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# Promotional Restaurant Beacons
McDonald's Harnesses the Power of Piper for Targeted Marketing

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-01-13 | Marketing
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/targeted-marketing
References: [nfcworld](http://www.nfcworld.com/2014/12/19/333306/mcdonalds-introduces-bluetooth-beacon-offers/) & [piper.ly](http://piper.ly/mcd)

Piper beacon solution provider that uses the power of targeted marketing to enable brands to get their messages across. While Piper has the potential to be used in everything from media to education, retail and hospitality, one brand that's getting the jump on this service is [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/righthear).

Now, 26 McDonald's franchises in Columbus, Georgia have set up Bluetooth beacons in-restaurant, so that with the Piper app, they may access coupons, alerts, surveys and employment opportunities as they enter the establishment. In just four short weeks of being implemented, McDonald's sent out over 18,000 offers and as Piper reports, "An 8% increase of [McChicken](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-mcchicken) sales and a 7.5% sales increase of [McNuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-mcnuggets-of-love)." Moving forward, there are plans to introduce the service to hundreds more McDonald's locations in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 3.6/10
- Popularity: 41% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Interactive](https://www.trendhunter.com/interactive)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Targeted Marketing:** Using Piper beacons for targeted marketing can provide brands with the ability to reach their desired audience directly, increasing sales and customer engagement.
- **Bluetooth Beacon Technology:** The use of Bluetooth beacons in restaurants allows for personalized and convenient experiences for customers, enabling brands to deliver relevant offers and information.
- **Mobile App Integration:** Integrating the Piper app with the in-restaurant beacons gives customers easy access to promotions, surveys, and job opportunities, enhancing their overall experience and loyalty.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Retail:** Implementing Piper beacons in retail stores can revolutionize the way brands interact with customers, offering personalized promotions and enhancing the shopping experience.
- **Hospitality:** Using Bluetooth beacons in hospitality establishments such as hotels and resorts can enhance guest experiences by providing targeted offers, information, and personalized recommendations.
- **Fast Food:** Fast food chains like McDonald's can leverage the power of targeted marketing and mobile app integration to increase customer engagement, drive sales, and improve overall customer satisfaction.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Accessible Fast-Food Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/righthear.md)
- [Food Truck Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-truck-billboard.md)
- [Location-Based QSR Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-3.md)
- [Scented Fast Food Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scented-billboard.md)
- [Pizzeria Loyalty Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piper-points.md)
- [QSR-Backed SMS Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-1.md)
- [Improved Fast-Food Delivery Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-door-dash.md)
- [Playful QSR Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-campaign-1.md)
- [Creature-Collecting QSR Incentives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pokestops.md)
