Fore! Your Information - Canada - January 2012

As we turn the page on the calendar, common thoughts and themes around this time usually revolve around self improvement and goal-setting. We’d like to take this moment to expand on these themes, specifically how they relate to your Fore! Reservations software tools.

Our goal for the industry is for each course to do more to build their brand rather than tearing down their price, and to implement all of the features that are at their fingertips. We believe that these following steps will help make 2012 a much-improved year. Some of the Fore! Reservations tools that we think should be your “goal” to implement are as follows:

1. Internet Tee Times – A recent article noted how online holiday shopping increased significantly again this year, jumping to a total of $35.3 billion. That’s a lot of money! We believe the golf industry should capitalize on this consumer shift that sees more and more people transact business online. Make sure your website is up-to-date with all of the Fore! Internet tools, and make sure you tell your customers about this convenience. If they are making their holiday purchases online, then they should definitely make their tee times online as well!

2. Mobile Tee Times – In another recent article regarding a similar holiday spending topic, the increase of transactions that occurred on mobile devices with over 18% coming from iPhones, Droids, Blackberries, etc. is discussed. This marked an increase of 118% since the 2010 holiday season. To help stay on top of this trend, your course should make sure it uses the mobile booking interface (free with your Fore! Internet lease) and implement our mobile best practices. Smartphones are going to do nothing but increase in popularity, so make sure your course takes advantage of this great Fore! Reservations functionality.

3. Collect Data and Market – One of the ways to really take your software utilization to the next level is to improve upon data collection and e-mail marketing efforts. Work with your staff, read Fore! Reservations “The Fore!mula for Success Yardage Book” and set goals in all of these areas. When your staff collects more data, and you send out creative, well-designed e-mails, you can start communicating with your customers and build a positive brand. There are tons of great features that are included with your existing software package that can help give you a lift in these areas for the upcoming year (Comeback Coupons, E-mail Confirmations, Awards Program just to name a few). If you still need help, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to talk about the Marketing Assistance Program and the positive results we are showing with golf courses!

Thanks again for all of your continued support, and we look forward to helping you make 2012 your best season yet.

Fore! Reservations Tip of the Month
Run the Customer Demographic Report to learn exactly where your customers came from in 2011. Demographic data can help steer your 2012 marketing efforts in the right direction! In Fore! Reservations go to View | Reports | Customer | Demographics.

Fore! Sell Tip of the Month
Consider utilizing Pellucid’s integrated reports (as seen in “A Snapshot” Look at Our Industry) that provide high-level data based off of POS transactions. Pellucid reports help evaluate your past seasons and monitor monthly progress during the season. Contact Stuart Lindsay to learn more about Pellucid reports that account for weather conditions and actual playable hours.

Fore! Internet Tip of the Month
Ensure your course is using the Fore! Internet booking interface that includes features such as Mobile Booking, Find-a-Game, Social Media integrations and much more. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to determine if you need the new interface and to activate any online booking feature.  

Fore! Marketing Tip of the Month
Review your performance reports on the Internet Dashboard to determine if you should make any offer changes this year. Have the Birthday, Defector and Thank You Campaigns ready to go, and setup one additional monthly email through the Promotions Campaign or On Demand wizard for optimal email marketing results! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for assistance.