With September now in full swing, the fall season is just around the corner! This year, September 22nd will officially mark the first day of autumn. As a restaurant owner, the changing of the seasons provides you with a big opportunity. People will always be hungry at some point and they will always have options for how to fill their bellies. But what can you do to get people to fall in love with your restaurant this fall?
Launch a campus advertising campaign.
With each fall comes a new school season. With students having returned to the classrooms this week, it’s clear that there are a lot of people to advertise to on campuses throughout the country. Invest in a school banner that plugs your restaurant this fall. Get in contact with the universities and colleges in and around your eatery’s location. Inquire about buying some ad space where there is high foot traffic each day.
“With school back in session, new advertising channels are open again for your restaurant to pursue,” says Anna Ruby of IndoorMedia, “Many schools sell banner space on the fences and walls at their stadiums; your ad there is good exposure and reminds spectators that they might be hungry and can visit your restaurant after the game. Printed programs for games and plays may also include advertising and give you another way to market your restaurant this fall.”
Offer monthly promotions.
While it’s wise to launch a fall marketing campaign, it should not remain stagnant over the next three months. Changing up your promotions on a monthly basis is an effective strategy. It will keep the public aware of your eatery’s fun and exciting nature. Naturally, your October specials should revolve around Thanksgiving and Halloween. However, it only makes sense to switch things up during the months that follow.
“Fall restaurant promotions are limited for a reason: they motivate customers to take advantage of them before they’re gone,” points out Laura-Andreea Voicu of GloriaFood, “Rotate your promotions every week or bi-monthly so customers always have something new to try.” Among her fall promotion ideas are “Buy one pumpkin spice late, get one free” and “Get a free apple crumble on every order over $30”.
Host a Halloween party.
Who doesn’t love Halloween? For many people, the annual celebration of ghosts, ghouls and goblins is the most anticipated day of the fall season. Advertise a Halloween party at your restaurant and host a contest for best costume. Update your menu to include “spooky” selections. In lieu of a party, run Halloween-based promotions that can be enjoyed in the weeks leading up to the big day.
“September will end, and come October, families start gearing up for Halloween,” Ruby reminds us, “This is a fun time of year—and a time of year that restaurants can take advantage of creative marketing. (In addition to offering) pumpkin-based dishes...you can also run and advertise Halloween-based promotions (e.g., free appetizer for families dressed in costume!).”
Make it easy for customers to pay at the table.
Allow your customers to make payments using the sleek dual-screen smart payment terminal from Unity Payments! Equipped with our POS solution, your restaurant can optimize the checkout process, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty and drive revenue growth. To learn all about it, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-661-3761 or email us at info@unitypayments.ca.
