Aster
Chapter 5

Promote your program

Your program exists, but nobody knows it yet. Everything hinges on one very simple object: the QR code sitting on your counter. It is the only way in, and how visible it is decides how many people sign up.

Saint-Louis Coffee

Scan for your loyalty card

The 10th coffee free

1

Display your QR code at the counter

Every program has its own QR code, available from its page in the app. Print it, or show it on a screen if you have one.

  • At eye level, near the till, where the customer is already waiting.
  • With the reward written on it. A bare QR code intrigues nobody; "The 10th coffee free" gives a reason to scan.
  • Large enough, at least postcard size, so a phone reads it first time.
2

Your catalogue page, if you run several programs

Aster also gives you a public page listing all your active programs. Useful if you offer both a stamp card and a pass: the customer picks the one that interests them.

It is also the address to put in your Instagram bio, on your Facebook page or in your email signature, since it stays valid even when you change programs.

Only one program? Display its QR code directly. The catalogue page adds a pointless tap when there is nothing to choose from.
What really makes the difference

The QR code is not enough. Someone has to mention it.

The businesses that fill their program are the ones whose staff say it out loud. A silent sign performs very poorly.

One sentence at the till

"Do you want your loyalty card? It is a code to scan, ten seconds, nothing to install." That single line changes the sign-up rate more than anything else.

Reassure about installing

The customer's first objection is always the same: they assume they will have to download an app. Say up front that they will not, and the hesitation disappears.

Sign the first ones up yourself

For your first customers, walk them through it. You will immediately see whether your sign is readable and whether the code scans from where it sits.

Troubleshooting

What can go wrong

The QR code will not scan

Three causes, in order of frequency: the code is too small, it sits too low or too far away, or there is glare across it. Print it larger, on matte paper, and put it where the customer is already holding their phone.

This program cannot be found or has been deactivated

The customer scanned a code belonging to a program you have since deactivated or deleted. Remove the old sign and replace it with the code of the active program.

Customers scan but do not finish signing up

The form only asks for a first name and a number, so abandonment nearly always comes from doubt. One sentence from you at the counter is enough to remove it.