Technology has been a big part of the pub experience for years. Whether playing video games, watching sports on TV, or simply taking advantage of wireless internet service to chat with friends online, technology can make your time in a pub more enjoyable and productive. In this article, we’ll discuss ten ways to use technology in pubs.
Create a digital menu to make looking at the Menu Easier
Digital menus are a great way to reduce paper use and make pub-goers’ lives easier. Instead of printing out hundreds or even thousands of menus, you can simply take photos of the menu with your smartphone and upload them to an app like Grabbitz. The picture will be stored in the cloud and then displayed on mobile devices for customers to see while they’re at your pub.
Publish Sports Schedules Online for easy Access
Many people go out to pubs after work because it’s convenient, but sometimes that means missing important sporting events while having a few drinks with friends. To keep everyone happy, create digital calendars containing local team schedules, so patrons know when their favorite teams are playing without hunting through newspapers or asking staff members every time they arrive at the bar.
Put a Tablet behind the Bar for Quick Transactions
Many modern publicans find that tablets make their lives much easier when tracking sales, charging credit cards, and looking up drink recipes. They can also be used as digital menus. If you don’t want to invest in a computer or smartphone just for a pub, consider buying a tablet to put behind the bar instead.
Add a TV or Projector to your Pub and Play Sports Games
TVs and projectors are a relatively cheap addition to any pub. You can even add an entire TV wall, so customers have their pick of which games they want to see when watching sports at your bar. The more options you have, the more money you’ll make.
Create an App for your Pub so Customers can Place Orders
You might have noticed that most people are carrying small devices in their pockets these days, and it turns out they’re perfect for placing food or drink orders with a few taps of the finger. Apps like Square Register allow users to place orders through their smartphones, which speeds up service at the bar.
Create an Online RSVP System for Events
Some of the most popular nights in pubs are when there is a band playing or special event taking place, but they can also be difficult to plan. Instead of worrying about whether you’re going to book enough space or run out of drinks, creating an online registration system like Eventbrite will allow customers to sign up ahead of time and pay using their cards. This takes all the stress off your shoulders (and lets guests know exactly what type of crowd you’re expecting).
Provide Free Wi-Fi for your Customers
Free WiFi is another great way to attract more people. Customers can use it to read the news, catch up with friends on social networks, or watch videos that will keep them entertained during their visit. A good router and internet service provider are key if you want reliable wireless coverage at all times of the day. You don’t want customers to get frustrated and stop coming because your internet connection isn’t working.
Make it Easier with the Accessibility App Big Buttons Plus
Big Buttons Plus is designed specifically for people who wish to control smartphones or tablets using only one hand. It is easy to use in crowded pubs where carrying additional devices is not practical. The application includes large buttons that can be used without looking and gives users more than 50 commands. Some commands include playing music, opening apps, checking email, typing text messages, getting directions home from GPS navigation apps, searching the web, or finding nearby restaurants.
Use Tablets for ordering Food, which will allow Customers to Order
In addition to allowing customers to place food and drink orders from their smartphones, you can also install tablets on your pub’s tables. That way, people don’t have to wait for a bartender or waiter if they want something else while they’re there. In the future, you could even add facial recognition software so patrons can order from their table without tapping a single button.
Many people go out to pubs after work because it’s convenient, but sometimes that means missing important sporting events while having a few drinks with friends. To keep everyone happy, create digital calendars containing local team schedules, so patrons know when their favorite teams are playing without hunting through newspapers or asking staff members every time they arrive at the bar.
Make it easy for Customers to Sign up for Loyalty Programs
It’s easy for regular customers to get upset when they find out that you’re not running a loyalty program. Fortunately, it has gotten much easier to keep track of who is ordering what and which drinks patrons enjoy most in the digital age. Running an app on smartphones or tablets can make it even simpler by allowing people to sign up with just one click.
The most important takeaway from this article is that pub owners like Melvin Brewing should consider how technology can help them run their business more efficiently and grow revenue. The only thing stopping you from using technology in your pub is a lack of ingenuity, so be creative and find the right app or device for your needs.