When investing in any software, the smart business savvy managers know that there needs to be a balance between function and form and, of course, its return-on-investment (ROI).

Apps are extremely flexible business tools that can create the perfect win-win for both the club and its members. However, when it comes to ticking any of those boxes, we are not talking about apps filled with popup ads and empty promises, but professional, smart apps that are designed to save clubs time and money, increase participation and uptake, and very importantly, simple to use for both club and golfer.

There is no doubt that apps can engage your members but how does it boost your bottom line?

First is to dispel a misconception that only a retail app can make money. A professional club app doesn’t just have to sell right off the page to increase your bottom line.  Staffing efficiencies, engaged members and printing savings are just the tip of the iceberg.

Top Ten Boosts

1) Data Collection

Obtain current and relevant email addresses to aid all your club’s entire marketing efforts. Used correctly you can gather information from all visiting golfers for 100 per cent targeted campaigns. This can be for reaching out to increase repeat play, new membership drives, or growing participation at social events.

2) Sponsorship Deals

Unlike third party popup ads, this is advertising done properly. With a professional club-specific app, it should have its own section that allows clubs to create an entire new stream of revenue or enhance your existing sponsorship deals.

3) Club Internal Promotions

A 2016 research study by Google shows brands increase engagement with their apps by using targeted ads that reach users at relevant times.

Having your own advertising sections, along with direct contact to the relevant department and push notifications, used correctly the professional app will increase sales in all areas of your business – from pro shop to lessons, to accommodation to spa days, to charity golf days to social events!

4) Taste Temptations

Just like being at the restaurant, your members can browse club menus, order food and, via ibeacons, be reminded to place an order at strategic key points on your course. Cleverly designed apps will allow you to keep them current, advertise the specials and promote calendar food events like Mother’s Day or Christmas menus.

5) Tee Times (and more)

Because professional apps make it quick and easy to do, additional revenue can easily be gained from tee bookings that link directly into your current system. Your golfers can even check the weather on the app first!

A tee booking isn’t the only third party software a professional app is able to access. Any additional benefits your club has from your software providers are also available, giving your members one simple location to access them from – right from your club app.

6) Events and Tournaments

Having these instantly accessible from your app will improve the footfall or sale of tickets with a clear attractive events list, allowing golfers to book, save to their calendars, and share with their friends. The bonus here is creating a greater community vibe as more people attend the functions on a regular basis.

7) Going Social

All brands know that social proof is a powerful tool when it comes to increasing revenues of any company. Apps are incredibly good at leveraging this power with built-in social media functions that access a phone’s camera and social networks, making your own members and visitors the perfect brand ambassadors for your club (see point 8). Get double the exposure by collecting your golfers’ posts and reusing them in your own social media streams.

8) Free Brand Ambassadors

Such is the power of going social. Apps are perfect for utilizing your own golfers’ networks to bring your club increased sales, new members, additional rounds of golf, and improved attendance at social functions.

The app does this by the combination of allowing golfers to share events and promotions, uploading their day out on your course to their own social media streams, and by word of mouth from your own members.

9) Green Savings

Good for the environment and good for your pocket. Built in scorecards and course guides reduce the requirement for your need to purchase items. Some clubs even make a profit by charging a fee to visitors to access the app.

10) Staff Efficiencies

There are many ways a professional app can aid your team right from reception through to the back office. Tee bookings, 100 per cent targeted marketing lists, notifications, social media, tee bookings, restaurant reservations and direct dial/email to the correct department are just a few ways to increase the effectiveness of your team.

Jenni Biggs

Golf App Specialist and Published Writer from Wingrave, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom. She is the Golf App Director and Co Founder of Golf2Win & CourseMate Golf App. Jenni can be reached via http://golf2win.co.uk/ or via email at  jenni.biggs@advanceddigital.co.uk

Golf2Win is about showing the way your golf business can use app technology for better communication and interaction with your target audience to increase loyalty, spending, participation and attract new members.