These days, restaurants need all the foot traffic they can get, especially since most have suffered hard times during the pandemic. But the pandemic has generated lots of confusion about what’s open and what restrictions exist, so let’s take a closer look at some simple ways to increase foot traffic in restaurants.
Use Unique Specials and Promote Them
With so much confusion about the status of so many restaurants, coming up with unique specials is even more important than it was before the pandemic.
You should promote daily specials extensively using both signage and social media, and it should be clear which specials are available for takeout. You should also offer curbside pickup if possible.
Review Your Social Media Foundation
Many restaurants have delayed publicizing themselves on different social media platforms. However, in today’s environment, that’s not the best choice. Ensure you’re everywhere you need to be, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and beyond. Additionally, make sure your links include a complete menu along with a way for customers to find you.
Clarify Your Social Situation
The pandemic has created lots of confusion about social restrictions in some restaurants, so make sure you’re crystal clear about what’s allowed and what’s not for yours.
That includes knowing about hours, mask rules, and takeout options. You also need to determine how your social distancing works and whether you have outdoor dining available. You’ll save yourself and your employees from lots of hassles. Furthermore, the clearer your rules and policies are, the more business you’ll draw.
Know Your Customers
This one sounds obvious, but a lot of people are looking for new restaurant possibilities, and some of your most loyal customers might not know if you’re still the right one for them.
That means you must redefine your customer base and reach out for new business in the process. Hopefully, all the surprises you get will be good ones, and you may even find yourself with new customers out there just waiting for you to reach out to them.
Review Your Presentation
For some customers, it’s been a while since they’ve stopped in. So make sure you spruce up your dining room and outdoor seating area if you have one. For example, consider adding new things like an outdoor electric heater to keep the business accommodating to comfort and updated.
It’s important to review your presentation with your staff as well. Interacting with customers is different than it was a couple of years ago, so you need to go over the rules again when it comes to providing great service. While working over the simple methods to increase foot traffic in your restaurant with workers, you can start looking for new ways to interact with guests to keep them coming back.
