of-sale (POS) systems, online ordering platforms, and even in-store kiosks. This allows you to automate and track customer engagement effortlessly. Here’s how to create an effective loyalty programme, complete with practical examples and actionable strategies that will resonate with your regulars.
Check out our blog on "How flipdish helps restaurants to grow customer loyalty” for more information.
5. Promote Your Loyalty Programme Across Channels
A great loyalty programme is only effective if people know about it. Make sure that your customers are aware of the benefits by promoting it across all your marketing channels. In-store signage, social media, and email marketing campaigns should all highlight the advantages of joining the programme.
6. Encourage Staff to Engage With Customers
Your front-line staff are key to promoting your loyalty programme. Ensure that your servers, cashiers, and even delivery drivers are encouraging customers to join. With Flipdish’s POS integration, staff can see whether customers are already signed up for the loyalty programme and gently nudge them to join if they aren’t.
With the Flipdish POS system, staff at a takeaway restaurant in London are notified when a customer hasn’t signed up for the loyalty programme, prompting them to remind the customer at checkout. This simple approach drove an increase in loyalty enrolment over just one month.
7. Measure Success and Continuously Improve
A loyalty programme should evolve based on real-time data. Regularly track key metrics such as sign-up rates, redemption rates, and customer feedback to determine how well your loyalty programme is performing. Use this data to tweak rewards, adjust promotional campaigns, or refine how your programme is marketed.
By using Flipdish’s digital tools, small eateries across the UK and Ireland can create a loyalty programme that not only drives repeat business but also enhances the customer experience. Whether you operate a small café, a fast-food chain, or a takeaway restaurant, loyalty programmes are an invaluable asset for building a long-term relationship with your customers.
Ready to start? Visit our Flipdish website to learn more about how you can implement a successful loyalty programme that resonates with your regulars.
