You offer a delicious menu, excellent quality and an appealing ambience? If there is still a massive lack of customers, then the marketing potential has probably not yet been fully exploited. We give you five effective tips for getting more restaurant guests.
1. Finding out the reason for the slump and actively counteracting it
The most important step in solving the problem of declining guest numbers is to first find out why. Analyze your visitor traffic based on the current time of year. Whether it is the quiet winter months, summer vacations, the end of the month or soccer season, there are often external reasons why visitors stay away. The good news: Even in unfavorable times, opportunities can be found to attract more guests.
In January, for example, you can serve more healthy, light meals that accommodate the guests' New Year's resolutions. During the hotter months, summer dishes with a hint of a vacation feel will attract new guests. At the end of the month, it pays to offer less expensive menus. If special sporting events such as soccer tournaments are taking place, then increase your guest numbers with live broadcasts or theme-based buffets.
2. Writing a monthly promotion calendar
Creative promotions attract the attention of new customers. Especially in quiet times, it pays off to plan systematically and write a promotion calendar for the coming months. Create special seasonal menus – classics include asparagus or chanterelle season, and of course the Advent season.
Also, how about a culinary trip to the cuisine of a particular country, or a color, spice or food theme? Involve your entire team in the brainstorming process and let creativity run wild when it comes to choosing dishes, drinks and decorations.
3. Sending personalized newsletters with specials
Offer the option to sign up for a newsletter to build a guest database and encourage your regular customers to visit again. You can promote the newsletter on your restaurant website, but also in digital reservation systems or when ordering on site on tablets. Effective email marketing allows you to inform your guests about monthly specials, promotions or raffles and invite them to theme nights.
4. Organizing a pop-up restaurant
The concept of pop-up restaurants scores with spontaneity and culinary variety. Pop-up restaurants are usually only open for a few weeks and offer exceptional, distinctive cuisine that cannot be found anywhere else. Innovative restaurants like this usually open in special pop-up locations, but your own restaurant can also be temporarily converted into a pop-up restaurant. Determine a specific period of a few weeks, a clear concept, and a theme.
Design a suitable food and beverage menu and choose appealing room decoration, music, lighting concept, table design and also tableware. Always keep an eye on expenses and opt for something that will leave a lasting impression on guests without spending a lot of money. You can promote your pop-up restaurant on your own social media channels and in the local press, and also increase interest with exclusive ticket pre-sales.
5. Expanding the marketing of the restaurant
Take advantage of the temporary slump to expand the marketing channels of your gastronomic business and find new ones. Revamp the restaurant website, fill your social media accounts with new content and engaging photos, and enrich your Google My Business account or Google Maps listing with up-to-date information.
Publishing your current menu and seasonal menu can also have a positive impact on the number of your guests. Think of your restaurant marketing as an ongoing process that requires continuous input and updates to be an effective means of retaining guests and attracting new ones.
