Tag: slider

Be honest, are you having as much fun perusing the beer aisle for interesting packaging as you are cracking them open at home? From wicked cool illustrations to funky colors and far-out production techniques, some beer can designs have become straight-up works of art. Today, we’re highlighting some of the coolest beer packaging designs we’ve seen lately, and discussing why they work. Whether you’re a CMO, a marketer, a beer can design lover or just someone looking for a little inspiration, you’ve come to the right corner of the internet.

Why Packaging Design Matters in Beer Branding

Ever walk down the giant beer aisle at your local store and pick something up just because the label caught your eye? You’re not alone. According to Nielsen data, around 66% of American craft beer consumers say they are very or extremely likely to buy a craft beer based on its packaging or label. That’s especially pertinent recently, as the number of registered craft breweries has increased 5X in the last decade alone. With so many options the grocery store beer aisle is starting to look more like a candy store. Walls of beer, filled with rows of brightly colored cans and illustrated boxes that look like they were plucked directly from your favorite artist’s fever dream.

But it’s not just about looking cool, it’s about quickly communicating brand value in a cluttered space where other packaging is vying for limited attention. Well-executed packaging design should visually represent everything a consumer needs to quickly know about the beer, from the flavor to the vibe of the brand. In a world full of beer options yelling at you, your packaging needs to do some serious smooth talking. First impressions matter, and the first impression of a beer brand is its packaging. If it doesn’t grab a customer’s attention, they’ll probably just walk on by.

What Makes a Great Can Design?

Colors say a lot.  If you look at beer can packaging from the 70s, almost all cans were designed using some combination of red, gold, white and black. Nowadays every color under the sun is on the table, so long as it’s done well. But if you’re looking for a retro look, we suggest starting with the colors above. Dark tones like black or green often exude a bold, rich vibe, appropriate for full-bodied beers like stouts or porters. Bright colors scream “refreshing” and “fun” and may be more appropriate for citrusy IPAs, pale ales or wheat beers. You can even use pastels to enhance an organic, farmhouse-style, “handcrafted with care” feel. Whichever color palette you select, just make sure it’s selected with intention.

Fonts are key. Font choices communicate a lot about your beer’s character and brand. Want to evoke an old-school vibe? Try a slab serif. Want something modern and daring? A bold sans will do the trick. A bold font might also imply the strength or heaviness of a beer, whereas a lighter, script-y font may allude to a lighter tasting beer.  Even ditching traditional fonts all together for a custom font that looks handwritten can craft the perception of small-batch brewing. There’s a lot of thought and nuance that goes into font selection. When designing packaging, we always recommend aligning fonts with your brand identity and product personality, considering factors like whether it’s modern or classic, playful or serious; and ensuring it’s easily readable across various mediums while maintaining consistency with your brand message.

Logos and illustrations are crucial in beer can logo design. An embrace of minimalism often communicates, “We’re premium.” Quirky characters, on the other hand, call out to the more adventurous beer drinker in all of us. As the literal delivery vehicle of your product, your customer interacts with your can design every time they enjoy your beer and the truth is, it has the biggest opportunity for differentiation. There are only so many colors and fonts, but if you make your can is a work of art that also encapsulates your brand identity, you can create a singular experience that makes your product memorable. – mention the strength of iron hill here.

Creative Shapes and Textures

Why settle for smooth cans when you can add texture and unique shapes? Whether it’s something like a growler or crowler or the weight of the can itself, a distinct takeaway packaging design can make a beer stand out. Some shapes scream “premium” and instantly give off a sense of higher quality, turning the beer into a great gift option. Beer is also one of those areas in life where size matters… meaning we always recommend considering drinkability within the context of probable use cases. Choosing a 19.2 ounce over a standard size can for example, allows for placement in stadiums and event spaces where retailers are aiming to increase individual transaction price because the number of transactions are limited by the point of sales (think waiting too long in line at a concession stand. Adding texture and size variation isn’t just about looking cool, it makes the beer more fun to hold and functional to drink, often adding an improved dimension to the experience.
Source: DesignRush

Design Trends to Keep in Mind

Label Readers

Label reading is on the rise, with nearly 4 out of 5 adults aged 20 or older reporting they regularly read labels and nutritional info when deciding to buy a food product for the first time, according to the USDA. Make sure to add relevant information to your label, but we don’t just mean nutritionally. Including extra info like where the beer’s from, the style and the ABV can make your customers feel more informed and connected to your brand. For instance, consumers often look for specific beer types, like an IPA or stout, depending on their preferences. Flavor notes like “hints of tropical fruit and pine” or “malty with a caramel finish” help set expectations for taste and build anticipation, and the incorporation of flavor scales such as IBU or The International Bitterness Units are becoming more ubiquitous on beer packing.  Alcohol content? That’s a factor for plenty of people, whether they’re looking for something sessionable or strong. Taste aside, the brewing process is even a factor for some consumers. If you’ve got something special brewing, we recommend highlighting any unique brewing techniques like “dry-hopped” or “barrel-aged.” Consumers love to know if they’re trying something experimental or handcrafted with care. Even the brewery’s location can make a difference in perceived quality. Beers from well-known brewing regions like Belgium or the Pacific Northwest often carry more cachet. There are endless factors to consider, but nothing can communicate your differentiators swifter than well-crafted copy. You just have to understand what’s important to your audience. The content your design highlights should align with your demographic’s decision-making focus to hit the right note with your desired drinkers.

Artist Collaborations

Some of the coolest beer cans often come from collabs with artists. Greene King is one example that uses vibrant colors and unique illustrations, making each can feel like a mini art piece. Another great one is Buffalo 9 Brewing, which uses rough, watercolor-style artwork to tell a story. These artistic collabs not only make the can stand out and easily recognizable, but they also turn it into something people want to collect. They also have the added bonus of introducing your brand to a group of people who may have never engaged with it before but are fans of the artist you are collaborating with.

Sustainability 


Sustainability is a huge concern and it’s not just a buzzword in the beer biz. A 2024 McKinsey survey found that 79% of respondents are willing to pay more for sustainably packaged products, and brewers are taking note. Take Carlsberg’s Snap Pack, for instance. They’ve replaced plastic rings with glue dots, cutting plastic use by over 70%. Then there’s Saltwater Brewery with their Eco Rings, which are totally biodegradable and even safe for animals to eat. Yep, that’s a thing. If you’re looking to go green, there are some seriously cool options out there and it might just help you sell more product.
Sources: Eco-friendly Beer, Spark Innovations


Innovation

Beer packaging isn’t just about looks anymore either, it’s interactive too. We likely all remember the first time we saw the mountains turn blue. If you don’t, let’s take a trip back to 2007, when Coors Light incorporated thermochromic ink into their can design to create mountains that changed from white to blue when the cans reached 43 degrees. Coors Light touts that blue mountains mean “Mountain Cold” and the beer is at optimal drinking temperature. While the innovation was a gamer changer, it also aligned Coors brand value, reinforcing it as a cold, crisp and refreshing beer brand.

And sometimes innovation moves beyond the can. Corona’s Fit Pack is a great example. It lets you screw the cans together, creating a fun, stackable experience that eliminates waste. And don’t forget about augmented reality labels that let you scan and reveal surprises. They’re all about turning the drinking experience into a digital adventure.
Source: Spark Innovations

Seasonality

Brewers boost sales by producing seasonal brews that cater to preferences for fresh, limited-time offerings. According to a study by Brewbound, seasonal craft beers account for 17% of total annual sales in the craft beer category. These beers create urgency, encouraging customers to purchase them before they’re gone, with Brewers Association noting that seasonal beers often generate a 5-10% sales lift during their peak season. Additionally, Nielsen found that nearly 70% of craft beer drinkers say they actively seek out seasonal releases, enhancing brand engagement and driving repeat sales. Even crazier still, is 65% of consumers say simply describing an item as seasonal enhances their perception of the flavor, implying sometimes it doesn’t even come down to changing a recipe as much as it’s about reworking your can design to highlighting existing ingredients through the lens of seasonal flavors and imagery. 

However, while repacking might be enough for some, many brewers relish the opportunity to create seasonal flavors and designs. Take Iron Hill Brewing for example, who looks forward seasonal showcases such as Oktoberfest or the creation of its Pumpkin Ale. And When fall fades into winter they’re slinging cans of Spruce Moose, Reindeer’s Revenge and Winter Warmer. These seasonal offerings help Iron Hill create a sense of occasion and exclusivity, encouraging customers to visit during specific times of the year to experience unique brews and can designs.
Iron Hill Brewery

Branding Lessons from Beer Can Designs

At the end of the day, beer packaging is about way more than just slapping a label on a can. If your brewery has built a reputation for great beer, make sure it’s exemplifies through your beer cans and your packaging designs. Brand familiarity plays a huge role in consumer decision-making. A trusted brewery with a solid story or backstory about the brewmaster and how the beer came to life, can really connect emotionally with your audience. Your label wields power. It’s your chance to tell your story, show off your brand’s personality and make people feel something. And if you can make them feel something, then you have an opportunity to sell them on your brand. Otherwise, you’re not even part of their consideration set. And remember, your can is a mini billboard every time a person sees it in their fridge or cooler. Not every product has an opportunity to reinforce its brand every time it’s used, but beer certainly does. In the beer business, they like to say it’s the outside of the can that gets you the first sale, but what’s inside keeps people coming back.

Got a favorite beer can design? Share it with us or hit us up on social media! Beer packaging isn’t just a pretty face, it’s the start of your brand’s story.

Recently, the whole Push Team had the chance to experience Smalls Sliders at the second Florida Can opening event in Ocala. As Smalls’ brand development partner and AOR, we’ve been working closely with their team for quite some time. But this visit to their brand new Ocala location marked the first time our entire team had the pleasure of enjoying the one-of-a-kind cheeseburger sliders, waffle fries and shakes that have made our mouths water since day one.

From the moment we arrived at the Smorange™-colored Can, we could feel the energy and passion that has made Smalls Sliders a fast favorite among its many new, loyal customers. The made-to-order sliders, special Smauce®, seasoned waffled fries, and cool, creamy shakes did not disappoint. And were well worth the wait in the Florida sun. Enjoying the brand we helped build firsthand, indulging
in their simple yet satisfying food and seeing the work of our partnership come to life in a tangible, impactful way was a rewarding experience, to say the least.

“Our partnership with Smalls has been one of the greatest experiences in Push’s history. From the incredible team of people at Smalls we have the privilege of working with every day, to the creative brand and marketing opportunities we are able to bring to life, it has truly been something special,” said Melissa Dimayuga, Director of Account Service at Push. “And we are just getting started. With Smalls’ laser focus on unit and brand growth for 2025, our team is more inspired than ever to keep the momentum going and continue to build and share an amazing brand, making everyone’s day a small bit better.”

As Smalls Sliders continues to expand, Push is honored to be part of the journey. We look forward to continuing to develop creative marketing strategies and brand-building initiatives that highlight Smalls’ industry-changing approach to the fast-casual experience.

For more information about Smalls Sliders and the work we have been doing with them, check it out here.

About Push

Push is a fully integrated marketing and advertising agency specializing in creating impactful, results-driven campaigns for food and beverage brands. With a focus on strategy, creativity, and collaboration, we partner with brands we believe in to help them thrive in competitive markets.”

Limited-Time Offers (LTOs) are essential for keeping menus fresh, engaging, and appealing. They play a crucial role in reigniting customer interest, generating buzz, and boosting revenue. And creating seasonal LTOs only amplifies these effects. In fact, 65% of consumers say that simply describing an item as seasonal enhances their perception of the flavor. But seasonality doesn’t have to revolve around the weather. It can also be tied to business cycles, holidays, or cultural trends, giving you the flexibility to craft LTOs that resonate with your audience year-round.

By tapping into the power of seasonality, you can create offers that not only stand out but also generate a sense of urgency and encourage impulse purchases. Whether it’s aligning with back-to-school time, key shopping periods, or even local events, seasonal LTOs create timely relevance. Let’s explore how leveraging seasonality can transform your LTOs into high-impact offers that not only meet consumer preferences but also deliver measurable results.

Why LTOs Succeed: The Power of Scarcity and Seasonality

Scarcity is a powerful psychological motivator. When customers perceive that an offer is limited, it can create a sense of exclusivity and urgency. This feeling of missing out (FOMO) drives them to take action more swiftly. And more frequently. Seasonal LTOs amplify the scarcity effect. When an offer is tied to a specific season, customers are reminded that the season itself is fleeting. This added layer of temporal relevance increases the chance of your LTO being top of mind and compelling.

We’ll give you an example. Take the most infamous seasonal flavor around: pumpkin spice. The flavor alone drove retail sales through the roof last year, amassing $800 million in increased revenue. Its popularity extends far beyond coffee shops, making its way into everything from candles and snacks to beauty products. With the power to evoke cozy, autumnal vibes, pumpkin spice has become a seasonal marketing powerhouse that capitalizes on consumers’ growing desire for comfort. Historically, we’ve seen leveraging it and other fall flavors boost engagement and drive sales year after year. But the power of the seasonal offer isn’t confined to just the colder months. Celebrations of spring and summer also drive customer engagement, and overall incorporation of seasonal menu items has been shown to increase sales by up to 26% .

Leveraging True Seasons: Aligning LTOs with Seasonal Changes

Designing a seasonal flavor doesn’t mean you need to reinvent the wheel. Often it’s as easy as altering core menu items with a seasonal ingredient to create a timely and relevant offering.

Take Smalls Sliders for example. When summer rolled around, the quick service restaurant brand decided to offer their fans an Orange Dreamsicle shake flavor. Which really only entailed adding the orange flavor to their original vanilla shake. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest.

If you really want to make a splash with a new seasonal flavor, you might consider thinking about more than just the taste. Limited edition packaging drives even more excitement and enhances the appeal of your seasonal products. Consider using seasonal colors, themes, imagery and designs to subconsciously illustrate the importance of timely engagement with an offer that won’t be around long. Visuals that reflect the season’s colors and themes can help your offers stand out and be memorable.

Take a look at Starbucks’ holiday campaign for example. They not only introduce a variety of LTO flavors, but also create cheerful cups and marketing materials that further capitalize on the joy of the season.

Beyond the Calendar: Leveraging Business Seasons for LTOs

Seasonality isn’t just about the weather—it also refers to the unique cycles within your business, such as slow periods or times of prime promotional opportunity. Business seasons can include anything from post-holiday lulls to industry-specific peaks like back-to-school shopping or tax-free days. Recognizing these patterns allows you to strategically plan offers that capitalize on consumer behavior during these times. For example, loyalty programs can be enhanced with exclusive, time-sensitive events or rewards that drive engagement during slower months. Additionally, partnering with local businesses or complementary brands for co-branded, limited-time offers can help you tap into new audiences and create buzz, ensuring that your business stays top-of-mind throughout the year.

Our work with Miller’s Ale House is a great example of a seasonal LTO that is not tied to a change in season, rather a specific event or theme. With limited edition menu items and even a social media challenge, this LTO drew in traffic and boosted engagement with the brand.

Overall, seasonal LTOs are a surefire way to spark excitement, boost sales, and keep customers coming back for more. They help you stay on top of trends, test new ideas, and create that “gotta have it” feeling. Ready to turn up the heat on your sales? Push can help you design LTOs that pack a punch for your brand and audience—let’s talk!

When it comes to building a killer brand, one thing is non-negotiable—consistency. But how do you make sure your brand’s voice, visuals, and overall vibe ring true no matter the situation? For Push, it’s our Push Brand Filters™. By going through our positioning process, we identify the lenses through which your brand sees the world, and how the world sees your brand. They enable brands to tell a story that’s meaningful and cohesive.

From launching a new product to designing a campaign, brand filters guide every decision by defining who you are, and as importantly, who you are not. Despite how valuable our clients find them, we hear little chatter outside our four walls about the importance of strategically crafted brand filters.

While our particular process of crafting highly functional brand filters is proprietary, the basic principles are something we feel comfortable sharing, as we believe almost every brand would benefit from considering them.

What is a Brand Filter?

Push Brand Filters™ are decision-making tools that define your brand and its view of the world. They act as your go-to framework for staying aligned with your brand’s identity and your day-to-day execution. Whether you’re developing an activation, managing a crisis, or even just brainstorming a new menu offering, utilizing these filters ensures every move you make reflects who you are and what you stand for.

These guideposts ensure your audience gets a consistent experience, no matter when, where, or how they encounter your brand. This kind of consistency builds recognition, trust, and loyalty—and that’s the ultimate goal.

Research. Plan. Brand.

Start with a brand audit to get a clear picture of your core values, target audience, and what makes your brand unique. You should consider incorporating insights from market research, customer feedback, and internal workshops from different departments. Next, you will need to decide where you want your brand to live in the market and who you want to market it to. From there, you should align your mission, vision, and values to ensure everything feels true to your brand. If these do not live in harmony, your filters will not serve you properly.

Now you can get to work on defining your filters. Decide on four or five lenses that define your brand’s outlook on its place in the world. Then ask yourself if these filters can be used to help you generate, validate, and amplify any ideas you have for your brand. If yes, then come up with some indisputable guidelines that will ensure anyone and everyone who reads them will understand what that filter stands for. These filters should be clear to understand and easily referenced when making decisions.

Still Not Sure You’ve Got It?

How about an example. Let’s pretend you own a Pizza Restaurant called John’s Pizza and you want to develop brand filters. At Push we would utilize all the information we collected through our immersion, proprietary exercises and research, but for the sake of an example, let’s just say this was the background we were provided.


“Founded in 1982, John’s Pizza was born from a dream of sharing authentic Sicilian flavors with the community. John and his family wanted to preserve the rich culinary traditions passed down by their nonna, who cooked with love. Every dish on the menu is inspired by her time-honored recipes, ensuring that each bite transports customers straight to the warmth of her kitchen, where you always leave feeling full. We pride ourselves on being more than just a restaurant—it’s the heart of the neighborhood. We’re not just serving food; we’re building connections and making a difference, one pizza at a time.

At John’s Pizza, the goal is simple: to create a space where every guest feels like family, enjoying hearty meals made with love and tradition.”


We would then put pen to paper to define the business offerings of John’s Pizza are:

Based on those offerings and the background we gathered during a full immersion process, we decide that the brand filters are Keep it Real, which encapsulates authenticity, and our commitment to our Italian roots and family recipes, Eat the Last Slice which is about generosity and prioritizing guest experience, and Heart of the Community which is about giving back to the community that allows the brand to thrive.

Using these guideposts and the broader explanations you’d created for each, members of the John’s Pizza team can now use the filters to empower their choices when they’re generating, validating, and amplifying their ideas. For example:

Let’s Get Rolling.

Now that you understand the basics of crafting filters, it’s time to put them to work for your brand. kick things off by weaving them right into your brand guidelines and making sure everyone who needs them can find them easily. Next, give your team and partners a crash course on how to use these filters like pros. And don’t forget to regularly check your filters annually to ensure they still align with your business goals. This way, your brand voice, designs and decisions stay on point and make a real impact.

You’ll Know You’re Winning When..

When you nail consistent brand messaging across every channel, the results speak for themselves. You’ll see your brand recognition soar and build serious customer loyalty. You’ll also find your internal team members making smarter decisions because they’re not swimming in a sea of mixed messages. From social posts to menu designs, your brand will deliver on its brand promise consistently to anyone who interacts with it. It’s all about making your brand unmistakable and memorable.

Push Brand Filters™ are crucial tools for maintaining consistency and clarity across all brand touch-points. They’re like your brand’s personal GPS, keeping your voice, visuals, and vibe consistent and aligned with your core values and identity. By sticking to these filters, you ensure that everyone experiences your brand in the same awesome way, building trust and loyalty along the way. So, nail those filters, keep them strategic, and watch your brand recognition and customer love skyrocket.

Not sure where to start? Don’t sweat it, just reach out! Sometimes outside perspective is what’s needed to provide clarity, and we’d love to chat. ’Til then, take a look at some of the amazing brands we’ve built and the success they’ve seen.

Keeping customers coming back is no longer just about good food—it’s about building relationships. The secret sauce in turning infrequent diners into regulars? Loyalty programs. They’re essential for driving customer retention and increasing lifetime value. But traditional punch cards and basic rewards are no longer enough—innovation is the name of the game. And as loyalty engagement soars this year, it’s more important now than ever before that you encourage unique interactions with your customers.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key trends reshaping loyalty programs and the cutting-edge strategies that are setting some restaurant brands apart.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that many people, even in our field, will use the terms “loyalty program” and “rewards program” interchangeably. However, there are nuanced differences between the two.

Loyalty programs are created with the intent of affecting consumer behavior by shaping their consideration set and improving their long-term relationship with the brand. Thus, influencing customers to return with greater frequency than would have otherwise been the case. Loyalty programs do so by offering incentives for repeat business, often through points or tiered levels of engagement

A rewards program is nearly always a component of a loyalty program, but rewards programs are more transactional. They offer customers immediate benefits or discounts after specific purchases. Both aim to increase customer retention, but loyalty programs encourage ongoing engagement.

Taking Loyalty to the Next Level

Loyalty programs are getting a serious tech upgrade, making things more personalized and fun than ever before. Mobile apps like Starbucks Rewards and Dunkin’ Donuts DD Perks make tracking points and offers a breeze, putting everything you need right at your fingertips.

Then there’s AI, machine learning, and personalization tools, which when utilized effectively enable brands to tailor recommendations and predict exactly what you’ll want next. Getting offers that feel like they were made just for you? That’s not just a future dream—it’s today’s reality.

Another game-changer? Blockchain and cryptocurrency are making waves in the loyalty space. Burger King’s Royal Perks, for instance, lets members earn Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Dogecoin with qualifying orders (https://www.bk.com/crypto). Beyond the buzz of earning crypto, blockchain brings security and transparency to the table. Each transaction is recorded in a permanent, tamper-proof database, preventing fraud and saving restaurant brands money in the long run. It’s a win-win: cool rewards for customers and smart solutions for brands.

Tiered Programs That Play to Win

Tiered loyalty programs are a fantastic way to keep customers hooked because it’s gamifying the experience. Each time you visit you get closer to reaching a new reward with points systems and challenges. Take Panera Bread’s MyPanera program, for example. The more you visit, the more perks you unlock, making each trip feel like a win.

But why settle for just discounts? Restaurants are getting creative with experiential rewards like exclusive chef’s table dinners, cooking classes, and special events that add a touch of magic to the dining experience. A great example of a brand utilizing gamification in their loyalty programs is Chipotle, who takes a fun approach by mixing virtual gaming with digital perks and IRL redemptions. They recently launched their grill simulator, which is a game available on the  Roblox platform involving digital “tasting” using a virtual fork. The first 100,000 users who complete the simulation will earn a free entrée code to sample the actual menu item that they digitally prepared.

Not only is this kind of program innovative, but it strategically engages a specific segment of their audience. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, showing that when you blend gamification with digital ease, you can create a loyalty app that’s both engaging and rewarding.

Tap Into Rewards with Mobile Apps

The days of rifling through your purse for a punch card or coupon have fallen by the wayside. If you don’t have an app that allows for rewards and engagements to be stored all in one place, you have fallen behind. Many of us are familiar with Starbucks Rewards, which is a standout example of a loyalty app done right. If you’ve used it you know they’ve nailed it with a sleek mobile app design that tracks your rewards, offers personalized deals, and makes ordering a breeze. With a mix of real-time rewards tracking and exclusive offers that make customers feel like VIPs, Starbucks shows that a well-designed app and a dash of exclusivity can keep customers coming back for more. Chick-fil-A One is also a masterclass in utilizing a rewards app to personalize rewards and engage customers. They use data to tailor rewards and offers to each customer’s preferences, which makes everyone feel like they’re getting special treatment. Their comprehensive approach and personal touch has done wonders for keeping customers coming back, and the tracking that makes this dynamic strategy executable is made possible only through the interface of an app.

Push’s take on building successful loyalty programs

Now that we’ve covered some of the innovations you may consider incorporating into your loyalty program, let’s talk about the strategies needed to create a successful loyalty program that have not changed. When helping our clients develop and refine their loyalty programs, there are a few tenets that we always consider to ensure our success, and they are:

Well-Timed Communication

Staying top of mind is key, but there’s a fine line between keeping customers in the loop and spamming them. Email, SMS, and push notifications are great tools for staying connected, but the trick is finding the sweet spot—just enough updates to keep them interested without overwhelming them. Think of it as

dropping little reminders that show up just when they’re most likely to engage. This is another reason that utilizing apps for loyalty programs is so crucial. Mobile devices unlock real-time, location-based redemption capabilities that are simply unavailable otherwise. With these capabilities, apps can even deliver personalized offers precisely when users are nearby or most likely to engage.

A great example of that was the loyalty campaign we ran for Cinnabon. Not only did we run a proximity targeting campaign to drive potential customers in real-time when they were within a 1-mile radius of a participating Cinnabon, but we also created a custom audience based on dwell time. Meaning we considered not only where these prospective targets were, but how long they had been there. If a user was consistently within the 1 mile radius of a Cinnabon for more than 4 hours we could infer that they likely worked at the mall, and would therefore be more likely to participate in a loyalty program if the offers were compelling, consistent and offered during lunch and break times.

It’s worth noting that dynamic pricing does not have the same incentivizing effect as offering discounts at a particular time. We would encourage brands to proceed with caution if considering dynamic pricing, as your customers may take notice and create public pushback. Instead, if you’re considering dynamic pricing we suggest adjusting base price accordingly and offering reminders or even discounts based on people’s timing and use patterns.

Prioritize Personalization

As mentioned above, it’s becoming easier than ever to personalize the offers you are sending to your customers, and as such, it’s become our recommended best practice. We recommend utilizing analytics and customer behavior insights to offer personalized recommendations, discounts, and rewards tailored to individual preferences. We do so because we know personalized rewards outperform generic offers. In fact in our experience, 4 out of 5 people  are more likely to buy when brands offer individualized interactions.

For example, in our work with Winn Dixie and their rewards app, we know that shoppers may increase their shopping frequency if they are offered incentives on items they would typically buy. As a result, the app utilizes individual customer data regarding past purchases to tailor its savings to the habits of each user. The offer is framed as “the more you shop, the more we learn about your favorite groceries, so we can let you know when they’re on sale”, making customers feel like they are engaging in a personalized shopping experience if they redeem the app’s offers.
As with any offer, it’s important to make sure you are not simply providing discounts to users who were going to make a purchase regardless of your offer. Use previous customer data to determine that the difference between a completed transaction or not, was in fact your well-timed loyalty touchpoint. In the Winn Dixie example above, while customers may have gotten a deal on a particular item they may have purchased either way at a later date, the offers have proven successful in getting customers to come in sooner than they would have otherwise. This increases net sales overall, as we know that shoppers rarely only buy one item at a time during trips to the grocery stores.

Ease of Integration

And finally, it’s important to remember there’s no value in a service that people aren’t using. Having your loyalty program, ideally your loyalty app, be easy for customers to integrate into the way they already shop and dine is essential for your campaign’s success. All app design should prioritize the user experience, be designed in an intuitive and attractive way, and have fast page load times. Ensuring that you have appropriately predicted your user’s needs and have designed in a way that prioritizes your core features and offers is imperative.  A great example is the loyalty app created for burger darling Smalls Sliders loyalty. By utilizing graphic elements and limited copy, users can quickly understand how to engage with Small’s offers.

With all the innovations currently being integrated into restaurant loyalty programs, it can be overwhelming to decide what’s the best fit for your business today. We encourage our customers to think about creating timely offers, personalizing rewards, potentially introducing a gamified app, and integrating all the latest tech trends to keep their customers engaged. It won’t only increase your customer retention, but it’ll boost your bottom line in the long run. If you find yourself seeing the value in a stronger loyalty program but aren’t sure where to start, give us a call.

Before digging into this article, take a second and picture the last ad you saw that made you think, “Wow, that is seriously cool, I wish I had thought of it.”

Can you picture it in your mind’s eye?

Now, can you identify what made you remember it?

Maybe you know exactly why it stuck in your head, or maybe, like many, you find it hard to put your finger on exactly why. In a world littered with messages competing for your limited attention, making an impression is often more art than science. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about standing out. Creative and unconventional approaches to generating awareness for your brand not only potentially differentiates you from your competitors, but ideally engages your consumers on an emotional and personal level. Creating memorable and lasting impressions that make them remember your brand and how your brand makes them feel.

Let’s explore how out-of-the-box creative approaches can help your brand break through the noise, captivate your audience, and leave a lasting mark.

A SOLID FOUNDATION

Step one is truly understanding your target audience. Identifying who they are, where they go, what they do and the life they live day to day. Then you can start to pinpoint their behaviors and preferences precisely enough to tailor content and strategies that will resonate with them. You can speak to their desires and pain points. Boost engagement. And create a more memorable brand presence.

Step two is to set time aside to brainstorm unconventional ideas. If you want to turn heads, you’ve got to shake things up. Bring your team together for brainstorming sessions that embrace the unexpected and celebrate bold thinking. The trick? Don’t limit yourself to your industry’s bubble—pull inspiration from far-off places, different markets, or even the quirkiest trends. By encouraging unconventional brainstorming and daring to explore the unfamiliar, you’ll spark those novel, game-changing ideas that truly break through.

Step three is to develop a clear plan that outlines the foundation of your creative strategy. After you’ve outlined your objectives, identified your target audience, and defined the key messages you want to convey—all while ensuring everything aligns with your brand’s core values and goals—your foundation is set to explore different creative approaches that can amplify your message.

CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER

Guerilla Marketing

Guerrilla marketing can generate buzz through unexpected, attention-grabbing tactics. It’s an advertising approach that borrows the concept of “guerrilla” warfare, or the element of surprise, to communicate with target audiences. This form of marketing relies on unconventional and inventive displays to elicit wonder or shock and can be especially effective for driving publicity. A classic example of this would be Reb Bull’s Stratos, a campaign that saw close to 10 million people tune in live to watch Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner, jump from the edge of space on YouTube. It set a record for the most concurrent views on the platform at the time and has garnered millions of additional impressions after the fact. Red Bull has said the Stratos stunt led to $500+ million in sales.

Red Bull Stratos Project, Jörg Mitter, October 14, 2012. © Red Bull Media House. All rights reserved.

Experiential Marketing

If a publicity stunt isn’t what you had in mind, maybe you want to focus on immersing your audience in memorable brand interactions. If so, consider experiential marketing. A great example is when Auntie Anne’s launched their Knead Fragrance campaign. It was truly a step outside the box, turning the irresistible scent of their fresh-baked pretzels into a wearable experience. This innovative campaign tapped into a sensory nostalgia, allowing fans to carry the comforting aroma of Auntie Anne’s with them wherever they went. By transforming a sensory indulgence into a tangible product, Auntie Anne’s not only enhanced their brand’s connection with customers but also created a buzz-worthy, unique marketing strategy that showcased their playful and inventive spirit. This campaign not only set a new standard in experiential marketing but also highlighted how memorable sensory experiences can be seamlessly integrated into a brand’s identity.

Auntie Anne’s “Knead: Eau de Pretzel” promotional campaign. All rights reserved to Auntie Anne’s.

Another standout example of a successful out-of-the-box campaign is Liquid Death’s Private Aero Jet Giveaway, which truly embodied the brand’s irreverent and bold persona. By offering an exclusive private jet experience, Liquid Death tapped into the ultimate luxury fantasy, aligning perfectly with their edgy, no-holds-barred image. This campaign wasn’t just about promoting a product—it was about creating an unforgettable experience that resonated with their audience’s desire for extreme and unique encounters. By blending high-octane excitement with their signature rebellious style, Liquid Death not only captured attention but also cemented their reputation as a brand that defies convention and delights in pushing boundaries.

Liquid Death promotional content. All rights reserved to Liquid Death Mountain Water.

Viral Social

And finally, we can’t forget to mention the viral potential of social media campaigns—which when done right can spread your message like wildfire and drive significant brand awareness. Here, Liquid Death broke all the rules of advertising. By highlighting some of their “haters” opinions online next to their product, the were able to flip the narrative with some cheeky humor and turn criticism into conversation. For other brands, this may be a risky move. But because Liquid Death’s brand positioning and personality is so unique and strong, it paid off. And the it even claimed a spot on the list for most viral social campaigns of 2022.

Liquid Death promotional content. All rights reserved to Liquid Death Mountain Water.

EXECUTE AND MONITOR

Executing a successful campaign requires more than just a great idea—it’s all in the details. From precise targeting to seamless execution, every element plays a crucial role in delivering the right message at the right time. Once the campaign is live, ongoing monitoring is essential. By tracking performance metrics and being ready to pivot, you can optimize your strategy in real time, ensuring the campaign stays effective and aligned with your goals. A fine-tuned approach like this not only enhances results but keeps your brand agile and responsive.

Creativity is the driving force behind campaigns that don’t just get noticed—they get remembered. From engaging consumers through interactive experiences to earning media buzz with innovative ideas, a touch of creativity can transform your brand’s visibility and loyalty. By crafting memorable experiences, your brand isn’t just reaching people—it’s connecting with them in ways that inspire long-term advocacy. Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to discover how our creative strategies can elevate your brand awareness and leave a lasting impression. Let’s turn fresh ideas into real results!

This website/blog contains copyrighted material, the use of which may not always have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to provide commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, and research in accordance with the “fair use” provisions of U.S. copyright law (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act).

If you are a copyright owner or agent thereof and believe that any content or image posted on this website/blog infringes upon your copyright, please contact us, and we will promptly remove it.

Community engagement isn’t just a buzzworthy marketing phrase—it’s the key to making your restaurant brand a local legend. Cultivating a strong, connected community can turn guests into regulars; Diners into die-hards; Casual visitors into fans for life. Plus, you’ll boost your brand’s reputation and bottom line while you’re at it. But building that loyal base takes more than just a few promos and token gestures. It’s about consistently showing up and creating space for meaningful connections to flourish. So, how do you do that? Dive into this guide with seven key strategies to help you build and sustain a thriving community around your restaurant brand.

1. Define Your Brand

First things first—you need a brand identity that’s more than just a logo. Missions, visions, and values matter. People want to connect with brands that stand for something they believe in. So, make sure you have a clear sense of purpose and a voice that expresses it authentically. When customers resonate with your values, they’re more likely to support your brand with pride.

2. Leverage Social Media

Once you’ve nailed your brand identity, it’s time to let your audience in on it. Meet them where they hang out—on social media. Share your brand’s story, values, and personality in a way that feels genuine. Keep your content mix fresh with promotions, interactive posts, and behind-the-scenes peeks into your kitchen and crew. Don’t just post and ghost—interact with your followers. Responding to comments and DMs shows you’re listening, and it builds a deeper sense of trust and loyalty.

3. Host Events

Events are more than just gatherings—they’re experiences that make your brand memorable. Hosting watch parties, trivia, live music, exclusive tastings, and even community give-back nights can bring people together and give them a reason to be more involved. And don’t forget your online audience—run virtual events like contests, live Q&As, or digital cooking classes to keep the vibe going wherever your fans are.

4. Get Local

It’s time to step outside your four walls. Being visible in your community is key. Sponsor local sports teams, set up a booth at farmers’ markets, or show up at neighborhood festivals. The more your brand is seen around town, the more people will see you as part of the community, not just another business.

5. Develop an Effective Loyalty Program

Loyalty programs are a perfect way to reward your biggest supporters. Go beyond the usual points-for-purchases model—give points for social interactions, event participation, and more. Sweeten the deal with members-only perks like early access to new menu items, exclusive discounts, and surprise offers. Keep the connection alive with personalized emails that keep your customers in the loop and engaged.

6. Highlight Customer Testimonials

Your customers are the best marketing tool in the box. Showcase their experiences, glowing reviews, stories, UGC and testimonials on your website and socials to build trust and that “I belong here” feeling.

7. Maintain Open Communication

Staying connected is key. Send out regular newsletters with the latest on upcoming events, special offers, team shout-outs, and behind-the-scenes stories. Keep it casual and engaging so your audience feels in the know and excited about what’s next. And remember—engagement is a two-way street. Invite feedback, listen to your customers, and respond with intention. When you create an open line of communication, you build a community that feels heard and valued.

Building a strong community around your restaurant brand takes intentional effort. But the payoff is huge. By defining your brand, encouraging communication, participation and staying consistent you can set the foundation for a loyal base. If you’re not sure where to start or where to connect with your audience, Push can help. Just reach out. We’re here to help you create a brand community that’s as passionate as you are.