KFC announced it has partnered with Vibes to test a mobile wallet program for easy text orders. KFC franchisee KBP Brands and the technology company, powering seamless mobile brand experiences, will test an SMS and mobile wallet program at 162 Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants. This program enables the ability to meet consumers where they are most active: their mobile devices.
KBP Brands sought to equip local markets with innovative tools to win customers effectively and provide strong, trackable results. The franchisee turned to Vibes to boost consumer engagement, increase in-store traffic and grow loyalty at its KFC restaurants through the delivery of timely, personalized messages.
KBP Brands can now instantly reach consumers through SMS and mobile wallet by sending targeted messages to local audiences based on price, demographic and regional competition. Restaurants can also offer unique promotions to customers, rewarding them for repeat visits or for opting into the SMS program. Those who opt-in to the KBP Brands text program from a mobile device receive an instant text alert offer and new offers weekly.
“The text messaging program fills a gap in our local marketing toolkits, serving as an efficient mechanism to deliver relevant and timely offers to individuals. A broad value at a national level can be a challenge, especially by geographic area. We wanted the ability to activate compelling messaging quickly based on our restaurants’ unique needs,” says Tonya Mangels, vice president of marketing activation, KBP Brands. “The quick-service restaurant industry is highly competitive, and SMS marketing is a cost-effective tool that will help us both attract new customers and retain current customers.”
KBP Brands will benefit from being able to deliver SMS messages at scale within a highly specific timeframe. With Vibes, KBP Brands can provide KFC customers real-time updates at the right place and right time, ranging from local store changes such as hours of operation to menu tests and limited-time-only deals.
“We’re excited to help KBP Brands extend engagement with KFC customers in a personal, connected and authentic way,” says Alex Campbell, CIO and co-founder, Vibes. “Mobile offers one of the fastest ways to connect directly with a customer, and it will allow KBP Brands to meet individuals wherever they are in the consumer journey.”
More from Loyalty360 featuring KFC:
· KFC Announces Partnership with Tinder to Increase Digital Experience
· Loyalty360 Reads: September 15: KFC Rewards Arcade
· Loyalty360 Reads: November 30 | Big Lots Adds New Pay Options; KFC Calls On Competitors