1. Make incentives timely, not random

A great incentive feels relevant. That could mean launching a midweek special to fill slow days or offering an exclusive reward tied to an event or holiday. Timing is what turns a discount into a reason to visit.

Use your customer data to figure out when visits naturally dip. Maybe your mornings drag or Fridays are slow. Target those windows with a "one-day-only" or "early bird" offer. Tools like CHCKN make this easy by tracking visit patterns and letting you schedule digital offers that hit customers' phones when they're most likely to act.

2. Reward the right behaviour

Not every incentive needs to be about spending more. Sometimes you want to nudge behavior that drives long-term value, like visiting again soon or trying a new item.

You can build this logic right into your loyalty program. For example, give a bonus stamp for visiting twice in a week or double rewards when someone tries a seasonal item. It's less about "get $5 off" and more about building habits.

The right offer, at the right time, for the right people keeps your business busy on purpose.

3. Keep your incentives visible

Even the best rewards won't work if customers forget they exist. This is where digital wallet passes shine. CHCKN lets your loyalty card live right beside the cards people use every day: Apple Pay, credit cards, transit passes. Every time they open their wallet, your brand is right there.

In contrast, many point-of-sale programs like Toast Loyalty live behind the scenes. Customers rarely see them unless they dig through an app or receipt. Visibility keeps your brand top-of-mind, and that subtle reminder can be the nudge that gets someone through your door.

4. Combine incentives with storytelling

People don't come in just for a discount. They come in because of what your business stands for. Tie your offers to a story. A "community favourite" reward, a "we made it through winter" deal, or a "staff pick" item gives customers a reason beyond saving a dollar.

If your incentive feels human and local, it'll feel worth acting on.

5. Measure what matters

Once you start experimenting, track the right outcomes. Did foot traffic actually rise?Did repeat visits increase? Did average spend go up? Incentives are most effective when you know which levers they're pulling.

Digital tools like CHCKN make this data visible without spreadsheets or guesswork. You can see which offers drive real-world visits, who your most valuable customers are, and how incentives affect long-term loyalty.

A smart incentive plan isn't about handing out discounts—it's about building momentum. The right offer, at the right time, for the right people keeps your business busy on purpose.