5 Strategies To Drive Sign-ups & Keep Customers Coming Back
Getting customers to download and use your catering app isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a daily habit that drives loyalty, boosts sales, and delivers long-term engagement.
Whether you’re launching on a university campus, in a workplace, or at a large venue, the right sign-up strategy can make the difference between a one-time download and a go-to dining solution.
1. Launch With Impact
The best time to capture attention is during big calendar moments – for example a welcome week at university or launch events at workplaces. Make it fun, visible, and rewarding:
- Instant perks: Offer free coffee, snacks, or bonus points for every new sign-up.
- Prize draws: Add excitement with giveaways for those who join during launch week.
- Appear Everywhere: From banners and posters to t-shirts, table talkers, and digital screens, make sure the app is everywhere customers look.
- Use unique QR codes across different channels to track what drives the most sign-ups.
2. Leverage Ambassadors & App-Exclusive Deals
- People trust people. Staff champions, brand ambassadors or student rep can highlight app-only bundles and promotions.
- Limited-time, app-exclusive offers create urgency and drive FOMO (“fear of missing out”).
- Keep your App front-of-mind. Pair this with consistent promotion across social media and newsletters.
3. Keep The Message Simple
Save Time. Save Money. Earn Rewards.
Customers download apps that solve problems. Highlight the everyday benefits clearly:
- Skip the queue with order ahead.
- Save money through loyalty points and discounts.
- Get rewarded for every purchase.
Reinforce the message everywhere, on tables, tills, trays, and even receipts. The app should feel like the default way to eat.
4. Gamify the Experience
Engagement doesn’t stop at sign-up. Keep things exciting with rotating promotions and themed campaigns. Examples include:
- £1 Wednesdays for affordable meals.
- Go Green Week with discounts on plant-based options.
- Limited-time offers that change weekly to keep customers curious.
Gamification not only drives repeat use but also positions your app as fun, fresh, and engaging.
5. Track, Learn, and Evolve
Every campaign provides insights. Which QR codes drove the most sign-ups? Which deals sparked repeat orders? Use data to refine your approach, double down on what works, and continually surprise your customers with new reasons to open the app.
Pro Tip…
Signing customers up to your catering app isn’t a one-off task, it’s about creating a journey that starts with instant rewards, grows with everyday savings, and thrives on engagement and excitement. When your app becomes the easiest, smartest, and most rewarding way to eat, customers won’t just download it – they’ll use it every day.
“Promotions and loyalty schemes work – when done right. But to get results, you need to keep it fresh. Don’t just set it up and leave it running. Update the app regularly, push out new offers, and engage your audience consistently. The data is there to guide you – use it.”
Michael La Rosa, Marketing and Communications Executive, University of Leicester Food and Drink
