At Wireless Social, we're passionate about helping hospitality businesses make the most of every season. With our expertise in guest data and our integration with Acteol, a dynamic hospitality CRM, we've got the tools to help you create unforgettable Christmas experiences and boost your bookings.
This year, we're sharing our top tips on how to make sure your venue is the first choice for guests looking to enjoy the festive season. From personalised experiences, to utilising customer data to drive campaigns, this article is sure to give you the inspiration you need to have a busy seasonal period.
So, what are the best strategies for boosting your bookings?
1. Craft personalised festive experiences
We always talk about how useful customer data can be, and at Christmas, using data can be imperative to drive targeted marketing campaigns. With Acetol, we take this to the next level. If you’re delighting your guests already with Guest Wi-fi, then Acetol can help you to create highly personalised landing pages that resonate with them. We know that guests are impressed by a personalised experience when they enter a venue, it makes them feel valued, and when they see tailored offers created for them, they might be more likely to buy into a Christmas offer. For example, if a guest has celebrated a birthday at your venue previously, they might be more likely to purchase a party package, which can be advertised to them on a landing page when they go to access your Guest Wi-Fi.
To make the most of this, divide your customer base into groups based on their preferences, spending habits, and past visits. This data allows you to deliver targeted messages and offers that truly connect and resonate with them. Families might be interested in festive brunches, while corporate clients would prefer elegant dinner parties.
2. Give your social media a festive flair
Social media can be a powerful tool when it comes to exciting and intriguing potential guests. With 76% of social media users having purchased something they saw advertised whilst scrolling through their feed, there has never been a better time to market your brand on platforms such as Instagram. By sprinkling the spirit of Christmas across your brand's page, you give them insight and visibility on what to expect when they choose to visit you.
The possibilities are endless here, you could share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your festive preparations, including how the venue will be decorated and special offers. It's often said that people eat with their eyes- and this is absolutely true. Sharing mouth watering food photos can go a long way in grabbing customer attention and creating a buzz. By showcasing your venue's ambiance, you instantly show what guests can expect, setting you apart from the competition.
It’s also a great way to connect with guests. Consider encouraging customers to share their positive experiences by running contests or challenges. This not only generates some authentic content but also boosts your brand's visibility.
Local influencer partnerships can also go a long way in promoting your seasonal offerings. People trust reviews, and their reach and credibility can significantly impact your bookings.
3. Unwrap irresistible festive packages
When you’re looking to create seasonal offers, make sure you’re catering to different preferences and budgets. From intimate family dinners to big corporate celebrations, it's important to make sure there's something for everyone and your offers are diverse.
Limited-time offers are a great option for venues looking to boost Christmas bookings. By generating a sense of urgency you give guests the incentive to book sooner rather than later. Consider offering ‘early bird’ discounts or exclusive perks for early bookings to ensure your venue is booked and busy for the seasonal period.
It’s not enough just to get bookings, though. You can also increase average spending on the day by offering add-on opportunities. Advertise optional extras to make the guest experience memorable. Festive decorations, live music and themed entertainment are all great ways to boost profit, and give your guests a fantastic experience.
4. Use guest reviews to build trust
These days, it's a known fact that most people check reviews before booking into a venue, particularly when they’re choosing somewhere to celebrate an occasion. This is why it’s key to build trust with your customers, and provide quality service every time. Spotlighting existing glowing reviews and positive testimonials on your website or social media is a great trick to boost bookings, as they can have a significant influence on guests’ booking decisions.
If you're in need of more reviews for your venue to showcase to guests why they should book with you, why not offer small rewards or discounts to encourage this? This shows guests that you value their feedback, positive or negative and also helps to iron out any inefficiencies in service quickly.
As well as highlighting positive feedback from customers, make sure you address both good and bad reviews promptly and professionally. This demonstrates your commitment as a brand to customer satisfaction and can also show that you’re always continuously improving service.
5. Build anticipation with a festive countdown
Christmas is a time of excitement, so why not lean into that with your campaigns? Consider implementing a countdown clock across your website and social media. This can generate emancipation amongst potential guests, as well as creating a sense of urgency to book plans in advance.
Make sure your content has a focus on the upcoming seasonal period. You could offer helpful tips for hosting the perfect Christmas party or how to plan a memorable family gathering, or even share recipes for festive cocktails or appetisers. In doing this, you allow your audience to immerse themselves in the festivities, as well as connecting with them digitally, which will lead to more bookings at your venue.
It's also important to keep your audience engaged with the content you put out. Run festive quizzes, polls or giveaways to always keep them entertained and connected with your brand.
Where does customer loyalty come in?
While boosting Christmas bookings is important, boosting customer loyalty is essential for long-term success. Building relationships with guests through your Christmas marketing campaigns ensures that they don’t just visit your venue during the festive season, but return throughout the year.
To enhance customer loyalty, make sure you're creating experiences that guests want to come back for. Personalised touches, which can be displayed on landing pages, such as remembering a regular's favourite drink or offering exclusive discounts to returning customers, can go a long way in connecting with customers and boosting loyalty to your brand.
A loyalty program is another great way to keep guests coming back. Whether it’s a points-based system, birthday rewards, or exclusive access to seasonal events, these programs encourage repeat visits. Combining this with customer data through tools like Acetol allows you to offer targeted rewards based on your guests’ preferences and habits. Regular customers feel valued when their loyalty is recognised leading to positive reviews and repeat visits.
Ready to boost your Christmas bookings?
In this article, we've covered everything you need to know to make your restaurant stand out this Christmas. From the importance of targeted marketing and personalised experiences, to making the most of guest data, we’re sure you’ll feel equipped to create a memorable Christmas atmosphere and drive significant bookings.
If you're ready to take your restaurant marketing to the next level, consider partnering with Wireless Social. Our innovative Acteol Hospitality CRM integration allows you to personalise guest experiences through landing pages, creating more engaging and memorable interaction with guests. If you’d like to know more about what Wireless Social can do for you, get in touch with our friendly team.
Let's work together to make this your most successful Christmas yet!