Published on December 17th, 2024
The festive season is fast approaching, and it is the perfect time for restaurants to revamp their digital marketing strategies.
From optimising your online food ordering system to making the most of social media, these top five trends will help you boost your visibility and customer engagement this Christmas.
1. Make Your Online Food Ordering System Shine
Christmas is a time when everyone wants a taste of festive cheer, often from the comfort of their home.
That’s where your online food ordering system comes into play. Making sure it’s easy to use, quick and works perfectly on mobile is key.
This season, customers are searching for convenience, so make sure your system delivers that seamless experience.
Why is this important? Christmas brings a surge in online orders; you want to be the go-to spot.
Add features like real-time delivery tracking and personalised dish recommendations. These small tweaks can make a big difference, boosting customer satisfaction and getting those repeat orders rolling in.
Quick Tip: Get creative with Christmas-themed bundles or early-bird specials that reward customers who pre-order. It gets people excited and helps you manage stock and staff more smoothly.
2. Personalised Email Campaigns That Connect
Don’t underestimate the power of a good email this Christmas. A well-crafted email can be the perfect way to share your holiday specials, opening hours, or exclusive deals. But the trick is to make it feel personal.
Segmenting your email list helps you send the right message to the right people.
Maybe a newsletter with your top holiday dishes, special offers for customers using your online food ordering system, or a behind-the-scenes peek at your festive prep. The goal? Make it feel like a warm, friendly message, not just another sales pitch.
Quick Tip: Use data from your restaurant ordering system to send targeted emails. For instance, if someone ordered your Christmas platter last year, remind them why they loved it and tempt them with an early bird deal.
3. Social Media Magic for Maximum Festive Cheer
If you’re not prioritising social media this Christmas, you’re missing a trick.
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok are where people go to discover holiday food ideas and new places to try.
Post festive reels or stories showing off your holiday specials, prep behind-the-scenes, or happy customer shout-outs.
You could even run a Christmas-themed challenge or giveaway to get people involved.
For example, ask followers to share their favourite Christmas meal stories or photos of your restaurant’s dishes.
Rewarding them with a voucher or a special Restaurant award dinner could boost your reach and build loyalty.
Quick Tip: Collaborate with local food bloggers or influencers to spread the word. Their posts can add credibility and introduce your menu to a wider audience.
4. Shout About Your Restaurant Awards
Got a Restaurant award or some kind of recognition? Now’s the time to shout about it.
Awards are a huge trust-builder, especially when people are deciding where to dine or order from during the busy festive season. Display your awards on your website, social media, and even in email footers.
Why does this matter? An award says, “We’re tried, tested, and loved,” which can be the deciding factor for new customers. Whether it’s a ‘Best Christmas Menu’ award or a local accolade, show it off!
Quick Tip: Add an ‘Awards & Reviews’ section to your website and run a seasonal ad campaign that highlights your wins.
5. AI Chatbots: Your Secret Customer Service Elf
During Christmas, the last thing you want is overwhelmed staff and frustrated customers.
Here’s where AI chatbots come to the rescue. Integrating a chatbot with your restaurant ordering system can handle all those common questions, suggest menu favourites, and take orders, so your team can focus on cooking and serving.
These chatbots can be your customer service elf, giving fast answers and making sure the ordering process is smooth. Plus, they’re available 24/7, which means no lost customers when everyone’s busy.
Quick Tip: Pick a chatbot that works well with your online food ordering system. Set it up to answer Christmas-specific questions like festive hours, holiday specials, and more.
Wrapping It Up
This Christmas, staying ahead in the restaurant game is all about tapping into these digital trends.
From optimising your online food ordering system and using social media creatively, to sending personal email campaigns, showcasing your Restaurant award, and adding AI-driven support, these strategies can make your holiday season not just busy but memorable and successful.
Keep this in mind: Just selling great food isn’t going to cut it during Christmas; it’s about creating a warm, unforgettable experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
