When you run a restaurant, you can serve the best food in the world (or the local area), but this isn’t always enough to keep you afloat. Sadly, the hospitality industry is very competitive, with many restaurants going under every year. In today’s world, standing out, attracting customers, and giving them reasons to return is just as important as what’s on the menu.
So, how do you bring in more customers to your restaurant? There are various things you can do to improve your footfall. Depending on what you do well at the moment, you could go down the route of improving the technology you use, such as using a restaurant POS system. Making improvements to your website is important, as well as improving your social media account. Of course, having high-quality images can also benefit you in many ways – especially as a restaurant.
To help point you in the right direction, below is our guide on bringing in more customers to your restaurant.
Create a memorable customer experience
A good place to start is your customer experience. People don’t just come out to eat for food – they come for the experience. Great service, attention to detail, and consistency are what keep customers coming back. Ensure your staff are being attentive, make sure they are approachable and have a good knowledge of the menu and drinks they are serving. Small touches, such as remembering regulars’ preferences or checking in during the meal, can leave a lasting impression.
Improve your online presence
Having a good online presence can be the difference between a good restaurant and one that is failing and falling behind. Make sure you are keeping your social media channels (such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok) updated regularly and ensure you are posting high-quality content. You should also focus on your website, making sure you keep it updated and easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and clearly display key information such as your menu, opening hours, and booking options. If you have the budget, getting a photographer to come in and capture high-quality images for you to use on your socials and marketing materials can be very beneficial.
Run promotions and events
Everyone loves a bargain! Even if the offer isn’t the best, having one can make you look like you’re treating your customers well. Special offers, themed nights, or events can help attract new customers and fill quieter periods. This could include tasting menus, live music, happy hours, or collaborations with local businesses. Promotions give people a reason to visit now, instead of delaying the visit and popping in, in a few months. You often see restaurants putting out special offers on weekdays when they are less busy, such as a Tuesday Wine Night or a Thursday burger special
We hope our guide has given you some useful pointers. What recommendations would you put forward to someone trying to increase footfall to their restaurant? Which of the suggestions above did you find most useful? Are there any changes you have made over the years which you think have been a success? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.
