The holidays are an excellent opportunity for catering entrepreneurs to boost their sales. With the right marketing strategies, you can attract customers and give them a reason to return. Here are seven effective marketing tips that you can apply in your hospitality business.
The holidays are an excellent opportunity for hospitality entrepreneurs to boost their sales. With the right marketing strategies, you can attract customers and give them a reason to return. Here are seven effective marketing tips that you can apply in your hospitality business.
Customers who recommend your hospitality business to friends and family are worth their weight in gold. Reward these ambassadors with a special discount or a free item when they bring in new customers.
For example, a sandwich shop could launch a referral program during the winter months called "Bring a Friend, Get a Sandwich". In this program, an existing customer gets a free sandwich for every new customer they bring in. The new customer must make a purchase to activate the offer. This action can be promoted with slogans like "Share the warmth this winter!" or "Your friends, our treat!" Flyers, social media, and email marketing can be used to promote the program. This not only stimulates customer loyalty but also helps attract new customers introduced by existing ones.
Create a sense of urgency with temporary offers. For example, a special Christmas menu that is only available during the holidays. This attracts customers looking for a unique experience.
For the holidays, a fry shop can organise a "Christmas Snack Countdown". In the week before Christmas, the shop introduces a unique, festive snack available for only one day. This can range from a special Christmas frikandel with a unique topping to Christmas tree-shaped cheese soufflés. The action can be promoted with slogans such as "A new surprise every day in our Christmas Snack Countdown!" or "Discover our unique Christmas snacks - available today only!" This creates a sense of urgency and curiosity among customers, prompting them to return to try the new snack of the day.
Seasonal discounts are a classic way to attract more customers. Think of discounts on certain menu items or a free dessert with every order above a certain amount.
For example, during the winter months, a fry shop can offer a "Winter Warm-Up Discount". Customers get 10% off warm snacks like frikandels, bitterballen, and special winter burgers. This action can be promoted with the slogan: "Warm up with us with delicious winter snacks!" This attracts customers looking for comfort food during the cold days.
Encourage the purchase of gift vouchers by offering an additional benefit when redeeming them. This could be a percentage of the voucher value or a free item.
During the holidays, a restaurant can offer a promotion where customers who buy or redeem a gift voucher get an extra bonus. For example, with the purchase of a €50 gift voucher, the buyer gets an additional €10 voucher for free. In addition, when redeeming a gift voucher, the customer also gets a free festive dessert or a special cocktail. This action can be promoted with slogans such as "Give a gift, get a treat!" or "Celebrate doubly with our gift voucher action!" This not only stimulates the sale of gift vouchers but also provides an additional incentive for customers to dine in the restaurant themselves.
Be creative with your discounts. For example, a discount for customers who come in festive attire or special family packages during the holidays.
During the holidays, a fry shop can offer "Family Feast Packages". These packages can consist of a selection of popular snacks in larger quantities, specifically intended for families or groups. For example, a package can contain a combination of different types of fries, various snacks like frikandels, croquettes, and bitterballen, plus special sauces and a free soft drink for each family member. This action can be promoted with slogans such as "Feasting together during the holidays!" or "Our Family Feast Package, your festive treat!". This offer caters to the need for convenience and coziness during the busy holidays and provides an attractive option for families who want to enjoy a delicious meal together.
Organise special events or workshops that tie in with the holidays, such as a Christmas cookie baking workshop or a New Year's brunch. This attracts groups and increases customer engagement.
Use social media to start a countdown for special holiday events or promotions. This builds excitement and keeps your brand top of mind with customers.
By applying these marketing strategies, you can increase the visibility of your catering business and give customers a reason to order or dine with you during the holidays. Keep innovating and surprising your customers, and you'll see them returning!
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