In the turn of the new millennium many people already owned and used mobile phones. The phones in use back then were limited to calling and sending simple text messages. That was before the advance of the smart phones. Smart phones are a type of mobile phones which have computer ability or near computer ability. These phones are not only used for making calls and sending text messages, but they perform a number of other tasks. Smart phones can now be used as effective marketing tools. All types of small businesses can benefit by having a mobile app developed specifically for their needs. This article focuses on mobile apps for bars.

Mobile apps for bars are those mobile applications which have been designed to serve the bar and or restaurant niche. The app should be equipped with certain functionality in order to turn it into an effective marketing tool for the business. Some of the functionality should include a coupon management system, mobile ordering, payment processing, a marketing list, and more.

Building loyalty with check-In’s and coupons.

One of the great ways that the mobile app is useful for the bar industry lies in the loyalty coupon system. A loyalty coupon system refers to a method employed by the business to reward the customers based on their loyalty to the business. Every time a custom comes in they can check-in using their mobile device. Each drink or food the customer consumes can also be tracked through the mobile app system. The business owner can decide how and when to reward their customers with a special coupon. For example, they may give away a free drink after five check-in’s. The customers are suddenly motivated to come back into the business time and time again. What’s more, every time a customer checks in or unlocks a coupon, they’re prompted to share their experience with their circle of influence via text messaging, email, Facebook and Twitter. Their friends will then receive a request to join the mobile app community, and eventually pull them to the bar or restaurant.

Communicating effectively with customers via push notifications.

Push notification capability is one of the most effective features that a mobile app should have. They are very instrumental in customer marketing. Push notifications are instant messages that are delivered to customers’ phones and deliver an astounding 97% open rate. The bar may notify their customers of a special event, a special discount or simply invite previous customers to come back with one push of a button.

These are just two of the many features a mobile app can provide. Bars and restaurants would also benefit by enabling mobile ordering and payments, integrating their social accounts including Facebook and Twitter, having a Fan Wall for customer interaction and more. A mobile app will enhance any business marketing efforts.