Connect with your customers and enhance your marketing

Stampede

Introducing: Stories

Products

Table Management

Guest Wi-Fi

Marketing & CRM

Reviews

Loyalty & Rewards

Gift Cards

Analytics & Reports

Industries

Restaurants

Hotels

Pubs & Bars

Resources

Learn

Marketing Scorecard

Free Downloads

Email Campaign Templates

Automation Ideas

Blog

About

People and Promise

Careers - We're Hiring!

Success Stories

Testimonials

User Resources

Supported Hardware

Knowledge Base

Partners

Pricing

Thousands of new businesses are established every day. It’s a rough world and taking care of your new company isn’t always easy, as most of them aren’t profitable enough to grow and make themselves a name on the market. 

<h2>Adaptation</h2>
But why do so  so many companies <a class="" href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/288769">struggling to establish themselves</a>? Some don’t make it due to a lack of funding, others fail because the product isn’t made for the market and another aspect that is often ignored is adaptation. Darwin (amazing dude), already knew that the key to survival is constant adaptation &#8211; and he&#8217;s right.
Even more established companies fail, when they don&#8217;t adapt. This was the case with Atari, Blockbuster, Blackberry, Hummer and many more.
Customers are looking for more than another retail shop, hotel or restaurant. They are looking for someone who offers them a unique experience and a venue that doesn’t compromise their wants and needs. Customers want to be able to work at your &#8211; or your customer’s &#8211; venue, check the latest football scores or send a text to grandma.
Enhance the Experience
Many businesses have recognised that shift and adapted accordingly. They started adding Guest WiFi to their venue to enhance customer experience and give guests the freedom to surf and relax. This adaptation might have happened in time, but is your guest network really adding something to the customer experience?
Top 7 WiFi Mistakes
To make sure you don’t commit a blunder with your guest WiFi, we collected the most common WiFi Mistakes that businesses tend to make and put them all together in this new eBook for you. Make sure you, or your customers, don’t fall into the WiFi trap and keep your business growing and thriving.
Knowing these common mistakes will not only help you offer the best experience to your guests, it will also save you a lot of time and money (as these are usually what business owners lack the most).
Make sure you’re on the safe side and get your eBook today!
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

post

Learn from other’s mistakes

Today is a big day for us at Stampede, as we are now fully integrated with the Open Mesh / Cloud Trax ecosystem, meaning you can get up and running with our full suite of features, without visiting a site or buying additional hardware.

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4005 size-tb_x_large" style="width: 1200px;" title="Stampede Integration" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Imported_Blog_Media/Screenshot-2016-11-03-10_11_55-1200x627.png" alt="Stampede Integration" width="1200" data-constrained="true" />
<h2>Why?</h2>
Integrating with vendors is the next major frontier for us, if you&#8217;ve been selling / installing wireless hardware for some time, you will no doubt have your preferred vendor. Open Mesh (with over 80k networks globally) have a terrific product that &#8220;Just works out the box&#8221;, allowing Meraki level network management at a fraction of the cost. Using our seamless integration, you can now get access to beautifully branded login screens, custom data capture, one time logins, automated email / sms marketing, customer analytics and full UK compliance. Its our job to make sure you are able to offer the gold standard of guest WiFi, having an end user experience that is second to none.
<h2>How?</h2>
You can get up and running with our full featured product including a 7 day free trial:
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>
Together we can put an end to site visits, remote access and poor guest WiFi experiences.

Open Mesh Integration

We&#8217;ve recently read how <a href="https://inception-group.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inception Group</a>, a London based experiential bar group, plans to weave reopening regulations and measures into the guest experience as they look ahead.



They are taking the current guidance and putting a positive, branded spin on it rather than just following a tick-box exercise for reopening their themed venues.&nbsp; Mannequins dressed to match the themes as placeholders, bee-keeping suits and even vintage gas masks are all in the mix to comply with regulations.



 The concept has rightly received <a href="https://www.hospitalityandcateringnews.com/2020/06/applause-for-reopening-on-brand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coverage and praise</a> across industry media. Adapting the measures to differentiate themselves and create memorable customer experiences is a great initiative.



 The team at <a href="https://inception-group.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inception Group</a> talk of how the concept aims to avoid creating environments that look too sterile and take away from the atmosphere and experience in their venues.



 Their example points to the need for venues to find that balance between hospitality and hygiene, personality and PPE when planning for reopening. Consumers will want to see the measures in place but at the same time they would probably appreciate some escape from the constant reminders. It&#8217;s a tough compromise.



 There are lots of images of waiting and bar staff in surgical masks on the web right now, and it looks sterile in every sense of the word. It looks clean but impersonal.&nbsp;



 According to <a href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%203-m&amp;q=branded%20face%20masks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Trends</a>, searches for “branded face masks” have &#8211; perhaps unsurprisingly &#8211; been on the rise in the last 6 weeks. Visually this is one of the first things that comes to mind when considering customer service in the near future. But how many operators are going to consider adding branded PPE to existing workwear? And what further adaptions of the possible reopening measures could be made to help venues strike the right balance between peace-of-mind and brand personality?



 As we edge closer to a reopening date for hospitality venues, it will be interesting to see how necessary safety measures are incorporated into customer experiences.



<a href="https://inception-group.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inception Group</a> mentioned that they will keep developing their concept as regulations are clarified, and we look forward to seeing the eventual outcome.

Personality Vs. Peace of Mind

AirBnB-ing your place out (did we just use &#8220;AirBnB&#8221; as a verb? Yes, deal with it) during the holiday season is a great way to earn extra cash at a time when every little helps.&nbsp;And if there&#8217;s one thing that every AirBnBer knows, it&#8217;s that your guests are going to ask for Guest WiFi. 







It&#8217;s a known fact that <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/TripAdvisorInsights/n2670/6-key-travel-trends-2016" target="_blank">travellers consider WiFi one of the top amenities when choosing a place to stay</a>. So it seems that offering Guest WiFi at your place for your AirBnB guests is pretty much a no brainer.



But why just offer your Guests free WiFi when you can also be using it as a tool to help market your property during the busy holiday season?&nbsp;



Here&#8217;s just a few tips on how to get started.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">USE A CAPTIVE PORTAL</h4>



Instead of sticking your WiFi password up to the wall with a piece of tape, you can purchase an inexpensive piece of equipment and have your customers sign into the WiFi through what is known as a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/">captive portal</a>. 



How does it work? When a guest enters your AirBnB, fires up a WiFi device and connects to your network, they are first steered toward a splash screen, also known as a captive portal. The portal is preconfigured to ask the guest for their email address. Once the user has confirmed their email, they&#8217;re allowed access to the network.



Even more the cool part, though &#8211; on the splash screen you can ask for as little or as <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">much information</a> as you want. Want to know where your guests are coming from? Ask for their zip or postcode.



Looking for a demographic breakdown of your guests? Ask for gender or age. A good piece of captive portal software (spoiler alert: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" class="" href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works" target="_blank">we can recommend one</a>) should allow you to customise your questions so you could ask just about anything.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<figure><iframe loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hxS07gP8xFo" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">BUILD A MAILING LIST</h4>



So, you&#8217;ve got your captive portal setup and now you have a list of guests who have used the WiFi at your place and their emails.&nbsp;So what?



Now, what??! You&#8217;ve got yourself a marketing list there, buddy! &nbsp;And that list has value. Remember that awesome Guest WiFi solution we were talking about? 



You can now use that to send out email or SMS messages to everyone on your list. Or, if you already have a mailing list solution like MailChimp, Zoho or Mailify, use your guest WiFi solution to <a href="https://stampede.ai/product/how-it-works/#marketing">automatically import your email guest list.</a> Then, when you&#8217;re ready,&nbsp;send out an email blast to your favourite customers letting them know your AirBnB let is available for the holiday. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">Connect with</a> your best customers and avoid having to lower your prices at the last minute in order to book guests.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">GUEST WIFI SECURITY</h4>



Remember that WiFi password we talked about earlier &#8211; you know, the one you had taped to the wall above the router? You haven&#8217;t changed it at all, have you? So each and every guest who has ever been to your place now has access to the WiFi. What about that router password? Still using the default one printed on the bottom?



Those are just a few of the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/take-the-risk-out-of-guest-wifi/">security facts</a> you have to take into account when offering free Guest WiFi for your AirBnB guests.



And then there are the&nbsp;<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/blog/articles/porn-prisons-wifi-network-safety-tips" target="_blank">sites that your guests are visiting</a>. Maybe sometimes it&#8217;s best NOT to know these things. But then, you don&#8217;t want your guests downloading pirated movies or using your WiFi to seed a bunch of hacked copies of the latest version of Windows.



A security nightmare, right?



Not if you&#8217;re using <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works#security" target="_blank">a secure Guest WiFi solution</a>.&nbsp;Because your AirBnB guests won&#8217;t be connecting to your router. So there&#8217;s no chance they&#8217;ll get in and mess up your network. Or leave a little bit of malicious code behind.



With a captive portal solution, you can even set bandwidth limits so your guests aren&#8217;t downloading everything under the sun. You could even make a bit of change on the side by charging for your WiFi after your guests have used a certain amount of data.



Looking to get more in-depth? <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/articles/airbnb-wifi" target="_blank">Check out our earlier post</a> for helping to keep your WiFi secure for AirBnB guests. &nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">AIRBNB GUEST WIFI WITH Stampede&nbsp;</h4>



So if you&#8217;re looking for ways to make the most out of &nbsp;your AirBnB Guest WiFi over the holidays, we&#8217;ve got just the solution you need. With Stampede you offer fast, safe, secure, and legal WiFi for all of your AirBnB guests.



But hurry, because the holidays are here!&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Or arrange an online demo with our product specialists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="#schedule-demohttps://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a></h2>

Tips on Using Guest WiFi with Your AirBnB

Try this: head to your social media channels or customer email system. When was the last time you shared information about in-venue safety measures?&nbsp;



 You might find it’s been longer than you think as the focus shifted to EOTHO and other operations. It&#8217;s pretty common for businesses to send out a message once and move on to the next topic.



 If it’s been more than 2 weeks since your last message about safety measures, it’s worth sending a reminder email to customers, and posting something on social media. The more you repeat the message, the more likely it is to be seen.



<a href="https://www.cga.co.uk/2020/09/18/the-covid-effect-ten-big-trends-in-uk-and-us-consumer-behaviour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CGA’s latest Brandtrack data</a> shows that 65% of people have now returned to restaurants, bars and other venues. There’s still a large proportion to come back, not to mention the continuing need to reassure all customers as things change.



Make It Easy



 To save time, don’t be afraid to reuse the content from a previous message or post. Give it a quick proof read and update anything out of date before sending.



 The chances of people calling you out for being repetitive are extremely small on both social media and in email. Especially if it’s got a few small changes, like a new image or subject line.



Make It Better



 There’s more content you could add into that message now too. Using positive reviews regarding the atmosphere or ambience in light of safety measures as part of a reminder will give the message an even greater impact this time.



Whether you&#8217;re looking to send a reminder with some improvements, or send your first email, we&#8217;re here to help. <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with one of our team to get started.

Repeat The Message

A&nbsp;successful service recovery strategy&nbsp;can help businesses to increase customer retention and revenue after a service failure. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-secret-to-successful-service-recovery-in-hospitality-one-part-1/" target="_blank">Part one of this series</a>&nbsp;focused on the complaint handling steps that should be part of a service recovery strategy. However, there are some other critical factors that play an important role towards its success and ultimately customer loyalty.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-success-factors-for-your-service-recovery-strategy">4 Success Factors For Your Service Recovery Strategy</h4>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1) Response Speed</h4>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.customerservicemanager.com/customer-service-facts/" target="_blank">Up to 96% of customers will stay with a business</a>&nbsp;if they feel that the company has acted quickly on their complaint. Time is indeed of essence for a successful recovery.&nbsp;



You want to reach out to the customer whilst the experience and memory are still fresh. Therefore, your&nbsp;first response has to be almost immediate. Make sure to always keep an eye on your recent reviews and ask for regular feedback to catch any complaints early on.



But equally important is the&nbsp;timeframe between the actions taken. A speedy apology will be worthless if you take too long to resolve the issue. Also, communication is important here. Provide your staff with tips on how to keep customers updated about the progress made and next steps.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2) Empowerment</h4>



Empower your staff to make their own decisions&nbsp;during the recovery. They should be able to take necessary measures (within guidelines) without having to ask for approval first. Some bigger brands, like The Ritz-Carlton Hotels or Virgin even have a fixed service recovery allowance per employee.



The fewer people that are involved in the service recovery the easier and quicker it will be for your customers. So, if you empower your employees to take ownership, they will act as the&nbsp;main contact person&nbsp;throughout.



Besides, allowing your staff to handle the complaint using their own judgment and authority is a great morale booster for them.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3) Staff Training</h4>



To succeed with your service recovery strategy, you have to provide your team with the&nbsp;right skill set. This involves regular training to make them more confident when dealing with complaints.&nbsp;



Equip them with a clear step-by-step process they can follow along, similar to the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-secret-to-successful-service-recovery-in-hospitality-one-part-1/" target="_blank">LEARN framework</a>&nbsp;we had a look at in the first part of this series.&nbsp;



And make sure to&nbsp;record your incidents&nbsp;and the outcome to share it with the whole team. This is the best way to improve your processes.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4) Compensation Matters</h4>



The most important factor in your service recovery strategy is to match the compensation to the type of failure and develop&nbsp;individual strategies for each customer.



In general, a financial compensation often won’t do the trick towards customer loyalty. It&#8217;s what customers would at least expect after a complaint. You have to find a solution that reassures them of your commitment to delivering on your promised customer experience.



The trick is to go the extra mile. Apply an experience-driven recovery approach, which means addressing customers emotionally by focusing on their needs. This way the newly created experience will make up for the failure that happened before. Which leads to an increase in their loyalty.

[Part 2] How To Win-Back Unhappy Customers

<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-content-inspiration-for-a-new-month">Fresh Content Inspiration for a New Month</h4>







This week marks the beginning of a new month! We had a little sneak peek for you and March is full of exciting topics and events to look forward to. Mother’s Day is less than a fortnight away! Get your customers prepped with brunch and gift ideas and don’t forget to promote your offers.



But let&#8217;s jump straight into this week’s topics. National Nutrition Month meets Pie Week and Peanut Butter Day. Healthy vs. no regrets? Take your pick!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationalnutritionmonth">#NationalNutritionMonth</h4>



This year’s theme is “Personalise Your Plate” by making informed food choices, committing to healthy eating and physical activity. The campaign also features <a href="https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weekly key messages</a> with inspiring ideas on how to commit to eating and living healthy.



Tips to encourage and support your customers:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Share your favourite healthy recipes</li><li>Share healthy snack ideas</li><li>Share hacks around meal planning &amp; cooking</li><li>Share daily exercise tips from your staff</li><li>Start a ‘real food’ challenge and provide tips on how to swap&nbsp;processed with real food</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1st-to-7th-of-march-britishpieweek">1st to 7th of March &#8211; #BritishPieWeek</h4>



The saying goes that: “We in Britain stopped evolving gastronomically with the advent of the pie.” It’s true: we Brits just love our pies and we’re a well-known pie nation. So why should we come up with anything more than that?&nbsp;



Pies brighten our dinner tables, complement a perfect picnic and make the most delicious dessert (apple pie!). <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/our-best-pie-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pie variations seem to be endless.</a> It’s not only about choosing the right filling, but also deciding on the right base. Just no soggy bottom, please! And to stick to British Pie origins, there should be a top and a base involved.



Get your customers engaged in pie week:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Offer a pie meal kit</li><li>Share your chef’s best pie recipes</li><li>How to get the perfect crust/bottom</li><li>Poll &#8211; what kind of pie lover are you?</li><li>Competition &#8211; share your homemade pies with us and win</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monday-1st-peanutbutterlover-sday">Monday 1st &#8211; #PeanutButterLover&#8217;sDay&nbsp;</h4>



It can be crunchy or smooth, rich and intense. It can go sweet or savoury. But it is definitely indulgent and comforting. Peanut butter! I would say, there’s (almost) nothing a spoonful of peanut butter can’t fix. No doubt, peanut butter is one of the world’s most favourite spreads.&nbsp;



Keeping National Nutrition Month in mind, there are lots of delicious <a href="https://www.self.com/gallery/healthy-peanut-butter-snacks-under-250-calories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy peanut butter snack recipes</a> out there! After all, peanuts are a good protein source and high in healthy fats.



Peanut butter is also part of some iconic duos &#8211; Which one is your favourite?



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Peanut butter &amp; toast &#8211; the straightforward one</li><li>Peanut butter &amp; jelly &#8211; the classic one</li><li>Peanut butter &amp; chocolate &#8211; the match made in heaven one</li><li>Peanut butter &amp; pork &#8211; the Asian-style one</li><li>Peanut butter &amp; pizza &#8211; the more adventurous ones</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-content-ideas-for-this-week">More Content Ideas for This Week</h4>



Friday 5th &#8211; Employee Appreciation Day (Employee spotlight!) Saturday 6th &#8211; National Oreo Cookie Day Saturday 6th &#8211; White Chocolate Cheesecake Day Sunday 7th &#8211; National Cereal Day 



If you&#8217;re looking to get your stories and promotions in front of your customers <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get in touch</a> with our team. We’re here to help with your email marketing and much more.

What’s On This Week? – 01/03/2021

A diverse topic content week is ahead of us. It’s time to get your socials ready for Easter, no more egg-cuses! All waffle fans (anyone who doesn’t like waffles?!) will be in food heaven and we will raise awareness for global warming during Earth Hour.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>



Before we dive into what’s coming this week, today is #GoofOffDay. Use it as an opportunity to let go and have some fun. Take some downtime to shake things up, be silly and refresh your mind. Pass your time by the most unproductive means possible. Challenge accepted?&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coming-up-easter">Coming up: #Easter</h4>



It’s time to sprinkle a little Easter over your marketing. Get your easter bunnies, eggs, chicks, chocolate, pastel colours and flowers ready! Egg-citing times are around the corner.



It&#8217;s always fascinating to compare how certain events are celebrated around the world. Some traditions are the same, others couldn&#8217;t be any different.&nbsp;



Have you seen Australia’s Easter Bilby? Adorable! Or did you know that Finland has its own Easter witches? And if you’re in the mood for an egg omelette, you should go to France where they create the world’s biggest omelette each year (more than 4,500 eggs).



Some more eggs-cellent ideas for your social media:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Crafty Eggs competition &#8211; decorate and share</li>



<li>Virtual Easter Egg Hunt (Website, Socials)</li>



<li>Share Easter brunch &amp; table setting ideas</li>



<li><a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/easter-ideas/a31405240/cute-easter-puns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Share your best easter puns</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.womansday.com/life/travel-tips/g2175/easter-traditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Share worldwide traditions</a></li>



<li>Promote your special Easter offers, meal boxes, meal kits etc.</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thursday-25th-waffleday">Thursday 25th &#8211; #WaffleDay </h4>



National Waffle Day is a <a href="https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/culture-history-and-art/swedish-traditions/more-traditions/waffles-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish inspired holiday</a>. Though, waffles probably exist in almost every country. Why not take your customers on a <a href="https://blog.musement.com/us/waffles-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waffle journey around the world</a>? How does a hotdog shaped &amp; sausage stuffed waffle sound? Yum!



Traditionally, they’re eaten with jam and whipped cream but for Waffle Day anything is possible. Only one rule: ideally, you want them crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Apart from that, waffles are certainly not limited to your breakfast time, indulge in a whole day of waffle celebrations. Now, it’s time to plug in your waffle maker.



Get your customers into the waffle mood:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Competition &#8211; get creative with your waffle shapes &amp; colours &amp; flavour</li>



<li>What’s your favourite topping? Share recipe ideas</li>



<li>Team savoury or sweet?</li>



<li>Did you know … waffles inspired Nike’s first pair of sneakers? (the sole!)</li>



<li>Did you know … a shortage of cups and surplus of waffles lead to the ice cream cone?</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturday-27th-earthhour">Saturday 27th &#8211; #EarthHour</h4>



This year’s global Earth Hour event will take place on Saturday! People and businesses all around the world are switching off their lights for an hour (8.30 pm to 9.30 pm) to show their support.



This year is all about “Climate Change to Save Earth” and there are plenty of ways to participate digitally. Make sure to share the &#8216;Virtual Spotlight&#8217; video on your socials. 



Ideas to get your customers ready for Earth Hour:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Create an Earth Hour menu using <a href="https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/wwf-and-knorr-launch-future-50-foods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local, sustainable-sourced</a> ingredients</li>



<li>Dinner in the dark or blind tasting ideas</li>



<li>Tips to minimise food waste</li>



<li>Fun ideas to brighten-up the hour without electricity</li>



<li>Recycling challenge &#8211; turn an item into something creative</li>



<li>Host virtual Earth Hour Pub Quiz</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-content-ideas-for-this-week">More Content Ideas for This Week:</h4>



Monday 22nd March &#8211; #CrunchyTacoDay Thursday 25th March &#8211; #PecanDay Friday 26th March &#8211; #NougatDay Saturday 27th March &#8211; #SpanishPaellaDay Saturday 27th March &#8211; #InternationalWhiskyDay Sunday 28th March &#8211; #BlackForestCakeDay 



If you&#8217;re looking to get your stories and promotions in front of your customers <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get in touch</a> with our team. We’re here to help with your email marketing and much more.

What’s On This Week? – 22/03/2021

With the latest release of our software &#8211; <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/connect-version-4-0/">Version 4.0</a> &#8211; we have added a brand new feature that will transform how promotions are delivered to customers in venues. Our Story feature.







WiFi Stories allows you to promote news, offers, events and more in a dynamic way. On your <a href="http://connect.stampede.ai">Connect account</a> you can now create tiles for individual promotions and messages, that will be shown to returning visitors to your venue, after they login back into the WiFi. Each tile will be shown for 12 seconds before moving on, with a countdown timer along the top.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="593" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Stories-small-loop.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-12594"/></figure>



Heres the clever bit. Stories guarantees visibility of your promotions and messages &#8211; as visitors can&#8217;t access the free WiFi until they have watched your Stories. You&#8217;ve got them in your venue, and now you&#8217;ve got their attention &#8211; use it wisely!



Also, you can track impressions from the Stories and track clicks and interactions on these in the Connect platform, alongside our improved dashboard, analytics and other marketing tools.



Our WiFi Stories feature is a first of it&#8217;s kind for guest WiFi systems and captive portals, and we&#8217;re super proud of this innovation and how it can help businesses reach customers in new ways.



If you want to know more setting up and using Stories on your existing Connect account, or are interested in finding out how it can fill a gap in your marketing and promotions &#8211; <a href="https://stampede.ai/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="contact our team (opens in a new tab)">contact our team</a>.

It’s time to have a look at upcoming Social Media Trends. The last year has been quite transformative for businesses and customers alike. Staying connected, being able to communicate with one another and socialising has been taken to another level.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



The one thing playing a crucial role in all this is social media. The way we use and interact on different platforms has changed. New trends have emerged and will continue to gain popularity throughout 2021.



<a href="https://www.oberlo.com/blog/social-media-trends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oberlo</a> has just published an article with 10 trends to watch out for. We’ve picked our top 2 which are particularly relevant for the hospitality industry and will give you some tips on how to make the most out of them.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snackable-content">Snackable Content</h3>



The umbrella term summarising our top social media trends is: Snackable Content. Your customers are craving snackable content. This term is somewhat self-explanatory.&nbsp;



Customers want straightforward, short and easy to digest content. Their attention span drops drastically whilst scrolling through their social media feeds which are probably overloaded with posts. So ideally you get their attention with some highly visual and easygoing content.



Businesses on the other hand want content that is shared and goes viral to boost engagement.



So far so good. Apart from gifs and quotes, there are 2 tools that satisfy all of the above.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memes">Memes</h3>



Memes are not a new thing per se. However, the usage of memes has increased by 26% over the last year. Memes often go viral. Think of Bernie Sanders, he was all over our feeds.



Check out the American restaurant chain <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dennysdiner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denny’s diner</a> who is known for creating and sharing memes around all sorts of topics.



Memes make you laugh, they’re refreshing, relatable and highly engaging. They grab people’s attention and the likelihood that they’re shared is huge. There is an endless amount of memes available to underline your post’s message, anything around food, drinks, fun customer stories, kitchen stories, daily life hassles and much more.



But there are a few things to consider when using memes:



Do&#8217;s



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Keep them simple</li><li>Mix them up with other types of content</li><li>Link them to social media events, i.e. National Pizza Day</li><li>Include relevant hashtags</li></ul>



Don’ts



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Don&#8217;t overdo it! Only use them when they add value to your post</li><li>Don’t post outdated ones</li><li>Avoid double meaning</li></ul>



You can even create your own! Sounds far more complicated than it is, use platforms such as <a href="https://pixteller.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pixteller</a>. And don’t forget to link them to your brand-related hashtags.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiktok">TikTok</h3>



Short-video platform TikTok’s user base went up by 210% during the last year, and most businesses will have customers there. Have you seen the recent sea shanty hype going on? Another great example is the Mexican grill restaurant chain <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/fast-casual/how-chipotle-took-over-tiktok" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chipotle</a>. They have launched several (i.e. #GuacDance for the National Avocado Day) very successful record breaking TikTok campaigns.



85% of businesses are already using video as a marketing tool. Every social media platform now offers a video sharing tool. “We’re going live” is something you’ve probably heard a lot recently.&nbsp;



Besides going live, sharing short videos is the new thing. Remember, lighthearted and entertaining is what they want. And short videos are great to create awareness and to attract new customers through the gained exposure.



How hospitality business can use TikTok as part of their Social Media strategy:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Go behind the scenes</li><li>Share recipes</li><li>Share short DIY kitchen, bar and cooking tricks</li><li>Q&amp;A</li><li>Introduce new products/services, team members, partners</li></ul>



Why not give Instagram Reels a try as well? Same idea as TikTok.

Social Media Trends 2021 – Snackable Content

Today’s consumers no longer wish or hope for everything to be instantly available, right at their fingertips &#8211; they expect it. This expectation is a by-product of our modern technology where people are now experiencing unparalleled levels of speed, mobility, and accessibility in obtaining information. To keep up with this new convention for immediate gratification and to ensure that consumers remain pleased, businesses are now marketing themselves in “real-time”. &nbsp;



While “real-time marketing” might sound intimidating (or perhaps exhausting?), the good news is that it is a concept that’s far easier to implement than it sounds.&nbsp;



In this article, we’ll take a look at what real-time marketing is, why it can benefit your retail business, and what types of real-time marketing strategies would best fit your retail outlet.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Real-time Marketing?</h4>



Real-time marketing (often referred to as RTM), is precisely how it sounds &#8211; it’s marketing that takes place in the moment. The “moment” itself can take many forms. With reference to retail, it can be:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The moment that your product becomes available and;</li><li>The moment that a customer requires your product.</li></ul>



To explain further, RTM is about using the “moment” to maintain a consistent relationship with your audience using the most favoured methods of communication. In essence, it connects you with your audience during crucial moments when engagement will be most fruitful.



Consider this example:



Your brand is currently hosting a promotional evening. Guests have been invited to enjoy your store and familiarise themselves with your products. You have provided eats and drinks to make the event more enticing. By taking a picture of your guests enjoying their time at your event and then instantly posting this to social media (think Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), you have just marketed yourself in real-time. Your audiences will see this photo and they might pop in to join the festivities or they will be influenced by the beaming faces of your guests.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">What Are the Benefits of Real-time Marketing for Retailers?</h4>



According to a recent study by Monetate and eConsultancy, UK vendors have reported a 26% increase in conversion rates as a result of real-time marketing <a href="https://oursocialtimes.com/real-time-marketing-increases-conversion-rates-by-26/">[1]</a>. This statistic is an indication that real-time marketing can work effectively.



Wouldn’t you like the opportunity to increase your customer base by 26%, if not more?&nbsp;



Real-time marketing has given retailers an opportunity to share their message in a specific context. It keeps you on your toes by ensuring that your marketing strategies and communication methods remain fresh, relevant, and up to date with the needs of your audience.&nbsp;



When used correctly, real-time marketing also has the following benefits:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>It creates meaningful engagement that customers appreciate. Real-time data can be collected to understand the desires of an audience. Businesses can then use this understanding to give consumers what it is they are looking for in an engaging manner. Social media channels, for example, can be used to reach out to an audience and then you can communicate with potential customers by opening up a dialogue with them whilst in the “moment”. &nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>It allows retail businesses to earn credibility. By feeding the need for instant gratification, your store will rise in credibility. This is not only because you are delivering on a promise but because real-time marketing allows you to identify a need before consumers know what they’re after. A good reputation is what thriving stores are built on.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>It gives you more marketing content to work with. Each “moment” gives you the opportunity to create small snippets of information that can be used for marketing purposes. For example, if a customer has just given your store an excellent review, you can immediately share your new credibility on social media or on a promotional board behind the till.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">What Types of Real-time Marketing Strategies Best Suit the Retail Industry?</h4>



We are now left with the question “how does one effectively engage the constantly-connected, ever-expecting, and demanding customer?&nbsp;



To help you kickstart your RTM strategies, we’d like to share the following tactics with you to help you get your store and products seen, appreciated, and supported:



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Simply interact with your customers. Talk to your audiences both in-store and online. Respond to their queries instantly and reply with empathy and thoughtfulness &#8211; and always try to offer a solution or a promise to deliver.&nbsp;</li><li>Host events and share the hype. Product launches, promotional events, and even a casual sale are all scenarios where one could create a hype. You can share the build-up to the event, post photos and stories of the event itself, and then you can also ask guests for feedback on the event once it is over. This type of engagement gets consumers excited and stuck in “the moment”.</li><li>Share breaking news. Everyone loves a little gossip, so why not share little secrets on what new ranges of products customers can expect or you can share news on how well your store is doing and what it has achieved. This is one way of bringing the moment to a customer by showing them what it is they want.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/3-powerful-ways-wifi-marketing-can-grow-your-business/">Offer visitors a free Wi-Fi hotspot.</a> This form of marketing is becoming very popular. It allows store visitors the satisfaction of having instant access to the information they require. At the same time, you can market to them while they browse your shop.&nbsp;</li></ol>



Endnote:



What’s important to note is that while real-time marketing can benefit brick-and-mortar stores, it’s also a great marketing tool for e-commerce businesses! By looking for those real-time moments and then sharing them at the right time and in the right space, you could be engaging your audiences and turning them into customer quicker than you could have ever imagined.&nbsp;



References:



<a href="https://oursocialtimes.com/real-time-marketing-increases-conversion-rates-by-26/">[1] Monetate and eConsultancy Statistics</a>



Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@cobblepot?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Kit Suman</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/mall?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

What is Real-Time Marketing in Retail?

Gone are the days when having a website was a “big deal” and creating a business Facebook page was an advanced social media strategy. Now, social media marketing has become far more complex and there are countless platforms to choose from.&nbsp;The strategy of marketing one’s business online has also evolved. Where we once communicated messages that were “salesy” and persuasive, today’s consumers prefer a more conversational and down-to-earth tone.&nbsp;In fact, this is why many companies have completely adapted their entire <a href="https://creativeclickmedia.com/company-culture-social-media/">company culture to fit in with the new social media-oriented world</a>.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Company Culture?</h4>



Company culture can be defined as the personality of a company. In essence, a company’s culture creates the entire environment in which work takes place. It consists of many elements, including the work environment, a company’s mission, values, ethics, expectations, and goals.



For example, some organisations prefer teamwork and endorse casual attire. While others have a more traditional and formal management style where a suit and tie are still a requirement.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Why Does Company Culture Matter?</h4>



Company culture is one way of keeping employees happy. A happy business is generally a thriving one. If candidates know what your company culture is like before they apply for an open position, then they are going to be more willing to embrace it and stick around.&nbsp;



Also, workers tend to enjoy work more when their opinions and values are consistent with those of the workplace. This forms a great foundation for productivity and team spirit.&nbsp;



When an employee appreciates a company’s culture and feels akin to it, then they are more likely to be proud ambassadors of their workplace. Having such team players on your workforce is a very important component of a successful modern-day social media campaign.&nbsp;



The next section delves into why.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Importance of Reflecting Your Company Culture in Your Social Media Strategy</h4>



When it comes to social media, you can use your <a href="https://www.toprankblog.com/2017/05/company-culture-instagram/">company’s culture to send engaging messages</a> to your audiences to let them know who you are, what you have to offer, and why! It adds a personal touch to your marketing – a personal touch that consumers have come to appreciate and acknowledge.&nbsp;



The characters your employees, the core values of your business, and the moments of euphoria that are experienced when goals are reached. All this contributes to the giant tapestry of your workplace.



But, while your culture may be fun and positive, if you haven’t found a way to show this energy that your company radiates, then social media is the place where you need to turn your focus. &nbsp;



One thing that social media captures is the personification of an organisation’s culture. Whether you are a retailer or are in the hospitality industry. Portraying the positivity and happiness of your workforce on social media not only fosters further positivity, but another bonus is that it’s great for recruiting other employees whose values are the same.



If you’re not sure how to incorporate your company culture into your social media marketing. Here are five ways to make it happen.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Get Employees to Participate</h4>



If your company culture is one that embraces new ideas and encourages employees to be team players, then you will have no problem including your employees into your social media marketing strategies. Ask workers to share the company’s posts to their personal pages. Emphasise how important it is to engage with audiences who respond to posts.&nbsp;



You could even set challenges for your team where employees get points for the posts they like, share or comment on. The one with the most points could win a prize, perhaps?



Once you have your employees participating in your social media campaigns, then the next suggestions will easily fall into place.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Be Human</h4>



We understand that you are trying to promote your business and sell a product or service. Audiences, however, respond much better to messages that contain a human element. The more casual you are (as opposed to being formal and corporate-like), the more likely you will put your company in the limelight to get the exposure it needs.&nbsp;



You can humanise your posts by:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Including faces in your posts. Feature your team leaders and employees and remember to tag them.&nbsp;</li><li>Adding positive emotions to your social media content. Posts that include humour, intrigue, pride, warmth, hope and curiosity are more likely to be shared.&nbsp;</li><li>Making audiences feel like they are a part of your team and the fun company culture you have created. Use terms like “let us” and “join us” in your content.</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Celebrate Employees. Give Them the Limelight</h4>



Share the achievements of your employees on social media and give them praise for their accomplishments. When you let your followers and customers know you’re proud of your team, then it leaves the impression that you are a company that cares about its staff as well one who works hard to deliver an excellent product or service. &nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Tell Stories and Give Sneak Peeks into What Happens “Behind the Scenes”</h4>



Share your company’s culture with the world. Tell them stories about your day and give them sneak peeks into “what’s to come”. Keep them engaged by keeping stories real and personal. 



For example, if your hotel has just received a new shipment of luxury bathroom amenities, share a picture of your staff eagerly adding them to guest bathroom shelves. Or what about a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-video-marketing-can-boost-your-restaurant/">live video</a> of your busy kitchen team preparing Sunday lunch?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Engage and Respond</h4>



If your company’s culture is one that takes the consumer seriously, then responding to inquiries and comments is key.&nbsp; Remember, <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-importance-of-digital-word-of-mouth/">social media is meant to be a two-way street</a> (with emphasis on the word “social”)! This means that you need to engage with followers and respond to any messages promptly.&nbsp;



Audiences will appreciate your friendly responses and your business’s culture will be kept positive. When a social media strategy reflects the core essence of a company (it’s culture), then it’s more likely to attract the attention of readers.



Want to further increase your engagement and interaction on social media channels? Get in touch with us.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>

Reflecting Your Company Culture in Your Social Media Strategy

Empowering Brands to Harness User-Generated Content



In the age of social media and digital connectivity, user-generated content (UGC) has emerged as a powerful tool that is reshaping marketing strategies. UGC tools are designed to help brands effectively curate, manage, and leverage user-generated content. These tools provide a range of functionalities, such as content discovery, moderation, rights management, and analytics. By using <a href="https://www.ttagz.co.uk/">UGC tools</a>, brands can easily identify and collect relevant UGC related to their products or services. 



They can also engage with their audience, encourage content creation, and amplify the reach of UGC through various channels. With the help of UGC tools, brands can streamline their UGC strategies and make the most out of the content generated by their users.



Customising UGC Experiences for Brands



UGC software takes the concept of UGC tools a step further by offering more advanced features and customisation options. This software allows brands to integrate UGC into their websites, apps, or other digital platforms seamlessly. They provide templates and design tools that enable businesses to create visually appealing UGC displays that align with their branding.



<a href="https://www.ttagz.co.uk/">UGC software</a> also often includes sophisticated moderation algorithms and AI-powered filters to ensure that only relevant and appropriate content is displayed. By leveraging UGC software, brands can create immersive user experiences and drive higher levels of engagement with their audience.



Centralised Hubs for Discovering and Showcasing UGC



In addition to UGC tools and software, user-generated content platforms have emerged as centralised hubs where brands can discover, curate, and showcase UGC from various sources. These platforms aggregate UGC from social media platforms, review sites, and other online channels, allowing brands to easily find and display relevant UGC. <a href="https://www.ttagz.co.uk/">UGC platforms</a> often provide built-in moderation and rights management features, ensuring that brands can maintain control over the content they use. 



By leveraging UGC platforms, brands can tap into a vast pool of authentic content created by their customers and build stronger connections with their target audience.



The Impact of UGC on Marketing Strategies



The rise of UGC has had a profound impact on marketing strategies. Traditionally, brands relied heavily on their own content creation efforts to convey their messages and promote their products. However, with the UGC revolution, consumers have become brand ambassadors, sharing their experiences and opinions organically. This shift has created a sense of authenticity and trust that is difficult to achieve through traditional marketing methods.



UGC allows brands to harness the power of social proof. When potential customers see UGC showcasing positive experiences, they are more likely to trust the brand and make a purchase. According to studies, <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005302/en/Stackla-Survey-Reveals-Disconnect-Between-the-Content-Consumers-Want-What-Marketers-Deliver">UGC is trusted by 92% of consumers</a>, making it a highly influential factor in purchasing decisions. By incorporating UGC into their marketing strategies, brands can tap into this trust and leverage it to drive conversions and build brand loyalty.



UGC also enables brands to foster a sense of community and engage with their audience on a deeper level. By encouraging users to create and share content, brands can create a two-way conversation, fostering a sense of belonging and co-creation. This not only strengthens the relationship between the brand and its customers but also generates valuable insights and feedback for product improvement.



Conclusion



In conclusion, user-generated content is reshaping marketing strategies and revolutionising the way brands connect with their audience. UGC tools, UGC software, and UGC platforms are essential resources that enable brands to harness the power of UGC effectively. By embracing UGC, brands can leverage social proof, build trust, and foster a sense of community. The UGC revolution is here, and brands that adapt to this shift will have a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

UGC Revolution: How User-Generated Content is Reshaping Marketing Strategies

Software to help hospitality venues reopen safely and boost revenues



<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__stampede.ai_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=G04Hl4mHwuXumE4aLNQwjtCNczRSFK_l5Aipin3BtgA&amp;m=f1O2zrmhKcO9y6J2mqnPsZqLjonrR764RHtxnzOpLCE&amp;s=zsSreC1usrxjVNVUD7fAXZnVkKCq7vOSaKp3lWFxoIA&amp;e=">Stampede</a>, the Scottish hospitality software startup, today announced the launch of its new channel programme, seeking new IT reseller partners around the world. Stampede currently has four million users from over 800 locations across the UK, Europe, US, Asia and South America. It is a powerful data capture and marketing tool that plugs into websites and network hardware to give brick and mortar businesses the same tools and customer interactions as big digital brands. It helps retail and hospitality businesses collect data securely and grow with innovative data-driven marketing campaigns, and has helped thousands of venues reopen safely during the pandemic.&nbsp;



Stampede software integrates with leading IT brands like UniFi, Ruckus, TP-Link. It recently signed new reseller agreements with Invisinet and 7Hospitality, and it is actively seeking additional partners in the UK, US, Canada and UAE. The Stampede software can be installed remotely and represents a quick and easy way for reseller partners to increase monthly recurring revenues, while adding high demand products to their line of business. Stampede believes it is an opportune time for resellers to introduce new cloud-enabled technology solutions to hospitality customers looking to emerge stronger after lockdowns and make the most of the holiday period. Stampede is looking for resellers with a high volume of clients in the retail and hospitality industries, as well as clients struggling to digitise multiple sites quickly/remotely.



“Hospitality businesses are absolutely fixated on what they need to do now to be successful over the Christmas period and get back to pre-COVID levels of profitability,” said Patrick Clover, Stampede founder and CEO. “The hospitality experience is increasingly digital, with customers choosing a venue online via services like Tripadvisor, registering their location on arrival via app, and placing orders the same way – yet it is often a disjointed digital experience. We offer clear value to hospitality businesses seeking a one-stop-shop solution for all their customer engagement needs, helping them to increase revenues, customer satisfaction and loyalty. To resellers, we provide an immediate return on investment. Because they can install Stampede remotely, there’s no need to wait until after lockdown. They can serve their hospitality customers today as they make plans for the rest of the year and 2021.”&nbsp;



A multi-site restaurant group in London generated £19,540 of in-venue sales from a single campaign using Stampede to collect customer data and share details of the promotion. Resellers that want a demonstration on how Stampede and its partner programme works should contact Head of Sales Neil Behan (neil.behan@stampede.ai) to schedule a call. Benefits of the Stampede platform for hospitality customers include:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Capture customer data instantly when customers connect to guest Wi-Fi or register via QR code</li><li>Track repeat customers with connection data and build new loyalty schemes and promotions (the success of which can be tracked in real time)</li><li>Generate more reviews across platforms like Google and TripAdvisor (customers can be contacted within an hour of leaving a physical venue encouraging them to leave a review)</li><li>Introduce digital stamp card schemes and let customers earn rewards</li></ul>



About Stampede



Stampede was founded by software developer and tech entrepreneur, Patrick Clover, to enable physical venues to engage with their customers more easily and effectively, and understand them better. From the independent coffee shop to global brands with thousands of sites &#8211; Stampede provides a level of customer insight previously only available to large corporations. It offers business owners better information on their customers through improved engagement and insights into consumer habits.



The company has grown rapidly and has served more than four million users from over 800 locations across the UK, Europe, US, Asia and South America.

Stampede announces global channel launch of hospitality martech platform

Service Recovery In The Hospitality Industry [Updated 2023]

Yesterday we published <a href="https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2020/06/29/How-can-pubs-collect-customer-data" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an article in The Morning Advertiser</a> about collecting customer data, and how reopened pubs, bars and restaurants around the world have been doing it.



 If you missed it you can read the article in full <a href="https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2020/06/29/How-can-pubs-collect-customer-data" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



 We spent some time researching how other countries’ approached data collection for track and trace. Our aim was to prepare for if and when the U.K. Government asked hospitality to do something similar to the other parts of the world. What was the reception by the public and the industry in countries like New Zealand, Germany and the USA?



 Our research also gave us a view of the possible future outcomes of data collection programs. It will be interesting to see if the UK mirrors any of these effects in the next few weeks. Will there be news stories about data privacy incidents as in New Zealand?



This article also takes a look at the practical implications. What methods of data collection worked best in other countries? There’s a short review of the pros and cons of the most commonly considered methods that will hopefully clear up any issues around collecting contact details.



 If you’ve got more questions about collecting data and how it might work for your business, then <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get in touch</a> and we’d be happy to talk it through.

Other Countries Have Already Done Track and Trace

So we’re heading into the colder months, and those setting the regulations still talk about outdoor areas for hospitality. It seems inevitable that we’ll be getting layered up to support our favourite venues for the next while.&nbsp;



 Whilst in a riverside pub terrace in York on a chilly evening earlier this week, we got talking about how we’d be happy to see mulled wine/cider etc. on the menu already!



Speaking of winter menus for outside dining, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-21/how-chefs-are-adapting-their-menus-for-chilly-outdoor-dining" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this might be useful.</a>



In the news, Marstons have announced a £2m investment in upgraded outdoor spaces and seating, which will provide additional capacity of around 15,000 covers.



 If you’re exploring outdoor space options for the coming months, this is a reminder to check your customer WiFi coverage in these areas. Seating which is further from the source will mean poor or no internet connection for customers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hardware"> Hardware</h2>



 Our Support Team have an expert knowledge of the best systems for any setup, and are happy to provide free advice on what you might need, as well as contacts for on the ground installation. We can also arrange a site assessment for you through our partners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-customer-benefits"> Customer Benefits</h2>



 <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WiFi</a> isn’t just about letting customers browse Facebook as they sip mulled wine. You can use it to push customers straight to order-and-pay apps (without QR codes), for <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/hospitality-reopening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Track and Trace</a>, to monitor footfall and occupancy and more.



 It’s the gateway to better customer experiences in many ways.



 For your business, it’s the easiest way to boost the size of your mailing list, just in time to <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/#email" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">promote</a> your Christmas specials and offers.



 We’re here to help you, with WiFi setup questions or the customer experience, by <a href="tel:+441315107008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phone</a>, <a href="mailto:contact@stampede.ai?subject=Outdoor%20WiFi&amp;body=Got%20a%20question%20about%20outdoor%20WiFi%3F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">email</a> or <a href="stampede.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">live chat</a>.

Keep The Outdoor Connected

It&#8217;s been a couple of weeks now since the launch of our brand new <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/connect-3.0-is-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Connect 3.0 dashboard</a> and we hope that it&#8217;s making your WiFi experience even more awesome than ever. Following on our post last week about our <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/cisco-meraki-integration-with-blackbx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">integration with Cisco Meraki</a>, we wanted to share a quick integration video for those of your running a Ubiquiti UniFi setup.

We&#8217;ve made it even easier than before so you can hit the ground running right away.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ol3STg9Yt8g" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
If you need any more information, consult our <a href="https://help.stampede.ai/en/collections/2622359-network-setups" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">online help guides</a> or, if you&#8217;ve hit a snag, feel free to drop us a line.
Be sure to subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxc2sJ3nBYJhLGQr_2RM60w" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube channel</a> and other <a href="https://twitter.com/blackbxwifi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">social media networks</a> so you get instant notifications when we upload new videos or tutorials.
And, if you&#8217;re not using Stampede to offer your customers fast, safe and secure WiFi, you&#8217;re missing out on one of the best <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/learn-how-to-boost-your-business-with-sms-and-email-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">automated marketing</a> and <a href="https://get.stampede.ai/loyalty-program-ebook" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">customer loyalty</a> solutions around. Or, if you&#8217;re an MSP, VAR or IT solutions reseller, and you&#8217;re looking for an additional revenue stream, why not offer <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/wifi-as-a-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WiFi as a Service</a> with Stampede?
In either case, we offer a free, no obligation trial, so what are you waiting for?
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://stampede.ai/get-started">Click here to get started.</a>

Ubiquiti UniFi Captive Portals

Is it time to update your restaurant’s Instagram profile? Because if you don&#8217;t have a picture of something with mashed avocado on it, it&#8217;s already out of date. Hard but true. But how can you achieve this by also making positive use of your Guest WiFi?







Sure, we know you’re busy. You’re trying to run a restaurant, after all. But did you know that an out of date or just plain shoddy Instagram profile for your restaurant could be driving away customers? 



<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/millenials-restaurant-how-choose-instagram-social-media-where-eat-a7677786.html">According to a study done by the Italian chain Zizzi</a>, a full 30% of millennials, that highly coveted 18-35-year-old age bracket, say that they would avoid a restaurant if their Instagram presence was lacking.



Don’t despair, even if you’re a total failure at social media, there’s still hope for you. And that hope is coming at you in little doughnut-shaped radio waves. We’re talking about the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/">Guest WiFi </a>you most likely have in your restaurant (WiFi broadcasts in ring-shaped waves &#8211; there&#8217;s your WiFi trivia for the day!).



You know &#8211; the WiFi that your customers love and you are probably giving away for free. What we’re talking about is asking your customers for just a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">little bit of data</a>, as simple as just an email address, in order to access your restaurant WiFi and, in turn, <a href="https://medium.com/@marketing_37146/how-to-increase-social-media-engagement-125d48782702">boost that sad Instagram</a> profile.



So are you ready to rock your Instagram? Here&#8217;s how to get started!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">STEP ONE: USE A CAPTIVE PORTAL</h4>



A captive portal refers to a method of asking your guests to log in through a web page first in order to access your WiFi. Instead of a hastily scrawled password on a chalkboard above the bar, your guests simply enter their email address in order to connect. Once they’ve verified their email address, they’ll have access to fast, safe and secure WiFi. But it doesn’t stop there.



When prompted to log in to your WiFi, your customer will see your branding on the splash screen, ensuring that you’re staying first and foremost in their minds. Another cool feature of the captive portal is the power of data. In addition to their email address, you can ask your customers for information like postcode, age, and gender. 



With Stampede, you can take this a step further and ask your own custom questions &#8211; the perfect way to do a quick poll on new menu items or offerings. So what is your favourite drink?



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<div class="wp-block-media-text" style="grid-template-columns:38% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10666" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x.png 600w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-300x200.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-150x100.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-592x395.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-90x60.png 90w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ebook-branded_experience@2x-135x90.png 135w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<a href="https://stampede.ai/resources/branded-experience/">Learn more about the importance of a branded customer experience </a>
</div></div>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">STEP TWO: USE THAT DATA</h4>



Ok, so you’ve broken down, gotten some captive portal software and now you’ve got a pile of interesting customer data. So what to do with it? 



Got an email list? How about exporting all those customer emails addresses you captured on your fancy new portal into your email list software? 



Don’t have an email list? Now you do! Thinking of opening a new branch of your business? Check the postcode data you’ve collected to see where your customers are coming from.



In addition, the data you’re asking your customers for, a good captive portal solution will also provide you with <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">statistics</a> on time of day, length of visit and the devices used. What do you do with this? Good question. Let&#8217;s say you notice that you’ve got more people signing in from laptops rather than mobile devices, maybe it’s time to think about adding some under-seat plugs for the use of your customers.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">STEP THREE: GET THAT INSTAGRAM LOOKING GOOD</h4>



How is captive portal WiFi going to help your sorry Instagram account? Right, follow along here. That’s where <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/a-complete-guide-to-marketing-automation/">automated marketing</a> comes into play. 



Your customer enters your restaurant and sits down to your signature poached egg on toast &#8211; now featuring smashed avocado. The customer’s food arrives, and, of course, it looks fantastic and they want to preserve the moment in pictures. They pull out their phone to connect to the WiFi where they’re immediately presented with your brand and logo on the spiffy captive portal screen. After entering their email, they sign in to the WiFi, snap their picture and carry on with the meal.



Here comes the automated part. Minutes after leaving your venue, the customer gets an SMS or email from you, asking them if they’re <a href="https://stampede.ai/reviews/">enjoying their dining experience</a>, and if they’d be happy to share any photos they take on social media. In other words, you&#8217;ve combined boosting your Instagram with your Guest WiFi.



Whoa! Who’s going to say no to that? Your customer, who’s had their mashed avocado cravings fulfilled, naturally, posts their photo to your Instagram page. In one fell swoop we’ve solved three problems: your customer got access to awesome WiFi, they have a fantastic dining experience, and your Instagram account is happy again.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">NOT USING GUEST WIFI?</h4>



If, by some small chance, you&#8217;re NOT using a captive portal WiFi solution in your restaurant, pub or hospitality business and now you&#8217;re ready to start, why not give Stampede a try? We offer a free, no-obligation trial with simple integration. You&#8217;ll be up and running in no time.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



You&#8217;ll soon have more mashed avocado pictures than you know what to do with&#8230;



Check out our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stampede_ig/">Instagram</a> as well to get some inspiration.



<a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Rock Your Restaurant with WiFi and Instagram

Feature Update – Improved campaigns, reporting and imports

Improving Conversion Rates in Marketing

Stampede Updates – July 2017

The need for fast and reliable guest WiFi at public venues is becoming as common as running water and electricity. Some achieve this better than others and often the reason for a negative experience is not the software being used or the method of delivery but the hardware behind it.
When we were tasked with delivering a guest WiFi solution to <a href="https://www.royalhighlandcentre.co.uk/">The Royal Highland Centre</a> in Edinburgh, I was happy to learn that <a href="https://whysettle.co.uk/">WhySettle</a> out our IT partners for this install had already fitted out the venue fully with Ubiquiti UniFi hardware all managed using an externally hosted cloud controller. The network consists of 103 access points and has a range of indoor and outdoor spaces with over 18’000 square metres of exhibition space.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-10886 size-full" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map.jpg" alt="" width="2724" height="2650" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map.jpg 2048w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-300x292.jpg 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-1024x996.jpg 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-768x747.jpg 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-1536x1494.jpg 1536w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-1200x1167.jpg 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-150x146.jpg 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-1920x1868.jpg 1920w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-16x16.jpg 16w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-592x576.jpg 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-62x60.jpg 62w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHS-map-93x90.jpg 93w" sizes="(max-width: 2724px) 100vw, 2724px" />
The Royal Highland Centre hosts over 250 events annually and welcomes over a million visitors each year so, the guest network has to be top notch. Stampede provides a seamless login experience pointing guests to a captive portal allowing the venue to collect any data on guests that they wish. The RHS decided to collect email and postcode information; from this, we are constantly updating a large mailing list and user origin map.
Some say that data is the new oil but data without the proper software and utilisation is about as valuable as oil would be if engines were never invented. Stampede can integrate directly with the vast majority of marketing automation tools such as MailChimp, ConstantContact and Dotmailer. All opt-ins and verification happens right within our system meaning that all information captured is fully compliant with GDPR and verified to be accurate by the user themselves. 
So far, we have collected fully complaint and verified information of around 15’000 people at The Royal Highland Centre all underpinned by a solid UniFi guest network.
Interested in deploying a Stampede network in your venue? <a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Find out more</a>.

Providing Guest WiFi to the Royal Highland Centre

Spooky times are creeping up at the end of this month, time to ramp up your&nbsp;Halloween marketing.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



We’ve come up with a bunch of promotional ideas to get you started and secure you some extra sales.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-halloween-email-campaign">1) Halloween Email Campaign</h5>



Highlight what you’ve planned this year and why customers shouldn’t miss out. Give them a&nbsp;sneak peek&nbsp;with some enticing images and menu previews.



Push them towards booking early on &#8211;&nbsp;‘limited availability &#8211; book now to secure your spot’.



Content ideas for your email:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Trick or Treat your customers &#8211; offers/deals</li><li>Planned events for kids and grown-ups</li><li>Menu &amp; drink specials</li><li>Include links to your socials for more Halloween content</li><li>Various booking call-to-actions</li></ul>



Time-saving tip:&nbsp;Stampede users can access the Halloween template from their account.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">2) Halloween Social Media Ideas</h5>



Seasonal events are great to&nbsp;give your accounts a little boost&nbsp;and put your brand forefront.&nbsp;



Here are some post inspirations:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Dress up competition &#8211; couples, families, pet</li><li>Take your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g279/pumpkin-carving-ideas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pumpkin carving</a>&nbsp;to the next level (#SquashGoals)</li><li>Share homemade&nbsp;<a href="https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1194/halloween-treats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">baking&nbsp;</a>treat ideas</li><li>What’s your favourite scary movie?</li><li>Trick or treat poll &#8211; which sweet do you go for?</li><li>Caption this &#8211;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/a23012541/halloween-puns-funny-cute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">halloween puns</a></li><li>Competition &#8211; find the hidden pumpkin on our website to win or how many ghosts can you spot on our website?</li></ul>



Find some best-performing Halloween hashtags&nbsp;<a href="http://best-hashtags.com/hashtag/halloween/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">3) Halloween In-venue Ideas</h5>



You can go full-on with a themed party or just focus on some smaller events. Nevertheless, customers love to share their experiences on their socials, so keep&nbsp;“TikTok-ability”&nbsp;in mind!



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Host a theme party &#8211; mad hatters tea party, dinner in the dark,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2640/halloween-cocktails/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spooky cocktail party</a></li><li>Host a Halloween-themed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/g37154795/halloween-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pub quiz</a></li><li>Install a spooky or pumpkin patch photo wall</li><li>Run a pumpkin carving competition for kids</li><li><a href="https://www.womansday.com/life/g40290350/halloween-bingo-cards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halloween bingo</a>&nbsp;for kids &#8211; can you spot the items in our venue?</li><li>Halloweenise your food &amp; drinks menu</li><li>For takeaway or delivery: sneak a nasty little surprise into the box</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Bonus: what&#8217;s trending this year</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Offer a selection of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/halloween-mocktail-recipes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-alcoholic beverages</a></li><li>Eye-catching&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cosmopolitan.com/food-cocktails/g40671448/halloween-snack-ideas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snack ideas</a></li><li>Get crafty with some easy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g28190402/diy-halloween-decorations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DIY&nbsp;</a>decoration ideas for your venue</li><li>Stand out from the crowd and get some costume&nbsp;<a href="https://www.allure.com/gallery/unique-halloween-costume-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inspiration</a>&nbsp;from Harry Styles, Bridgerton and Stranger Things</li><li>Try something different &#8211; a Mexican-inspired&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/how-to-throw-a-day-of-the-dead-party/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Day of the Dead” party</a></li></ul>



Need a hand with promoting your Halloween marketing?&nbsp;<a href="https://h.stampede.ai/meetings/stampede/demo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a>&nbsp;with our team to find out more about&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stampede Marketing</a>.

Easy Halloween Marketing Ideas To Attract More Customers

The opening of Jamie Oliver’s new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hot-dinners.com/2022101211817/Gastroblog/Latest-news/pasta-dreams-jamie-oliver-soho-pop-up-delivery-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivery-first pasta&nbsp;</a>brand has been hitting the news for the last couple of days.&nbsp;



For many of us, ordering a takeaway or delivery has become a regular thing. In fact,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrc.co.uk/news/ordering-part-brits-weekly-mealtime-routine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">22 million Brits do so at least once a week</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecaterer.com/news/consumer-spending-slows-barclaycard-september-2022-evenings-in-spending-more-takeaways" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">customer spending increasing</a>&nbsp;by 10.1% since March.&nbsp;



This recent consumer trend presents a big opportunity. By&nbsp;diversifying your revenue streams&nbsp;you can better protect your food and drink business from market fluctuations.



It&#8217;s time to bring back your delivery offers and meal kits to drive some extra revenue this winter.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">10 Tips To Increase Your Delivery Orders</h5>



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Opt for direct ordering rather than 3rd party &#8211; 62% of customers want to order direct and via an app </li><li>Ensure a smooth ordering process and online experience </li><li>Send offers to customers who have ordered only once to encourage more frequent orders </li><li>Use the data insights to create personalised offers, i.e. favourite menu item </li><li>Tie it to your loyalty program &#8211; 70% prefer a ‘ free delivery’ as a reward </li><li>Have an accurate menu description with enticing imagery </li><li>69% of customers rate reviews as a deciding factor for their next order &#8211; actively ask customers for reviews, reply the good and bad ones, and keep an eye on your scores </li><li>Use customer feedback to continuously improve your processes, packaging, etc. </li><li>Make use of upsell options, i.e. drink package, dessert </li><li>Spread the word &#8211; pinned social media post (and link in your bio), website banner, email</li></ol>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-re-create-a-restaurant-at-home-experience">How To Re-Create A Restaurant At-Home Experience</h5>



Customers might cut back on expensive meals over the next couple of months, but they still want to&nbsp;treat themselves. Delivery and meal kits hence fit in as an ideal &#8211; and cheaper &#8211; alternative.



It’s up to you to make the&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-get-it-right-meal-kit-online-sales-success-by-hawskmoor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at-home experience</a>&nbsp;as special as your in-venue one. So, your venue becomes their preferred choice for ordering and you can later&nbsp;turn them into walk-ins.



Here’re some ideas to pimp up your orders:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Come up with seasonal meal kits, i.e. autumn, festive-themed (this also creates a sense of urgency to order and avoid missing the specials!) </li><li>Consider different mid-week and weekend offers, i.e. offer weekend drink packages </li><li>Offer a premium version with high-end ingredients/specials </li><li>Include add-ons, i.e. decoration, curated playlist, printed or digital tasting menus and notes </li><li>Offer a limited special featuring your bestseller and signature dishes </li><li>Include a personal note in your orders </li><li>Sneak in a little surprise in your boxes, i.e. Halloween treats, Christmas chocolate</li></ul>



Further reading &#8211;&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-set-up-a-successful-meal-kit-e-commerce-page/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to set up a successful meal-kit e-commerce page.</a>



Need a hand with promoting your delivery offerings via email and SMS? <a href="mailto:support@stampede.ai?subject=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with our team who are happy to help.

Secure Revenue This Winter With Delivery Orders

Social Media, blogging and emails are the predominant tools that help build a marketing strategy, we use them ourselves for personal purposes and know that they work. But how does a <a class="" href="http://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2017/10/27/how-many-people-see-your-content-each-digital-channel" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">98% open rate</a> sound to you?

Yes, <a class="" href="http://info.dynmark.com/hs-fs/hub/307137/file-650880813-pdf/whitepapers/Intelligence_Review_Edition2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">you heard right, 98%!</a> This is only one of the convincing <a class="" href="https://www.textlocal.com/blog/2017/06/16/5-stats-that-prove-2017-is-the-year-for-sms-marketing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">benefits that SMS Marketing</a> brings to the table. The straightforward and intimate nature of SMS were other reasons for Stampede to make it part of the <a class="" href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works#marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">marketing approach</a> we offer with our software.
<h3>GDPR Changes</h3>
As you must have heard by now, changes concerning data privacy are ahead in form of the General Data Protection Regulation (known as GDPR), which will be implemented in May 2018. For email and SMS marketing, that means an opt-out or unsubscribe option must be included in every communication you send out.
SMS messages sent through Stampede were previously limited to 160 characters, but due to the GDPR changes and the necessity of an unsubscribe option in SMS, the new maximum number of characters you&#8217;ll be able to use to promote your brand and services will be decreased to around 133 characters. It is quite difficult to send long links to your customers that allow them to unsubscribe. 
Don’t worry, as usual, we have the solution for you.
<h3>URL Shorteners</h3>
Long URLs can be easily shortened with free tools like <a class="" href="https://bitly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://bitly.com/</a> and <a class="" href="https://goo.gl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://goo.gl</a>. All you have to do is copy the link you want to shorten to one of the tools and you’ll receive a neat looking, short link right away! Using the short link in SMS will now save characters, which you can use to promote your business instead.
<h3>Way more than just a link</h3>
Links enable us to quickly visit a site on the Internet, save helpful resources and share cute cat videos with our friends. They are used in every channel for every conceivable purpose and shortening them is not the only thing you can do.
<h3>Link Branding</h3>
You can brand your shortened link to give some context to the click and let others know what they are about to see before they even click the link. You&#8217;ve probably seen this on sites like YouTube &#8211; like so &#8211; <a class="" href="https://youtu.be/rNSnfXl1ZjU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/rNSnfXl1ZjU</a>.
A branded short domain is where the true experience starts for your customer.
<h3>Link Insight</h3>
Another decisive benefit you can get from URL shortening is insight. We here at Stampede have always been convinced that <a class="" href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works#insight" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">understanding your customers</a> is the key to success. With our software we enable you to track new and returning visitors to your venue. To track link clicks, shortened links can be used. They give you the opportunity to measure your performance with link analytics. Insights are a powerful tool to not only track your marketing efforts but also to adapt them continuously.
<h3>Let&#8217;s be honest</h3>
Wouldn’t you like to find out how many of your friends secretly click your cute cat video? 
<iframe loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rNSnfXl1ZjU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
If you crave more powerful insights into your customer&#8217;s online behviour through awesome guest WiFi, there&#8217;s no reason to wait- click the button below and find out how Stampede can help you boost your business!
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Shorter is Better! The 133 Character Limit

It’s now been just over a week since the U.K. government set lock-down in place to prevent coronavirus spread. At Stampede we were already fully stuck in our work from home setup and up to speed again. We were really thankful to be able to do this. It allowed us to get on with some really important projects quickly.



Here’s a roundup of what we’ve been doing to help out our customers and the sector overall:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Built and launched a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/new-feature-alert-gift-cards/">free digital gift card</a> generator</li><li>Made the Marketing features free to all</li><li>Built a database CSV import system for Marketing</li><li>Designed and added multiple new email marketing templates</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Free Digital Gift Card</h2>



Something we’d had in the pipeline for a while, but seeing the immediate need for pay-it-forward systems as lock-down commenced meant we brought this to the top of the pile.



In roughly 3 days our product team pulled it all together and we had a working <a href="https://product.stampede.ai/gifting">digital gift card system</a> for anyone to use, for free.



Interest is already picking up and feedback from users so far has been positive. We look forward to seeing this getting plenty of use.



We’re now adding extra functionality and polish to the system but anyone can start using it right away



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Marketing For Free</h2>



There were two stages to this decision. First &#8211; we wanted to make sure any and all businesses using Stampede had an easy way to talk to their customers and give them critical updates. And so, <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/">email and SMS marketing</a> is now available to everyone regardless of their plan.



Second &#8211; if it was free for all customers, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be free to other businesses like them. They needed to send critical updates too and we wanted to help with what we can.



This pushed us to:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Database Upload with CSV</h2>



It was a necessary addition to make sure businesses could make full use of the Marketing features. Like Gift Cards it was moved up to highest priority for the product team.



This is live now too, enabling any business with a CSV database of their customers to upload to Stampede and start sending emails.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Email Templates&nbsp;</h2>



After seeing what sorts of activities our customers were turning to in order to keep operating, our marketing success team built some brand new email templates inside the Stampede Marketing system. 



To help businesses promote these new activities faster there’s now a template for “We Deliver” with logos of popular delivery apps included; “Takeaway Available” for those offering takeaway; and “Gift Cards” to help promote the new digital gift cards businesses would set up, also within Stampede. 



As part of the Marketing feature, these are all free to use as part of the updates covered above. 



It’s been a fairly hectic week (and a bit) for everyone but as time marches on we hope that the new activities and processes become the new norm for people, and the businesses are able to find their feet in new and successful ways.



If you&#8217;re not an existing Stampede user you can sign up for access to Gift Cards and Marketing <a href="https://signup.stampede.ai/?source=marketing">HERE</a>.

Weekly update from Stampede featuring Gift Cards and Marketing

Last Week at Stampede

Internet access and provision is essential for nearly every successful business these days. Customers and clients love fast and reliable guest WiFi. But if you’re just starting out, or you’re upgrading your WiFi, getting your head around the WiFi jargon can take up time better spent running your business. Here’s an explanation of the terms you may come across to help you provide the best WiFi for your business and customers.



ISP &#8211; Internet Service Provider An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that supplies the Internet connection into a venue. The router provides the gateway between the Internet and all the devices via this connection. The ISP is often referred to as the ‘provider’. Every organisation or home with Internet access has an ISP. 



Broadband Broadband is a type of high-speed Internet connection which is now the standard way to connect to the Internet. Broadband packages come in different forms including cable, ADSL, and mobile.



Cable broadband is provided through fibre-optic cables. These provide faster broadband speeds than ADSL. Landline and digital television services can also be provided through the cable. Your ideal speed depends on your business. You should consider fast fibre-optic cable with a package that includes unlimited downloads if you are providing guest WiFi in premises such as cafes and bars. 



In the UK, ADSL broadband is provided through existing BT phone lines. The speed depends on your distance from your local telephone exchange. The closer you are to the exchange, the faster the broadband. 



Mobile broadband is transmitted via mobile phone networks. Users need a mobile phone signal to access the broadband.



LAN &#8211; Local Area Network A local area network (LAN) is when two or more computers are connected together in a building using software or hardware. A LAN can be wired or wireless. The administrator of the LAN will decide what can be shared and what can’t be on the network.



You can set up multiple networks on the same broadband connection, with different bandwidths for each one. For example, you might have one network for staff and one for customers. You’ll need plenty of bandwidth for your customers! You set these up through the router.



Your router sends data from the Internet cable to a device and acts as a wireless access point so that the data can be shared through radio signals instead of another cable. It is plugged into your landline or cable line. When running a business with guest Wi-Fi, you’ll need a router that allows for multiple networks. Routers may come with various security tools, for example, firewall management and intrusion detection.



IP Address IP means Internet Protocol. There are two types of IP address: internal and external. An internal IP address is a series of numbers that identifies your router connection. 192.168.1.1 is a common one used for routers. To change your router settings, you need to know your IP address. 



The easiest way of finding it is to look at the back of your router. Most have a sticker or card with all the information you need for logging into its settings, including the IP address.



An external or public IP address is used across the entire Internet to locate computer systems and devices. Your Internet service provider assigns you an external IP address when you connect to the Internet. When your web browser requests a webpage, it sends the IP address along with it. Your provider uses external IP addresses to determine which customer uses which website. 



Bandwidth Bandwidth refers to the volume of information per unit of time that an Internet connection can handle. Bandwidth is expressed in bits per second (eg, 50 Mbps is 50 million bits per second). However, it can be expressed in other ways and it’s important to check which unit is being used.



Businesses will vary on how much bandwidth they need. If you’re providing guest WiFi, you must get this right. Customers will not tolerate poor Wi-Fi connections and your reputation will suffer. Monitoring usage is essential in understanding how much bandwidth is being used, and when. 



WAP and Hotspot A wireless access point (WAP) is a hardware device on a local area network that allows WiFi devices to connect to a wired network. The WAP usually connects to a router although it may be included in the router itself. WAPs feature radio transmitters and antennae. 



The hotspot is the physical location where Wi-Fi access is available. Putting up signs with a Wi-Fi symbol is a helpful way of letting customers know how and where they can log on.



Cloud Controller Your WAP can come with a hosted cloud controller service. Cloud computing simply means that you store and access data over the Internet rather than on your hard drive. A cloud controller lets you manage your WiFi system from anywhere as well as managing multiple sites with a single log-in.



Mesh Network WiFi mesh networking kits are often sold to businesses and consumers to address WiFi ‘dead zones’ because they blanket a building or home with WiFi. Having a mesh network means that you don’t need to use range extenders or extra access points. 



The kit, which normally replaces your existing router, includes nodes. One node or router connects to the Internet through your modem. This node and each of the other satellite nodes then communicate with each other. Cover is expanded with each new node. Mesh networks are easy to set up. You manage the system, for example, to set up a guest network, by using an app.



Captive Portal If you want to set up guest Wi-Fi, you’ll need a <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi">captive portal</a>. A captive portal is a webpage that a user needs to view and interact with before being given access to a public WiFi network. It is mainly used for authentication purposes and is usually in place for free or chargeable WiFi hot spots e.g. business centres, cafes, bars and hotels. 



The captive portal may feature a branded log-in page, conditions of access, surveys, and payment options. The page with the log-in details is sometimes called the splash screen. The landing page is the page the customer or guest gets put through to after they log in.



The trick to a great captive portal is making it easy for the user while getting benefits for your business or service. Through your captive portal, Stampede can turn your guest Wi-Fi into a money making asset for you. It will also give your customers a great Wi-Fi experience. You can grow customer loyalty, stay compliant with the law, increase your social media presence, and build your brand.



Wireless security Wireless security, sometimes referred to as wireless network security, <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/take-the-risk-out-of-guest-wifi/">protects a wireless network from unauthorised access</a>. Understanding the common acronyms will help you choose the best security for your network. 



WPA2, WPA and WEP are the three encryption protocols you will probably come across. WPA2 is the most secure of the three. When it is enabled with its strongest encryption option, data traffic is scrambled with the most up to date encryption standards. This is the one you should use. If you are providing guest Wi-Fi through a captive portal, you have to use it. 



WEP, introduced in the late 1990s, is easily hacked and should not be used. WPA replaced WEP, and is an option if a device does not support the more up to date WPA2. 



<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/wpa3-the-next-generation-in-wifi-security/">WPA3 will replace WPA2</a> and the transition has already started, although it will take time to roll out. WPA3 has significant new security features and will be important for open public Wi-Fi networks. However, a WPA3 enabled router will need WPA3 compatible devices (laptops, phones) to take advantage of the new features.



MAC Address – Media Access Control Address A media access control address (MAC address) is a unique code assigned by a manufacturer to every piece of hardware that connects to the Internet. A MAC address ensures each device is unique and allows data to be passed among hardware devices. 



Many people will never need the MAC address to use their devices. However, some providers may require registration of the address to ensure those who are paying for the service are the only users who can connect. If you do need it, you can normally find it on a sticker on the device. The address is composed of six pairs of numbers/letters separated by colons. If the device is portable, it may be printed inside the battery compartment.



Contact us at Stampede



If you’d like more info on how to make guest WiFi work for your business, we’re ready to help. Whether you’re a major business or just starting out, you’ll be in good hands. 



Stampede is the smart guest WiFi for any venue, from independent coffee shops to global brands with thousands of sites. We provide a level of <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">customer insight</a> previously only available to large corporations. If you’d like to grow your business and build brand loyalty, get in touch. We’d be delighted to chat.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>

The Ultimate Beginners Guide to WiFi Jargon

We are witnessing a video revolution. The traditional 16:9 landscape format can move aside, (outside of TV and movies). The new 9:16 vertical format is here to replace it on your mobile device.&nbsp;



This format is rapidly becoming the standard for video creation and consumption. And why, might you ask? The answer is mobile phones. While they are constantly developing and improving, they are designed to work in portrait. So much so, that mobile phone users hold their phone vertically 94% of the time.



With social media platforms such as Instagram becoming increasingly popular for digital marketing, vertical is soon going to be the way to advertise. Stories are growing at an incredible rate and are estimated to be growing 15 times faster than the feed – and to be far more powerful when it comes to persuasion.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Why is Vertical the future of video?</h4>



With the increasing dominance of mobile phones, which experts predict will generate 95% of mobile traffic by 2023, compared to today’s 85%, and the 9:16 format, it was only natural for them to become a great marketing tool. Furthermore, stories were made to fit with our bodies. They are here to tell personal stories and share moments that resonate with those watching. Marketing is, in essence, a form of storytelling. So, with videos being such an important marketing tool, and the videos evolving into the vertical format, it doesn’t take much to see why they are the future.



Businesses are being more aware of how society uses their mobile phones.&nbsp;And this why at <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/introducing-stories/">Stampede</a> we now offer vertical video services in the form of stories.



We use our phones to scroll through all forms of social media. Having to turn it on its side to watch a video, seems like too much effort. We live in an era of comfort, were people are naturally lazy. More people will watch a video if it is in a vertical format. Put into numbers, 65% of consumers consider companies and brands who use vertical video formats “more innovative” and 79% of new consumers prefer this format. If you are a new company or brand, those new consumers are really the area you want to target. Also, they are a large share of the general viewers.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Where to go next?</h4>



For many digital marketing gurus, Instagram is considered the holy grail. With such high numbers of people on the platform, it opens the door to hundreds of new customers. According to leading social media authorities, such as Zuckerberg and Chris Cox, Facebook’s Chief Product Officer, the future of sharing news, information and other things is Stories, which are in Vertical format, which, by the rules of logic, makes vertical videos the future of digital marketing. So, adding Stories to your WiFi service is a great way to get yourself noticed, promote yourself to new customers and expand your brand name.&nbsp;



Get in touch with us to discover how WiFi Stories can help your business.

Vertical: The Future of Video Content for Digital Marketing

2023 Key Social Media Metrics To Track for Your Restaurant

The Hospitality Industry Is Leaving Money In Their Inbox [Industry Insight Report]

Many Stampede users are looking for ways to connect the tech they use and simplify things. Data imports means our customers have the opportunity to cut down on their use of various systems, and use fewer systems to do more of the work.



It’s also great for consistency. With more customer data in one place you’ll know that the messaging and offers that you’re promoting are all going to the same people. Less confusion for staff processing orders and more clarity for customers.



As we write this the U.K. hospitality industry is struggling with the impact of coronavirus. In response, we brought forward the development of this feature to enable more hospitality business to contact and connect with their customers &#8211; without the need for guest WiFi as a data source.



We&#8217;ve opened up <a href="https://product.stampede.ai/marketing/campaigns">Marketing</a> and made it free to use for everyone. Data import means that even businesses not using Stampede before can start doing so immediately. Promotions about delivery service, takeaway offers or <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/new-feature-alert-gift-cards/">gift cards</a> can be set up and sent in minutes.



Data import is really simple &#8211; just head to <a href="https://product.stampede.ai/data-sources">Data Sources</a>, choose .CSV Import, select the file from your computer, map the fields and hit Upload.



For a full run through &#8211; check out this super quick how-to video



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Importing Data by CSV | Stampede" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/umendihZy6Q?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>

Data import product update to Stampede features

Product Update – Importing Data

Why is Social Authentication so Important?

For travellers, few amenities rival the importance of being connected when staying in hotels, resorts or when visiting public venues, like airports or stadiums.  Good internet connectivity will always be one of the first things travellers demand.
Stampede offers social media authentication, so travellers can provide your venue with a Facebook Like, Facebook Check-In or Twitter Follow to boost your company’s social media growth and exposure.
The benefits of this are plentiful, no access codes /passwords make it easy for users to connect. Most internet users in the modern day are already familiar with common social sites, meaning connecting accounts in exchange for WiFi, is an appealing option for some. This type of authentication helps
<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-2763 alignright" style="width: 79px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" title="Stampede Facebook" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Imported_Blog_Media/social-login-ball.png" alt="Stampede Facebook" width="79" data-constrained="true" />
build your social media following, which in turn gets your name out there to the masses. With social media in the picture, every hotel, motel, resort, airport or stadium wants guests and users to share the good times and leave positive feedback; now these users are immediately guided to your social media accounts.
<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4478 alignleft" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 79px;" title="Stampede Twitter" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Imported_Blog_Media/Twitterbird.png" alt="Stampede Twitter" width="79" data-constrained="true" />
With social media in the picture, every hotel, motel, resort, airport or stadium wants guests and users to share a good experience and leave positive feedback, allowing a social login guides users to your accounts straight away.
Social Media Authentication through Stampede WiFi can help you and your business to boost social media exposure while providing your guests with a positive guest internet access experience.
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Social Media Authentication For Guest Wi-Fi

Untrackable traffic is probably one of the biggest fears of any data-driven marketer.&nbsp;



“Dark social” is an example of such a dreaded source, which has been on the rise over the past couple of years.&nbsp;



We’ve compiled everything you need to know about dark social advocacy and how you can use it to your benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-dark-social">What is Dark Social?</h2>



Dark social refers to any web traffic that comes from sharing links that are not trackable. They won’t be picked up by Google because they usually don’t contain any <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/3-clever-tools-that-simplify-how-you-measure-marketing-results">UTM tracking code</a>.



As a consequence the original traffic source remains unknown, instead, those leads will show up as “direct traffic” in your analytics.&nbsp;



What makes this type of sharing so dark is the fact that it happens on private messaging platforms such as chat apps or instant messengers and not on public social media platforms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why the Channel is Growing</h2>



Recently, there has been a shift in how much people share on social media. This is mainly linked to privacy concerns and how their data is used.&nbsp;



Contrary to social media, private messaging platforms allow for end-to-end encryption, so people can better control their personal information.&nbsp;



Up to <a href="https://www.convinceandconvert.com/social-media/what-is-dark-social/">80% of shares are in fact happening in the dark</a>, probably more than you might have expected.



This is even more so the case in the hospitality industry where people are looking for recommendations from their family and friends. So chances are high that they will share it privately.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Ways Dark Social Affect Businesses</h2>



The impact of dark social on businesses can be broken down into 3 main points:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Untrackablilty</li>
</ol>



As mentioned already, the major issue is that you can’t put an exact number on this type of channel.&nbsp;



There are ways you can measure it to a certain extent, such as through Google Analytics (Source: direct traffic) or by using special tools.



<ol class="wp-block-list" start="2">
<li>Exclusion from the customer conversation</li>
</ol>



The actual content that is shared through dark social remains invisible to companies.



You don’t know what is said about your business. Also, you can’t control the conversation and whether it is in line with your brand voice and values.



<ol class="wp-block-list" start="3">
<li>Lower reach</li>
</ol>



In general, your reach might be limited on dark social. People tend to share within their network, i.e. like-minded people with the same interests and behaviours.



It’s therefore not necessarily a channel to attract a new type of customer.



However, if you look into the demographics, you can reach an older audience as younger customers still tend to share their content on social media.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Actionable Tips For More Transparency</h2>



The good news, there are a couple of ways you can increase measurability. It’s all about making your content more traceable in the first place.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Encourage trackable ways of sharing: add share buttons/links to your content containing <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-are-utm-tracking-codes-ht">referral data</a>.</li>



<li>Chime in on the conversation: create your own community with loyal customers, i.e. a Whatsapp group.</li>



<li>Use <a href="https://free-url-shortener.rb.gy/">URL shortener</a> for social posts: shorter links with UTMs attached look cleaner and are easier to copy and paste.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Power of Dark Social</h2>



Taking all the above into account, dark social should definitely not be seen as a threat to marketers.



Even though it is a channel that is hard to control it contributes a lot to your brand awareness and engagement.&nbsp;



Think about it this way &#8211; if customers share your content privately it’s a sign of trust and loyalty. It is a form of unexpected <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/breakdown-3-ways-customers-advocate-your-hospitality-brand">brand advocacy.</a>&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-hospitality-operators-can-use-data-to-reveal-loyal-customers">Learn more</a> about how you can identify and grow your most loyal customers using data insights and our customer retention cohort report.

Shedding A Light On Dark Social And How It Increases Brand Awareness

Consumers appreciate speed and convenience. Pair this with a pandemic that’s encouraged people to stay at home and you have the premise for why online ordering has recently seen exponential growth. While there’s <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/why-you-should-put-your-restaurant-on-a-delivery-app-now/">no longer room for argument</a> as to whether deliveries should be an option for restaurants, the debate of how they should be administered still stands. &nbsp;



Did you know?



Did you know that revenue generated by off-premise dining makes up 44% of all restaurant sales, with 25% of those orders accounting for delivery?<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/how-do-third-party-delivery-players-stack">[1]</a>



As such, the aim of this article is to guide restaurant owners through the decision-making process when it comes to answering the following question:



Should restaurants provide delivery themselves (DIY) &#8211; or should they rely on third-party services?



To help you work out what’s best for your business, let’s work through the pros and cons of the two options.&nbsp;



Here goes:



DIY Delivery 



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>If you want full control of your restaurant’s order and delivery system, then DIY delivery is the way to go. Having complete reign gives you the ability to control your delivery logistics so that you can put every effort into keeping your customers happy with your service.</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>In-house delivery methods allow restaurant owners and managers the freedom and flexibility to define their own product-offering and business model. For example, there are many third-party services that are restrictive by the type of products they can deliver.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>By cutting out the middleman, you can reduce the potential for communication breakdown. There is less room for error when customers direct their orders to the source. At the same time, you can own the conversation with your customers where you provide them with options to order online or via a phone call. </li><li>Using your own vehicles is a great branding opportunity. Many companies use vehicles wrapped in eye-catching designs to get them noticed when driving around. It&#8217;s like a mobile billboard for your business, instead of a solo cyclist with a cuboid backpack.</li></ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Hiring delivery staff and delivery vehicles with in-house delivery operations can become costly.&nbsp; It can also be a complex procedure that adds to your admin, weighing you down with paperwork. </li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Even if you have been in the restaurant business for years, your expertise in modern-day delivery expectations may be lacking. This could lead to disrupted logistics and incompetence that could give your restaurant a bad rep. So, if you are not prepared to master new skills, then “DIY” may not be the way to go.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>If things go wrong with an in-house delivery, there’s just no way to “pass on the buck”. If your customer is dissatisfied, then you will have to take full accountability for bad experiences. It’s fully up to you to provide ways to keep your restaurant customers happy.</li></ul>



Third-party Delivery Pros and Cons



Pros



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Outsourcing delivery gives you room to breathe. By relying on delivery service apps to do the hard parts for you, you can focus exclusively on the tangible things you provide to your patrons. You have more time and resources on your hands to concentrate on other important day-to-day efforts and bigger projects.</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Choosing to outsource delivery to a third party can lower your fixed expenses. It cuts out the need to pay wages to delivery staff and you won’t need to take out extra insurance. You also won’t need to purchase a fleet of delivery vehicles – which can put a huge dent in your profits.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Using a third-party delivery service has the potential to direct new business to you. Most third-party delivery services use web and mobile applications to run their services, with big advertising budgets to get consumers on board. The apps are out there doing the hard work of bringing you potential new customers.</li></ul>



Cons



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>When you rely on a third-party service application to run your deliveries, then you lose a certain amount of influential control over your patrons. For instance, you cannot customise your customer experience so that it completely meets the goals and values of your brand. You also rely on third-party staff members, who you may never meet, to be the face of your restaurant.&nbsp; At least with in-house delivery, you can train employees in exacting the delivery standards that you would like your customers to experience.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Commissions and fees. Third-party delivery software services are convenient in the sense that you typically only pay commission per transaction. However, this commission can take a hefty chunk out of your profits, sometimes up to 35%. Depending on your type of establishment, staff, wages, and vehicle availability may work out cheaper for a DIY delivery operation.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Third-party apps rely on technology to work and if there’s been a technical hitch in the system, it can lead to broken communication and an unhappy customer. While it may be the third-party’s fault that your customer is dissatisfied, it’s still your reputation on the line.&nbsp;</li></ul>



The Bottom Line…



Both DIY in-house and third-party delivery options are weighted with advantages and drawbacks. But regardless of how you decide to run your delivery operation, it’s always a good idea to incorporate some sort of delivery software into your system. <a href="https://storekit.com/advice/restaurant-software-a-guide/">Technology comes in all shapes and sizes and with its help</a>, you can streamline your logistics and optimise your operation as a whole. 



If you&#8217;re looking for more control and flexibility, DIY is the best option. However, if you favour speed and convenience, outsourcing with a third-party delivery app would be a better fit.



References:



[1] Restaurant Business Online. <a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/how-do-third-party-delivery-players-stack">How Do the Third-Party Delivery Players Stack Up?</a> June 21, 2018



Sources:



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Moz. <a href="https://moz.com/blog/third-party-vs-in-house-delivery-guide">Third-party vs. In-house Delivery: A Guide to Informed Choice</a>, 22 June, 2020</li><li>Glympse. <a href="https://glympse.com/glympse/in-house-vs-third-party-delivery-pros-and-cons/">In-House vs. Third-Party Delivery: Pros and Cons</a>, May 15, 2019</li></ol>

Comparing In-House Delivery and Third-Party Delivery Apps

In the last 12 months, over&nbsp;120 million emails&nbsp;have been sent through Stampede across thousands of campaigns.



From all that we learned:



A) That the number of sent emails should be a lot higher, because



B) People often avoid email campaigns because designing them is a headache, and



C) 99% of email campaigns are very similar in design and layout.



 Enter&nbsp;Quick Campaigns&nbsp;🚀 &#8211; taking you from start to sent in just a couple of minutes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-works">How it works</h2>



✅ Prompt the builder with your idea ✅ Use the Brand Kit to set your theme for your venue ✅ Choose your audience or segment (or make a new one) ✅ Add some text for the body of the email (you can change the main image too) ✅ Bolt-on a trackable call-to-action button Then hit Send!



It&#8217;s less effort than a social media post, and way more effective at generating bookings and conversions.



Think of it like filling in a form, instead of building a web page with a drag-and-drop designer. Most email campaigns are simple and they tend to be the best at getting the desired outcome.



For those that still want to nurture audiences with rich content, story telling and brand building you can still do all that and more in with Bulk and even Automated campaigns.



Email marketing continues to be one of the best performing channels for any business. Social media algorithms change, new trends emerge, new platforms pop-up. Marketers constantly have to adjust and redesign their approach to stay relevant and appear on feeds. You&#8217;re always renting the audience and fighting for attention.



Your email audience is yours to address as and when you like. Segementation is still your most powerful tool here, whether you send Quick or Bulk campaigns. 



<a href="https://stampede.ai/get-started/marketing/">Stampede is here to help</a> with thousands of ways to build audiences and segments so your message hits the right people at the right time, without slowing you down.







p.s. It&#8217;s never a choice between email or social media &#8211; it&#8217;s always BOTH

Introducing Quick Campaigns

Who are your customers, and what exactly do they want? The fundamentals of what makes a business either work or fail ultimately come down to this one question, which can be explored by looking at the customer journey as a whole, as well as <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">personalisation</a>.







Both the customer journey and personalisation boils down to understanding all the interactions your customers are having with your business. It can be likened to your wait staff asking “how’s your meal?”, but looking at the broader picture.&nbsp;



By knowing about every aspect of your customer journey, and how customers are interacting with your business, you can begin to build a bigger picture of what they ultimately want from you.&nbsp;



If you own a restaurant and are looking to improve the understanding between your business and your customer base, here are some of the best places to start.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding The Customer Journey</h4>



The customer journey is not just the time from when they walk into your restaurant until they pay and then walk out again. Instead, the customer journey covers every interaction your restaurant has with your patrons.&nbsp;



For example, searching for your website &#8211; how easy is the process, and are they able to book online? Then there’s dining in your restaurant, what type of experience are they having? Are your wait staff attentive and knowledgeable about your food? The customer journey also extends to following up with them afterwards, in the form of feedback forms or marketing.



If you really want to get into the mindset of your customers, then i<a href="https://www.salesforce.com/uk/blog/2016/03/customer-journey-mapping-explained.html">t’s important to understand their overall journey</a> and how your business fits in with each of these milestones. After all, if there’s a weak link the chain, it can pull everything else down too.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Personalise The Experience</h4>



Restaurants are not simply a place to eat. From catch-ups to celebrations, they provide the backdrop to some of our most memorable events throughout our lives.&nbsp;



If a customer calls to book a table or room for a special event, it’s the perfect time to incorporate personalisation. After all, it’s a real honour to be chosen as the place to celebrate a milestone event in someone’s life.&nbsp;



As management, you should look to incorporate personal touches into the event. What steps can you take to make the experience unique, versus what a chain restaurant would do?&nbsp;



Personalisation is also about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6OwbWcFhfM">tailoring your business to meet a particular trend or demand</a>. For example, when you walk into a coffee shop &#8211; do they simply sell tea and coffee, or have they thought about caffeine-free options too?&nbsp;



The more people are able to personalise the experience, the more your business model is able to fit into their needs. Remember, happy customers, equals return customers!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Anticipating Their Needs</h4>



Starting with your restaurant, how comfortable is it for people to spend long periods of time in? If it’s a draughty old building with rigid seating, it’s probably not going to be great for spending hours catching up with friends. However, throwing some armchairs in and putting a log fire in there changes things completely. This is anticipating your customer&#8217;s needs.&nbsp;



If service is a little slow, what steps can you take to prevent customers from becoming irate? Serving free drinks or even having fresh bread on the table, can act as a natural buffer to this situation. After all, there’s nothing worse than waiting hours for food when you are hungry. Dealing with this scenario effectively before it becomes an issue, is also part of anticipating the needs of the customer.&nbsp;



In essence, <a href="https://smallbusiness.chron.com/topfive-basic-services-customer-needs-restaurant-24669.html">the more you get into the mindset of your restaurant clientele</a>, the more you can anticipate what steps need to be taken to reach them. Looking at steps that can be taken to minimise issues throughout all stages of your customer experience is what will set you apart from your competitors.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Take Inspiration From Other Service Industries</h4>



Think about the experience you have on a plane, and how the airline and flight attendants anticipate your every need. For example, passengers are hungry and thirsty. So snacks, food and drinks are regularly served. On-board entertainment is provided to keep you from becoming bored or restless.&nbsp;



There’s also <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherelliott/2018/07/11/these-companies-have-the-best-customer-service-heres-why/#750e6082b80a">a real emphasis on meeting the needs of the passengers</a>, provided by visible service at regular intervals. Someone has thought of all these things in advance, and as a reaction to previous feedback.



While your restaurant might be located firmly on solid ground rather than 30,000ft up, that doesn’t mean to say you can’t follow the same approach when it comes to anticipating your customer&#8217;s needs. It starts by asking what could be improved on, and what steps do you need to take to do this?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h4>



Customer service doesn’t stop when your patrons leave the building. By building <a href="https://stampede.ai/product/features/">a clear picture of your customer insights</a>, you can stay on top of their experiences, good and bad.&nbsp;



Getting to the heart of what your customer wants is the core of any business. At Stampede, our software has the exact same ethos. 



Start your journey to understand your customers&#8217; journey, as well as learning how to personalise your business based on <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">real-time analytical data</a>.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>

Personalise Your Customer Journey at Your Restaurant

Restaurant management is not for the faint-hearted. With a new establishment flaunting itself on every corner, competition can be somewhat rife. Your dishes may be exquisite and your atmosphere delightful – but if you don’t market yourself productively, you could lose your patrons to the neighbour next door.&nbsp;



From coffee shop marketing to eloquently advertising your Michelin star restaurant, deploying the correct advertising techniques is what will draw in the next generations – ensuring that you always have tables to serve. &nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Did you know?</h4>



According to <a href="https://brandongaille.com/13-must-see-restaurant-social-media-statistics-and-trends/">Brandon Gaille [1]</a>, 40% of individuals learn about food through digital methods, such as websites, blogs, and mobile apps.&nbsp;



This statistic is expected to increase in the future.&nbsp;



For the next 50 years, millennials will make up a huge portion of your target audience with Generation Z following close behind. The two generations show proximate similarities and if you pay attention to what these folks want or expect from the service industry – then your marketing efforts are halfway there.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Three Things You Need to Know About Millennials</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>They value opinions.&nbsp; Millennials can Google their hearts out. But when it comes to “sealing the deal”, they value opinions the most.This is why <a href="https://stampede.ai/resources/i-read-it-online-so-it-must-be-true/">word-of-mouth recommendations, online reviews and social media comments</a> are going to continue to sky-rocket in importance.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>They judge your credibility based on your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/establishing-your-coffee-shop-brand-online/">online presence</a>. A website is a great starting point but if you are not on social media, well, do you even exist? Restaurants that do not have active Facebook or Instagram profiles seem questionable to millennials and they might just doubt your authenticity.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>They love brands that support their causes. Millennials tend to be very proactive when it comes to social responsibility. Many direct their attention to brands and businesses that share their passions. So, if you support any causes or host fundraisers, you’re going to want to let your customers know about it. If you don’t support any causes, now’s the time to start.&nbsp;</li></ul>



It’s clear that the future of marketing will be built on digital grounds while considering the emotions behind human expectations. It will be even more imperative for restaurants to have an engaging social media presence where good reviews are regarded as valuable as solid gold. At the same time, creditability and transparency should form the backbone of every marketing campaign.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">The Future of Digital Marketing for Restaurants</h5>



Now that we have some insight into what future patrons will expect from the food industry – the question is – what type of targeted marketing will cater to their needs?



We’ve already established that digital advertising is the way to go. But with technology evolving so rapidly, it’s important that you keep up to date with the up-and-coming trends so that you don’t fall off the wagon.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Here’s our researched list of future marketing trends:</h4>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Measurable Marketing</h5>



Gone are the days where marketing was a one-way method of communication. With the onset of digital marketing, businesses can now receive invaluable feedback from their audiences. Measurable marketing techniques can include:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Facebook Advertising</li><li><a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/3-powerful-ways-wifi-marketing-can-grow-your-business/">Wi-Fi Marketing</a></li><li>Digital Ordering</li><li>Digital Menus</li></ul>



By applying each of these strategies, you not only create ways to continuously market yourself but you also get to collect the data on your patrons’ trends. This data can be used to perfect customer satisfaction and refine future marketing efforts even further.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Localised Marketing</h5>



Localised marketing is not only based on a restaurants target area. It also taps into the expectations of the individuals in that location. Using the information gathered from measurable marketing, restaurants can support causes that the locals tend to navigate towards.&nbsp;



As a current example, you could advertise your vegan, gluten-free, and organic meal options or you could turn your restaurant into a plastic-free zone.&nbsp;



Another hit of the future lies in charity fundraisers and community support. In this regard, small restaurants have an advantage over larger chains. They have the ability to position themselves as an integral part of the local fabric. This means that they can effectively structure themselves to be a friendly and familiar face within the community.&nbsp;



By implementing these “causes” into your marketing campaign, you will be satisfying your patrons before they even step through your doors.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Personalisation</h5>



Personalisation within the restaurant industry will focus on digital menus. This will streamline the ordering process and act as a platform for uniquely targeted advertising. Like measurable marketing, it will also help restaurants to gather the data they need to create dishes and menus that are personalised to individual tastes and dietary requirements.



Past trends will be saved and automatically adapted for the next dish recommendation. Ultimately, this will improve taste, customisation, and patron satisfaction.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Customer Loyalty Programmes</h5>



 Loyalty programs are no new invention. Gone are the days where clipped coupons find their way to the recycling bin. Future loyalty initiatives are now joining the digital revolution. Next-generation restaurants are using Smartphone technology and web-based applications to maintain a large and insightful customer database.



Essentially, Loyalty Programmes are a friendly way of asking patrons for their personal details. In exchange for certain perks (like free meals), customers agree to your marketing terms. Loyalty systems are currently being developed to send targeted and automated marketing emails, text messages, and push notifications directly to the customers on a database. This creates a cost-effective, streamlined, and customised marketing campaign that hits the nail on the head. &nbsp;



Marketing a restaurant with the right combination of trends and strategies stands second to none in making a business successful. By staying one step ahead of your customers and patrons, you will not only meet their expectations but you will also have the ability to market effectively. And in case you didn’t know – the future starts now!&nbsp;



References:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://brandongaille.com/13-must-see-restaurant-social-media-statistics-and-trends/">Brandon Gaille Marketing Statistics.</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

The Future of Restaurant Marketing

This week&#8217;s email from KAM-Media put a strong focus on the continued growth of &#8220;hospitality-at-home&#8221; such as meal kits, ingredient boxes and cocktail kits.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



It&#8217;s all go with this trend at the moment, so let&#8217;s crack on with:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-fast-tips-for-hospitality-at-home-marketing">5 Fast Tips for Hospitality-At-Home Marketing</h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Add as much detail as possible to your website about the kit(s) </li><li>Make the instructions / tasting notes readily available in multiple locations (website, confirmation email, printed copy in box etc.) </li><li>Create and upload a how-to video as well </li><li>Use a unique hashtag when promoting it on social media &#8211; encourage customers to share pictures using the hashtag </li><li>Utilise all the tools your eCommerce platform has to offer i.e. cross-sell, upsell, abandon cart email automation etc.</li></ol>



And to give you a quick insight on the state of the &#8220;Hospitality-At-Home&#8221; market:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-findings-from-kam-media-s-consumer-poll">5 Findings from <a href="https://tx.contacta.io/email/601be16d808fe3f1685e675c/recipients/601d2d6714f18881ecba3414/viewonline" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KAM-Media&#8217;s Consumer Poll</a></h3>



Awareness of what&#8217;s available out there is strong, of those surveyed:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>63% know about cook at home meal kits</li><li>40% have either bought or would consider buying a cook at home meal kit</li><li>44% have bought or would consider a finish at home meal kit</li><li>38% for cocktails at home</li><li>35% for min kegs from a pub</li></ul>



Take a look at the infographic below and head over to their latest email <a href="https://tx.contacta.io/email/601be16d808fe3f1685e675c/recipients/601d2d6714f18881ecba3414/viewonline" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a> for additional insight.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-1024x575.png" alt="" class="wp-image-19608" width="979" height="549" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-1024x575.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-300x169.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-768x431.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-1536x863.png 1536w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-1200x674.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-150x84.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-592x333.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-107x60.png 107w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30-160x90.png 160w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screenshot-2021-02-11-at-17.18.30.png 1700w" sizes="(max-width: 979px) 100vw, 979px" /></a></figure>

Quick Tips To Drive More Sales – At-Home Kits

In case you haven&#8217;t heard, <a class="" href="https://www.android.com/versions/oreo-8-0/">this week Android released Oreo, the latest version of their operating system</a> (Version 8.0 for those of you keeping score at home).
The new version of the world&#8217;s most popular operating system introduces a number of visual tweaks to make phone and tablet displays smoother and more fluid and some behind the scenes updates to keep Android devices running at peak performance.

One of these new features is the ability to turn on WiFi when close to a known access point. This will be a lifesaver for device battery life. Sure, you could just turn the WiFi on and off on your Android as you go about your daily life. But that&#8217;s kind of a pain. And how about those times you&#8217;ve turned off your WiFi to save battery power, then, when you think you&#8217;ve connected to <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/wifi-in-action#coffee">WiFi at your favourite Cafe or Pub</a>, wind up using a month&#8217;s worth of data streaming the <a href="http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/game-of-thrones/feature/a795227/game-of-thrones-incredible-easter-eggs-you-might-have-missed/">latest GoT episode</a> because you thought you were connected to the free WiFi.
And let&#8217;s not forget about security &#8211; keeping your WiFi off when you don&#8217;t need it is one of the best ways of keeping your beloved phone or tablet protected from the <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/articles/data-comprimised-wifi-pineapple">hackers who love to spy on unsecured public networks</a>.
Like we said &#8211; a lifesaver.
Here&#8217;s the way it works: each time you connect to WiFi, Android will remember the location (provided you have location services enabled, of course). Every time you return to that known location, Android will automagically turn on the WiFi and connect you to the network.
<h3>Enabling Automatic Wifi in Android Oreo</h3>
Right &#8211; enough with the pregame show &#8211; here&#8217;s how to turn on this nifty feature in Android:
<ol>
<li>Open Settings</li>
<li>Tap on Network &amp; Internet</li>
<li>Select the WiFi Connection where you want to enable an automatic connection</li>
<li>Select WiFi Preferences from the bottom of the screen</li>
<li>Enable &#8220;Turn on WiFi Automatically&#8221;</li>
</ol>
That&#8217;s it!
<h3>Need More Cookie?</h3>
Like we were saying &#8211; automatic WiFi connections are just the tip of the iceberg of new features in Oreo. There&#8217;s also improved Picture-in-Picture, built in Google Fonts, and improved second screen displays.
But don&#8217;t just take our word for it. Here&#8217;s a quick roundup of some of the other cool new features:
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fn57JS9WnAQ?rel=0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
What are some of the favourite features you&#8217;ve discovered in Oreo? Feel free to leave a comment below!
<h3>Get Connected</h3>
And if you&#8217;re running a pub, restaurant or other retail business, and you&#8217;re looking to provide awesome Wifi for your customers to connect their Android (and iPhones and tablets and&#8230;.you get the idea), why not give us a shot?
We integrate with most leading Wifi manufacturers like Cisco, Unifi and more and setup is a breeze.
What are you waiting for?
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Save Your Battery By Enabling Automatic WiFi Connections in Android Oreo

Gift card sales have skyrocketed over the past years with customers being keen to support their local businesses. Though,&nbsp;how many of your sold gift cards have actually been redeemed yet? Fact is,&nbsp;<a href="https://enjovia.com/make-more-restaurant-profit-with-vouchers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">customers spend up to 72% more than the actual value of the card when they redeem it</a>. 



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Time to unlock your hidden revenue with a personalised gift card reminder campaign using our simple 5 step recipe.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">1) The Data</h5>



For this campaign, you need to access your&nbsp;gift cards buyer data. The data should include the purchase date and gift card status, i.e. redeemed or unredeemed.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">2) The Trigger Event</h5>



Now segment your data into customers&nbsp;who have purchased a gift card but have not redeemed&nbsp;it yet.&nbsp;



If your gift cards come with an expiration date you can use this as a trigger event, e.g. set up an automated reminder campaign for the month before.&nbsp;



Otherwise, you can choose the timeframe that works best for you. Ideally, you would run this sort of campaign during quieter times to further boost bookings.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">3) The Messaging</h5>



Your gift card reminder message should go straight to the point.&nbsp;Keep it simple with a strong call-to-action&nbsp;at the end. Also, use your subject line to tell your customers what your email is about to increase your open rates.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">4) The Offer</h5>



There’s no need for an additional offer in your campaign.&nbsp;



However, you can use your customers’ attention to&nbsp;promote certain events&nbsp;or&nbsp;fill in for last-minute cancellations&nbsp;with a prompt to book quickly due to limited availability.



Here&#8217;s how your gift card reminder email could look like:



Subject line &#8211; [Name] have you redeemed your gift card for [company] yet?



Don’t forget to pay us a visit and redeem your gift card!



Why not come by this weekend? We’ve got [event] coming up and only limited space available. So better be quick!



Book Your Space Now



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-the-outcome">5) The Outcome</h5>



You certainly don’t want to miss out on all this&nbsp;additional revenue&nbsp;coming with your gift card redemptions. So, keep on top of your gift card sales and make sure customers redeem them in time.&nbsp;



Besides, for many gift card holders this might be the first time at your venue. This is your chance to exceed their expectations and turn them into repeat customers.



Be sure to keep an eye out for our next part of this series on how you turn customers into regulars across all your venues.



Take your&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/gift-cards/#gifting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gift cards</a>&nbsp;to the next level and go digital.&nbsp;<a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a>&nbsp;with one of our team to find out more.

Unlock Hidden Gift Card Revenue: The Next 5 Step Recipe [Part 3/5]

Have you ever been lost in a foreign city? Ever had to send out an important text? There are moments in which we are grateful for an Internet connection on our smartphone and even more grateful for the <a class="" href="/blog/restaurant-wifi-with-tapas-blackbx-success-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bars and restaurants</a> around us that allow us to access it.  

In some situations WiFi can be a lifesaver, but at other times it seems like people simply have a crave to check their newsfeed, mails and stay connected with friends. It can be argued that WiFi is indeed highly addictive, as <a class="" href="https://www.ipass.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/iPass-Mobile-Professional-Report-2017.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a study from iPass</a> suggests that 27% of respondents indicated that WiFi is impossible to give up. 
Let’s put this in relation with other cravings humanity has &#8211; gambling is only impossible to give up for 4% of the respondents, while smoking was only slightly higher &#8211; at 6%. This connectivity-craving is leading some people to use WiFi on their smartphones even in some weird situations. 
<h3>The Toilet </h3>
I am sure you remember the last text you received, but are you aware there’s a good chance this text was composed on a toilet? Fair enough, sitting on the throne can be quite inspirational. I bet the amount of texts sent from bathrooms all around the world must be quite impressive, as 72% of us make use of a smartphone in the stall. Maybe it’s the solitary atmosphere that bathrooms provide us with that make it so likely to just grab a smartphone and explore the fascinating world wide web. We really don’t mind, but please wash your hands.
<h3>On a Date </h3>
Having used Tinder in the bathroom, some of us might be lucky enough to have a date or two. Well done! Get your favourite shirt ironed and take your crush to a nice bar around the corner. Don’t forget to be charming, interested in what your counterpart has to say and keep your phone in your pocket. Apparently none of you are listening to our old-fashioned dating advice anyway &#8211; since a shocking 36% of people use their smartphone during a date. In other words, more than every third person will have a wee look at Facebook, read some mails or sends an ‘<a class="" href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/73/b1/a7/73b1a7bafc43a649c857984719588d1e--sweet-texts-cute-texts.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">emergency text</a>’ to the best friend during a date.
<h3>During Sex</h3>
In case the date goes well, brace yourself &#8211; 7% use their mobiles even during sex, unfortunately we weren’t able to find out exactly how they do it.
<h3>In a Meeting </h3>
Sure, meetings are boring and sometimes you might need to check your phone to bolster a fact or two in your PowerPoint. But, if you&#8217;re in a meeting, it&#8217;s usually a good idea to give the persenter your full attention. Which apparently more than half of us can&#8217;t do, as 53% of respondants reported that they had checked their smartphone during a meeting. For shame. 
<h3>At a Funeral </h3>
If you thought tweeting during a date (or an intimate encounter) would be rude or impolite, you might be shocked about the next odd situation. Some people would literally take their smartphone to the grave if they could &#8211; 11% of respondents during the research admitted they’d use their smartphone even during a funeral. Somethings are a little too much, even for us. 
<h3>Being Connected is a Good Thing</h3>
Just because some internet users lose control over their habits and might have a weird relation to their smartphone, doesn&#8217;t mean we all have to follow in their footsteps. 
Internet and smartphones have revolutionised the way we interact, the way we plan and even the way we live. The strong need to connect with others, share our experiences online and always be up to date, has brought an opportunity for businesses looking to expand their audience. 
The importance of offering an Internet access to customers is absolutely vital today. If you want to learn more about guest WiFi and how offering it will benefit both your business and your customers, click below. 
Just make sure you wash your hands first. 
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

THE TOP 5 WEIRDEST TIMES TO USE A SMARTPHONE

So you&#8217;ve just opened your first coffee shop. Besides awesome coffee, you wanted your business to be a place where people could meet and chat about the pressing issues of the day. Sort of a modern day salon, if you will. You did everything a good coffee shop is supposed to do &#8211; order the latest in Sumatran Dark Roast, obtain sweets from your favourite local baker and, of course, install some WiFi for your customers.

The only problem is that your coffee shop has become a haven for hipsters working on the latest draft of their screenplay. Instead of lively conversation, everyone in your shop is staring at their laptop screens and silently typing away.
So what&#8217;s the solution? How can you get your customers talking and still keep your business going?
You could do what a lot of <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-managing/we-dont-want-to-be-an-office-cafe-owners-are-pulling-the-plug-on-wifi/article34859828/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">coffee shops are doing these days and turn off the WiFi</a>. This will keep your business moving but might run the risk of alienating your customers and peg you as a Luddite.
Here&#8217;s a better solution: let your customers use your WiFi for free &#8211; at first &#8211; then ask them to pay. Hey &#8211; there&#8217;s no such thing as a free lunch, right?
<h2>Setting Up a Paid or Hybrid Network</h2>
But how to go about setting one of these networks up? With Stampede, it&#8217;s as easy as flipping a virtual switch.
Using Stampede, you can setup a wholly paid network, that is, one where your customers have to pay to access the WiFi for a set period of time. The other solution is to setup what is known as a hybrid network. In this type of network, your users are free to browse the internet until they&#8217;ve used up a certain amount of data &#8211; how much is up to you. Then they&#8217;ll be asked to pay for their connection. This is a great solution for keeping those bandwidth hogs off your network and has the added bonus of not penalising the people who wanted to stop by for a coffee and to quickly check their email.
<h2>Supercharge Your Marketing</h2>
Ok, so you&#8217;ve got the bandwidth hogs under control in your coffee shop. That&#8217;s a start, but that&#8217;s not the coolest feature of Stampede. That&#8217;s right. There&#8217;s more!
See when your customers want to access your WiFi, they&#8217;ll first need to login through what is known as a captive portal. This is a splash screen that appears on their device as soon as they fire up the WiFi. Your customers will need to enter their email address on the captive portal in order to be able to access the network.
And that email address, my friend, is gold. Because you can now use it to market to your customers. How so? How about this &#8211; let&#8217;s say one of your customers hasn&#8217;t visited your shop in a while, so Stampede automatically drops them an <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/learn-how-to-boost-your-business-with-sms-and-email-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">email or SMS message</a> letting them know about some of your latest creations and includes a coupon for a discount. Magic? Nope, that&#8217;s Stampede.
And it doesn&#8217;t stop there &#8211; the sky is the limit as to what you want to do. That&#8217;s because Stampede also includes Zapier integration so you can connect Stampede to your favourite marketing and productivity software like MailChimp, Slack, Trello, Dropbox and hundreds more.
<h2>Bandwidth Hog Hunter</h2>
So stop those bandwidth hogs in their tracks by setting up paid or hybrid networks in Stampede. Just click below to get started!
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Paid and Hybrid WiFi Networks with Stampede

The key to running a successful business is understanding who your customers are. So you can tailor your products or services to suit them. Going beyond vague age and gender brackets, <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">data analytics</a> can give you an accurate breakdown of exactly who is visiting your restaurant. As a result, you can make informed decisions on how to market what you do and to whom. Learn more about how you can use data analytics to get to know your customers in and out.







In the digital age, it’s never been easier to find data analytics to use to your advantage and get to know your customers. In fact, even social media can tell you the average age of your followers. Even more, when they are most active online, making it simple to build an overall picture. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BVLVFH38ps">More advanced data analytics</a> can even share how often your customers visit you, how much they spend with you and what their interests are.



Such insight matters, because it’s the best way of getting in sync with what your customers really want. By doing so, you can improve your business model and streamline your overheads too.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Read minds</h4>



No crystal ball required. By having your customer data presented in a way that’s easy to toggle between, you can ensure <a href="https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/04/06/how-to-market-a-product">your marketing hits a bullseye every time</a>. For example, if pizza is the most popular item ordered in your restaurant. You can deliver deals to your most loyal customers. When it comes to social media marketing, you could use storytelling to show your customers how your famous pizzas are made.&nbsp;



Compared with generic content you put out to try and boost your followers with no real insight behind it, this tactic is a lot more likely <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/tracking-digital-marketing-roi/">to generate ROI</a>. That’s because you are getting to the heart of what your customers come to you for. If your analytics show people are searching for ‘pizza in Edinburgh’, then you can even tailor your paid posts to pick up on these keywords too.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Identify your best customers</h4>



It’s not a question of picking favourites here. Studying your <a href="https://www.towerdata.com/blog/what-is-customer-demographic-data">data analytics can paint an interesting picture</a> when it comes to your acquisition costs. In particular, who is responding best to your marketing. For example, if you are spending the most money trying to attract students. However, find out that your biggest customer base is working professionals coming in on their lunch break. This gives you a chance to reassess your marketing strategy. So that overall it’s a lot more cost-effective.&nbsp;



You can also understand who is spending the most money with you, and what are your most popular products or services. As a restaurant, this might be a particular meal deal you serve that’s popular with the lunchtime crowd. If your analytical tools are even more advanced, you can even identify what each individual customer orders most often, to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">create tailored marketing.</a>&nbsp;



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/personalise-your-customer-journey-at-your-restaurant/">https://stampede.ai/blog/personalise-your-customer-journey-at-your-restaurant/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Target their location</h4>



Geography is huge when it comes to marketing your business. If your customers are coming from far and wide but your marketing is only concentrated to a 1-mile radius of your restaurant, you could be missing out on vital trade. Similarly, if you advertise nationally but 90% of your customers live within 5 miles of your restaurant. This could be eating up your marketing budget providing a poor ROI.&nbsp;



The great thing about data analytics is that you can find out <a href="https://marketingland.com/getting-back-to-basics-with-location-based-marketing-256512">the towns and cities closest to you</a> that are pulling in the most customers. You will be able to access both the reach and engagement, as well as the potential reach if you were to extend your campaign from the city to the whole county.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Maintain steady business</h4>



The thing about analytics is that it shows both upwards and downwards trends. <a href="https://www.whishworks.com/blog/big-data/data-analytics-explained">By studying your data regularly</a>, you can see when certain demographics aren’t purchasing as regularly. Or when the business as a whole is receiving less traffic to its social media pages, which is impacting bookings. Going beyond simply noticing less cash in the till, the specifics of who isn’t buying from you and why can allow you to take informed action.&nbsp;



For example, you might notice fewer students are visiting because it’s the end of the summer term. You can prep for freshers week to bring in even more trade than usual, to make up for the shortfall. In addition, you could switch to marketing towards families who are more likely to be receptive in the school holidays instead. Therefore, your data analytics can assist both your business forecasting and recovery too.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h4>



Do you know who your customers are? Answering this question accurately can be really tricky for any restaurant business. After all, customers tell you their order not their date of birth or any other key information that would help you tailor your marketing strategy better. Then there’s the challenge of getting this key information in the first place, especially in the age of GDPR.&nbsp;



Our branded WiFi portal allows your customers to keep connected. While simultaneously allowing you to be more connected to your customers too.&nbsp;By monitoring the connection closely you can get insight on how your business is performing. But also how to improve it.&nbsp;On the same time, you can use data analytics to get to know your customers better and reach out to them in a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-set-up-your-first-email-campaign-guide-2019/">more tailored way</a>.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>

Using Data Analytics to Get to Know Your Customers

It has been a big year here at Stampede. Join us for a throwback of the highlights of 2019.



Looking back, we spoke to a lot of amazing people around the globe, running all different kinds of businesses. But we&#8217;ve also invested lots of thoughts and time into improving and updating our product.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Platform</h4>



The platform itself got updated in the way it looks and navigates. We have released the fourth version of it, providing our customers with enhanced user experience and more detailed insights and statistics.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Features</h4>



Following feedback from our customers, we&#8217;ve added a couple of new, exciting features. All further enhancing their marketing efforts, providing them with even more ways to grow their business.



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Our Stories feature has transformed the way venue promotions are delivered to customers into a more dynamic and effective way. The first of its kind as an in-venue marketing tool.</li><li>The multi-site reporting saves time and allows for an easy way to compare metrics across various locations in just one report.</li><li>With our newest on-demand email marketing feature customers can be grouped into segments, which can be used for flexible bulk emailing.</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Integrations</h4>



Various new integrations have been added to our product as well. For those who love to get things automated and streamline processes in their marketing and data, we&#8217;re now officially listed on Zapier. Also, we now integrate with Airship.co.uk, a hospitality CRM service.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Stampede Family</h4>



Looking internally, a lot has happened as well. 



With our rapid growth in the last 12 months (and still ongoing), our employee size has more than tripled. We have even outgrown our office space.



The biggest achievement though is definitely our brand change from <strike>BLACKBX</strike> to Stampede in November. 



Have a look yourself at our 2019 review timeline:



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="2000" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review.png" alt="" class="wp-image-13849" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review.png 800w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review-120x300.png 120w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review-410x1024.png 410w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review-768x1920.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review-614x1536.png 614w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review-150x375.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review-592x1480.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review-24x60.png 24w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-year-in-review-36x90.png 36w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure></div>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Many more highlights to come this year. So, stay tuned to not miss out on anything!

Stampede 2019 Review

Updates to geo-fencing on Loyalty, export your campaign results and putting a spotlight on POS voucher codes.



Don&#8217;t forget to explore Quick Campaigns if you&#8217;re short on time and need to get a promo out to drive some extra foot traffic!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="582" height="1024" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Loyalty-sd-582x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-23569" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Loyalty-sd-582x1024.png 582w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Loyalty-sd-170x300.png 170w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Loyalty-sd-768x1351.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Loyalty-sd-150x264.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Loyalty-sd.png 799w" sizes="(max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px" /></figure>

New This Week

Compared: 4 Time-Saving Social Media Scheduling Tools [Updated 2023]

There’s no denying that loyal customers are a key revenue driver for any business. Their <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/service/customer-loyalty-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">average spending is up to 67% higher compared to new customers</a>. More than ever, hospitality businesses should now up their efforts to increase customer loyalty to secure a steady revenue flow.&nbsp; A well-established way to get customers coming back and increase sales is by offering loyalty stamp cards. Collecting stamps at each visit and getting rewarded for it, what’s not to like about it?&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



But how many of your customers are actually filling and redeeming their cards? And how long does it take them to obtain a full one?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-problem-with-loyalty-stamp-cards">The problem with loyalty stamp cards</h4>



Getting customers to sign up for your stamp card is usually an easy task, keeping them coming back to use the card is another story. All the initial excitement and interest in collecting stamps tends to wear off over time. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167811621000082" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The average rewards program gets a redemption rate of only 13%.&nbsp;</a>



Using stamp cards will increase the chances of a customer coming back, but it can’t be relied upon entirely as a way to keep them coming back for more.



The key action here is to keep customers engaged on a frequent basis in a variety of ways, so they get their stamps too. Let’s uncover some loyalty card secrets.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-keep-customers-engaged">How to keep customers engaged?</h4>



First of all, you have to stay front of mind with your customers. They probably have many loyalty cards from various different places. So it’s on you to regularly remind them that they have a stamp card from your place as well. It’s all about actively encouraging them to come back more often.



Also, when creating your rewards, focus on these questions:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Are they obtainable? Your average visit frequency helps you to determine the ideal number of stamps needed for a full card</li><li>Are they attractive? Which type of reward would your customers want? Are they worth collecting stamps for? Are your rewards relevant to your business?</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-email-sms-marketing-campaigns">Email &amp; SMS marketing campaigns</h4>



As ever, email and SMS marketing are a great tools to keep your customers interested and stay on top of their minds. It’s all about a friendly nudge to remind them of their loyalty stamp cards.



Here’s some inspiration for your campaigns to keep customers committed:



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-them-to-collect-more-stamps">Get them to collect more stamps:</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>&#8220;How many more stamps do you need? &#8211; a fresh batch of &#8230; arrived today, and we know how much you love them. Come by to get yours.&#8221;</li><li>“&#8230; more stamps to go. Come by today to get one extra stamp for every &#8230; “</li><li>&#8220;Special weekday deal &#8211; earn double the stamps when you buy &#8230;&#8221;</li><li>&#8220;Flash offer &#8211; Buy 1, Get 1 free on all cocktails from 6pm-9pm.&#8221;</li></ul>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-them-to-redeem-their-full-stamp-card">Get them to redeem their full stamp card:</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>&#8220;Still haven&#8217;t redeemed your stamps?&#8221;</li><li>&#8220;Got a full card? You&#8217;re owed a free …, come by today and enjoy &#8230;&#8221;</li><li>&#8220;Don’t miss out on our special freebie for all redeemed stamp cards this month.&#8221;</li><li>“Your chance to win. All redeemed stamp cards from this month will enter a special prize draw.”</li></ul>



By the way, are you still using paper loyalty stamp cards? Everything we’ve said before is massively improved by going digital. Save money and gain more loyal customers faster with digital stamp cards.



<a href="contact@stampede.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> to find out more about our digital stamp card solution.

How to Maximise Revenue from Your Loyalty Stamp Cards

Having a change in scenery and getting out of your own four walls is only one reason why many people want to work from hospitality venues.&nbsp;It is also about the mixture of having some sort of office buzz with the convenience of being taken care of. There is no need to worry about what’s for lunch and having to prepare it. And even better free flow (high-quality) coffee and tea throughout the day.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-and-promote-your-remote-work-space-packages">Create and Promote Your Remote Work Space Packages</h4>



To make your place more attractive and to set yourself apart from other venues, it’s worth creating dedicated “remote work packages”.&nbsp;



Think of what a remote worker might need apart from <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fast and secure WiFi</a> and what they can’t get at home. Just relying on your coffee offers alone might not be enough to get people through your door.&nbsp;



Also, consider offering hourly packages alongside half-or full-day packages or even a monthly subscription. And don’t forget to encourage pre-booking.



Here’s some inspiration for your packages, as well as a couple of examples from other hospitality venues.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Package Item Ideas for Restaurants/Pubs/Cafes/Bars</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Unlimited / high-speed WiFi &amp; charging points</li>



<li>Coffee/tea subscription</li>



<li>Soft drinks offers</li>



<li>Free breakfast item upon arrival</li>



<li>Lunch time offers</li>



<li>After work dinner/drink offers</li>



<li>Offer for private rooms hire</li>
</ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Examples</h5>



Have a look at what the <a href="https://www.youngs.co.uk/work-from-pub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Youngs Pub Group</a> and the <a href="https://www.pubswithmore.co.uk/work-from-a-pub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stonegate Group</a> have come up with across their venues.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Package Item Ideas for Hotels</h4>



Hotels are great for all those who want a more private space to work from, so they’re ideal for hosting virtual meetings or calls.



It might be worth considering expanding your day passes to overnight ones or even several days (with special weekend deals) for customers who are looking for a longer escape from their homes.



Your remote work package could include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Early check-in, late check-out</li>



<li>Unlimited WiFi &amp; charging points</li>



<li>HDMI cable to connect laptop to TV</li>



<li>Access to business centre (printer)</li>



<li>F&amp;B voucher</li>



<li>Selection of coffee/tee in the room</li>



<li>Add breakfast, snack, lunch or dinner option</li>



<li>Offer for leisure facilities &#8211; gym, spa</li>



<li>Free parking</li>
</ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Examples</h5>



A great example for hotels is <a href="https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/work-from-hotels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Western</a>.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bonus Tip &#8211; Ramp Up Your Remote Working Space Promotions</h4>



There are other ways for businesses to promote their venue as a remote working space, besides through Google searches, social media and on the website.



One of those examples is <a href="https://swurf.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWURF</a>, a work surfing app. SWURF connects remote workers to places where they are welcomed to work from. Venues can list and promote their properties on the app. SWURF started off as an Edinburgh based project and is now fast expanding to major UK cities. 



Head to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-turn-your-venue-into-the-1-remote-working-place-part-i/">Part I of this article</a> to get a quick checklist on how to set up your venue as a remote working space.



Need some help promoting your remote work packages via email or SMS marketing? <a href="mailto:contact@stampede.ai?subject=&amp;body=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with one of our team. We&#8217;re happy to help.

[Part II] How to Promote Your Venue as the #1 Remote Working Space

<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Why SMS verification is important?</h4>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The whole world has a mobile phone number</li><li>Guaranteed deliverability </li><li>Instant validation through modern smartphones</li><li>SMS marketing has a 97% read rate within 15 minutes </li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Why did we build this?</h4>



We have always validated customer phone numbers as they type it out, but after lots of customer feedback, we realised that more advanced guaranteed SMS delivery would require a product update



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">How does it work?</h4>



After we have run our first validation check on the phone number we will now send that number a unique code. If using a mobile phone the field will automatically populate and that&#8217;s it!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-vimeo aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper" style="max-width: 340px;margin: 0 auto;">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="SMS Verification" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/389474237?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963" width="346" height="750" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write"></iframe>
</div></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">How to use this feature?</h4>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-1004x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-14196" width="473" height="482" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-1004x1024.png 1004w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-294x300.png 294w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-768x783.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-1200x1224.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-150x153.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-16x16.png 16w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-592x604.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-59x60.png 59w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18-88x90.png 88w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Screenshot-2020-02-05-at-12.45.18.png 1290w" sizes="(max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px" /></figure></div>



Log in to the product <a href="https://product.stampede.ai">here</a> and goto Branding > Capture and then select SMS Code Verification



That&#8217;s it now any new phone number will get verified.

Product Update – SMS Verification

The Power of Reviews and Recommendations

Today we are launching our &#8220;Snap box&#8221;, a remotely managed device to provide the best in class captive portal solution. Using the latest standards outlined by Apple and Google utilizing the DCHP option 114 which enforced captive portal compliance and experience. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-why">The Why</h3>



Running a captive portal is a must-have for all physical businesses, why? because it will deliver up to 75% of your guest traffic.



Not only this but it also provides a seriously rich dataset which tells you how long someone is in your venue, when they arrived and when they leave. 



If you are running a hotel it can also tell you which room a guest is staying in&#8230; 



So if 75% of your business comes from this data source, why does it still feel like almost all captive portals still SUCK, and why does it feel like that&#8217;s getting worse?



Guest Wi-Fi can be so powerful there are now umpteen companies out there who will do you a deal on a captive portal solution. The issue here is building a decent captive portal is really hard &#8211; In 2021 I wrote a love letter to building the worlds best captive portal &#8211; <a href="https://patrickclover.medium.com/how-to-build-the-worlds-best-captive-portal-feee1654fa8b">read here</a>. 



Captive portals have a superpower but it comes with a weak point. They give any operator the ability to track any customer within 6m of the device, but this has opened up quite a serious privacy issue.



While most operators make little use of this it is entirely possible. The main reason people can&#8217;t utilize it is that this stream of data (by design) is not connected to anything else in a business. It might get exported/imported into other systems on mass but you couldn&#8217;t use the data to say &#8220;&#8230;as soon as someone leaves the building ping them a message.&#8221;



The barrier to entry for selling captive portals is very low (given the market, supply of engineers and increasing demand). But the barrier to entry for desired user experience is very high, and has gotten higher. And because of Apple / Google&#8217;s privacy concerns, they have begun locking down the triggering of these pop-up screens. Which in the worst case will leave your guests with a broken-looking screen&#8230;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enter-apple">Enter Apple</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2048-1024x576.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23594" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2048-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2048-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2048-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2048-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2048-1200x675.jpeg 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2048-150x84.jpeg 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2048.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Apple has decided to do its thing and enforce operating system changes to help alleviate the privacy and experience concerns.



Apple released this spec entitled <a href="https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=q78sq5rv">&#8220;How to modernize your captive network&#8221; </a>back in 2020! Ages ago, right? Welcome to innovation in this space. Later in the year, this proposal was picked up by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) &#8211; <a href="https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc8910">read more</a>. It was then implemented in the <a href="https://developer.android.com/about/versions/11/features/captive-portal">Release of Android 11</a>



This solution is truly the hallmark of <a href="https://www.apple.com/">Apple</a>. It can control when the popup should be seen, and how long the guest&#8217;s session should last and also has the ability to show the guest how much bandwidth they are allowed to consume &#8211; cool right?



Woohoo! A captive portal solution that is bulletproof, privacy first and guest experience-centric.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-implementation-problem">The Implementation Problem</h3>



The issue with the approach outlined by Apple is that it requires a robust network setup, including on-premise infrastructure. In practice, this means you will need.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Custom domains </li>



<li>DDNS support </li>



<li>Localized SSL certificates </li>



<li>A HTTP Server and web proxy</li>



<li>Content caching</li>



<li>DHCP with support Option 114</li>
</ul>



Apple wants the network owners i.e. hospitality operators to own the networking stack for this new standard to work.



The problem faced now is that very few operators will have the correct equipment on site to support these changes or few will.



And in true Apple fashion, it looks to be mandating this in a future release of iOS.



Your captive portals will ultimately become unstable when this happens, and you may have already noticed an increase in customer complaints and downtime as a result.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oh-snap">Oh, Snap!</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mikrotik-provisioning-steps.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Snap re-provisioning from factory reset</figcaption></figure>



This month, we have launched a hardware line called Snap which solves this problem.



This line of hardware can be remotely provisioned in your Stampede dashboard. Out of the box it will ship with all the features needed to run a best in class experience and adhere to Apple&#8217;s beautiful captive portal solution.



For guests, this will mean we can serve much richer content (like videos) and deliver zero-second latency performance to local devices.



As we have been providing more functionality &#8220;on the floor&#8221; it has become obvious we need tighter control of what&#8217;s happening in the building. This device will automatically have its functionality extended over time to support a next-generation digital hospitality experience.



Imagine using a table booking system like Stampede that was accessing its information via a Snap box and then relaying that onto an iPad at the front-of-house. Or running promotions in real time to guests who were connected to the Wi-Fi&#8230; under the hood this device can be programmed/re-programmed to bring any Stampede service closer to the customer.



To recap, it has built-in redundancy, lower operating costs and performance that&#8217;d make your eyes POP. And I really mean that &#8211; when you experience response times measured in sub (ms) the guest experience is magic.



The Snap box is a powerhouse, it packs as much power as a desktop PC. Its job? To provide the best possible guest experience with no compromises and no cowboy funny business.



It is future-proofed and will end up being the central hub for all serious hospitality operators.



We are building up a network of Stampede Snap installation partners across the UK who will be able to perfectly implement this solution, with recruitment beginning in Mid-August.

Snap Box – Stampede Network Application

The UK’s irrepressible hospitality sector: 2022 Industry Growth Report

What do you associate with the word merchandise? Probably shirts, caps, mugs but also fans, engagement, loyalty, pride, belonging and of course free advertising.



Basically, it is a little piece of your business that can be taken home by your customers. Your customers turn into brand advocates, showcasing your products for free and carrying your name into the world. Even better, every time they open up their wardrobe and spot your product, it might entice them to come by your venue. What’s not to like?



First and foremost this<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/consumer-trends/new-kind-marketing"> retail-based marketing</a> approach can provide another welcome stream of revenue to your business. Most of the items allow for a big mark up on the selling price and can act as a real revenue booster.



There are some great examples of hospitality brands that have pivoted on merchandise.



Probably the best known when it comes to merchandising is the<a href="https://shop.hardrock.com/"> Hard Rock Cafe</a>. Fans travel around the globe to buy local Hard Rock merch. You can get their logo on nearly everything nowadays, and it&#8217;s definitely turned into a bit of&nbsp; cult following.



On the other hand, Edinburgh based businesses like<a href="https://www.instagram.com/civerinos_slice"> Civerinos Pizza Bar</a>,<a href="https://www.campervanbrewery.com/shop/merch"> Campervan Brewery</a> and<a href="https://www.cairngormcoffee.com/shop"> Cairngorm Coffee</a> and the international brewery and pub chain<a href="https://www.brewdog.com/uk/shop/merchandise"> Brewdog</a>, offer products that clearly reflect their brand by sticking to what they&#8217;re best known for. Their focus is on a few but recognisable branded products.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-started">Getting Started</h3>



Before you create your own products and venture into merchandise selling, there are some important questions to ask:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Will it reflect your values and is it consistent with your overall messaging?</li><li>Does it provide a real benefit to your customers &#8211; would you buy it?</li><li>How are you going to display it in your venue?</li><li>Do you want to sell it on your website or use a third-party platform?</li></ul>



And sales can be boosted using promotions. There are various great ways to get your merchandise out there:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Cross-selling &#8211; i.e. get a free mug with your 10th coffee</li><li>Social media is your best friend here, that’s where your fans are.</li><li>Share what you&#8217;re selling with your loyal customers via a newsletter and give them priority access/discounts.</li><li>Hold a flash sale &#8211; i.e. get a freebie upon your next visit</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next">&nbsp;What’s next?</h3>



Got lot’s of great ideas for promotions but not sure where to start? Maybe a rack full of T-Shirts?



Go digital with in-venue promotions through your Guest WiFi. Design and launch offers in minutes, displayed directly to your customer’s mobiles. Faster than fliers and no wasted spend!



<a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact">Get in touch</a> with one of our team to get started with our<a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/#stories"> Upsell feature.</a>

Turn Customers into Fans with Merchandise for Hospitality

In March 2021, Google has launched a new, exciting feature called ‘<a href="https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/10472393?hl=en&amp;ref_topic=10468394" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free booking links</a>’ made for hotels and vacation rental properties. The idea is to get more free, organic traffic to the hotel’s website through better visibility on Google Search and Maps. This will ultimately&nbsp;increase direct bookings.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>



So, can this feature be a game-changer for online hotel bookings?



We had a closer look into how it works and how you can get the most out of it for your business.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-works">How It Works</h5>



The booking link can be added to your Google profile and acts as a&nbsp;free listing of your rates and availabilities. The link appears alongside the paid ads in the booking module (see example below).



To use this feature you have to be registered at the&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/10123427" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Hotel Centre</a>&nbsp;or using Google Ads.



Hotels can choose which landing page they want their link to go to and Google will extract room availability and room rates from there.



When customers then search for a hotel, they can see the hotel’s own prices as well as any OTA offers. This way, they can quickly compare prices but also book directly from there.



As shown in the Best Western Hotel example below, the listing includes:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The hotel/property name</li>



<li>The room rate for the selected date</li>



<li>‘Official site’ badge and logo</li>



<li>Any additional amenities, such as free cancellation, special offers, etc.</li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-11-at-07.12.18.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://image.stampede.ai/fill/703/1005/ce/0/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGFtcGVkZS5haS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMi8wNS9TY3JlZW5zaG90LTIwMjItMDUtMTEtYXQtMDcuMTIuMTgucG5n" alt="Google Booking Link Example" class="wp-image-21616" width="527" height="754"/></a></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Tips For A Higher Ranking</h5>



As those links are unpaid, they’re ranked according to the utility to users, which makes it a bit tricky to manage.



Some tips to&nbsp;rank higher on the listing:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Offer the best rate when guests book direct</li>



<li>Check that the prices on the listing match to those on your landing page</li>



<li>Keep enough availability for your direct bookings</li>



<li>Make sure your My Business listing on Google is updated and as detailed as it can be with reviews, high-quality imagery, amenities, etc.</li>



<li>Provide a user-friendly landing page experience</li>
</ul>



Also, check out the dedicated&nbsp;reporting feature&nbsp;in the Google Hotel Centre. You can see how many people have clicked on your link, as well as impressions and average booking value.



Use those insights to further&nbsp;optimise for direct bookings. Such as improving your landing page experience, reviewing your pricing strategy and comparing against local competitors.&nbsp;



What is the conclusion, are those free booking links as good as they sound?



The biggest bonus certainly is that the&nbsp;feature comes at no cost.&nbsp;It doesn’t involve much work to be set up but can certainly help to increase direct bookings.



It allows hotels to convert guests at an early point in their search and purchasing process. Plus, you get&nbsp;access to the guest data&nbsp;which you can use for future marketing purposes to boost guest loyalty. So, it is definitely worth setting it up.&nbsp;



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request" target="_blank">Reach out</a>&nbsp;to find out how you can use your collected guest data to create personalised marketing campaigns that convert.

This Free Google Tool Can Increase Direct Bookings With Ease

Heres a quick round up of some of our latest developments



✉️ Email speeds improved by 100% for large bulk campaigns 🎯 New integration with Loke 🚀 Wifi settings redesigned from the ground up 



Busy time for us at Stampede and for our customers ramping up towards Christmas. At this time of year, conditions are ideal for maximising ROI with festive campaigns. Which for us of course means a big spike in traffic. With our latest update we hit a new personal best sending rate: 400 emails a second 💥



In other news&#8230; heres a sneak peak of our new booking modal with improved automatic table suggestions:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="765" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-1024x765.png" alt="" class="wp-image-23225" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-1024x765.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-300x224.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-768x574.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-150x112.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account.png 1148w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Oh and added to that ☝️ one can now lock booking to their tables so that important bookings or requested tables aren&#8217;t accidentally moved. Heres a quick run through of how that works&#8230;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Homepage" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/857906961?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write"></iframe>
</div></figure>



And with that, onto to next month! We have a lot of exciting new features planned so look out for the next feature drop ✌️

Whats new in September

Customer data is the key&nbsp;to feeding your marketing campaigns, driving repeat visits and increasing revenue. The more data and customer insights you can get, the bigger the knock-on effect.



There are many touch points along the digital and physical customer journey that allow hospitality businesses to collect data. But two stand out above the others. 



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-ways-to-collect-customer-data">2 ways to collect customer data</h5>



One popular data source is a&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/get-bookings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">table booking system</a>. The data you get from those lets you to send reminders (reduce no-shows) and special offers in advance as a way to increase sales per booking.



Another common method is using a&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi/#portal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">captive portal solution</a>&nbsp;to gather data through Guest WiFi. The real-time, in-venue data brings huge potential to increase spend per head, i.e. through&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/#upsell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital upselling</a>.



In both cases, customers can be contacted after their visit to further boost loyalty through personalised campaigns and offers.&nbsp;



No doubt, those two tools are good on their own and will help you grow your database and business. But when&nbsp;combined, they elevate your expansion&nbsp;to new heights.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">The combined power of WiFi and Booking Data</h5>



The crux with booking data is that you only get data from the person that made the booking.



So what happens if you have a large group booking? You’re&nbsp;missing out on a big bunch of data&nbsp;and potential future business opportunities as you have no means to contact the rest of the party.



However, if you also opt for the captive portal you can gather the data of the entire booking party, once they sign up for your WiFi. An easy way to&nbsp;scale up your database from just one booking.&nbsp;



Even better, if both systems are integrated into one CRM. You can mix and match both sources to&nbsp;create high-converting campaigns&nbsp;and bring more customers back on a regular basis.



Here’re some examples of segmentation ideas using your booking and WiFi data insights.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">4 clever segmentation ideas</h5>



1) Has booked but not been at the venue (cancellation):



-&gt; Win-back campaign with a special offer



2) Has been at the venue (WiFi) but not booked online yet (booking):



-&gt; Welcome or early-bird booking offers&nbsp;



3) Has been at venue (WiFi) and birthday coming up:



-&gt; Special birthday party booking offer



4) Regular booker/in-venue visitor (WiFi + booking):



-&gt; Bring your friends and get …% off



Want to scale up your marketing campaigns to achieve better results?&nbsp;<a href="https://h.stampede.ai/meetings/stampede/demo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a>&nbsp;with our team to find out more.

The Revenue Boosting Combo Of WiFi And Bookings Data

This month we&#8217;ve been putting the spotlight on branding within Stampede.



Consistent branding has a huge positive impact on customer loyalty and engagement. The goal is to improve recognition and recollection amongst your customers, increasing the chance of word-of-mouth marketing. And we all want more of that lovely free advertising.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-new">What&#8217;s new?</h2>



Brand Kits &#8211; a single location in Stampede to control your brand settings across all channels. This includes WiFi login, review feedback emails, website forms, and the table booking widget.



Bringing the settings for all these into one location will save you and your teams heaps of time and effort. Deploying consistent branding this way won&#8217;t have directly measurable results but it&#8217;s impact will be positive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-into-details">Digging into details</h2>



Within the Brand Kit you&#8217;ll be able to save things like text font for both headings and body text at account level to save you doing this for every email.



You&#8217;ll also be able to upload a Primary image, such as your logo, and colour to be used across all your channels. This would control the colour of all your call-to-action buttons for example &#8220;Book now&#8221; on an email or &#8220;Confirm booking&#8221; on your table booking widget.



Lastly (for now) you can also set a default Background image to be used in various locations. This might be a collage of your dishes, an artful photo of your interior design, or maybe something more conceptual around your brand like a pattern.



Once you&#8217;ve got these set you can check the previews to see how your various channels will look.



Ideally they should be very similar to your menus, website and any other existing brand elements you have.



If you have an existing brand book &#8211; this will be the place to input that so that it&#8217;s saved across your account.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coming-soon">Coming soon</h2>



Booking confirmation pages &#8211; our team is working on a new landing page for table booking confirmations. It&#8217;ll make managing bookings easier for customers, and we&#8217;re including ways to help them spread the word about their visit to your venues.



Review capture design &#8211; we&#8217;re also giving our Reviews automation emails a refresh. Mobile optimisation is our main priority here, and when paired with the Brand kits, it&#8217;ll tie the digital customer experience together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-started">Getting started</h2>



If you&#8217;ve got a Stampede account and want to learn more about Brand kit, or get some help setting up, <a href="mailto:support@stampede.ai?subject=Learn%20more%20about%20Brand%20Kits">contact our Customer Success team.</a>



Otherwise you can <a href="https://stampede.ai/demo">get a guided tour</a> from one of our team at a time to suit you

New Features & Updates – September 2023

We’re pleased to share with you the latest feature addition to our marketing platform: unique voucher codes.



In the past, conversion tracking between online marketing and offline conversion used to be a guessing game and many events were simply missed.



So far, Stampede has already closed a big gap with businesses being able to track returning in-venue visitors based on WiFi interaction. However, until now it wasn’t possible to record singular campaign conversion, i.e. matching customers who came back to the venue (to redeem their voucher) with the corresponding marketing campaign.



Unique voucher codes will allow you to do this. They help you better understand how many conversions your campaigns get by linking your vouchers to the emails you’ve sent. It’s a powerful and effective way to increase customer spending and reporting accuracy.



No more matching codes and campaigns, no more rough ideas of what worked (or didn’t). Just easy digital marketing.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-works">How It Works</h5>



Get started by creating a new voucher in the Stampede Growth section. Choose a name, redemption amount as well as expiry date and include a short description.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-20-at-12.18.13.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://image.stampede.ai/fill/882/1236/ce/0/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGFtcGVkZS5haS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMi8wNS9TY3JlZW5zaG90LTIwMjItMDUtMjAtYXQtMTIuMTguMTMucG5n" alt="" class="wp-image-21710" width="441" height="618"/></a></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Now head over to <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/">Stampede Marketing</a> and enable voucher codes for your campaigns. You can then build promotional emails which will include a unique code for each customer in the audience. These one-time-only codes will also prevent customers from using them multiple times.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-21712" width="370" height="338" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1.png 739w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-300x274.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-150x137.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-16x16.png 16w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-592x541.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-66x60.png 66w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-99x90.png 99w" sizes="(max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px" /></a></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Each voucher code will be automatically attached to the email or SMS and allows for super accurate conversion tracking. Once customers redeem the voucher at your venue, you will be able to track each conversion back to your individual campaigns via the code.



To access the results of voucher code campaigns, head back to the Growth section in Stampede. Here you will see exactly how many conversions your campaigns are bringing in. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Proven Campaign Ideas</h4>



To get started here are some campaign ideas to increase revenue and nurture customer loyalty.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Welcome Campaign</h6>



When a customer signs ups for your newsletter on your website, you can automatically send them a welcome discount voucher code. Once they redeem, you can track their full journey from their first online interaction to an offline in-venue visit.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Birthday Campaign</h6>



Personalised marketing is a great way to deepen your customer relationship and keep customers coming back. One example of these simple but effective campaigns is birthday emails with personalised vouchers attached.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Win-Back Campaign</h6>



Retain customers who haven’t been at your venue for a while and offer them a discount upon their next visit. If they redeem you can further engage them with additional offers, etc.



Also, make sure to set up an automated reminder email if the voucher hasn’t been redeemed after a certain time.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">VIP Club Campaign</h6>



In this case, your vouchers give your loyal customers access to exclusive rewards and benefits, i.e. free or discounted merchandise. You can use this campaign in combination with special events, such as launch parties or celebrations.



Unique voucher codes are now live in Stampede, you can log in and use them right away. If you have any questions, <a href="https://h.stampede.ai/meetings/stampede/demo">reach out to our team</a> who are happy to help.

New Stampede Marketing Feature – Unique Voucher Codes

We’re pleased to announce our latest integration for Stampede with order-and-pay provider <a href="https://storekit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Storekit</a>.&nbsp;



This game-changing integration enables hospitality operators to turn transaction data into powerful marketing campaigns. In turn, this will improve revenues and profitability for hospitality brands working with Storekit and Stampede, whilst also providing the other benefits of both platforms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-storekit">Who is Storekit?</h2>



Year founded:&nbsp;Storekit formally launched in 2020, although&nbsp;they&#8217;ve been working in hospitality tech for over a decade&nbsp; What it does:&nbsp;With <a href="http://storekit.com/">Storekit</a>, your customers can order and/or pay from their smartphone, wherever they are. For table ordering, that means bigger orders, and a better customer experience. For takeaway, that means growing your audience and improving your bottom line. Why customers love it:&nbsp;Storekit is the easiest and most beautiful mobile ordering system on the market – they&#8217;re bringing world-class consumer software to independent venues. It&#8217;s easy for your customers, easy for your team, and easy for you.&nbsp; &#8220;More sales. That&#8217;s the best thing about Storekit. 100%.&#8221; – Savan, Owner, The Arch Pub&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-integration">The Integration</h2>



So, what does this new integration look like? For operators using Storekit, they can now sync their customer and transaction data into Stampede automatically. This adds a new interaction within Stampede, which can be used to create targeted marketing lists.&nbsp;



Then it’s over to Stampede’s Marketing to send out email and SMS campaigns specifically crafted for those customers, based on their transaction history from Storekit. You can even stack the interactions with other Stampede features for more detailed targeting.



And it comes full circle too. When those customers come back to the venue, or make another purchase through Storekit, that information is attached to the campaigns sent through Stampede. This gives operators a level of reporting and ROI tracking rarely seen for hospitality brands.



Here are some examples of the kind of mailing lists you could build now:



Customers who have: Spent over £500 (via Storekit) AND have a birthday in the next 4 weeks (via Stampede Guest WiFi)



What to send: Send them a special birthday offer, knowing that they’re likely to spend big at your venue



<meta charset="utf-8">Customers who have: Spent more than £1000 (via Storekit) AND have left a negative review (via Stampede Reviews) What to send: Send them a win-back campaign as part of service recovery and turn them back into a brand advocate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Improving Your Profitability</h2>



When it comes to acquiring new customers, many hospitality businesses still depend heavily on third-party delivery partners like Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat. All of which come with huge costs and minimal profits.&nbsp;



The combined power of Storekit and Stampede can help operators improve profitability by moving away from depending on these third party businesses. Gather customer data and bring more orders direct to your order-and-pay. Then, keep them coming back and ordering more with intelligent marketing that you control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-working-together">Working Together</h2>



A shared philosophy by both Stampede and Storekit on what technology should do for hospitality brands has come to fruition via this new integration. Together, we want to provide restaurants, bars, cafes and more with the kind of tech previously only available to online and eCommerce businesses.



Angus Jackson, Co-founder at Storekit said &#8220;For us, it was a no brainer to integrate with Stampede; they&#8217;re building beautiful tech that fits perfectly with our product philosophy &amp; mission to support forward-thinking and ambitious operators. We&#8217;re really excited to see our mutual venues making use of the rich data that will be at their fingertips&#8221;



Our founder Patrick said “We don&#8217;t use this phrase lightly but this is a game-changer for our customers. Storekit’s order-and-pay product is best in class and the integration between Stampede and Storekit enables unparalleled visibility on the entire customer journey. “



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-started">Getting Started</h2>



The integration is available to use from 2nd December. If you have both Stampede and Storekit already set up, integrating the systems takes only a couple of minutes. You can <a href="https://help.stampede.ai/en/articles/5778183-how-to-link-up-your-storekit-integration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">find a guide here</a>, or talk to one of our team on live chat.



To learn about either Storekit or Stampede, and this latest integration you can <a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book a call with our team here</a>.

New Integration With Storekit

This final week of November looks like it’ll be a busy one but just before we dive in, November is coming to a close soon so it’s the last few chances to show off those mo’s to help raise awareness for the Movember cause. Don’t forget to share the donation links of any staff or customers, along with those epic face fuzz photos!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Here are our top picks for this week:



Mon 23rd Nov &#8211; Espresso Day



The perfect way to start a fast-paced week: today is Espresso Day! The high-powered drink is often enjoyed by itself and of course, makes up the coffee foundation of many other popular cafe favourites.



It’s even adapted into a popular evening drink &#8211; the espresso martini.



The espresso itself is perhaps overlooked in favour of what else it becomes, so let’s make the tiny caffeine cups the star of the show today.



Share some coffee history or interesting facts about it such as that 14 billion espressos are consumed every year in Italy!



Thu 26th Nov &#8211; Thanksgiving



Despite Thanksgiving being a U.S. holiday, it still has a decent presence in the U.K. given the U.S. population living here and the influence they have on close friends. Plus, American-style dining has been on the rise here for a while too.



A simple Happy Thanksgiving message on social media is a great place to start. If you know your customers will be receptive to it, a special menu option for the day is worth exploring for takeaway/delivery/collection.



Last but not least, are always recipe ideas and how-to videos for any number of the well-known thanksgiving foods to benefit those home cooks getting involved too. These make for great social and email content.



Fri 27th Nov &#8211; Black Friday



Typically more of a retail-focused day, but with the power of online tools hospitality businesses can get some of the benefits of this annual sale event.



We’ve mentioned online discount codes before &#8211; many webshops and online ordering systems have the capability for these built-in. Reign in some extra business with your own Black Friday offers using these mechanisms and some email and social media promotion. 



It’s also a good opportunity to do a flash sale on gift cards or vouchers. Head back to Friday’s email for more details.



If you’ve got some branded merchandise for sale online it goes without saying that a Black Friday discount on these can help make room for some new designs next year.



As ever, if you’d like any help getting your content out to your email database <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">please get in touch</a>&nbsp;with one of our team.

What’s On This Week? – 23/11/2020

On top of Sourdough September and Organic Month,&nbsp;this week has an interesting mix of topics to inspire your social media and email content. Here&#8217;s three to get you started:



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monday-7th-september"> Monday 7th September</h4>



 We kick off with National Salami Day. Salamis are a major player on share platters and anti-pasta plates, and can be super photogenic. Just checkout local-to-us <a href="https://www.instagram.com/piggswinebar/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PIGGS wine bar</a> on Instagram.



You could create some visual content showing off your wide selection; perhaps share a short story on how it&#8217;s made or where it&#8217;s sourced for some more immersive written or video content.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tuesday-8th-september"> Tuesday 8th September</h4>



 <a href="https://intl.startrek.com/day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Star Trek Day</a> might be a bit niche for some to get involved in, but there’s a huge fanbase out there.



Many fans of the franchise will be settling in to watch their favourite series or set of films at home. A quick nudge to remind customers of takeaway and delivery availability could grab the attention of those looking for easy food and drinks on the day.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunday-13th-september"> Sunday 13th September</h4>



 This Sunday is <a href="https://celiac.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Celiac Awareness Day</a>. 1 out of every 100 people are thought to suffer from some degree of this disease, so it’s no wonder that many venues offer gluten-free options (or entirely gluten-free menus).



It&#8217;s a chance to help your followers learn a little more about celiac disease and share what your business does to be inclusive around it.



Looking to engage and connect with your customers? <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with one of our team to learn more about our <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication tools.</a>

What’s On This Week? – 07/09/2020

According to the calendar, it’s the first official day of Autumn this week, which already is a treasure trove of inspiration. Changing seasons, changing ingredients, changing menus.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



 For this week, we’ve got these three topics to inspire your social media and email content.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tuesday-22nd-national-ice-cream-cone-day"> Tuesday 22nd &#8211; National Ice Cream Cone Day</h4>



 True fans of ice cream know it can be enjoyed all year round. A luscious multi-scoop cone with all the toppings will look great in social media feeds. Try asking fans and followers to tag who they’d get a cone with to celebrate the day.&nbsp;



 If you don’t serve ice cream cones, Tuesday is also white chocolate day which can provide just as big a visual impact on social media.



 Recommended channels: Social media



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-friday-25th-national-cooking-day"> Friday 25th &#8211; National Cooking Day</h4>



 We might have passed the primetime of virtual cooking demos, but National Cooking Day is a great opportunity to record a new video demo, or simply share one you recorded a few months ago again&nbsp;with customers and fans.&nbsp;



 You could go down the route of how to make a favourite dish super-quick or a longer more detailed presentation. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/a-recipe-for-video-showcase-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check out this article</a> about cooking video best practice, using Wagamama&#8217;s example.



 Recommended channels: Email and social media



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturday-26th-better-breakfast-day"> Saturday 26th &#8211; Better Breakfast Day</h4>



 The fast pace of modern daily life often makes many people skimp on or miss breakfast entirely, and Better Breakfast Day aims to remind us all of the importance of that first meal.



 If you offer a healthy and hearty breakfast menu, this is an ideal day to show it off. A one day offer could be just the incentive people need to stop by and fuel up properly in the morning.&nbsp;



Otherwise, there are lots of breakfast dishes that make for great visual content, like pancake stacks, health-food bowls and eggs of all kinds.



 Top tip: Schedule social media posts for Thursday or Friday.



 Recommended channels: Email and social media.



Want to learn more about how email can grow your business? <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get </a><a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in touch</a> with one of our team.

What’s On This Week? – 21/09/2020

✉️ Email speeds improved by 100% for large bulk campaigns 🎯 New integration with Loke 🚀 Wifi settings redesigned from the ground up 



Busy time for us at Stampede and for our customers ramping up towards Christmas. At this time of year, conditions are ideal for maximising ROI with festive campaigns. Which for us of course means a big spike in traffic. With our latest update we hit a new personal best sending rate: 400 emails a second 💥



In other news&#8230; heres a sneak peak of our new booking modal with improved automatic table suggestions:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="765" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-1024x765.png" alt="" class="wp-image-23225" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-1024x765.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-300x224.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-768x574.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-150x112.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account.png 1148w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Oh and added to that ☝️ one can now lock booking to their tables so that important bookings or requested tables aren&#8217;t accidentally moved. Heres a quick run through of how that works&#8230;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Homepage" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/857906961?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write"></iframe>
</div></figure>



And with that, onto to next month! We have a lot of exciting new features planned so look out for the next feature drop ✌️

September take two 🎬

It all started a few years ago &#8211; every single coffee shop, restaurant or retail shop offered free WiFi to customers.

The reason for the explosive growth of WiFi in restaurants, cafes and bars is simple: making the customer feel comfortable at the venue eventually will result in customers staying longer and spending more. Usually we agree, free Guest WiFi is fundamental today and the opportunities that WiFi brings to a shop are too valuable to ignore them. At the same time, it must be said that offering a free Guest Network has resulted in problems for some shop owners.
<h3>The Problem with Unlimited WiFi</h3>
When WiFi became available in businesses, loads of people used the opportunity and started working from cafés or restaurants. Working remotely became a trend as many cafés became crowded with students, remote workers and their laptops. The problem many shop owners faced was that people entered the venue, got one cup of coffee and occupied the tables for the rest of the day. Not very lucrative, as cafés and restaurants make a living by serving a large number of visitors throughout the day. Shop owners rely on people entering the shop, having a coffee and leaving again- that’s the natural coffee shop cycle. With laptops and remote work, this natural time cycle is extended and the concept of coffee shops is not as profitable anymore.
<h3>Managed Guest WiFi</h3>
So, what can you do to prevent people from abusing the free guest network at shops and hospitality venues? There are several ways to tackle that problem. First of all, we recommend shop owners to actively manage their WiFi network. There’s absolutely no point in simply sharing an open network and letting every guest hop on to use however they please. To establish a set of basic rules, we advice shop owners to set a bandwidth limit for guests. This is a very simple and basic step to take but it ensures that every user of the network gets a fair share of the WiFi. Otherwise, some people could be downloading whole movies, while leaving the rest of customers with a slow connection and a tainted experience at the venue.
<h3>Defeating the Bandwidth Hogs</h3>
Managing your guest WiFi is made incredibly easy with a suitable piece of software, like ours, Stampede. What it helps you to do, is spot network abuse very easily. Network abusers, so called “Bandwidth Hogs”, appear on the list of people who are logged into the network. You can spot them easily by looking out for people with the highest amount of downloaded data. These Bandwidth Hogs’ access to the network can be revoked in seconds and you can make sure no one is abusing your WiFi.
<h3>Scheduling</h3>
Another useful function of a managed WiFi network, is to schedule it according to the opening times of the shop. There’s no reason to keep the network up all night, right? Therefore, we suggest scheduling the network to make it turn on in the morning, when the shop opens and make it switch off again when you lock the doors and go home, as simple as that.
<h3>Hybrid WiFi Networks</h3>
For cafés and restaurants that struggle to keep their business profitable due to students and remote workers camping in the venue, we have a great solution, too. Before you kick them out immediately, why not provide a hybrid network? What this type of network does is offers free WiFi for the first 500 MegaByte (could be more or less) of data. When the free data is used, guests are asked to pay for additional data. This is a useful tool because walk-in customer still enjoy the amenity of free Guest WiFi for the duration of a cup of coffee AND the business can establish another source of income from people who stay at the venue for work and pay for any extra data they require.
<h3>Reach Out With Automated Marketing</h3>
Talking about generating more income, did you know a smart guest wifi can send out automated messages to customers? Imagine a customer orders a coffee, sits down and starts working. A smart network will realize the customer spent an hour on the network and can send out an email or an SMS to the guest and suggest him or her to get a refill. An easy way to remind customers to have another cup or to have a cupcake with their coffee.
<h3>We Can Help You Defeat the Hogs</h3>
As you can see, learning about who is using your network in what manner can be very helpful for business owners. Steps to measure, track and control what guests do on a guest network can be taken very easily with the right Software. If you are interested in spotting the Bandwidth Hogs, setting speed limits or monetizing your guest WiFi, we are happy to help you out. Simply hit the button below and get in touch!
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Kicking People off Your WiFi

“As of 15 June, Europeans will be able to travel in the EU without roaming charges. It means that when travelling in the EU, consumers will be able to call, send SMS or surf on their mobile at the same price they pay at home.” – The European Commission

Gone are the days of dreading your phone bill after a week’s holiday of using 3G to try and navigate around an unknown country. Post-holiday blues were only intensified by a phenomenon called ‘bill shock’ &#8211; a phenomenon so sobering travelers would avoid their phones while on holiday.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Blog/roam-not-roam.jpg" alt="roam-not-roam.jpg" width="700" height="312" />
‘Roam like at home’ means that calls, texts and data are all free in Europe, and as it automatically came into effect, customers didn’t even have to lift a finger to make sure they were signed up.
It is billed as an ‘end to all roaming charges’, but it’s actually not as simple as that. The small print in the EU rules states a ‘fair usage’ policy, meaning mobile phone companies can still charge extra fees for some users who have unlimited, or data generous, packages.
Here’s how some of the leading UK networks are limiting ‘free’ data roaming: 
<table style="border-color: #000000;" border="1" cellpadding="5">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;">HOW MUCH OF YOUR UK DATA CAN YOU USE WITH NO EXTRA CHARGES?</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;">HOW MUCH EXTRA WILL YOU PAY OVER THIS LIMIT?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EE</td>
<td>15GB</td>
<td>You’ll need to buy an add-on &#8211; 1GB to use over a week costs £6.99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O2</td>
<td>All &#8211; no fair usage limit</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>THREE</td>
<td>12GB for contract, data and SIM only. 9BG for PAYG users. </td>
<td>0.73p/MB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VODAFONE</td>
<td>All &#8211; no fair usage limit</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GIFFGAFF</td>
<td>6GB is on an ‘always on’ package</td>
<td>0.73p/MB</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
There’s also a limit as to how many days you can access free data, with a maximum of 30 days at a time and 90 days per year.
Why does the ‘fair usage’ limit matter?
It’s important to remember that we use our devices differently while abroad, spending a lot more time checking maps, sharing experiences and photos with friends online and making video calls with loved ones. So it’s also really important to remember that your data allowance will run out extremely quickly. Plus, if you’re streaming or downloading content this will drain your allowance even faster.
The new law also only applies to EU citizens, meaning lots of people still need access to WiFi and are vulnerable to being charged extortionate fees. It’s also worth being mindful that Brexit brings a lot of uncertainty for free EU data roaming &#8211; as yet, no one knows what will happen.
So, what do we think about the new EU ‘free’ data roaming? 
Well, we’d say that when you can, rely on WiFi and turn off your data allowance. WiFi is usually faster, cheaper and also allows you to be more ‘data heavy’, making video calls and browsing online til your heart’s content.
EU data roaming is excellent as a backup and to check-in while on the move, but we’d suggest that sticking to WiFi where it is available is always best. When using WiFi you’ll be rest assured you’ve removed the risk of hefty fees and charges, taking away the worry from your holiday.
A quick point about security&#8230;
When using WiFi abroad, try to connect in places you visit, such as bars and restaurants, that have <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works#security">password protected WiFi</a>. Not only will this keep your connection secure, but you’ll possibly receive <a href="/blog/press/guest-wifi-a-sales-marketing-tool">discounts and promotions</a> from the businesses your patronizing via text or email &#8211; who doesn’t love a discount on their next drink, or a free dessert with their meal?! 
If you are traveling round Europe, you’ll often be at risk of security problems. Rather than using a password protected home or work network, you’ll be using public WiFi or even worse, shared computers.
Anyone on the same network (which could be hundreds or even thousands of people) could grab your passwords, usernames, credit card numbers and browsing history &#8211; a VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects you from this.
VPNs also let you get around Internet filtering &#8211; sites you might not expect (such as Netflix, Facebook and the BBC) are blocked in certain countries. To get around this, you simply connect your VPN to a country that doesn’t block the site you’re after.
Got any thoughts on ‘free’ EU data roaming? Let us know below!
And if you&#8217;re running a business and looking to offer safe and secure WiFi to your patrons &#8211; no matter where they&#8217;re from &#8211; why not give Stampede a shot? 

<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

‘Roam Like at Home’…Really?

In 2019, <a href="https://stampede.ai/press/raising-the-bar-a-stampede-report/">Stampede research </a>revealed that the number of pubs and bars in the UK had increased for the first time in a decade – while the wider hospitality sector was also in great shape. The same year, <a href="https://storekit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storekit</a> made headlines for its cheapest pint in London Tube map, which took hundreds of hours to create. Fast-forward two years, <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/new-integration-with-storekit/">Stampede and storekit</a> were now business partners and wanted to assess the same ONS UK business count data source to better understand the impact of COVID on UK hospitality business numbers.&nbsp;



The good news is that the hospitality sector has been remarkably resilient – despite tremendous uncertainty and disruption. In fact, there are now more registered hospitality businesses in the UK today than in March 2019 or March 2020 – according to ONS data based on Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes 5601, 5602, 5603, 56210, 56290, 56301, 56302. These codes cover restaurants, takeaways, cafes, mobile food stands, catering businesses, clubs, pubs and bars registered to Companies House.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ONS-Data-Table-Jan-2022.2.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1016" height="796" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ONS-Data-Table-Jan-2022.2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-21110" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ONS-Data-Table-Jan-2022.2.png 1016w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ONS-Data-Table-Jan-2022.2-300x235.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ONS-Data-Table-Jan-2022.2-768x602.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ONS-Data-Table-Jan-2022.2-150x118.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ONS-Data-Table-Jan-2022.2-592x464.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ONS-Data-Table-Jan-2022.2-77x60.png 77w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ONS-Data-Table-Jan-2022.2-115x90.png 115w" sizes="(max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px" /></a></figure>



* Licensed Club data includes venues from the following subcategories: Discotheques (licensed to sell alcohol), Night-clubs (licensed to sell alcohol), Social Clubs (licensed to sell alcohol), Working mens clubs (licensed to sell alcohol).



The food sector saw almost universal growth in terms of business numbers, with restaurants, takeaways, catering businesses and mobile food stands all growing in number between 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. The only decline was among businesses classified as “other food service activities” – which covers airline, school, university, office catering. With many of these industries closing down during the pandemic or reducing use/occupancy, this is hardly surprising.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/MyVa9FOI2cA5dZqY7tDQvyMsSgiZT6SkAIE4N5yLUewG1UBYl35ipuBCbddV9TwrhDKD5Ez0wpBJNDGo9gadY7BNk5JW4Ylk0XaW6pxbsyd7YvSI6RkAmka5H8eMoSvqGU3akMoU" alt=""/></figure>



In less positive news, we saw a decline in the number of UK pubs, bars and clubs between 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. This is the continuation of a decade long downward trend, despite a small surge in 2019, but the steep net loss of -1300 pubs between 2019 and 2021 is noticeable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1TBlY8JHqAzwEW8XoVsYkwvrdnUHAzRSeTopAKLBOD3zDMGnZGLO5XlsHfIB6NYe_NyRz2O2YvCzwaY_KkKLnLdtfSvAJqOBJqiSCm1eir6LiIRHbqtsXpWCZgtILjoEkww9dXkD" alt=""/></figure>



It’s clear that drinks-focused businesses such as pubs, bars and clubs have all suffered more from the COVID restrictions than restaurants&nbsp;



With 6,985 registered clubs in 2021, from a high of 10,040 in 2010, it’s entirely possible that the UK will soon have less than 5,000 clubs, especially if COVID disruptions continue and capacities do not reach their maximum potential in the years ahead. This could lead to clubs struggling financially.&nbsp; To speak to Stampede and storekit, please get in touch via email at <a href="mailto:contact@stampede.ai">contact@stampede.ai</a>

Check out our latest updates ✉️ Email speeds improved by 100% for large bulk campaigns 🎯 New integration with Loke 🚀 Wifi settings redesigned from the ground up



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="765" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-1024x765.png" alt="" class="wp-image-23225" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-1024x765.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-300x224.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-768x574.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account-150x112.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/create-an-account.png 1148w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Homepage" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/857906961?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write"></iframe>
</div></figure>

September 2024

Over the past year and a half&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2021/06/08/what-will-the-restaurant-industry-look-like-post-pandemic/?sh=38903c7a1982" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restaurants across the world</a>&nbsp;have had to deal with an influx of new challenges that have forced them to seek alternative ways to boost their sales. Although there are many ways a restaurant owner can try to remedy sales, incorporating an app-based food delivery service into your existing business model can prove to be extremely beneficial. Not only can the entire ordering process be simplified considerably by using an app, but&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/4-promotional-tips-to-increase-your-daily-foot-traffic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more customers can also be reached</a>&nbsp;while the restaurant enjoys a very useful competitive advantage.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ordering-process-can-be-simplified">The ordering process can be simplified</h4>



Before the birth of the delivery app, people who wanted to dine at home either had to phone through an order for delivery, or drive all the way to the restaurant to pick up a take-out order. Switching over to a delivery application simplifies the ordering process considerably for both customers and restaurant operators.&nbsp; When a customer places an order via a delivery app, the restaurant will receive all the details accurately and immediately. In addition to the ordering process being simplified, customer management can also be rendered more effective through the use of either a customized or third-party delivery app. Apart from providing detailed order patterns, individualized offers can also be created for different customer groups.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">More customers can be reached</h4>



There are various things to consider before getting listed on a delivery app. This includes determining which apps are the easiest to use and which can help unlock the biggest possible new market. By correctly gauging the latter, one of the greatest&nbsp;<a href="https://storekit.com/advice/choose-food-delivery-apps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits of a delivery app</a>&nbsp;can be unlocked: reaching more customers. While a typical restaurant may seat anywhere between 20 and 200 people at the same time, a delivery app can reach thousands simultaneously without having to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/11/more-than-a-job-the-meal-delivery-co-ops-making-the-gig-economy-fairer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expand the existing restaurant infrastructure</a>&nbsp;or hire additional staff members. When perusing their options on a third-party delivery app, many customers will inadvertently browse the menus of restaurants they have not previously supported. If they are impressed by what they see, chances are good that they will either order from your establishment or visit it in person, in the future.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Enjoy a competitive advantage</h4>



Every year the demand for faster, more convenient methods to have food delivered to your doorstep, increases exponentially. At present, less than 5% of the world’s restaurants offer an online ordering service, however. Having a delivery app created for your restaurant or getting listed on one (or many) existing delivery apps can provide you with a superb competitive advantage.&nbsp; Even customers who are extremely&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.creatopy.com/brand-loyalty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">loyal to a particular brand</a>&nbsp;may seek greener pastures if they find that a competitor is more adept at catering to their expectations.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Custom-made and third-party delivery apps can be of great benefit to a restaurant. Not only can it help secure a steady income during times of economic uncertainty but it can also attract new customers and boost sales during normal operating circumstances as well.

Three Reasons to Get a Delivery App for Your Restaurant

We’ve been quite busy behind the scenes in recent weeks, working on various bits and pieces to make our platform even more powerful.&nbsp;



And we can’t wait to share the details with you in our Stampede 2023 product update.



So, get excited about new features (we certainly are) and have a little sneak peek of what we have in the pipe coming out soon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-wifi-survey">1. WiFi Survey</h2>



The more you get to know your customers and their preferences the better you can tailor your marketing to drive loyalty.



This is why we came up with a pretty cool and unique feature that is linked to the WiFi login: our new <a href="https://product.stampede.ai/ba782304-abcc-11ea-ac20-0a369310b5a4/venue/survey">WiFi survey</a>.



Imagine tinder-style swipe cards that are shown to your customers straight after they’ve logged in.&nbsp;



You can use them to ask simple yes/no questions. Anything that helps you to build more granular customer segments.



You can also turn those on and off as you like, which makes it a great tool for seasonal questions such as “Have you booked your staff Xmas party yet?”, etc.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="847" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11209-1024x847.png" alt="Stampede WiFi survey" class="wp-image-22924" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11209-1024x847.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11209-300x248.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11209-768x635.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11209-1200x992.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11209-150x124.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11209.png 1241w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Reporting Updates</h2>



Our second big update is related to our reporting section. Personalised reports now allow you to really dive deep into your customer data.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">My Report</h4>



No two businesses are alike.



With <a href="https://product.stampede.ai/ba782304-abcc-11ea-ac20-0a369310b5a4/reports/my-reports">My Report</a>, you can get creative in how you view your data and build an individual dashboard with whatever metrics matter to your business.&nbsp;



This way you always get a quick overview of the most essential key numbers and results to know exactly what’s going on in your business.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="788" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/my-reports-1024x788.png" alt="Stampede my reports" class="wp-image-22928" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/my-reports-1024x788.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/my-reports-300x231.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/my-reports-768x591.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/my-reports-1200x924.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/my-reports-150x115.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/my-reports.png 1439w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Retention Breakdown</h4>



Our second new report, the <a href="https://product.stampede.ai/ba782304-abcc-11ea-ac20-0a369310b5a4/reports/monthly-retention">retention breakdown</a>, shows you a monthly rundown of return visits.



This overview tells precisely how many times customers came back after their first initial visit, broken down by venues.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="690" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11227-1024x690.png" alt="Stampede retention breakdown" class="wp-image-22925" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11227-1024x690.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11227-300x202.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11227-768x518.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11227-150x101.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Group-11227.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Booking 2.0</h2>



Since launching our <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-bookings">table booking system</a> last Summer we’ve added more than 20 features. They will all help you generate even more bookings with ease.



A lot of those are based on direct feedback from our users. Here are some of the key updates:



Operations-related:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Include internal booking notes, also available as a pdf download</li>



<li>Add cancellation charges</li>



<li>Join tables together for bigger group bookings</li>



<li>Add attributes to tables, e.g. highchair, wheelchair</li>



<li>Mark bookings as walk-ins</li>



<li>Segment bookings based on time slots, i.e. ‘lunch’, ‘dinner’</li>



<li>Get a detailed daily breakdown
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Bookings: number of pre-booked, same-day &amp; walk-ins</li>



<li>Covers: total, active &amp; arrived</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



Customers-related:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Ability to update their own booking</li>



<li>Pick allergens upon booking</li>



<li>Show other available venues if selected times are not available</li>
</ul>



… and much more.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="663" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bookings-list-v2-1024x663.png" alt="Stampede Bookings 2.0" class="wp-image-22929" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bookings-list-v2-1024x663.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bookings-list-v2-300x194.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bookings-list-v2-768x497.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bookings-list-v2-1200x777.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bookings-list-v2-150x97.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bookings-list-v2.png 1390w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



All these new product features are live now in Stampede, you can <a href="https://product.stampede.ai/?">log in</a> and use them right away. <a href="mailto:support@stampede.ai">Reach out</a> if you have any questions or want to upgrade your account.



Now onto our last exciting reveal that is coming out soon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coming up &#8211; Stampede Inbox</h2>



Quite often, email inboxes are not connected to a CRM or booking system and only some of the staff members have access to incoming emails.&nbsp;



The result: missed and unanswered customer requests.&nbsp;



On top of that, potential previous dialogues with customers are not visible to everyone.&nbsp;



All this will have a negative impact on not only the customer experience but will also result in lost business.&nbsp;



The good news, there’s a better and more streamlined way of handling your customer communications that makes it accessible for your entire team.



And the best bit, we are building it for you: a unified inbox.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="539" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Inbox-feature-1-1024x539.png" alt="Stampede inbox" class="wp-image-22926" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Inbox-feature-1-1024x539.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Inbox-feature-1-300x158.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Inbox-feature-1-768x404.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Inbox-feature-1-1200x631.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Inbox-feature-1-150x79.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Inbox-feature-1.png 1371w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It will have all the basic features you’d expect from an inbox:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>All inbound emails gathered in one place</li>



<li>A rich-text editor to style your content, attach images &amp; links</li>



<li>An option to add internal notes</li>
</ul>



Though, we’re not going to stop here.



What makes our inbox so powerful and one-of-a-kind is the 360° customer profile view that comes with it, as the inbox is linked to all our product parts.&nbsp;



This means historic customer data based on previous interactions is pulled through to the conversation. So you get more context for better-tailored communications with each individual customer.&nbsp;



To make the process even more efficient, you can also directly reply from the different product sections, e.g. to a new review or booking.



This is just the beginning of our inbox. More is to come soon, like the ability to connect to other channels, i.e. Instagram and SMS. So stay tuned.



Ready to make 2023 your most successful year? Get started with the <a href="https://stampede.ai/amaze">Stampede Customer Experience Platform</a> to drive 5x more repeat customers.

Introducing More Tools To Thrive – Stampede 2023 Product Update

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New version software now live!</h2>



Discover V4.0



<a href="#webinar-video">Watch our Webinar below</a>



After lots of hard work, we&#8217;re happy to announce the fourth iteration of our software platform is now live



The new version includes:



&nbsp;A totally redesigned user experience making the software faster and easier to use than ever.



An overhaul of our marketing suite including changes to the interface as well as improved functionality in the email builder.



Enhanced insight and statistics within the software providing more detail that you can use to grow your business.



Our Lastest feature &#8211; <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/introducing-stories/">WiFi Stories</a>



WiFi Stories allows you to promote news, offers, events and more in a dynamic way.



Check out our webinar below for more information or contact our team below for a 1-to-1 demo.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://stampede.ai/contact/">Book A Demo</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div id="webinar-video" class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Product Update Webinar | Stampede" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j0m4R1SXXqM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Webinar script&nbsp;</h4>



Welcome &#8211; 0:00



Dashboard overview &#8211; 0:36



Stampede’s new dashboard layout makes V4.0 extremally easy to navigate with all your key customer data pulled into one place.



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Reports and analytics</li><li>Reviews</li><li>Marketing campaigns</li><li>Branding/login</li><li>Amount of people in your venue</li></ul>



Analtyics &#8211; 2:24



Find out who and when your customers are in your venue with our improved analytics and graphs



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Male/Female</li><li>Opt-ins vs opt-outs for marketing</li><li>Customer Timeline Graphs&nbsp;</li></ul>



Branding/login &#8211; 3:27



With our new editor and layout &#8211; building your business splash page has never been easier



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>View what your business splash page will look like on a mobile device</li><li>View GDPR terms</li><li>Edit data capture on the same page as design to see real-time updates&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Customise your splash page like a professional with our easy to use editor&nbsp;</li></ul>



Marketing automation &#8211; 4:30



Stampede’s marketing automation feature has undergone a redesign so you can track and implement a number of different campaigns quickly and efficiently to ensure you are reaching a return on investment.



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Compare campaigns</li><li>Cash value ROI tool</li><li>Send limit</li><li>Create audiences</li><li>&nbsp;“And” rule to send multiple campaigns to customers</li><li>“Or” rule for more targeted campaigns to customers&nbsp;</li><li>Send SMS and email campaigns</li><li>Stampede’s email builder has lots of new features to create eye-catching emails&nbsp;</li></ul>



Reviews &#8211; 8:31



The Reviews tool has an easy to use filter system so you can manage all your reviews in one place efficiently. The review email template has also undergone a modern upgrade that autofill images and text from your splash page to create a stylish, branded design automatically&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Filter based on website or time&nbsp;</li><li>Email template upgrade</li></ul>



Stories &#8211; 9:41



WiFi Stories allows you to promote news, offers, events and more in a dynamic way. On your Connect account, you can now create tiles for individual promotions and messages, that will be shown to returning visitors to your venue, after they login back into the WiFi. Each tile will be shown for 12 seconds before moving on, with a countdown timer along the top.



You can track impressions from the Stories and track clicks and interactions on these in the Connect platform, alongside our improved dashboard, analytics, and other marketing tools.



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>How to create stories</li><li>How to track impressions</li></ul>

Connect Version 4.0

If potential customers are already on your website, you want to keep them there.



On sites like Tripadvisor, people can shop around with easy access to all venues in an area. If they are on your website, you have a better chance to convert them to a paying customer.



 So it’s best to give them all the information they could want on there, including your Tripadvisor rating and recent reviews. This will prevent them looking elsewhere in their research, and discovering another venue.



 And Tripadvisor has just the tool to provide that information: <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Widgets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Widgets</a>.



What&#8217;s a Widget?



 Widgets are small info boxes that pull through details from your Tripadvisor business page and update in real time. And they&#8217;re completely free.



 They are created by adding a little bit of HTML code, supplied by Tripadvisor, to your website. <a href="https://www.tripadvisorsupport.com/hc/en-gb/articles/200615507-How-do-I-add-widgets-to-my-website-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tripadvisor have guides</a> on how to do this, as well as an “Email Code” button that can send it to those responsible for your website.



 Business owners have a choice of the 3 different widgets:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Display most recent Reviews</li><li>Collect new Reviews</li><li>Show off awards and ratings</li></ul>



You can include any and all of these, but our recommendation is to focus first on getting the most recent reviews and your awards and ratings widgets set up.



These two widgets will provide the essential information that potential customers are looking for, without them leaving your website. That way you’re more likely to secure the booking, reservation or order in that same website visit.



 To get started setting up your widgets, head to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Widgets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this Tripadvisor page</a> and put your business&#8217; name in the search bar.



 If you’re looking for more control over your reviews on Tripadvisor then <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get in touch</a> with one of our team to discover <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/automations/#reviews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our Reviews tool.</a>

Tripadvisor Tuesday – Free Widgets

<img decoding="async" class="" style="width: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" title="Stampede Pub WiFi" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Blog/pub-wifi.jpg" alt="Stampede Pub WiFi" width="320" data-constrained="true" />Pubs and bars are about connecting people to each other over a drink and food, but people are increasingly using the internet to connect with their loved ones. Smartphones basically live in our pockets, and people expect to be connected wherever they go.
In a recent survey, <a class="" href="https://hospitalitytech.com/wifi-data-bandwidths-bang-buck">over 70% of people saying they expect access to WiFi in bars</a>, and <a href="https://www.btwifi.co.uk/Media/pdf/BTDS208_Why%20BT%20Wi-fi%20for%20pubs.pdf">36% said access to WiFi would make them return to a bar</a>.

Guest WiFi is a must for customers, so it is a must for your business. How important? Guest WiFi has been dubbed the fourth most important utility after heat, light and water.
<h3>Why WiFi in Your Pub?</h3>
When your guests have a good experience in your venue, they will stay longer and spend more money. In fact, over 60% of businesses said customers spent more time in their venue once WiFi was introduced, while 50% said their customers spent more money too. It is even estimated that WiFi <a href="https://smallbiztrends.com/2014/06/benefits-of-offering-free-wifi.html">can increase the average revenue of bars by £10,000 per year!</a>
Maybe you already offer free WiFi in your venue. But how many customers come and go, while you have no idea who they are? What about those who are loyal, but you have no way of rewarding their loyalty?
<h3>Get to Know Your Customers with Wifi Marketing</h3>
Guest WiFi, such as what we offer at Stampede, can give bars and pubs valuable <a class="" href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works">insights</a> about their customers. Information such as age, gender and <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works">location</a> can help in developing targeted marketing campaigns. You might want to send <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works">promotional texts or emails</a> to people living in a certain area, or offer discounts on drinks, all of which encourage loyalty. Knowledge of peak times and return visitors can help you manage resources and reward your business patrons  Let your customers book a table by clicking a link in your message. Then, track your return of your investment with our marketing <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works">reports</a>. You’ll quickly see your return surpasses the cost of implementing our software.
You can also make use of our marketing feature to text your guests encouraging them to leave a review after they’ve gone. Good reviews have shown an <a href="https://www.invespcro.com/blog/the-importance-of-online-customer-reviews-infographic/">increase the amount people spend in a venue by over 30%.</a>
<h3>Keep Your Brand In Front of Your Customers</h3>
Guest WiFi can also help boost your brand with unique, fully branded login screens. That keeps you in your customers mind when they go online. Plus, by making use of our social login feature you can have your customers broadcast to their friends that they are in your venue. You can’t beat that type of advertisement. Such an endorsement <a href="https://www.thefreemanonline.org/must-know-ways-social-network-influence-buying-decisions/">influences over 70% of people’s spending habits</a>.
Many bars and pubs using Stampede guest WiFi software are seeing an increase in customer loyalty and revenue while boosting their brand.
Want to know more about we can help you keep your customers coming back?
Give us a call or drop us an <a href="mailto:info@stampede.ai">email</a>. Or, even quicker, just click the button below!

<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Running a Pub or Bar? Add Guest WiFi to the Menu

The Internet is a great place, full of valuable information, shared experiences and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXtC0jOVZNs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">cute animal videos</a>. 

In 2018, more than 4 billion people are expected to make use of mankind’s greatest invention. Keeping this number in mind, the problems that can arise are obvious. The anonymity we all have on the Internet often times results in people behaving rudely and sharing their (sometimes very questionable) view on things. It’s easy to see why opinions clash with so many strange people meeting each other online.
In order to inspire a conversation about safety and respect online, especially for children and young people, today we&#8217;re celebrating <a href="https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Safer Internet Day</a>!
 The Internet is a free place, which means it can be wonderful and fascinating place, but it also means that it’s easy to encounter content that is sometimes not suitable for children and youngsters.
<h3>Create, Connect &amp; Share Respect</h3>
It’s a fact- children need to try everything- just think of the hand on the stove, a real classic. Their natural curiosity helps them to understand the world and make sense of their environment, but it can be dangerous, especially when we think about exploring the internet. The most basic example are videos from battle zones that we see in the news everyday (and this is still a rather mild example). The web reflects our human nature and, to be honest, it’s not always pretty. Guns, drugs and pornography (not even mentioning Trump’s hair here) is nothing a child should be able to find easily on the world wide web. If you don’t believe me what a weird place the internet can be, <a href="http://weirdorconfusing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">simply click here</a>.
Protecting youngsters from cruel and unsuitable content is only one aspect of the Safer Internet Approach. The other major topic that Safer Internet Day touches on is the way people communicate with each other and behave while online. I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ve encountered rude comments on YouTube or people insulting each other in a forum. One of the factors that enhance the questionable way some people treat each other is the anonymity we have on the Internet. Let’s take the Safer Internet Day as a reminder to act as role-models in the way we treat each other online (and even offline) and make the Internet even more beautiful.
Stampede supports Safer Internet Day and the idea of making the Internet a safer environment for children. That’s why one of the amazing <a class="" href="https://www.stampede.ai/how-it-works#security" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">security features</a> we offer is the web filter that helps businesses to be sure everyone can use Guest Wifi in the venue without having to worry about what might pop up on their browser. Let’s make sure we all create, connect &amp; share respect. 
If you want to learn more about how a proper Guest WiFi can help businesses to grow, click the button below and find out.
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Safer Internet Day

Ready to get up and running with your Open Mesh equipment in Stampede? You&#8217;ve come to the right place! 
Here&#8217;s a short video that shows you how to quickly get going with your Open Mesh WiFi solution &#8211; no flash required!
<iframe loading="lazy" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UdCxLYe32M8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
If you need any more information, consult our <a class="" href="https://help.stampede.ai/en/collections/2622359-network-setups" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">online help guides</a> or, if you&#8217;ve hit a snag, <a href="https://get.blackbx.help/portal/newticket" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">feel free to drop us a line</a>.
Be sure to subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxc2sJ3nBYJhLGQr_2RM60w" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube channel</a> and other <a class="" href="https://twitter.com/blackbxwifi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">social media networks</a> so you get instant notifications when we upload new videos or tutorials.
And, if you&#8217;re not using Stampede to offer your customers fast, safe and secure WiFi, you&#8217;re missing out on one of the best <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/learn-how-to-boost-your-business-with-sms-and-email-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">automated marketing</a> and <a href="https://get.stampede.ai/loyalty-program-ebook" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">customer loyalty</a> solutions around. Or, if you&#8217;re an MSP, VAR or IT solutions reseller, and you&#8217;re looking for an additional revenue stream, why not offer <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/wifi-as-a-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WiFi as a Service</a> with Stampede?
In either case, we offer a free, no obligation trial, so what are you waiting for?
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://stampede.ai/get-started">Click here to get started.</a>

Open Mesh Integration with Stampede

Tripadvisor recently rolled out their <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/travel-safe">TravelSafe</a> updates for businesses and travellers. The update focuses on bringing safety measures implemented in response to COVID-19 to the forefront.&nbsp;



These changes have the potential to really shake things up in terms of ratings and rankings on the platform as consumer interests change and adapt to life after lockdown. Our research has discovered that less than 1 in 100 restaurants in the UK has added their safety measures to Tripadvisor following the update.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What does Travel Safe do?</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screenshot-2020-07-28-at-16.12.21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18924" width="471" height="121" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screenshot-2020-07-28-at-16.12.21.png 942w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screenshot-2020-07-28-at-16.12.21-300x77.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screenshot-2020-07-28-at-16.12.21-768x197.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screenshot-2020-07-28-at-16.12.21-150x39.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screenshot-2020-07-28-at-16.12.21-592x152.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screenshot-2020-07-28-at-16.12.21-190x49.png 190w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screenshot-2020-07-28-at-16.12.21-350x90.png 350w" sizes="(max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px" /></figure></div>



For business listing owners, there are new sections available to provide details of safety measures in place. Businesses with this information get a badge on their listing preview.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Screenshot-2020-07-28-at-16.02.04.png" alt="" class="wp-image-18923" width="215" height="314"/></figure></div>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



For customers, there’s a new filter in the search results for “Venues with safety measures in place&#8221; (which takes the top spot) and there is also safety measure specific questions for those travels and customers writing reviews.



<div style="height:143px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Related Article: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/guest-review-management/">Guest Review Management</a></h6>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Research Process</h2>



To get a better understanding of the impact this update has for businesses, we’ve gone through the results for hotels, restaurants and food and drink businesses in the UK’s 30 biggest cities (by population), from the point of view of a customer. We’ve gathered the results <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RluNwd94iCgJtc-lLKAsR2rZ3nslfqiWwOrIm-pTM9o/edit?usp=sharing">in a table </a>to compare hospitality industry segments and geographic areas.



We looked up the number of hotels and restaurants in each city, then applied the “Properties taking safety measures” filter in the left-hand column of the search results.



This was carried out for Restaurants, Bars and Pubs, Tea and Coffee and Hotels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RluNwd94iCgJtc-lLKAsR2rZ3nslfqiWwOrIm-pTM9o/edit?usp=sharing">The Results</a></h2>



The numbers are striking. Out of 48,000 Restaurants in those 30 cities, only 406 venues showed up with the “Safety Measures” filter applied. That’s less than 1%.&nbsp;



For hotels, there was a marked increase in results showing up with the filter applied. From 9,000 properties, 625 included details of the safety measures they had put in place. A sturdy 6.9% across the nation.



London has the most restaurants with new COVID safety measures in the UK (134) but this is only 0.69% of London restaurants listed by Tripadvisor.



The southern cities of Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth all feature highly on the list for restaurants with measures listed (3.93%, 1.77% and 1.63%). This is expected given their reputation as staycation hotspots on the south coast.



Nottingham and Glasgow top the list for the highest proportion of hotels with safety measures detailed at 12.5% and 11.5% respectively.



The full data for Restaurants and Hotels is below and you can view all the results of the research <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RluNwd94iCgJtc-lLKAsR2rZ3nslfqiWwOrIm-pTM9o/edit?usp=sharing">HERE.</a>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Restaurants-Tripadvisor-Table.png" alt="Restaurant results for tripadvisor safety measures" class="wp-image-18932" width="579" height="629" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Restaurants-Tripadvisor-Table.png 772w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Restaurants-Tripadvisor-Table-276x300.png 276w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Restaurants-Tripadvisor-Table-768x834.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Restaurants-Tripadvisor-Table-150x163.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Restaurants-Tripadvisor-Table-16x16.png 16w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Restaurants-Tripadvisor-Table-592x643.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Restaurants-Tripadvisor-Table-55x60.png 55w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Restaurants-Tripadvisor-Table-83x90.png 83w" sizes="(max-width: 579px) 100vw, 579px" /></figure></div>



<div style="height:37px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Hotel-Tripadvisor-list-2.png" alt="Hotel results for tripadvisor safety measures research" class="wp-image-18934" width="537" height="611" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Hotel-Tripadvisor-list-2.png 716w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Hotel-Tripadvisor-list-2-264x300.png 264w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Hotel-Tripadvisor-list-2-150x171.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Hotel-Tripadvisor-list-2-592x673.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Hotel-Tripadvisor-list-2-53x60.png 53w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Hotel-Tripadvisor-list-2-79x90.png 79w" sizes="(max-width: 537px) 100vw, 537px" /></figure></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Food For Thought</h2>



As one of the go-to sites when searching for places to eat and drink it’s surprising that so few venues have managed to get their Tripadvisor listings updated. Especially after going to so much effort to implement their safety measures and the consumer desire to be well informed of precautions.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.cga.co.uk/2020/07/20/cga-and-ukhospitality-set-out-the-industrys-road-to-recovery">CGA researc</a>h under a quarter (23%) of consumers are only returning to venues with caution and a third (33%) only doing so if they are sure that added precautions were in place.



Safety Culture says ‘while ‘Super Saturday’ saw millions flock to pubs and bars, just a quarter (26%) of the British public feel safe going back to pubs and bars and only 37% feel safe going back to restaurants and cafes.’ It says there is an ‘urgent need for business to be transparent about new measures for customer and employee safety.’



At the time of writing, only about 60% of hospitality venues have reopened. It follows that as more reopen, the number with measures listed on there will climb and competition within that filtered search view will increase.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Advice For Owners</h2>



First, head to Tripadvisor and carry out a search in your local area using the same process we laid out above, or check out the results for the nearest big city. Have a look at what others near you have done.



Here’s a great example of one we found to take inspiration from:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Steakhouse-safety-measures-tripadvisor-1024x343.png" alt="steakhouse safety measures on tripadvisor" class="wp-image-18938"/></figure>



The Tripadvisor platform allows you to give a bullet point list of measures in place, provide contact details for any further questions and provide a short written note which allows for a more personal touch too.



With this information in place, a business will be significantly more visible to those concerned and cautious customers who want to be reassured before venturing out.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wrapping Up</h2>



Whilst we are still in early stages of reopening, it’s a critical time to act on this. The numbers were quite startingly given the struggles already faced and the need to come back strong. The updates look eye-catching to customers on Tripadvisor and they themselves have put a lot of weight behind showing off safety measures.



It’s well worth taking a few minutes to update your listing after all the effort gone into making the venue safe and those who get to it sooner will be better for it. There’s a huge opportunity out there for those businesses able to reassure customers and increase their footfall as a result.



If you&#8217;d like any more information on our research please <a href="https://stampede.ai/company#contact">contact us.</a>

How Tripadvisor’s Safety Measures Are Impacting Hospitality Businesses

Introducing AI Segments for Marketing

A more effective ways to run Meta ads for hospitality

4 Ways CRM Data Can Be Used in Day-to-Day Service by Your Staff

How to Use Segmentation to Increase Guest Engagement in Hospitality

Stampede-Meta Audience Connect: Simplifying multi-channel marketing strategies

A new kind of marketplace for hospitality apps

October Update – 3x Faster Guest WiFi and more

The latest trend hitting the hospitality headlines is pub desks&nbsp;or “Work From Bars” (WFB).



 The curfew situation has created an interesting pivot opportunity for pubs, bars and licensed restaurants:



Open earlier and provide an alternative &#8220;office&#8221; environment.



Many people are getting tired of working from the kitchen table and are rightly looking to change their environment up a bit, if they still can’t get back in the office.



 In <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54472414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this BBC article</a>, the journalist tries WFB at their local pub, and gets encouraging feedback about why pub desks are appreciated by owners and customers alike.



 It’s fast to set up and promote too. Here’s a quick checklist for setting up:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>An offer/package. Consider the following: fixed price, guaranteed power socket, food and drink, choice of time slots and durations.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Good quality WiFi</a> with strong coverage throughout the venue. Security is important here as people could be handling potentially sensitive work related information.</li><li>A booking system</li><li>Staff to cover any earlier opening hours</li><li>Think about table layout to optimise space near power outlets (or stock up on extension cords)</li><li>Bonus: A Loyalty scheme. Encourage people to use your pub desks more often with a <a href="mailto:contact@stampede.ai?subject=Digital%20Stamp%20Cards&amp;body=Looking%20for%20a%20loyalty%20scheme%3F%20We&amp;#039;ve%20got%20a%20brand%20new%20digital%20stamp%20card%20app%20that%20we&amp;#039;d%20love%20you%20to%20try%20out%20for%20FREE.%20Just%20hit%20Send%20on%20this%20email%20and%20we&amp;#039;ll%20get%20back%20to%20you." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital stamp card.&nbsp;</a></li></ul>



The concept isn’t entirely new. Brewdog recently started offering “<a href="https://www.brewdog.com/uk/locations/bar-experience/desk-dog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Desk Dog</a>” that included a dedicated work space, WiFi, unlimited coffee/tea and a free pint of beer at the end of your booked time. People would naturally hang around after finishing work, and more sales followed.



 There’s even a new directory&nbsp;set up with the help of <a href="https://www.barlifeuk.com/index.php/2020/09/work-from-bars-initiative-add-your-venue-to-a-growing-list-of-daytime-working-spaces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bar Life UK</a> where you can list your venue as open for office workers. Check out the details here: <a href="https://www.barlifeuk.com/index.php/2020/09/work-from-bars-initiative-add-your-venue-to-a-growing-list-of-daytime-working-spaces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bar Life UK</a>



 If you’re planning to offer &#8220;pub desks&#8221; and want to get the message out to existing customers, <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get in touch</a> with one of the team and we’ll help you spread the word, fast.

Turning Tables Into Desks

Exciting times coming up! So better watch this space.







After 4 awesome years as Stampede, it&#8217;s time for something new.



We&#8217;re changing our name!



Whilst we&#8217;re busy getting everything ready &#8211; make sure to follow us on the social channels to not miss out on anything.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Coming up next: Short Q&amp;A with our founder Patrick on why we&#8217;re re-naming.

Coming soon …

In this digitally focussed world, the website may well be a person’s first impression of your pub. It could be argued that having a professionally designed website is just as important as <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/running-a-pub-or-bar-add-guest-wifi-to-the-menu/">delivering top-notch customer service</a> and serving the finest ales. However, we appreciate that your skills may lie in everyday bar management rather than website creation and optimisation. It’s for this reason that we’ve created this helpful guide to the building of your pub website.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing The Domain Name</h4>



In the ideal scenario, you would time the selection of a suitable domain name to coincide with the naming of your pub. However, it’s more than likely that you domain name availability wasn&#8217;t top of your priorities when naming your pub. Either way, we recommend choosing a relatively short and easily memorable domain name. This will ideally tie in with your pub’s name and branding. As an example, the popular Magna Carta of Lincoln has the domain name <a href="http://www.magnacartapub.co.uk">www.magnacartapub.co.uk</a>. 



It would be worth spending some time brainstorming a few possibilities before using an online domain checker such as 123 Reg or Go Daddy.&nbsp; You will discover that .com domain names are generally the most expensive. However, you can choose from alternatives such as .co.uk or .biz. There’s even the option of <a href="https://uk.godaddy.com/help/about-pub-domain-names-9208">registering for a .pub domain</a>.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Arranging website hosting</h4>



It will be necessary to arrange hosting prior to your website going live and being accessible to anyone on the internet. Thankfully this is a pretty straightforward process, with the majority of internet service providers offering website hosting packages. The suitable choice of provider will depend on factors such as the amount of website traffic expected, the featuring of images/videos, and the need to keep your website live at all times. 



The digital marketers at UK Centric have produced a helpful beginner’s guide to <a href="https://www.ukcentric.com/hosting/beginners-guide-to-web-hosting/">web hosting</a> &#8211; well worth reading.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Developing The Pub Website</h4>



There are two main options when it comes to the development of your pub website; either do it yourself or hire somebody to do it for you. If you’re on a tight budget and have some confidence in your design skills (or someone you know) then the DIY option may be best. 



Thankfully there are a wide variety of website building tools guaranteed to simplify the process. Popular website builders such as Squarespace and Wix offer a variety of templates ideal for pubs. However, you might be frustrated by the lack of customisation options and the ability to make such a website fit your own style. Of course, it’s your choice whether to build a completely distinctive web presence. In any case, you should consider the impression made on prospective visitors.



Take a look at these bar websites for a bit of inspiration:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.kerridgesbarandgrill.co.uk/">Kerridge’s Bar &amp; Grill</a></li><li><a href="https://felixchs.com/about-restaurant-cocktail-bar/">Felix Cocktail Bar</a></li><li><a href="https://www.badluckbar.com/">Bad Luck Bar</a></li><li><a href="https://www.burrobarboston.com/">Burro Bar</a></li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Hiring A Web Designer</h4>



There are plenty of choices when it comes to the professional development of your pub website. Hiring an independent, maybe even local expert might be the best bet if you want keep costs down. However, there is also the option of paying for agency services, which may include Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and promotional copywriting. These are services that can make your pub website much easier to find on search engines like Google and Bing.



If you’re in any doubt as to the best professional choice then it would be worth having a look for online reviews. You might also ask friends and other local business people for their recommendations.



These factors should be considered when choosing and comparing web designers:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Types of website design experience</li><li>Record of building successful pub websites</li><li>References and recommendations</li><li>Pricing and availability</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Producing The Content</h4>



You should carefully consider the arrangement of content like images and text on your pub website. Details such as the location and opening hours will be essential. You should also ensure that the content matches up with your pub theme and style. This would include the colour scheme and even the written tone of voice of your pub.



Consider the types of customers that you are appealing to when making choices on everything from the featured menu design to the inclusion of pictures and videos. You might entice visitors with tantalising images of your classic pub dishes and events. Again you have the option of drawing on professional assistance when it comes to the writing and curation of content for your pub website. 



Some ideas for content on your pub website:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Lists of upcoming events</li><li>History of the pub if it is long standing</li><li>Inspiration for the pub theme</li><li>Description of features like live sports, craft beer, whisky selection</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Previewing &amp; Testing</h4>



It is important that you take the time to preview and test the different pages of your website before they are published for the world to see. Remember the importance of making the best possible impression, reviewing and making changes to everything from the grammar to the visual layout as necessary. 



Ensure that your website has the ideal visual quality and functions as expected on desktop computers, laptops, and handheld devices such as the smartphone. If there’s any doubt then ask for a second opinion.



Check these elements before your website goes live:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Contact page details (easy to find and correct)</li><li>Page loading speeds (slow page loading annoys people)</li><li>Website links (no 404 error messages when clicked)</li><li>Legal terms and conditions</li><li>Security (remember to register for an <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-ssl">SSL certificate</a>)</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Keeping Your Website Updated</h4>



If you want to attract more web visitors than other pubs in your local area and ensure the best possible experiences then you must keep your website updated. This might involve making basic changes to your contact details or featured menus as and when required. Regular blogging is also recommended for the purpose of keeping your website fresh and achieving top Google search page rankings. 



You could share reviews of your finest beverages, customer stories, and details of upcoming events for the purpose of attracting more people to your pub. You can also raise your pub profile and keep your customers involved via popular social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.&nbsp;



Here are some <a href="https://99social.co.uk/social-media-tips-for-bars/">social media tips</a> for bar owners:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Snap pics of dishes</li><li>Talk about drinks</li><li>Shout about events</li><li>Get people involved</li><li>Add a personal touch.</li></ul>



Additional social media recommendations can be found on the <a href="https://cask-marque.co.uk/promote-your-beer-and-pub-on-social-media/">Casque Marque</a> website.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Need some more inspiration on how to get your Guest WiFi up and running in your Pub? 



Have a read here <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-tips-for-setting-up-wifi-for-your-restaurant-or-pub/">https://stampede.ai/blog/5-tips-for-setting-up-wifi-for-your-restaurant-or-pub/</a>



Or why not give our Guest WiFi solution a try in your Pub? 



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>

Easy Steps To Make A Great Website For Your Pub

How is Connect 3.1 treating you? That&#8217;s our newest, latest and greatest version of our industry leading Stampede software.

And if you&#8217;re not using Stampede yet, what are you waiting for? Here&#8217;s a quick video we did showing some of the coolest features in Connect 3.1:
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hQyr4_ou3H8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
If you&#8217;re looking for a fuller list of features, you can <a href="/blog/connect-3.1-is-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">check out our earlier blog post</a>.
And if you&#8217;re ready to start offering your customers awesome WiFi, take us for a FREE, no-obligation test spin today! Just click below.
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

POWERFUL NEW FEATURES IN CONNECT 3.1

Running a successful restaurant is no easy feat. From attracting new patrons and building loyalty to running various promotions, keeping the engine running requires a heavy investment of time and energy. The great news is that we have entered an era where technology is on our side.&nbsp; Marketing Automation is no new concept but with the introduction of advanced software, it can now do better and brighter things. It’s been a saving grace for the food and beverage industry, that’s for sure!



If this is the first time you are familiarising yourself with the concept, then let’s backtrack a little and start by looking at what Marketing Automation is.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Defining “Marketing Automation”</h4>



The idea of “automated marketing” is not something that can easily be boiled down into a few sentences. However, we explain it as follows:



“Marketing automation is a process that relies on software and web-based services to implement, manage, and automate marketing tasks. Examples of these marketing tasks include the collection and storage of customer data, sending emails, and posting promotions on social media platforms.&nbsp;



Automated marketing eliminates the need for manual and repetitive marketing practices. Additionally, it also collects valuable data that can help you to continuously make informed marketing decisions.”&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">How Important Is Marketing Automation for Restaurants?</h4>



Now that you have a good idea of what marketing automation entails, let’s discuss why this very modern way of marketing is so important for your restaurant, bar, coffee shop, café, or deli.&nbsp;



Just like digital marketing, automated marketing is far from being a passing trend. It’s here to stay. Therefore it must hold some worth, especially if every second business is hopping onto the bandwagon to get their piece of this “money-making pie”.&nbsp;



Besides being a component that keeps you in-line with your competition, this type of marketing also has many additional benefits. Here are FIVE reasons why automated marketing is an extremely valuable addition to your business:&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. It Saves Money and Time</h4>



The future of marketing is all about saving time and money. Automated marketing ticks both of these boxes.&nbsp;



Firstly, the software gives you different means to collect your customer data (for example, they can sign up for loyalty programs or swap details in exchange for <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/four-fab-benefits-of-free-wifi-for-coffee-shops/">free Wi-Fi access</a>). Once you have this information, then promotional emails, social media posts, and other notifications can be generated and scheduled to be sent automatically.&nbsp;



This way, you can focus your time on running other aspects of your restaurant. Marketing automation saves you time by taking care of the tedious marketing admin and it saves you money by allowing you to focus on the other money-making elements of your restaurant.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. It Can Increase Your Return on Investment (ROI)</h4>



If used correctly, automated marketing is a holistic marketing solution that will give you a return on your investment, unlike many other marketing strategies that run on the basis of trial and error.



In point one, we discussed that marketing automation gives you free time to focus on other income-generating avenues of your restaurant. This is the first opportunity where you can now increase profits.&nbsp;



Additionally, this form of marketing allows you to effortlessly communicate with your customer base. Promotional messages and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/building-customer-loyalty-with-blackbx/">loyalty systems</a> can remind them of your services and encourage patrons to return to your establishment for another amazing experience…this time with more friends in tow. &nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. It Helps You to Establish Good Relationships with Your Patrons</h4>



As it stands, we’re dealing with generations who appreciate personal customer-services. Marketing automation helps you to establish what it is each customer expects from you (and why) by collecting invaluable data. This data can include information on dining habits, meal preferences, current trends, and so on.&nbsp;



By having <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">insight into the patterns and expectations of your customers</a>, you can refine your relationship with them and give them what they want before they realise that they even want it!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4.&nbsp; It Increases Customer Loyalty</h4>



Loyalty is established when you have a good relationship with a customer and they are reminded of how much they enjoy dining at your restaurant. 



Automated marketing allows you to nurture a continuous dialogue with your customers. This gives them a reason to stick around – especially if you share content that’s meant for them. This special content includes things like:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Interesting newsletters</li>



<li>Special discounts</li>



<li>Event invites</li>



<li>Competitions</li>



<li>Offers for rewards and referral programs</li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. It Generates In-Depth Reports</h4>



Marketing automation software is designed to keep track of all the data generated along the way. It provides feedback into customer patterns, their likes, and their dislikes.&nbsp;



In the food and beverage industry, this information can be used to refine and perfect nearly every component of the business. From creating an environment that you know will please your patrons to preparing dishes that satisfy their lifestyles, it’s easy to serve someone (no pun intended) when you are 100% sure of what it is that makes them happy.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Tying the Pieces Together…</h4>



Marketing automation is an important piece to your marketing puzzle. If you use it to constantly reshape and analyse your strategies to discover what’s working and what isn’t – then you will soon discover that it is an invaluable investment. It’s a concept that’s loaded with ideas for restaurant marketing and will help to leave your business at the forefront of innovation.

The Value of Restaurant Marketing Automation

As our readers are spread all over the country, you’ll all be in different states of “circuit-breakers” and Tiered restrictions, so we thought it best to send this to everyone.



I wanted to send a quick reminder that there’s a range of free-to-use email templates available in <a href="https://product.stampede.ai/marketing/templates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stampede’s Marketing tool.</a> Our hope is that these templates can help you promote your delivery, click-and-collect, takeaway etc faster, without having to design an email from scratch, so you can react to changing circumstances quickly.



 Here’s the full list of templates available:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Takeaway</li><li>Delivery</li><li>Gift Cards</li><li>eCommerce</li><li>Seasonal</li><li>Daily Special</li><li>Survey</li><li>Newsletter</li><li>What’s On</li><li>Loyalty</li><li>Giveaway</li><li>Birthday</li><li>Thanks for visiting</li><li>Reopening Guidelines</li></ul>



For a full guide on setting up an email in Stampede, check out this video by Max in our Support Team: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUqgGd13WGc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUqgGd13WGc</a>



If you&#8217;ve got any questions about email marketing, or need a hand getting your mailing list added in, <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get in touch</a> or jump on a live chat with us.

Saving Time Designing Emails

One of the things that we pride ourselves here at Stampede is our simple integration with some of the world&#8217;s leading WiFi solutions, like Cisco&#8217;s Meraki WiFi access point.

So if you&#8217;re just getting started with Cisco Meraki and looking to integrate it with our awesome Stampede WiFi solution, here&#8217;s a short video on how to get started.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/b5pEDFzJ1J8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
See, told you it was easy!
If you need any more information, consult our <a class="" href="https://help.stampede.ai/en/collections/2622359-network-setups" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">online help guides</a> or, if you&#8217;ve hit a snag, <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">feel free to drop us a line</a>.
Not running Meraki? No problem, check out our<a href="/blog/ubiquiti-unifi-integration-with-blackbx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ubiquiti UniFi integration video</a> for more help. We&#8217;ll have plenty of these videos coming in the future, so be sure to subscribe to our <a class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxc2sJ3nBYJhLGQr_2RM60w" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">YouTube channel</a> and other <a class="" href="https://twitter.com/blackbxwifi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">social media networks</a> so you get instant notifications when we upload new videos or tutorials.
And, if you&#8217;re not using Stampede to offer your customers fast, safe and secure WiFi, you&#8217;re missing out on one of the best <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/learn-how-to-boost-your-business-with-sms-and-email-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">automated marketing</a> and <a href="https://get.stampede.ai/loyalty-program-ebook" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">customer loyalty </a>solutions around. Or, if you&#8217;re an MSP, VAR or IT solutions reseller, and you&#8217;re looking for an additional revenue stream, why not offer <a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/wifi-as-a-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WiFi as a Service</a> with Stampede?
In either case, we offer a free, no obligation trial, so what are you waiting for?
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://stampede.ai/get-started">Click here to get started.</a>

Cisco Meraki Integration with Stampede

In any restaurant, the menu is one of the most viewed pieces of material on the premises. In fact, sometimes it will determine whether your customers dine with you or try somewhere else, based on what they see. Aside from the food and prices. A cluttered, dated or plain unprofessional menu design can really hamper your restaurant’s success.&nbsp;Keeping this in mind, how to best design your restaurant menu? 







We get it. With so many elements to focus on when running a restaurant, it&#8217;s easy to let the actual design of your menu fall by the wayside. After all, you&#8217;re in the business of cooking food – not graphic design! That being said, <a href="https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-to-design-an-effective-restaurant-menu-2888603">it is important you ensure your menu is selling your food</a> instead of turning diners off. If you own a restaurant, here are our top tips to perfecting your menu design.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Master the layout</h4>



When you are placing items on a plate ready for service, you put care and attention into every aspect of the presentation, right? Although food and design are two separate entities, the mantra of how both need to be presented in the right way still exists.&nbsp;



It always pays to hire a professional designer here. It&#8217;s crucial your menu truly sells what you have to offer. Elements such as <a href="https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/10-design-tips-for-creating-mouth-watering-menus--cms-25810">the typeface, spacing, general order, colour use and even the material it’s printed on</a> need to all work in sync. If you don&#8217;t have a background in graphic design, then consulting someone who does, can keep you on the right track.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-useful-free-marketing-tools-that-anyone-can-use/">layout shouldn&#8217;t feel too cluttered</a>, which is a mistake many restaurants make. When there are too many options crammed onto a small page, it can feel overwhelming. Keep things simple and easy to follow, which will make life easier for your chefs too.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Keep it appetizing!&nbsp;</h4>



McDonald&#8217;s famously use red and yellow in their branding, as it&#8217;s the colour of their fries and ketchup. That&#8217;s not to say you have to go crazy with the paint pot. But factoring in that your menu needs to appear appetising is really important.&nbsp;



Even if your menu design is simplistic and paired back, you can still get stomachs rumbling with the language you use throughout. <a href="https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/53/how-to-write-a-menu.html">Lots of descriptive adjectives really help!</a> For example, &#8216;pie and mash&#8217; is okay. But how about: &#8216;Hand baked, shortcrust pastry steak and ale pie served with mash potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy&#8217;. Even if your menu is printed in black and white, you&#8217;d still get customers drooling with that!&nbsp;



Pictures are an optional extra, as they will take up precious room on your menu. If you are going to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-take-perfect-food-image-for-instagram/">use images</a>, make sure they are your own. Do not stock photography, as this can really disappoint diners when the dish bears no resemblance to their order. If possible, hire a professional photographer so that your food is presented to the highest standard.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The eye is in the detail</h4>



Just like when you season your dishes to bring out the best flavours, designing a menu also benefits from looking at the finer details before you go to print. A big one that so often goes awry is spell checking! <a href="https://app.grammarly.com/">With free tools such as Grammarly</a>, it literally takes a couple of minutes. It can save a lot of embarrassment or frustration in the long run.&nbsp;



Even if it&#8217;s just a rough copy, it&#8217;s always handy to preview/critique a basic version of your menu before it is mass-produced. The points you want to be considering include the journey from start to finish (i.e, is the order logical). How durable the material is for the number of people who will be handling it. If the text or images are easy to follow and read and finally, how well it sells your food overall. After all, your menu acts as an advert for each dish! It might seem like a lot to consider, but the more you factor in the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/personalise-your-customer-journey-at-your-restaurant/">customer experience</a>, the better the outcome will be for everyone.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Feedback can be really helpful</h4>



Similar to how you might have a menu tasting night where your friends, family or customers give their opinion on your latest dishes. Why not do the same for your marketing? Granted, it&#8217;s not as exciting, <a href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/restaurant-survey-questions">but asking others what they think about various aspects of your business can be a huge help</a>.&nbsp;



In addition, if diners do comment that your menu isn&#8217;t easy to follow or that it&#8217;s not very informative, always make a note of it. If one person is saying something it&#8217;s likely others are thinking it too. Instead of feeling offended at bad criticism, see if it&#8217;s something you can actually work on to improve. By getting into the mindset of your customers, you can deliver the best possible experience. Also, maximising customer satisfaction, therefore, profits too.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h4>



Getting the right menu design for your business is important, but why stop there? With Stampede, we can help you <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">understand who is visiting</a> your restaurant too.&nbsp;Using this data, you not only stay in control of who is using your WiFi (no more passwords on a blackboard!). But we can also help you make better business decisions, through the analytics our platform provides. The more in-tune you are with your customers, the better the marketing campaigns and overall experience will be.



Want to learn more? Why not book a call with us?



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>

Strengthen Your Brand With Customised Booking Emails

Customisable & Branded Booking Templates

Email Header

Intro and Bookings Details

Business Details

Additional Information