While the economy may be showing signs of vibrancy, consumers remain cautious. A recent article in PMQ Pizza Magazine, however, reports that loyalty programs can be an effective weapon for restaurants in these times.

“Acquiring new customers is incredibly expensive," said Logan LaHive, founder and CEO of a loyalty program developer in Chicago. "Because you get 80% of your revenue from 20% of your customers, rewarding loyalty is the best tactic."

If you use or are thinking about implementing a loyalty program, here’s some useful information:

•    A recent study revealed that 33% of consumers view loyalty programs as very important during tough economic times.
•    The same study reveals that consumers spend 17% more on visits that include a loyalty program.
•    Loyalty programs are not viewed as giving away products or providing heavy discounts, which may cheapen your restaurant in the eyes of customers.
•    When a customer enrolls in a program, you officially establish a relationship, as opposed to someone using a coupon that you may never see again.
•    Refrain from asking customers for all of their information at once. Start with a name and email address. Later, you can ask for their mailing address, phone number, and more.
•    A loyalty program that works in unison with a recognized charity is often viewed favorably by customers.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, when it comes to getting your restaurant more online exposure, it can seem a little daunting.  It’s actually not that hard.  With just a few moments of your time, you can establish accounts with a number of online sites that will provide your restaurant more online exposure.  NetWaiter can help walk you through the basics:

Accepting Orders Online - This is easy.  If you’re considering NetWaiter, or already have an account, an online ordering site is provided for your restaurant.  In addition, a mobile site customized for your restaurant is also provided, giving customers maximum accessibility to your restaurant and menu.  Best of all – it’s very easy to setup.

Make a Name for Yourself and Get Connected - This is important.  If customers become more aware of your restaurant online, it will drive sales, both online and in-house.  Also, if you don’t monitor your online presence, you won’t know what is being said about your restaurant - good or bad!

While the Internet evolves daily, every restaurant can benefit from joining a few major websites.  Click on any of the following for a step-by-step guide to creating an account.  Here’s an overview:


- Driven by actual customers, who can add information, photos, and reviews of your restaurant.



- Maintained by Google (they’re a tiny company, maybe you’ve heard of them?).  This is where a lot of customers will land when doing a web search for your restaurant based on name, type of food, and/or area.



- Quickly growing as a competitor to Yelp!  Insider Pages is more of a “listing” service, while Citysearch contains a lot of what Yelp! has and more.



- A basic listing/review website with an easy to use interface.  One of the first to have an iPhone application and is now starting to get into online reservations.



- Foursquare is quickly growing as the mobile “check in” app.  Users can “check in” to your restaurant when they’re physically there and let their friends know what they’re up to.  As a restaurant owner, you can offer them discounts/perks for checking-in and/or being a frequent customer.