Imagine yourself driving and getting a message from your favorite food chain saying “Why, don’t you grab quick bite of your favorite dish with complementary wine as you are nearby!” Now such message can be intimidating as well as pleasing! Intimidating because they are tracking your location and pleasing because they care! I’m sure you would go ahead and taste your delicious dish if your schedule allows, and it all would happen because of one thing: Technology! They not only knew your favorite dish but also were quick to engage with you.
The demand for accessing business information through various mobile technologies has increased in the past few years and these applications running on different phones are surging as consumer preferences also. The massive growth in the adoption of these technologies all around the world has forced business owners to think about how to effectively position their companies to benefit from the latest trend. Mobility has become part of the business agenda for most companies and this has enabled them to reach out to a wider range of customers and increase the productivity of the business.
Mobile applications have in fact started to act as a gateway to multiple services. Today, numerous restaurants are enjoying the benefits from these applications. Increased efficiency, order on the go, increased engagement level etc. have led to great response from end user. Mobile applications specially developed for restaurants have helped food lovers to scan nearby dining options and even user their smart phones to do things like discover the special menu of the day at their popular restaurant.
Now Restaurant owners can serve their customers more efficiently
A mobile application increases the efficiency and communication by displaying the best resources in the palm of the customer’s hand and helps the business owner to reach out to the audience and create a loyal base of fans. This will not only help your customers to view restaurant menus, photos, descriptions, place an order online and view other information but will also increase the functionality and user experience of the website. The application will allow you to increase the number of customers, amplify your brand message and magnify your followers focus on the website. This will enable the restaurant owner to capture and captivate the customers, fans and followers and thereby increase the ROI of their business.
It is due to the interactive nature of mobile applications, that this medium has allowed the restaurant business owners to get immediate feedback on their products and services from their valued customers. This easy accessibility and speed have led to further research and development for companies and helped them to stay much ahead of the competition. It has led to upgrading the products at a higher rate making the customers feel that they have a direct role in the company’s development.
Implication and benefits:
Studies say that an average mobile campaign has a response rate that is typically 12 – 15 % as opposed to direct mail with an average of 2- 3%. Since mobile is not just for teens, prime users or purchasers in the 35 -44 and 45-55 age are strongly embracing the use of mobile applications. Consumers are also extremely interested in receiving mobile coupons for a wide range of services and purchases. So latest statistics says that mobile applications and mobile websites are to exceed PC accessible website very soon and if you don’t have one, it time that you need one very soon!
Followed are couple of implicit an direct benefits a mobile app can derive for your restaurant business:
- In hand Menus
- Online table booking and payments
- Tailor made experience and deliveries
- Increased credibility
- Superior user engagement
- Custom loyalty programs with literally zero spam
- Increased efficiency, better use of restaurant resources and thus improved bottom line
Problems and issues in adoption
While some have adopted and thus reaped great benefits, most of the businesses have been apprehensive in adopting this new technology. They understand the importance however are misled, misinformed and misquoted. Most of them are still getting a hang of their new website with advance features like table booking, online payments etc. and feel that mobile apps will take the confusion to next level however what if:
- They could manage their website and mobile app from same CMS?
- Single app that could run across all platforms i.e. iOS, Android, Windows etc. and could be managed from your site!
- Website, Mobile app and related marketing aspect could work in conjunction without hassle and confusion of multiple platforms?
Yes, it’s feasible and not very costly. If you are a restaurant owner and facing similar dilemma or problems then please contact your developer or you may give us a shout and we will explain in details.
Mobile technology has added a new dimension into advertising and marketing business. Mobile apps have changed the market dynamics and restaurant owners got to be proactive to accept it in order to have unaffected bottom line. It’s just the beginning and here to stay. Thus, we as technology consultant recommend to embrace the opportunity, be the first mover and adopt, and take the giant leap towards differentiation.
Siya Carla
Siya is a social media enthusiast with a background as Web and UI designer, and is Social media manager of Finoit. She has deep inclination towards writing about emerging technologies,Web and Mobile app development and other technology related stuff.
Latest posts by Siya Carla (see all)
- How Is Location-Based Marketing the Best Mobile Strategy? – October 4, 2016
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- iMessage App Store – What Does It Mean for a Marketer? – September 15, 2016
