Creating Loyal Customers Doesn’t Mean “Discount Everything”

 

It means removing friction so regulars keep coming back.

February is full of “treat yourself” energy, weekend spikes, and last-minute plans. It’s tempting to throw out discounts just to stay busy, but the restaurants that win long-term usually do something simpler:

They make reordering effortless.

Because regulars don’t want to decide again. They want their usual, fast, with zero surprises.

The real reason repeat orders drop

Most repeat business doesn’t disappear because guests stopped liking you. It disappears because ordering becomes annoying:

  • The menu is hard to scan

  • Modifiers are confusing

  • Checkout takes too long

  • Promos require a code they can’t find

  • Pickup instructions are unclear


When the experience feels clunky, regulars don’t “complain.” They just order from whatever works in the moment.

The simplest fix: run campaigns that remove friction

A good campaign isn’t always a discount. It’s a helpful nudge at the right time, built into your ordering flow.


Here are four campaign types that quietly drive repeat business without training your customers to wait for coupons:

1) Abandoned Cart Reminder

A gentle “Finish in one tap” message catches the easy saves.

2) Reorder Prompt

“Your usual is ready when you are.” This is how regulars behave—make it one click.

3) Loyalty Progress Update

Not a punch card. More like: “You’re one away from a reward.”

4) Win-Back Nudge

If someone hasn’t ordered in a while, remind them why they loved you, without begging.

A quick way to think about it

Discounts can bring people back once.
Frictionless reordering brings them back again…and again.

If you only do one thing this month, don’t discount everything. Instead, set up one or two automated campaigns that make it easier for regulars to repeat the behavior they already want.

Want help choosing the right campaigns?

Get a free demo today.

 
Zuppler Inc