Based on statistics released in 2016, more than 80% of all internet users own a smartphone. These people are your current and potential customers, and you need to meet them where they are—on their smartphones.
Smartphone adoption rates are even higher for people between the ages of 18 and 49—more than 90%. Another study also revealed that this group spends 89% of their screen time using mobile apps, but only 11% on mobile browsers. The case for building a mobile app for any business is stronger now than ever before.
The case is particularly strong for restaurants and pizzerias, since they have so much to gain from a mobile app. Take the case of Starbucks as an example: in just the 6 months after they released the Starbucks® App for iPhone® and Android™ in the United States, the app represented more than 16% of all their transactions. Add to that the fact that local searches on mobile will lead to:
- 30% conversions immediately;
- 60% conversions within an hour; and
- 80% conversion eventually,
and you can see why so many restaurant and pizzerias are choosing to have their own mobile apps.
If you have ever thought about building an app for your restaurant or pizzeria, keep reading to find out about five important benefits that could make or break your business.
1. Mobile Ordering = Convenience for Your Customers
We mentioned a study that showed smartphone users spend 89% of their screen time using mobile apps and only 11% using mobile browsers. The reason is simple: mobile apps provide a better experience for users, and are easier to use. Ease of use means convenience, and that is what your customers are looking for.
A mobile app allows your customers to order with just a few taps on their phone; no need to open a browser and search your website’s address. When you make it easier for your customers to order, you increase the chances of them ordering from you, meaning more revenue for you.
2. Apps Build Loyalty and Repeat Sales
The average consumer spends more than 5% of their annual income on food and coffee away from home. Ensuring these consumers are your loyal customers will help you win a bigger portion of that pie. Highly-engaged customers buy more often and spend more per transaction.
It also costs you five times more to acquire new customers than it does to keep your current ones. A loyalty program can help you keep your customers engaged, particularly if it is easy to use. Your pizzeria’s mobile app is the perfect home for a rewards program. An app makes earning rewards easy, converting more customers into repeat buyers.
3. Self Service Cuts Labor Costs
Labor cost can take 30 to 40 cents out of each sales dollar. Reducing this cost is one of best ways to increase your profit margin. A mobile app helps by streamlining order processing and reducing the time your staff spend taking orders.
With a mobile app that is integrated to your POS system, the orders go directly from your customers’ mobile app to your restaurant’s POS system, freeing up staff time to provide better and more efficient service.
4. Relevant Push Notifications Reach More Customers
There was a time when email marketing the best method to communicate with your customers. Times have changed, and many have moved to social media, from Facebook to Instagram, Snapchat, and other channels. But just being active on social media does not guarantee that your message will reach your customers anymore.
Coming to the rescue are mobile apps and push notifications. Studies have shown that 90% of push notifications sent through mobile apps are read within 30 to 45 seconds. Using your mobile app, not only you can get the attention of your customers, but you can send them messages and deals that are timely and relevant. Instead of spamming them with emails or stalking them on social media, you can send relevant messages right to their mobile apps—a benefit you can’t get without a mobile app.
5. Apps Aren’t Just for Big Brands
The traditional way of introducing a mobile app is to build a custom app. The problem with this approach is that it is expensive. Not all restaurants and pizzerias can afford that.
Luckily for pizzerias, there are alternatives, such as Craver Solutions’ Craver Platform, that make mobile app development easier and more cost effective.
With a platform like this, you can launch your own app with an affordable monthly subscription. You get an app that is fully customized for your pizzeria, without the upfront investment of building your own app.
Contact Craver Solutions for details on the new integration between SpeedLine and the Craver mobile app platform.
