Weekends are easy. It is the Mondays that test your restaurant’s game.
Let’s face it: every restaurant sees a surge on weekends and holidays. But what about those slow Tuesdays or rainy Thursdays? Boosting foot traffic on quiet days is where the real challenge (and opportunity) lies.
In this article, we explore data-informed tactics to increase your restaurant’s footfall across all days. From optimizing your Google Business Profile and ensuring mobile-friendly online bookings to running targeted promotions, we break down what works and why.
Strategies to increase footfall in a restaurant
1. Create a Google Business Profile
Your restaurant’s Google Business Profile (GBP) helps you build awareness by appearing for near me and location-based searches.
2. Have a mobile-friendly site
Having a restaurant website is more important than ever. Roughly 62.69% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices.
3. Special online offers
Running special offers is by far one of the top ways restaurants increase footfall during weekdays.
4. Run happy hour
Consider running a Happy Hour for certain beverages and salads during slow periods.
5. Use multiple booking channels
Increase your restaurant’s foot traffic by joining or subscribing to multiple booking channels. Popular global booking channels include Tripadvisor, Zomato, The Michelin Guide, and others.
6. Use Reserve with Google
Another popular booking channel is Reserve with Google.
7. Run monthly giveaways
Giveaways are a popular restaurant marketing idea and tactic.
8. Highlight UGC and testimonials
Use guest reviews and user-generated content in your restaurant’s marketing strategy to boost awareness.
9. Keep track of review sites
Monitor what guests are saying about you via restaurant review platforms.
10. Use a loyalty and referral program
A restaurant loyalty program helps you build guest retention and increase repeat business.
11. Engage with local influencers
Consider engaging with local food influencers and bloggers to boost sales and foot traffic.
12. Create discounted fixed-price menus
Create a weekday discounted fixed-price (prix-fixe) menu to entice guests.
13. Offer seasonal menus
Creating seasonal menus can help you increase restaurant foot traffic.
14. Consider special events
Running special events like trivia or themed-nights can increase restaurant reservations and footfall.
15. Consider local partnerships
Build partnerships and collaborations with local businesses and discount card programs.
Additional general tips for boosting footfall
Add a sign to your physical location
Use a sign announcing your special offers to entice guests.
Improve local SEO
Improve your restaurant’s website with local SEO tactics for restaurants.
Wrapping it up
Boosting footfall ultimately means increasing restaurant sales and revenues.
If you want to make the most of booking channels, like Reserve with Google, Zomato, and Tripadvisor, without the hassle of doing it yourself, get in touch with Servme.
