Why is January a slow month for restaurants?
January typically sees a drop in foot traffic for various reasons. After the holiday season, many customers are recovering from festive spending, and with trends like Veganuary, some are more focused on healthier eating as they embark on New Year resolutions. Plus, the excitement of Christmas gatherings often leads to a post holiday slump, making it less likely that customers will dine out.
Understanding customer patterns is essential, especially for January marketing. With fewer visitors, it’s important for restaurants to be strategic in how they connect with each guest who walks through the door. That’s where Guest Wi-Fi data steps in, as it can help you create more targeted marketing efforts to make every visit count.
7 ways Guest Wi-Fi data can boost your business in January
1. Get to know your customers’ patterns
Guest Wi-Fi data gives you valuable insights into customer behaviour from December and January. With Insights Plus, you can track when guests visit and how long they stay to build a full picture of popular hours, promotions that are working well, and even adjust staff and resource allocations. When you know what your guests are looking for, you can make future marketing efforts more targeted, and knowing your busiest times can help you reach your audience right when they’re most likely to visit.
2. Build the big picture with audience segments
Use Wi-Fi data to segment your customers by how often they visit, their spending habits, and personal preferences. Then, tailor separate campaigns for first-time visitors, loyal customers, or even just those who enjoy a mid-week treat. By resonating with separate groups of customers, you boost the chances of repeat visits, as each group has an offer that feels tailored just for them.
3. Reward your guests
Run campaigns to surprise and delight your guests that choose to connect to your Guest Wi-Fi network. With Activate, run exclusive discounts or small gifts to first-time users with our Perks tool, giving your customers a reason to come back and tell others about their experience.
4. Transform your Guest Wi-Fi into an advertising hub
Guest Wi-Fi insights can be key for driving loyalty and getting to know your visitors better, so why not turn it into a marketing platform that showcases your January promotions? A busy festive season means more people than ever will be logging in to your guest network, so give customers a nudge in December by building anticipation for the new year, maximising visits in the quieter months.
5. Boost personalisation with a CRM integration
You might already be using CRM systems across your brand to streamline operations, but by integrating it seamlessly with your Guest Wi-Fi network, you can boost customer personalisation even further and unlock the potential for targeted marketing. By understanding each guest’s preferences and previous visits, you can send personalised messages through splash pages and collected email addresses that entice them back after the holidays.
6. Attract a whole new customer demographic
January is the perfect time to bring in a fresh crowd and keep your restaurant buzzing, especially during those slower post-holiday weeks. With many people setting resolutions to be more productive or find better work-life balance, marketing your restaurant as a cosy, work-friendly space can make it a first choice for remote workers seeking a change from the home office.
By highlighting your secure Wi-Fi connectivity, you can appeal to remote employees or students looking for a reliable place to work. Offering midweek discounts on coffee and snacks for those who come in with laptops can also go a long way in encouraging them to visit you in January and beyond.
7. Acknowledge and appreciate
To keep guests engaged through the slower months, reach out with personalised messages that acknowledge and thank them for previous visits. A well-timed, friendly reminder of their enjoyable past experiences can keep your brand first choice when they’re planning their next stay or visit, especially for January, a month where they might need an extra nudge.
To show that you value their opinion, consider adding a quick survey on your Wi-Fi login page. This allows you to gather immediate feedback on their experience, making them feel heard and appreciated. It’s also a great opportunity to ask about their preferred perks or seasonal offers, which you could use in your January promotions. Ultimately, customers are more likely to return when they feel their input directly influences your service.
Ready to unlock the power of guest Wi-Fi data this January with the help of Wireless Social?
In this article, we've discussed actionable strategies for converting December visitors into loyal customers using guest Wi-Fi data. By understanding customer behaviour, segmenting your audience, and employing targeted marketing, your restaurant can turn the January slump into an opportunity for growth.
At Wireless Social, we provide data-driven solutions designed to enhance your operations throughout the year. Our tools help you capture valuable insights, allowing you to tailor promotions that resonate with your audience. By integrating seamlessly with your CRM, you can launch effective marketing campaigns that encourage repeat visits, even after the holiday season.
If you’re ready to discover how our guest Wi-Fi data can boost your January restaurant promotions and elevate your customer experience, get in touch with us today.