> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usehydra.co.za/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Hydra works

> See how joining, check-ins, points, and rewards fit together.

Use Hydra to keep track of the people who return to your business. They join once, your team records each visit, and you can use those visits or the points earned to offer a reward.

## Joining your business

A customer can join through your business's link, QR, or connected WhatsApp number. You'll find them in **Members** after they join. Their membership and points are for your business, so visiting another business that uses Hydra won't change their balance with you.

## Recording a visit

When the member comes back, staff find them in **Hydra Desk** and choose **Check in**. We record the visit and add the points you've set for each check-in. This is why a new member starts with no visit points: joining and visiting are different actions.

## Giving them a reason to return

A **campaign** describes who can earn a reward and what they need to do. For example, members who visit five times could earn a free coffee. You set those rules in **Campaigns** and choose the reward in **Rewards**.

You can also prepare a voucher for one member or send a voucher or message to several selected members. When your business WhatsApp number is ready, we send those messages from that number.

Start with [your business settings](/getting-started/set-up-your-business), then [try a first join](/getting-started/first-member).