Gamified Tiered Loyalty System: engaging customers beyond discounts
Discover how our new loyalty program with gamification can transform guest experiences, boosting loyalty and revenue.
Today, it’s not enough for guests to just enjoy good food — they want to feel valued and appreciated. So, how do you create that emotional connection to make guests return time and again?
At LoyaltyPlant, we’ve cracked the code.
After years of driving innovation in food tech, we’re pleased to introduce our latest feature: the Gamified Tiered Loyalty System.
This system goes beyond traditional discounts, strengthening the emotional ties between restaurants and their guests. Let’s dive into how it works and why it’s a game-changer for your restaurant’s profitability.
What is the Gamified Tiered Loyalty System?
Imagine every guest becoming part of a game where every order brings them closer to a new level and additional perks. This model lies at the heart of the Gamified Tiered Loyalty System, which assigns guests different statuses based on their order frequency and spending amount.
The main goal is to inspire guests to order more frequently and spend more, as each new level unlocks even more exciting rewards.
What business goals does the system achieve?
- Revenue growth:Guests, eager to reach new levels, place more orders, which increases revenue during peak periods. This naturally boosts the average check.
- Turning occasional guests into regulars:Gamification engages guests on an emotional level, making their orders feel like an exciting event. They want to return to reach the next level, especially when they can do so through your app or website.
- Optimizing loyalty costs:The reward catalog is designed to complement the menu without lowering the average check. These are thoughtful gestures that guests appreciate but don’t replace your main offerings.
Thus, the Gamified Tiered Loyalty System becomes not just a sales tool but a real way to maintain long-term connections with guests and boost their loyalty.
How does it work?
In the system, every new customer automatically receives a basic level, which can be named differently depending on the restaurant’s brand. Even if a customer hasn’t made any purchases yet, they’re already part of the system, motivating them to take the first step.
Level upgrades are based on the total amount spent by the guest over a certain period:
- Bronze: The entry level for new users.
- Silver: Available after the first transaction, which exceeds the average check.
- Gold: For customers who’ve made several purchases.
- Platinum: An exclusive level for the most active users.
Unique user experience elements
What makes Gamified Tiered Loyalty System unique for the restaurant industry?
- Reward catalog for each level:For guests at the lower levels (e.g., Basic — Bronze and the next — Silver), affordable dishes with low cost (mostly appetizers) are available to create an emotional boost and motivate them to level up through more orders. At the Gold and Platinum levels, exclusive items are offered to encourage guests to place larger orders more frequently.
- Gamification and animation:Level transition animations, like in popular games, create a sense of achievement and victory, strengthening the emotional connection between the guest and the brand. Users receive push notifications with animations when they reach a new level or risk losing one, adding an element of surprise and making the process more engaging. This motivates guests to order more frequently to stay at their favorite level.
- Widget and progress bar on the home screen:The main screen of the app always displays the customer’s current status and progress toward the next level through a dynamic progress bar. It shows the guest’s current level and the amount they need to spend to reach the next level. This visual reminder sparks interest in the system and motivates guests to reach their next reward.
- Bonus tasks:A new feature allows guests to earn points by completing small tasks: placing orders through the app, inviting friends, or ordering larger meals. This not only makes the program more engaging but also increases the average check, helping guests progress through levels faster.
- Information page: Customers can access detailed information about the loyalty system, including rewards and conditions for earning them.
- Push notifications and animations:Users receive notifications with animations when they reach a new level or risk losing one. This visual approach adds an element of surprise and “game-like” excitement, making the process more enjoyable and motivating guests to order more frequently and stay at their favorite level.
What else will help increase restaurant revenue?
This year, LoyaltyPlant also launched a completely new product for the restaurant industry: smart AI-powered campaigns. These personalized marketing campaigns, driven by artificial intelligence, are not part of the loyalty program but significantly enhance its effectiveness, bringing additional profits to the restaurant.
Smart AI campaigns select personalized offers for each customer based on their order history, automating the process of bringing guests back. This helps increase profits through advanced data management, 100% personalization, and autonomous operation 24/7.
Case study
For one of our major clients, Papa Johns UAE, we implemented the new Gamified Tiered Loyalty System and analyzed revenue growth across different customer categories — from average to top-tier spenders.
The results were impressive (see the graph): the program showed a significant increase in average revenue per user (ARPU) in every category, as follows:
- 11.3% increase for the medium cohort
- 17.4% increase for the high cohort
- 25.9% increase for the top cohort
In the first week, we saw a slight dip in revenue as users adjusted to the updated program. However, just a few days later, the program began delivering noticeable results, leading to consistent revenue growth across all customer categories.
Want to learn more and implement the next-generation Gamified Tiered Loyalty System?
Click here to get a free business review of your online sales channel. Soon, our team will offer you solutions to help increase guest loyalty and restaurant revenue.
