With the advent of the digital age, the restaurant industry has been disrupted in a number of ways. One of the most significant changes has been the way in which customers order and consume food. In the past, customers would have to physically visit a restaurant in order to order food.
However, with the development of technology, customers can now order food from the comfort of their own homes using a mobile app. In order to be successful in today’s mobile world, it means making sure your restaurant is visible and accessible on mobile devices.
If you’re a restaurateur, then you know that having a white label mobile app is a great way to promote your business – owning a branded app in today’s landscape is table stakes. But what do you do once you have your app? One of the most important things to focus on continuously is user adoption – you need to make sure that people are actually downloading your app.
It can be tempting to try and do everything to promote it, however, in most cases, it’s better to focus on a few key areas that will have the biggest impact. Here are 6 ways to help you effectively promote your restaurant’s white label mobile app:
1. Make sure your app is well-designed and easy to use
The main reason why mobile app design is so important to your app’s success is that it has a great effect on your app’s user experience. If it’s not a smooth experience, people won’t bother using it. Besides aesthetically pleasing, impressive and simple designs, your app design should be consistent. It is important that your users know how to use it from the start and that they are not confused with the different functionalities in your app.
2. Use App Store Optimization (ASO)
App store optimization is the process of optimizing your app store listing in order to make your app more visible and attractive to potential customers. This includes things like choosing the right keywords, creating an app preview video, and writing a compelling app description.
3. Use social media and your website
Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to promote your app. Make sure to post about your app on all of your restaurant’s social media channels, and encourage your customers to download and use the app. You can also run social media ads that specifically target potential customers in your area. You can also get your app in front of customers by putting a link to it on your website, which is an excellent place to include a simple call-to-action.
4. Use traditional advertising
In addition to social media, you can also promote your app through traditional advertising channels such as print, television, and radio. You can even include a call-to-action in your traditional advertising that encourages customers to download your app. A direct-mail campaign to your local neighborhood promoting your app with a special offer can be a cost effective method using traditional means of advertising.
5. Promote your app through your existing in-store channels
You have guests walking through the door of your restaurant on a regular basis. Use your real estate to ensure they know you have a new app – windows and door vinyl, POP material, pick up areas etc. This practice is becoming more common, so don’t hesitate to promote your app in any place that may attract the attention of someone visiting your establishment.
6. Offer app only incentives
According to Lightspeed Commerce, 45% of consumers say that offering mobile ordering or loyalty programs would encourage them to use online ordering services more often. Offering incentives is a great way to encourage people to download and use your app. You can offer special discounts or coupons to customers who use the app. One of the most popular ways is to offer a free item (that holds value) on your first order. This will allow your customers to download, register and go through the order flow. From there, you will be able to promote loyalty and further opportunities for them to keep them re-ordering from your app.
Running restaurants can be stressful and overwhelming, and launching a mobile app can be a lot of work, but with these tips, you should be able to promote your restaurant’s white label mobile app and get more customers using it.
If you don’t have the capacity, a partner like Smooth can help get the resources you need from planning, development and launch in order to help drive adoption so you can stay focused on what you do best – showcasing your hospitality to your customers.
About Smooth Commerce:
Smooth Commerce is an all-in-one digital commerce and customer marketing platform for restaurants that combines online and mobile ordering, delivery, loyalty, and powerful marketing tools to help you grow your business, while giving you access to your customer data to help grow your restaurant.
If you would like to learn more or talk to a representative from Smooth Commerce about how our platform can help you meet your loyalty goals, contact us at learnmore@smooth.tech.
