Christmas may still be one of the busiest days for restaurant owners but that doesn’t mean the winter holidays are any less hectic. To handle the high demand during this time, it’s crucial for restaurants to have a strong online presence and to roll out holiday-themed deals and offers for their customers.
Holiday menus and festive decor are a good start, but there’s more to be done. If you want to attract more customers during the holidays (and you definitely do!) you’ll need to step up your marketing efforts.
Here are 7 holiday-themed tips to boost your restaurant’s online sales this winter season.
1. Create festive specials
Ah, the holiday season – a time when your restaurant can truly shine with creativity and flavor. Update your menu with special holiday-themed dishes or drinks only available for a limited time period.
Even better – offer exclusive discounts & promotions to customers who order these festive specials online from your website.
2. Optimize your online menu
You need to optimize your menu for the holiday season. Make sure you update it with holiday specials and seasonal ingredients you’ll be using. Highlight these items with engaging descriptions and high-quality images.
Another thing you can do is offer smaller portions or holiday-themed combos. Make it easy for customers to order online by providing clear pricing, portion sizes, and customization options with our detailed option builder.
3. Streamline your online ordering
Customers are often in a hurry during the holiday season… which means: convenience is key. Your online ordering process must be seamless and user-friendly. Test your website and mobile app to make sure they are responsive and easy to navigate.
Offer multiple payment options, including online payment and contactless payment methods to accommodate different customer preferences. The quicker and easier it is for customers to place an order, the more likely they are to choose your restaurant.
4. Implement a loyalty program
Don’t forget to reward your most loyal customers during the holiday season. The whole point of loyalty programs is to make your customers feel like instant VIPs. Then offer those VIP customers special discounts, free items, and exclusive offers.
This creates a sense of belonging and appreciation, which often leads to positive online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals. I mean who doesn’t love feeling special, especially during the holidays?
5. Leverage email marketing
Email marketing, when done correctly, can truly amplify your holiday sales. Here’s the scoop: use email marketing to keep your customers in the loop about all the holiday buzz at your restaurant. Think eye-catching visuals and engaging subjects that spark customer interest.
Pro tip: Address your customers by their names and tailor content based on their preferences and past orders. Don’t forget to include a call to action that encourages them to place an online order.
6. Offer catering services
The holiday season is synonymous with gatherings, parties, and festive celebrations. Many people prefer to host events in the comfort of their own homes or offices, and this presents a golden opportunity for your restaurant to offer catering services.
Highlight the convenience and quality of your catering services so customers can order reasonably priced restaurant-quality meals for any group of people without the hassle of cooking or cleaning up. Consider offering delivery and setup options to make it even more convenient for them.
7. Advertise your catering services
To attract more catering orders, actively reach out to local businesses, event planners, and individuals planning holiday gatherings. Use targeted social media advertising and email marketing to showcase your catering options and special holiday packages.
If you provide exceptional catering services during the holiday season, it can lead to repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations. This can boost your restaurant’s online sales and overall reputation.
And there you have it! 7 holiday-themed tips and strategies to boost your restaurant’s online sales this season.
Merry Christmas & happy holidays!
