There are many reasons we love living and working in Wilmington. Historic downtown, mostly sunny days, choice of beaches, eclectic restaurants, a strong business community, compassionate and creative people… I could go on and on.
Being out and about – whether it’s for shopping, filling our bellies or meeting with our fantastic clients – we’re constantly witnessing just how creative businesses are when it comes to marketing. We’d like to recognize these companies somehow. So until we come up with an awards event where we give out golden bonsai trees, we’ll give them some airtime on the Bon’s Eye blog.
On a recent trip to Islands Fresh Mex Grill (260 Racine Drive/ Right near UNCW) it was hard not to notice the restaurant’s latest marketing push. Signs plastered everywhere – where you order and pay, at the drink machine and salsa bar, on the walls by the bathroom – enticed patrons to sign up for weekly mobile coupons. Sweet! I’m all about coupons, so I dug out my Blackberry from the pantry/medicine cabinet/diaper bag that is my purse. I punched in my text, receiving our first coupon before I even finished my meal.
I’m hooked – on the coupons and burritos.
Owner Lucas Jones started using mobile coupons through Coupons to Your Phone about six months ago, and the results have been good.
“It’s definitely worked well,” Jones said. “It helped us develop a client base. People started coming in for the coupons. Now they come in all the time.”
Since opening about 16 months ago, Islands has been written up in the press and Jones has run radio and TV spots. But, he said, the mobile coupons have been one of the most effective forms of advertising.
He did have a word of caution, though, about using the service.
“You have to be careful about what you’re offering,” Jones said. “If you don’t put something that’s worth it, they won’t come in. But you also don’t want to give away your restaurant.”
