With Christmas just a few days away, we’re embarking on one of the most joyous times of year. This year, however, COVID-19 is preventing many a traditional Christmas festivity to take place. Among those festivities is going out to eat with family and friends. Depending on where you’re located in Canada, you may not even be able to open your restaurant for dining experiences.
Because of the pandemic, Canadian restaurateurs have been forced to come up with new and inventive ways to promote their eateries. Takeout has taken over as the top choice for hungry customers. But with the usually-busy holiday season now upon us, what can you do to boost orders in your restaurant pre-Christmas?
Let everyone know you’re open!
The current crisis makes this step a mandatory one. Don’t simply assume that the general public knows you’re open for business. Make your onsite signage clear that your restaurant is open. Have your website contain a banner that declares your availability to take orders. Blast your social media accounts with posts about when you’re open. That way, you can ensure the public is aware that your fine eats are viable holiday options.
“Is your restaurant still open?” asks Laura-Andreea Voicu on GloriaFood.com, “Since there aren’t many restaurants open on Christmas, especially in the middle of a full-blown pandemic, this is your chance to stand out in the crowd. Spread far and wide that you’re the exception. Make sure you target every possible means of communicating with your customers.”
Create exclusive Christmas week offers.
Limited-time offers are generally wise marketing choices. They insist upon urgency, encouraging consumers to buy immediately. With Christmas taking place this Friday, it’s smart to promote specials that will expire by the time the big day arrives. What special meals and discounts can you come up with to entice more orders?
“Create a special Christmas meal deal, for example a ‘Festive Feast’ available online only in December,” suggests Claire Sweeney on Flipdish.com, “Make the most of December trends, like post shopping munchies, tie in with local events or create group meals that can be shared between family and friends. Optimise your menu to attract Christmas orders.”
Reward your best customers.
It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t appreciate being shown gratitude. Thank your customers by giving them a little something extra with their purchases. Perhaps you can include a free dessert with each order. When you reward your customers, they not only come back for more in the future, they also tell others about their great experiences.
“Spread the joy this Christmas by rewarding your best customers,” encourages Sweeney, “Gifts could include a voucher code, free meal or a gift voucher. You’ll be spreading the joy this Christmas, while creating some invaluable word of mouth marketing buzz!”
Allow your customers to place orders online.
In today’s tech-obsessed, pandemic-burdened world, this is practically a must! Be sure that your company website isn’t just for show. Let its visitors place orders for their meals directly. With Unity Payments, you can quickly set up an online ordering system for your restaurant. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-661-3761 or email us at info@unitypayments.ca.
