From loyalty programs to social media, apps, and more, restaurant technology is constantly moving forward. But as that technology evolves, so should your marketing strategy, and mobile games are one of the newest ways that businesses are reaching their customers.

How can mobile game marketing help restaurants raise revenues?

Reach a new audience

Many restaurants are relying solely on loyalty programs to reach guests with their marketing efforts, and that can be an effective way to encourage customers to spend more than their norm. While this is certainly a worthwhile endeavour, you also want to get new eyes on your restaurant, and that’s where mobile games can help you reach an entirely new audience of potential visitors. Game players are on their mobile devices constantly, providing a captive audience for your marketing efforts. In fact, 56 per cent of this sector is more likely to buy from a brand they encounter when playing their favourite games, so there’s a real opportunity for restaurants to get attention this way.

Build loyalty

Gamers are loyal, and studies show that when redeeming an in-game offer, 43 per cent of first-time customers make multiple purchases. So, here’s a new way to approach loyalty and encourage new customers to visit again and again. Not only that, but they often bring friends with them – real or virtual, so your reach is practically unlimited. Restaurants can even pair their mobile game marketing with their loyalty program, advertising offers that only exist for members. This can encourage loyalty program participation along with securing a way to get to know these customers better through the data collected.

Stand out from the competition

While this type of marketing is catching on, restaurants who add this avenue to their marketing strategy can really get creative and attract attention to their brand. Chipotle took advantage of this, offering in-game rewards for certain games when players ordered food through the app or online, boosting their sales and encouraging more visits as players looked to earn additional rewards.

In another successful campaign, McDonald’s created a mobile word game where players uncovered new menu items, shared their scores, and competed with other users. This strategy can get people talking about your restaurant, spread the word about your campaign, and get more attention for your business.

Get creative with your marketing strategy! There are many ways to connect with potential gamer guests, from creating mini-games to enhancing player experience to advertising within a game. Expanding your marketing strategy to include mobile games as a tool to reach more people and build loyalty is one way restaurants can stand out in today’s competitive foodservice industry.