How to Build the Perfect Rewards Program that Drives Registrations AND Redemptions

In the world of full-service restaurants, the quest for customer loyalty is an ongoing saga. We need to craft the perfect rewards program that not only entices guests but also drives registrations and redemptions. Building an effective loyalty program isn't just about points; it's about the intricate orchestration of incentives, strategic engagement tactics, and the finesse to keep guests coming back for more while building deep evangelism. Sounds easy right? It is when you have the right plan!

Let's dive into the tactical nuances of designing an ideal loyalty plan and implementing strategies to foster registrations and drive redemptions.

Designing Perfect the Rewards Program

Points per Dollar Spent: The Currency of Appreciation

Implementing a points-based system where guests earn, for example, 1 point for every $1 spent is foundational. Offering tiered rewards, such as reaching 100 points for a $10 discount or 500 points for a complimentary meal, encourages continuous patronage and spending.

Birthday Rewards: Personalizing the Experience

Personalize birthday rewards by offering a choice between a complimentary dessert, a free appetizer, or a percentage discount on the total bill during the birthday week, providing a tailored experience for each guest.

Immediate Sign-Up Bonus: Capturing Instant Engagement

Offer an immediate sign-up bonus, such as a $5 credit on the guest’s next visit, bonus points, or a free drink, enticing them to join the program immediately and experience its benefits firsthand.

Time-Limited Discounts: Urgency to Return

Create urgency by offering a discount coupon with a timed expiration. A good example would be $10 off their next meal with a 30-day expiration. Highlight the limited-time nature of the discount, encouraging guests to return within the specified period.

Free Item & Bonus Points: Tempting Rewards

Surprise and delight guests with occasional free items like a dessert sampler or awarding bonus points equivalent to the price of a signature dish, encouraging exploration and enhancing the dining experience.

Online Reservation Incentives: Embracing Digital Engagement

Reward guests with 30 bonus points for making online reservations, making the process seamless and rewarding while driving digital engagement and streamlining operations.

Rewards Beyond Points: Exclusivity & Insider Access

Provide early access to limited-time menu items or invite loyal guests to exclusive events like chef's table dinners, cooking classes, or menu tastings, fostering a sense of belonging and exclusivity.

Strategies to Drive Registrations

Now that you’ve created an ideal loyalty program for guests who appreciate full-service dining, we have to get them into the program. Here are some key tactics to make registrations happen.

Online Promotion: Leveraging Digital Channels

Design a user-friendly registration process on the website, promoting the program's benefits through engaging visuals, FAQs, and clear instructions. Leverage social media platforms to run targeted ads highlighting the perks of membership.

In-Store Engagement: Empowering Your Team

Train staff to articulate the benefits of the loyalty program eloquently. Equip servers with talking points to engage guests at the table, strategically using table tents, posters, and QR codes to encourage sign-ups. as well as implementing technology with pay-and-order-at-table solutions to scan or tap with your smartphone. 

Playbook for Driving Redemptions

You’ve got your guests signing up in droves! Great! Now what? It's time to get them active and using. Here are some tactics to drive redemptions:

Bounce-Back Offers: Encouraging Swift Returns

Craft personalized bounce-back offers tailored to guest preferences, such as a 15% discount on their next visit within 10 days, fostering a sense of urgency and incentivizing quick returns.

Next Visit Rewards: Flexible Redemption

Implement a flexible reward system, like a $5 voucher for every $50 spent, valid for 60 days, allowing guests to plan their next visit without feeling rushed and fostering repeat visits.

Points Multipliers: Encouraging Frequent Visits

Launch periodic promotions where guests earn double points for dining twice in a week, encouraging frequent visits and rewarding loyalty within a short timeframe.

Points Thresholds & Auto-Issued Rewards: Milestones and Automation

Set achievable milestones, like reaching 100 points for a $10 discount or 500 points for a complimentary meal. Automate reward issuance upon reaching thresholds, ensuring guests feel consistently appreciated.

Crafting a successful loyalty program requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of customer preferences and meeting your guests at the right points in their journey with the right engagements. By tailoring rewards, utilizing strategic engagement tactics, and implementing redemption strategies, full-service restaurants can effectively drive registrations, encourage redemptions, and cultivate enduring customer loyalty.

Want to see how brands using Spengdo can successfully execute these strategies and more with a best-in-class loyalty solution? Book a demo now.