Enhancing Customer Experience in Bars

If you can satisfy a customer, you can retain that customer. Enhancing the customer experience at your bar is one of the most effective ways to stand out from the competition and build a loyal customer base. Here are some tips on creating the perfect experience for your customers, with insights into how WhosOut's social media and rewards program can contribute.

Understanding the Customer Journey

It all starts with understanding the full "customer journey." What are customers seeing, experiencing, and thinking during their visit to your bar? While being able to prepare the perfect cocktail is important, creating a truly engaging customer journey requires re-thinking every element of the bar experience that is customer-facing, including the seating, layout, music, menu, and bar setup.

The Cocktail Menu

One frequently overlooked element is the cocktail menu. Does it effectively convey the types of drinks you offer? Have you provided engaging descriptions of each cocktail to make ordering easier? Highlighting specials or signature drinks can gain the attention of customers. In larger establishments, displaying images of different cocktail creations helps customers visualize their choices.

Getting the Bar Right

The bar is where the "magic" happens – the place where customer interactions and conversations take place. To deliver the best possible customer experience, consider factors such as your workstation and the back bar.

Workstation and Back Bar

Your workstation should include everything you need to make drinks within easy reach. Glassware should be clean and presentable, and all spirits should be fully stocked with labels facing out on the back bar. Customers think of the back bar as a "shop window" and a source of inspiration for what drinks to order.

Merchandising Spirits

When merchandising spirits, follow these rules:

• Limit the cocktail specials board to a maximum of two different cocktails to avoid confusing customers.
• Group spirits by category and highlight any specialties of the bar.
• Always have a premium spirit in each category to upsell to customers.

Making Customer Service a Top Priority

Great customer service is essential for creating a memorable experience. Here are some key practices:

• Smile: A simple smile can make a big difference.
• Read the Guest: Anticipate potential orders and offer great recommendations based on the type of guest.
• Reassure Customers: Confirm that customers ordered the right drink, especially if they are trying something new.

Table Service

For bars offering table service, remember "fill not spill." Ensure drinks are spaced properly on the tray and use appropriate glasses to avoid spills. Adding an element of theatrical flair, such as pouring or making drinks at the table, can enhance the experience.

Leveraging WhosOut for Customer Experience

Social Media Integration

WhosOut, a social media platform where people only post at their favorite bars, specializes in creating user-generated content. This helps build a community around your bar and increases organic reach. For example, through WhosOut, Tin Roof was able to sell an extra 250 green tea shots per month.

Rewards Program

Integrating a rewards program into your customer experience strategy can significantly boost loyalty. At WhosOut, we offer a seamless rewards program that encourages repeat visits. For instance, offer a promotion like "Check-in on WhosOut and receive a half-off drink." This drives traffic and increases customer engagement.

Encouraging Positive Online Reviews

In today's digital era, online reviews can significantly impact your bar's reputation. Ensure that your customer service is mentioned as a unique selling point in reviews. A well-analyzed customer journey, perfected bar setup, and thoughtful customer experience can lead to more five-star reviews, attracting even more patrons.

Conclusion

Enhancing the customer experience at your bar involves understanding the customer journey, optimizing the bar setup, prioritizing customer service, and leveraging social media and rewards programs like WhosOut. By focusing on these elements, you can create a memorable experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact WhosOut today to learn more about how our social media platform and rewards program can help you enhance customer experience and drive revenue growth.

By implementing these strategies and leveraging the power of social media and rewards programs, your bar can thrive in today's competitive market.