With over 46,000 coffee shops and cafes scattered across the USA, the competition in the world of coffee is nothing short of intense...
With over 46,000 coffee shops and cafes scattered across the USA, the competition in the world of coffee is nothing short of intense. It might seem like there's a cafe on every corner, making the ownership of one both a privilege and a challenge. In a world moving at the pace of a coffee-fueled buzz, staying ahead is not just a choice; it's a necessity for cafe owners. So, how can your cafe break through the traditional marketing clutter? One highly effective solution is a mobile cafe app, placing your business directly in the palm of your customer’s hands.
Still not sold on the idea? Let's explore some compelling reasons why having a mobile app for your cafe is not just a good idea but a game-changer.
Why Coffee Shops Need Their App - Convenience, Loyalty and Sales
A custom mobile app is a must-have for any coffee shop looking to boost convenience, build loyalty, and increase sales.
Convenience Drives Customer Satisfaction
Convenience is a key factor in boosting customer satisfaction for any coffee shop. Giving customers the option to order and pay ahead using a mobile app makes their experience much quicker and more efficient. Studies show that over 70% of customers will use mobile ordering if available, and that convenience is a top factor in their choice of where to buy coffee.
They can place an order while still at home or on their commute so that their order will be ready by the time they arrive at the coffee shop. This reduces wait times and allows baristas to focus on serving customers who are already in the store.
An app for ordering and payment will give you the tools to serve customers faster and more efficiently. This will improve customers' experience of your coffee shop, increasing their satisfaction and likelihood of returning and recommending your store to others.
Loyalty Programs Lead to Repeat Customers
A coffee shop's success is not just about the quality of beans; it's about building lasting relationships. Features like digital punch cards, special offers, and rewards for frequent buyers give customers an incentive to choose your shop over competitors. Per Diem's integration with Square POS enables you to offer powerful loyalty programs right within your app, to turn casual sippers into devoted regulars. From personalized promotions to exclusive discounts, your app becomes a loyalty hub.
Successful loyalty programs have been shown to increase customer lifetime value by over 200% on average.
Show Customers What You Offer in Real-Time
Providing real-time updates on your mobile cafe app is not just about having the app—it's about consistent maintenance and engagement. By investing time and effort, you can showcase your daily menus, highlight specials, and even unveil exclusive "secret" items known only to those who've downloaded the app. Your app becomes an engagement tool, allowing you to have fun with your customers while keeping them informed about your offerings. With the app at their fingertips, customers can access information without the hassle of web searches.
Higher Sales and Revenue
Did you know that consumers are more likely to spend money from their phones rather than come to your cafe? It is simple to buy bigger orders when everything is in their hands. Therefore, be sure to include everything on your menu as much as you can on your app, including any other products and merchandise.
With an app handling pre-orders and payments, you’ll serve more customers in less time, increasing your sales volume and revenue. You’ll also gain valuable data on your customers' preferences that can help optimize your menu and promotions. Studies show that businesses with a mobile app see up to a 60% increase in sales compared to those without an app.
Key Features Your Customers Want in a Coffee Shop App
As a coffee shop owner, you know that staying on the cutting edge of technology and convenience is key to keeping your customers happy and staying ahead of the competition. A mobile app tailored to your business can provide value in so many ways.
Mobile Payments
A mobile app allows customers to pay directly through the app using a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay. According to studies, this convenient payment method has been shown to increase spending by up to 20-30%. With the Per Diem mobile app, coffee shops can offer their customers a seamless checkout experience, creating a positive cycle that keeps them coming back for more.
Online Ordering
An online ordering system enables customers to place orders through the mobile app and pick them up at their convenience. This allows coffee shops to serve more customers in less time, especially during peak hours. Online ordering has been shown to increase sales by up to 20% for many restaurants and coffee shops. With an easy-to-use interface, customers can browse the menu, customize orders, and pay without waiting in line.
Loyalty Programs
A loyalty program built into the mobile app helps coffee shops retain customers by offering rewards and discounts. Customers earn points for first purchases and activities like signing up or leaving reviews. Those points can then be redeemed for free items, discounts, or exclusive promotions through the app. Studies show that loyalty program members spend 30-50% more than non-members. An app-based loyalty program makes it easy for customers to access rewards and stay engaged with the brand.
Push Notifications
Ever wonder how big brands keep customers in the loop with all those amazing deals and events? It's all thanks to push notifications. Push notifications allow coffee shops to reach customers instantly with promotional offers, events, and important updates. Personalized messages targeted to customers based on their order history and preferences have an open rate of over 93% according to research. Coffee shops can use push notifications to alert customers to new menu items, daily specials, and limited-time offers to drive more sales and traffic.
Getting Started: Steps to Launch Your Own Branded App With Per Diem
Launching your mobile app with Per Diem is simple. Our white-label platform allows you to create an app that reflects your brand in just a few easy steps:
Complete Your App's Onboarding
Pick Your Category
From the dashboard, effortlessly choose your category. Whether you're a trendy coffee spot, a cozy bistro, or anything in between, customize your onboarding screens to match your brand's vibe.
Customize Your App
Add your store's details and tailor the entire experience – from the homepage layout to loaders. Our customization options ensure your app aligns seamlessly with your brand identity.
Add Your Menu
Easily upload your full menu, complete with mouthwatering descriptions, tempting photos, and accurate pricing. Keep things current across all your platforms in real time. Plus, leverage the power of exclusive mobile specials and discounts to boost your sales.
Enable Ordering and Payments
Enable your customers to order and pay directly through your app. Per Diem integrates seamlessly with major payment processors, ensuring you can securely accept all major credit and debit cards, along with alternative payment methods like Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Launch and Promote
Once your app is ready, spread the word on your website, social media channels, in-store, and through strategic email campaigns. Build excitement and encourage downloads by offering enticing incentives, setting the stage for a successful app launch.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it - the key reasons why investing in your customized mobile app can unlock success for your coffee shop. With more than 40,000 coffee shops in the US alone, a mobile app is no longer an option but a necessity to stay ahead of the competition. An app allows you to build a direct channel of communication with your loyal customers, offer them a convenient way to order and pay while on the go and access a trove of data to gain valuable insights into their preferences and behaviors.
Thus, the case for a coffee shop app is clear - the question is, can any shop afford not to have one? It stands as a powerful tool to draw customers back into your business, providing a streamlined and enhanced experience for everyone involved.
