Technology is developing every day from online shops to virtual reality headsets, therefore, finding ways to help increase footfall in your workplace has never been so important. Regardless of whether your business is a shop, hotel or a place of historic interest and natural beauty, increasing the footfall is going to be essential to its success. There are many ways to get customers through the doors but one, in particular, is by using apps. Have you ever noticed that when you are out shopping or simply going for a walk, so many of us have our phones stuck in our hands? Yes, that’s right, the world has turned anti-social. If you are anything like me I don’t feel complete if I have left my mobile at home. This may sound quite sad, but for businesses, this is a great opportunity! This allows businesses to contact their customers personally and in real time.
But how? Let’s take a look at 5 different ways you can use an app to drive customers to your store…
1. Let your customers know when they are nearby your store
Enter Geofencing! Essentially Geofencing is establishing the virtual fence around a predefined geographical area. As a user with an enabled mobile device enters into a predetermined virtual fence it triggers an action or notification.
Thanks to the huge advances in technology and the massive growth in the adoption of smartphones, that now allows the everyday person to carry GPS, Wifi and Bluetooth in their pockets, it has become an incredibly cheap and easily accessible marketing tool for the modern day business owner.
The good thing about Geofencing is that you aren’t limited to your own location. You can target customers who visit businesses similar to yours in an attempt to sway them across town to your store with that cheeky bit of discount you are offering.
But it doesn’t stop there! Here are another 6 ways that you can use apps to drive traffic to your workplace.
Integrating Social Media with Apps
Social media integration can amplify the reach of your app, driving more traffic to your business. By linking your app with platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you enable users to share experiences directly from the app, increasing visibility and engagement. Retailers often use this strategy, encouraging customers to share their purchases or store visits, offering incentives like discounts or loyalty points for doing so. This approach not only extends your brand’s online presence but also leverages user-generated content, making your app part of an interactive marketing strategy.
2. Offer exclusive in-store deals
Many companies send in-store deals or coupons to their users via the app. The offer is then stored in the app with a code that can be quoted or scanned in store when making a purchase. For example, with the H&M app users will get alerts about offers and events at their local H&M store.
In-App Analytics for Business Growth
In-app analytics provide valuable insights into user behaviour, helping tailor marketing efforts effectively. Tracking metrics such as session length, bounce rates, and conversion statistics can reveal which features attract the most interaction. Businesses like e-commerce retailers can optimise product placements based on popular search terms and usage patterns. Employing tools like Google Analytics for Apps can streamline this process, offering detailed dashboards that aid in strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
3. Partnerships
Strategic business partnerships allow small businesses the opportunity to grow their customer base and improve their business. This partnership can come in many forms, one great way is by partnering with other companies apps.
Santander provides a service called ‘Retailer Offers’, which allows the user to earn cashback when they use their Santander debit or credit card to make a purchase in chosen places.
Retail offers have a range of businesses that partner with them from clothing retailers to restaurants and much more. The Santander app uses location to personalize what would be available to the user and allows them to pick which places they want to earn the cash back from through the app. Yes, of course, this service is exclusive to Santander customers however, other banks also provide similar services such as Barclays.
Another example of partnerships is the app GeoCaching. This app is essentially a treasure hunt for adults. The app will guide the user to the nearest geocache in their area. Geocaches are the treasure, which are hidden in clever locations. This is a great tool for businesses as it is something a bit different. Yes, not every business could avail of it however, it would be a great tool for companies that heavily rely on footfall such as the National Trust for example.
Perkbox is another great app partnership to drive traffic to your workplace. So what is Perkbox I hear you ask? It is an employee benefits package. Where your employer pays for the subscription and employees reap the benefits. This is a great way to get customers through the door. An example of this is Caffé Nero.
Caffé Nero offers Perkbox users a free hot drink once a month in store. Let’s be honest, if the coffee is free you are more than likely going to buy a treat along with it. If your customers know they are going to get rewarded by you every so often they are more than likely to buy from you over one of your competitors.
Customer Feedback through Apps
Collecting feedback via your app can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. Incorporating features like surveys and review prompts provides customers with a voice, allowing businesses to address concerns quickly. Companies like Amazon have effectively used in-app feedback to refine their service offerings. Regular feedback collection not only improves products but also fosters a community where users feel valued and heard, encouraging continued engagement and loyalty.
4. Snapchat – Geofilters
With Snapchat being the third-most popular app among 18- to 24-year-olds in the U.S., ahead of Instagram, you would be silly to ignore it. Snapchat is much more than just getting that perfect selfie with a bunny ears filter to send to your crush. Snapchat Business Geofilters offer a chance to be seen and sent to others by Snapchatters at your store, event or other location. Drive awareness and engagement in one swipe, and inspire customers in your neighbourhood to come to your store or event with Geofilters.
Loyalty Programs via Mobile Apps
Implementing loyalty schemes within apps can boost repeat visits and customer retention. Programmes that reward points for purchases or referrals, such as those used by Starbucks, have seen considerable success. These schemes can be personalised based on user data, offering customised rewards that align with customer preferences. By keeping rewards achievable and beneficial, businesses can ensure customers remain engaged and return frequently, enhancing overall brand loyalty.
5 .Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO is a game for your smartphone. The aim to catch all the Pokémon that you can. As you walk around a neighbourhood, your smartphone will vibrate when there’s a Pokémon nearby. Some business owners might see it as annoying or encourage unnecessary loitering (no-one can appreciate a loiterer) however, as a business don’t be so quick to judge.
Don’t see Pokémon GO players as a problem, but rather customers who haven’t yet interacted with your business. Increased foot traffic thanks to Pokémon GO is your opportunity to make a positive first impression with potential customers.
Push Notifications Strategy
Push notifications are a powerful tool for engaging customers in real time. Effective strategies involve sending timely, personalised messages that enhance the user experience rather than spam. For instance, alerting users to sales or events when nearby can prompt immediate footfall. Retailers like Zara use push notifications to inform users of flash sales, effectively driving traffic and increasing sales. It’s important, however, to respect user preferences and timing to avoid notification fatigue.
In summary, increasing your footfall has never been so important thanks to online shopping and virtual reality- visiting places from the comfort of your own home. Even though geofencing isn’t the newest strategy on the block, with farmers using it when herding cattle. You can target potential customers based on their location and guide them to your doors, and by partnering with apps your customers could catch more than pokémon by visiting your workplace.
About the Author:
Hannah Strain is a Marketing Executive at Hurree. Hurree is the marketing automation platform for apps that helps engage users and keep them active at a time that suits them. It goes one step further by automatically enhancing that 1 to 1 personal experience for the user without demanding any additional time from the marketer.
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