Spread the Word, Boost the Till: Running a Member-Get-Member Scheme That Really Works for Your Pub

Every pub owner knows the true value of a regular. They’re the heart and soul of your establishment, the friendly faces you can count on, and the steady income that keeps the lights on. But what if you could multiply your best customers? What if your regulars could become your most powerful marketing team?

That's the magic of a member-get-member scheme. It’s a beautifully simple, low-cost way to grow your base of loyal patrons by getting your current ones to bring their friends into the fold. Your regulars already love what you do, and the people they socialise with are likely to love it, too. Forget expensive ads; this is about leveraging the most powerful marketing tool on the planet: a genuine recommendation from a mate.

This guide will walk you through setting up a modern, digital member-get-member scheme that works for your pub, your staff, and your bottom line.

Why Word-of-Mouth is Golden for Pubs

Think about it. When a friend recommends a pub, you trust them. That recommendation cuts through the noise of online ads and reviews. This is especially crucial in a competitive market where you need to attract and retain a loyal local crowd. A member-get-member scheme formalises this process, rewarding the loyalty you already have and using it to build more. It’s the most authentic way to find new customers who are a natural fit for your pub’s atmosphere.

How a Digital Member-Get-Member Scheme Works for your pub

In the past, this might have been a messy affair with paper vouchers and easily lost cards. Today’s digital loyalty platforms make it incredibly straightforward. While systems vary, the core concept is the same and works seamlessly for the customer.

Imagine this scenario:

1. You Create the Reward: First, you decide on an incentive within your digital loyalty platform. This could be anything from a free pint to a discount on food. You then simply switch on the "member-get-member" or "referral" option on meed.

2. A Member Shares Their Pass: One of your regulars, let's call him Dave, has his digital loyalty pass stored in his Apple or Google Wallet.

3. A Friend Scans and Joins: Dave brings his friend, Chloe, to the pub. Instead of her having to sign up from scratch, she scans Dave’s pass with her phone.

4. Instant Success: The moment she scans, Chloe is instantly enrolled in your loyalty programme, ready to start earning her own rewards. Dave automatically gets his referrer’s bonus.

The best part? The new customer doesn't have to download another app, a primary reason people give up on joining loyalty schemes. It's a frictionless, immediate process that adds value from the very first interaction.

Crafting Rewards That Genuinely Motivate

A scheme is only as good as its rewards. You need to create offers that are compelling enough for your regulars to act on. Here are a few proven strategies for pubs:

• The Double-Sided Deal: This is the most effective approach. Reward both the referrer and the new member. The existing regular gets a thank you, and the new customer receives a warm welcome.

  • Example: Dave gets a free pint for bringing in a friend, and Chloe gets 50% off her first round.

    
    

• Create Super Fans with Tiered Rewards: Don't just reward the first referral; encourage ongoing advocacy.

  • Example: Refer 1 friend = a free drink. Refer five friends = a £20 bar tab. Refer 10 friends = a branded t-shirt and two tickets to your next tasting event.

    
    

• Offer Exclusive Experiences: Go beyond monetary discounts to build a real community. People love feeling like insiders.

  • Example: "Bring in three new members and get priority booking for our next Quiz Night" or "Get early access to our new seasonal menu."

    
    

• Encourage Groups: Pubs are social hubs, so design rewards that fit group behaviour.

  • Example: "Get four of your mates to join the loyalty club and your whole group gets a free sharing platter on your next visit."

Getting the Word Out: Launching Your Scheme

You can have the best referral programme in the world, but it won't work if nobody knows about it. This is a common hurdle for busy business owners, but promoting your scheme is essential for success.

• Empower Your Team: Your bar staff are your champions. Make sure they understand the scheme and can explain it in a sentence. A simple, "Enjoying the pub? Get a mate to join our loyalty club by scanning your pass and your next pint is on us!" can work wonders.

• Promote It In-House: Use posters, table talkers, and beer mats to advertise the offer. Make it impossible to miss.

• Shout About It Online: Use your social media channels to announce the programme. A short, simple video showing how easy it is to scan and join can be highly effective.

• Launch with a Bang: Kick things off with a limited-time competition. "For the next month, the person who refers the most new members wins a £100 bar tab!" This creates immediate buzz and encourages fast adoption.

Turn Your Regulars Into Your Growth Engine

Stop thinking of marketing as something you just do to customers. Start thinking of it as something you do with them. A member-get-member scheme powered by modern, simple technology is the easiest way to empower your most loyal patrons to become your best advocates.

If you're ready to turn friendly recommendations into a real revenue driver for your pub, then get started with your free account on meed. Get the entire platform for free, just start paying after you pass 50 members.