Key Takeaways:
Learn practical ways to ensure your restaurant’s holiday marketing is in place for a peaceful and prosperous Q4.
Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday rush? You’re not alone. Many restaurant owners struggle with how to effectively prepare for the festive season, especially when it comes to optimizing their digital presence. But starting early is key. Here are six things you can do this summer to make your holiday dining season less stressful and more lucrative.
“42% of American consumers say that festive holiday themes are their favorite aspect of holiday marketing.”
– Statista
1. Seasonal Site Update: Ready, Set, Glow!
As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to give your website a festive makeover. Per Statista, 42% of American consumers say that festive holiday themes are their favorite aspect of holiday marketing. Start with your homepage — it’s the first impression you make. Integrate themes and colors that reflect the holidays your restaurant celebrates during the winter, whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another cultural holiday. You might add a vibrant holiday-themed banner or an interactive slider that showcases your special offers or holiday happenings, creating an inviting atmosphere for your visitors.
Highlighting your seasonal menus is also an essential element of holiday season marketing. Dedicate a section of your site to these offerings and include appetizing images and detailed descriptions of each dish. Make sure this content captures the special ingredients and culinary techniques that make your holiday offerings stand out, enticing food enthusiasts to choose your restaurant for their celebrations.
You also want to consider your site’s mobile experience. So many people make holiday dining plans and place holiday food orders while on the move. Ensure that your site is responsive and that it performs well across all devices. Regular testing for speed and usability is key to keeping the joy of the season alive, even on the smallest screens.
Last, but not least, plan ahead with the content you’ll feature on your seasonal website makeover. We recommend having all your copy written and assets created that you’ll need for the web updates as well in advance as you can. That way, you’re not doing these tasks last-minute when the holidays hit. And don’t forget to update your business hours on your website to reflect when any seasonal closures for your restaurant. (Bonus tip: Here’s how to do that on your Google My Business profile.)
2. Make Holiday Orders a Breeze
With the holiday hustle, your online ordering system needs to be on point. Make it as intuitive and user-friendly as possible. Regularly run tests to smooth out any kinks. That way, when customers come to place their holiday orders, they encounter no frustrations.
Encourage your patrons to plan their holiday meals ahead with your pre-order options. Offer a simple and enticing pre-order system and consider giving a nod to early birds with exclusive discounts. According to recent research from Statista, 49% of US consumers claim that promotions and discounts are what they love most about holiday marketing. This not only helps you manage the kitchen’s holiday workload but also secures sales in advance, letting you gauge demand and plan your resources more effectively.
“49% of US consumers claim that promotions and discounts are what they love most about holiday marketing.”
– Statista
3. Engage and Enchant on Your Socials This Holiday Season
Maximize your holiday reach by crafting a robust content calendar for your social media channels. Plan to roll out holiday-themed posts leading up to key dates like Black Friday, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. For instance, you could share exclusive holiday recipes or teasers of your seasonal menu items a week before these dates to build anticipation.
Engagement is crucial, so post content that encourages interaction. Share behind-the-scenes videos of your team preparing for the holiday rush, or customer testimonials about their favorite holiday meals at your restaurant. Engage your audience with fun polls—perhaps asking them to vote on a new holiday dish or their favorite holiday dessert.
Don’t forget to utilize targeted ad campaigns. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer powerful tools to promote your holiday specials. Focus your ads on local audiences, highlighting exclusive offers or special events that make your restaurant the place to be this holiday season. This targeted approach ensures your promotions reach those most likely to visit your establishment.
4. Captivate and Convert with Holiday Emails
Segmentation is key in email marketing. Organize your email list by customer preferences and previous orders. For example, tailor specific holiday offers to families looking for a cozy meal, or to corporate clients interested in booking holiday parties. Remind them to book early to secure their spot, highlighting the benefits of planning ahead.
When crafting your email campaigns, focus on visual appeal and clear calls to action. Use festive graphics and themes to catch the eye, and direct links like “Order Now” for holiday meals or “Book Your Holiday Party” to drive conversions.
Offer exclusive deals to make your subscribers feel special — perhaps early access to book tables or special discounts for your most loyal customers. Adding a countdown timer to these offers can instill urgency, encouraging quicker action and boosting your conversion rates. You can also double the points on customer loyalty cards during the holidays.
5. Holiday-Ready Your Google My Business Profile
As the holiday season approaches, ensuring your Google My Business (GMB) listing is fully updated is a must. Start by verifying that all contact information, operational hours, and your address are accurate. Don’t forget to include any changes in your hours during the holidays.
Make your GMB listing a vibrant hub of activity by regularly posting updates. Highlight your holiday promotions, special menu items, or events, enhancing posts with seasonal photos or videos to draw more attention. Engaging visual content can make your listing stand out and attract more potential customers.
Additionally, leverage the power of customer feedback by encouraging guests to leave reviews. Make it a practice to ask your satisfied customers to share their experiences. Be proactive in responding to these reviews to demonstrate that you value their input and appreciate their business.
6. Host Can’t-Miss Holiday Events and Give Away Fun Freebies
The holidays are a perfect time to host special events that can attract more patrons and create lasting memories. Consider organizing unique holiday-themed events, such as exclusive dinners, cozy brunches, or interactive cooking classes. Hosting VIP nights can also reward your most loyal customers with a preview of your holiday offerings or a special session with your chef.
Add a personal touch to the dining experience by providing small gifts or surprise upgrades. For example, gift branded ornaments or offer complimentary desserts to random tables. These gestures enhance the festive atmosphere and can significantly elevate the customer experience.
Ensure these events get the visibility they deserve by promoting them effectively. Create dedicated pages on your website for each event, complete with detailed information and easy booking options. Optimize these pages for search engines to attract more traffic. Share your events across all social media platforms to maximize reach and engagement, helping ensure your restaurant is the season’s go-to spot.
Shine This Holiday with TTG’s Ad Solutions
Ready to sparkle this holiday season? Let us help you set up your digital ads for holiday success!
