Page 22 - Fall 2017 english

This isn’t a problem... it’s an opportunity! Customers show a desire to adopt technology that makes experiences better. Big brands like Starbucks and Wal-Mart prove this with inspiring results. You can do the same for your golf course by being and thinking mobile.
The best part is, your competitors are not jumping on this bandwagon quickly enough. Act now and invest the time, money, and effort to be mobile and think mobile and reap the rewards. Here’s what to do:
1. Optimize your website - get new customers
Check to make sure your website is up to par on mobile devices. Start by opening a browser app on your phone and surf to your website. Do you like what you see?
• Is the text big enough to read clearly?
• Are links and buttons big enough to tap easily?
• Is it easy to navigate your site on a smaller screen?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no,’ it is likely costing you business. Your website provider should be able to fix this for you simply enough.
2. Optimize your email - reactivate old customers
Two out of every three people are opening their emails on a mobile device. It is critical that your emails display properly on smaller screens. Using email templates that aren’t optimized for mobile is frustrating to your customer and usually results in immediate deletion, unsubscribes, or the dreaded spam folder.
Most email marketing services like MailChimp or Constant Contact have mobile responsive templates you can use. They also allow you to test your email on mobile devices before you send it. If your email service provider doesn’t offer this feature, switching to one that does is a good business decision.
3. Add a mobile experience to your golf course - earn repeat and referral business
Simplicity + Convenience + Value = Customer Loyalty.
Shopping giants like Target and Amazon.com have strong customer loyalty in part because they make buying easy with their mobile apps. Starbucks has an app that makes it easy for people to order coffee
and pay before they get to the store. The app has proven so popular, the chain is actually struggling to cope with its success! Mobile apps are dominant technology.
Give convenience and value to your customers and they will reward you with loyalty and referrals. Engaged customers are 27% more likely to return a second time and 54% more likely to return a fourth time.
“A word of caution: customers define convenience and
value, not businesses. Customers want apps that serve them, not that serve the business. Not all custom golf apps are created equal.“
A word of caution: customers define convenience and value, not businesses. Customers want apps that serve them, not that serve the business. Not all custom golf apps are created equal.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Using old technology and methods doesn’t make sense anymore. Customers are sending a message that they expect businesses to use dominant technology to appeal to them. They want mobile.
If after reading this you realize you’re not thinking and being mobile, don’t stress. You can solve this problem by the end of the month. There are lots of resources, products, and experts that can help you step-up your game. The only thing holding you back is inaction.
About those divots ... If you really want people to replace divots and repair pitch marks, send a push notification or a text to their mobile phones. They’ll get the message for sure.
Golf Business Canada
22
Source: All references for this article can be found at http://ngcoa.offcourse.golf
Golf Business Canada