Title: Elevating Restaurant Success with Matt Plapp: Unveiling the Power of Marketing and Loyalty Programs
Introduction
In the latest episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian is joined by the multifaceted marketing expert, Matt Plapp. Known as the Chief Energy Officer, Matt Plapp is celebrated for his pioneering work in the restaurant marketing sector, providing invaluable insights into creating compelling guest experiences and leveraging digital loyalty programs to build lasting customer relationships. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from their insightful conversation and learn how restaurants can harness marketing strategies to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Understanding Matt Plapp’s Journey
Matt Plapp, CEO of America’s Best Restaurants and Restaurant Marketing that Works, shares his journey from helping his father’s insurance business to becoming a pivotal figure in restaurant marketing. His early exposure to the restaurant industry combined with his expertise in marketing has enabled him to craft strategies that connect the dots between customer acquisition and loyalty.
The Critical Role of Marketing in Restaurants
Matt emphasizes the importance of understanding where to focus marketing efforts. He highlights that today’s guaranteed place to find potential customers is on their mobile phones. Whether via Facebook ads or text messaging, capturing attention is pivotal. He underscores the concept of ABR – Attract, Build, Retain, which resonates throughout his strategies, drawing parallels between marketing and personal relationships.
Building Relationships and Capturing Customer Data
In their conversation, Matt and Jeremy discuss the importance of restaurants acquiring customer data. Matt shares a personal anecdote about losing a favorite restaurant simply due to a change in driving habits, illustrating the significance of customer engagement beyond physical signage. The need for a structured approach in capturing, managing, and utilizing customer data is emphasized, with Matt advocating for offers that customers feel compelled to accept.
Why Many Restaurants Struggle with Marketing
Despite the evident benefits, many restaurants struggle to effectively harness marketing and loyalty programs. Matt attributes this to a combination of factors, including lack of tech integration, insufficient training for staff, and a misguided notion that marketing is a cost rather than an investment. He stresses the importance of a cohesive tech stack that integrates POS systems with marketing tools to automate and streamline customer engagement.
Spotlight on Success Stories
The podcast spotlights the inspiring journey of Avery Ward, owner of Little Italy Restaurante, who transformed the family’s business from $500k to $3.5 million in sales by embracing marketing and operational excellence. Avery’s story exemplifies the impact of personal development, strategic planning, and harnessing the right marketing tools.
Introducing Driver: A Customer-Centric Loyalty Solution
Matt introduces Driver, a comprehensive solution that combines customer acquisition with loyalty programs. It aims to help restaurants acquire valuable customer data, drive initial visits, and maintain ongoing engagement through tailored marketing strategies. By understanding customer behavior, Driver facilitates smarter business decisions, offering a holistic approach to restaurant marketing.
Conclusion
This enlightening podcast episode reiterates the importance of consistent growth and adaptation in the restaurant sector. By focusing on strategic marketing, embracing innovative technologies, and investing in customer relationships, restaurants can significantly enhance their success rates. Matt Plapp’s insights into customer acquisition, loyalty, and marketing excellence provide a roadmap for restaurant owners eager to elevate their business in an increasingly competitive industry.
For more on this topic, listen to the full episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, or visit mattplapp.com to connect with Matt and explore a plethora of resources tailored to help restaurants thrive.
