Why Starbucks Prioritizes Their App for Ordering Over Website?

1. 85% of U.S. adults own a smartphone. (Pew Research Center, 2023).
2. Mobile app users spend 3x more per order 
3. 67% of consumers prefer mobile apps over websites for ordering due to ease of use, speed, and personalization.

TLDR

‍You might have noticed something interesting when ordering online from Starbucks. Yes, their website lets you place orders—but they’re not exactly shouting about it. Instead, the focus is all on their mobile app. Every touchpoint, from their marketing to their website itself, nudges you toward downloading and ordering through the app.

This isn’t just a random preference. It’s a calculated strategy that’s paid off big time for Starbucks. Their app isn’t just a tool for placing orders—it’s a loyalty driver, a sales booster, and a key to their brand experience. And the results speak for themselves: millions of loyal customers use it daily to order, earn rewards, and engage with the brand.

What can your coffee shop learn from this? A lot. Let’s look into why Starbucks has ditched website ordering and why you should consider adopting this mobile-first strategy with the help of Per Diem—the loyalty app that’s already helping coffee shops thrive.

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Mobile Apps: Designed for Today’s Customer

Customers Are Glued to Their Phones

‍Smartphones are the lifeline of modern consumers. With 85% of U.S. adults owning a smartphone and spending hours daily on them, a mobile app ensures you’re engaging customers where they already are.Starbucks understands this better than anyone. Their app makes it simple to:

• Browse the menu and customize orders.
• Save favorite drinks for faster reordering.
• Locate nearby stores with real-time updates.

This mobile-first experience prioritizes speed and ease, catering perfectly to the fast-paced lives of coffee drinkers.

Why Skip the Website?

‍Website ordering introduces unnecessary friction—logging in, navigating menus, and checking out can feel cumbersome on a desktop or browser. A mobile app eliminates these barriers, offering a one-tap experience.For local coffee shops, an app does more than make ordering easier. It positions your brand as modern, accessible, and aligned with customer expectations.

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Loyalty That Builds Community and Profits

The Starbucks Standard

‍Starbucks knows how to keep their customers coming back, and their loyalty program is a big reason why. Every time someone orders through their app, they earn points—or as Starbucks calls them, “stars.” These stars add up to free drinks, birthday surprises, and exclusive perks. But it’s not just about the freebies—it’s about making customers feel appreciated and part of something bigger.When people feel like their loyalty is recognized, it creates a deeper connection with the brand. That’s why Starbucks Rewards members account for more than half of the company’s U.S. revenue. It’s a simple idea executed brilliantly, and it’s one of the key reasons their app is such a powerful tool.

Per Diem: Square's No.1 Loyalty App

‍While Starbucks has set the bar high, Per Diem is helping coffee shops across the country go even further. As Square’s #1 loyalty app, we offer advanced features tailored specifically for coffee shops, such as:

• Square Loyalty with advanced in-app gamified rewards
• Detailed customer analytics to help you understand and engage your audience better.
• Personalized offers to re-engage lapsed customers or upsell regulars.

With Per Diem, you can offer a loyalty experience as seamless and compelling as Starbucks’, but with the added flexibility and personalization that only a local coffee shop can deliver.

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Operational Efficiency: Why Less Is More

Simplifying the Process

‍One of the biggest advantages of mobile app ordering is operational efficiency. For Starbucks, app orders streamline everything:

• Precise order details reduce errors.
• Pre-scheduled pickups smooth out peak-hour bottlenecks.
• Real-time updates let baristas stay ahead of incoming orders.

By avoiding the duplication of efforts across both website and app platforms, Starbucks saves time and resources while delivering a consistently excellent experience.

A Smarter Investment

‍For smaller coffee shops, maintaining both a website ordering system and an app can stretch budgets thin. A mobile app simplifies operations and keeps costs manageable while still offering the premium experience customers expect.

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Mobile Apps Drive Bigger Orders

Upsell to Encourage Bigger Orders

‍The global coffee brand uses their app to suggest complementary items, seasonal specials, and size upgrades. These subtle prompts add up: app users spend 30% more per order on average.With Per Diem, coffee shops can access similar features, like:

• Time-sensitive promotions to encourage larger orders.
• Upsell prompts like “Add a muffin for just $2.”

These features not only boost your revenue but also make customers feel like you understand their preferences.

‍Frictionless Payments

‍Stored payment details and one-tap checkout make app orders feel effortless. When there’s less friction in the purchasing process, customers are more likely to indulge.

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Push Notifications: Staying Top of MindEngagement

Beyond the Visit

‍Starbucks has become famous for its highly effective push notification campaigns, which are a cornerstone of their mobile app strategy. Whether it’s a friendly reminder about unredeemed rewards, an exclusive sneak peek at a new seasonal drink, or a subtle nudge to grab a coffee during quieter hours, their notifications feel timely and personal. These campaigns don’t just keep Starbucks top of mind—they drive action. With an open rate of 90%, Starbucks’ push notifications consistently deliver results, proving how powerful this direct line of communication can be.

How Per Diem Helps

‍Per Diem enables coffee shops to send personalized, automated push notifications that drive action. Whether it’s promoting a limited-time offer or inviting lapsed customers back, push notifications ensure your shop stays front and center in your customers’ minds.

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Final Thoughts

‍Starbucks’ decision to skip website ordering isn’t about limiting options—it’s about understanding their customers and delivering the best experience possible. By focusing on their mobile app, they’ve created a system that drives loyalty, increases revenue, and keeps operations running smoothly.

As a coffee shop owner, you can do the same. With a white-label mobile app like Per Diem, you’re not just offering convenience—you’re building relationships, boosting sales, and future-proofing your business.Want to see it yourself how Per Diem can transform your coffee shop’s ordering experience?

Book a demo today and explore the tools that make us the loyalty leader for coffee shops. Or, if you’re ready to jump in, sign up here and start offering the app experience your customers deserve.

Your customers are mobile—now it’s time for your coffee shop to be, too.