Keeping your performance balanced can be extremely challenging. In his article, we’re going to explore 17 ways that are sure to help boost your restaurant foot traffic.
We’re going to discuss:
- Tracking and understanding foot traffic patterns
- Optimizing your restaurant website for better visibility
- Adopting an online ordering system that’ll keep the orders coming on slower days
- Setting up your Google Business Profile & boosting online visibility
- Using social media to drive foot traffic
- Introducing more ordering options
- Driving more foot traffic through discounts and promotions
- Creating special event and seasonal menus
- Organizing special events
- Setting up outside signage to boost customer traffic
- Getting more positive reviews to build a healthy brand
- Cross-promoting with local businesses and participating in local events
We aim to give you all the information you’re ever going to need to increase foot traffic and succeed in the competitive restaurant industry.
1. Track, Analyze, and Understand Traffic Patterns
Tracking key restaurant industry data is one of the surest ways to increase foot traffic at your restaurant. Ideally, you’d want to increase the restaurant foot traffic during slow hours in particular.
Identifying slow days and hours will help you develop targeted strategies and boost traffic. This, of course, stretches out to monitoring seasonal variations and their impact on customer behavior. Having all this data puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to planning promotions and events that align with peak and off-peak seasons.
Restaurant analytics software is essential for any restaurant business to succeed. Monitor and collect customer feedback and data so that you can make better decision-making, allocate your resources more responsibly, and improve customer retention.
- POS data analysis: Review sales data from your POS system to identify trends in customer visits. For instance, if weekends show a spike in sales while weekdays are slower, you can plan mid-week promotions to balance traffic.
- Online sales data: Track all the data within your food ordering system to better understand your customers’ preferences.
- Customer surveys: Conduct surveys to gather direct feedback from your customers. Questions about their dining preferences and peak visiting times can help you understand their behavior and tailor your services accordingly.
- Learn more about the most useful restaurant survey questions
2. Optimize Your Website for Search Engines
You can increase restaurant traffic by optimizing your website for search engines. Use relevant keywords related to your cuisine and location. Make sure the site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
Adding high-quality images and regularly updating content with blog posts or events helps, too. These strategies not only attract new customers but also encourage more online reviews, boosting your restaurant’s visibility and credibility.
- Use relevant keywords: Incorporate specific keywords related to your cuisine and location to improve search engine rankings. For example, “best Italian restaurant in [City]” can help attract local traffic.
- Mobile-friendly design: Ensure your website is responsive and easy to navigate on mobile devices to enhance user experience and retain visitors.
3. Adopt an Online Ordering System
Adopt a restaurant online ordering system to significantly enhance your efficiency and profitability. This system eliminates the need for third-party delivery services, allowing you to save up to 30% on commissions. Use these savings to create promotional offers and exclusive sales, which can help boost sales and drive more traffic to your restaurant.
By managing orders directly, you can focus on increasing foot traffic and ultimately providing a better experience for your customers.
This also allows restaurant owners to offer lower prices while maintaining or even increasing their profit margins. Additionally, an online ordering system provides a seamless and efficient experience for customers, encouraging repeat business and offering restaurant owners full control over their menus and promotions.
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4. Importance of Google Business Profile
Creating and maintaining a Google Business Profile enhances local search visibility. Include accurate details like operating hours, menu, and contact information. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond promptly to feedback to improve engagement and credibility.
- Complete profile information: Fill out all sections, including high-quality photos, a detailed menu, and operating hours to provide comprehensive information to potential customers.
- Encourage reviews: Prompt satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond to them to engage with your audience and improve your online reputation.
5. Leveraging Social Media for Event Promotion
Use social media to show off your events, specials, and new menu items. Start with a fun social media post featuring behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and upcoming events. You can also run targeted ads to reach a wider audience and increase foot traffic.
Feel free to test offering exclusive access to deals and promos to encourage people to engage. Chat with your followers in comments and messages and build a loyal online community.
- Create engaging content: Share behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and upcoming events to engage followers and keep your audience informed and interested.
- Run targeted ads: Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to run ads targeting local users to increase visibility and attract new customers.
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- Restaurant social media guide: Follow the link for a complete guide on running restaurant social media pages.
6. Implementing Online Table Reservations
Implementing a restaurant reservation system makes booking easier for your customers and cuts down on wait times. This added convenience can help drive footfall and boost your foot traffic restaurant during peak hours. You can also highlight the ease of booking in your promotions to attract even more diners.
- Integrate reservation systems: Use services like OpenTable or Resy to allow customers to book tables easily through your website, reducing wait times and improving convenience.
- Real-time availability: Show real-time availability of tables to help customers plan their visits more effectively.
7. Offering Pre-order and Tableside Ordering Options
Introduce a tableside ordering system that allows customers to pre-order meals or order from their table using a mobile app. This reduces wait times and improves service efficiency, making your restaurant more appealing to time-conscious customers.
- Mobile ordering apps: Consider getting a restaurant mobile app that allows customers to pre-order meals or order from their table.
- Self-service kiosks: Install kiosks for customers to place orders themselves, increasing efficiency and convenience.
- QR code menu: Introduce a QR code menu to make ordering even easier.
8. Regular Discounts, Special Offers, and a Loyalty Program
Implement regular discounts and special offers to attract customers. These can include happy hour deals, family meal discounts, or limited-time offers. Such promotions can entice new customers and encourage repeat visits from existing ones.
- Happy hour deals: Offer discounts during specific hours to attract more customers during typically slower periods.
- Loyalty programs: Introduce restaurant loyalty programs that reward repeat visits with points or discount cards. You may also target your loyal customers with personalized promotions.
9. Creating Targeted Promotions for Slow Periods
Identify slow periods and create targeted promotions to increase traffic during these times. For example, offer lunch specials on weekdays or themed dinners on traditionally slower nights. Tailoring promotions to specific times can help balance foot traffic throughout the week.
- Lunch specials: Offer discounted lunch menus on weekdays to attract more diners during slower periods.
- Themed dinners: Host themed nights or special events on slow days to draw in diverse customer groups looking for unique dining experiences.
10. Dynamic Menus Tailored to Seasons and Local Ingredients
Update your menu regularly to include seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients. This not only keeps the menu exciting but also appeals to customers who appreciate fresh and local food options.
- Seasonal dishes: Regularly update your menu with seasonal ingredients to keep offerings fresh and appealing.
- Local sourcing: Highlight locally sourced ingredients to attract customers who value fresh and sustainable food options.
11. Special Event Menus and Themed Offerings
Create special event menus and themed offerings to attract diverse customer groups. Host cuisine-themed nights, holiday specials, or chef’s tasting menus. These unique events can draw in both regulars and new patrons looking for special dining experiences.
You can also promote your own event through social media and email newsletters. It’s a cost-effective way to stand out and attract other customers who may not have visited before. These special offerings make your foot traffic restaurant more appealing to a wider audience.
- Holiday specials: Create special menus for holidays and celebrations to draw in customers looking for festive dining options.
- Cuisine-themed nights: Host nights featuring specific cuisines or themes to offer variety and attract new patrons.
- See 50+ restaurant menu examples
12. Organizing Events
Host events such as live music, trivia nights, or cooking classes to attract local patrons. These events create a buzz and provide entertainment, encouraging both regulars and new customers to visit.
If done properly, this could present a unique opportunity for you to build a local community and create a unique opportunity for restaurant SMS marketing, where you could send simple reminders about the upcoming events to your customers.
- Live music and trivia nights: Host regular entertainment events to create a lively atmosphere and attract diverse groups of customers.
- Cooking classes: Offer classes to engage the community and showcase your culinary expertise.
- See 25+ restaurant event ideas
13. Attracting Passersby with Creative Signage and Decorations
Use eye-catching outdoor signage and unique decorations to draw in people walking by. Chalkboard signs with daily specials or witty messages can capture attention and entice potential customers to step in. You may also want to consider checking billboards.
- Chalkboard signs: Use witty messages or daily specials on chalkboard signs to capture the attention of people passing by.
- Seasonal decorations: Decorate your restaurant according to seasons or holidays to create a welcoming and festive environment.
- Visit the guide on how to do restaurant branding
14. Asking Satisfied Customers for Reviews
Politely ask happy customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews boost your online reputation and attract new diners.
- Follow-up emails: Send follow-up emails thanking customers for their visit and asking them to leave a review.
- In-restaurant prompts: Use table tents or receipts to remind customers to review their experience online.
- All you need to know about restaurant review sites
15. Managing and Responding to Online Feedback
Monitor and respond to reviews promptly. Addressing negative feedback professionally and thanking customers for positive reviews shows that you value their input and are committed to improving their experience.
- Timely responses: Respond promptly to both positive and negative reviews to show that you value customer feedback.
- Professional tone: Address negative feedback professionally and constructively to maintain a positive reputation.
- Find what are the most common restaurant complaints and how to respond to them
16. Partnering with Local Businesses for Cross-Promotions
Collaborate with nearby businesses to create joint promotions. For example, partner with a local theater to offer dinner-and-show packages, benefiting both establishments.
- Joint offers: Create special deals in collaboration with nearby businesses, such as a dinner-and-show package with a local theater.
- Mutual advertising: Share promotional materials with partner businesses to expand your reach within the community.
- Get more foot traffic with our top 20 restaurant promotion ideas
17. Participating in Community Events and Sponsorships
Engage in community events like fairs, festivals, or charity functions. Sponsoring local sports teams or events increases visibility and strengthens your ties with the community.
- Event sponsorship: Sponsor local events like sports teams, festivals, or charity functions to increase visibility and community engagement.
- Booth presence: Set up booths at local fairs and markets to showcase your restaurant and attract new customers.
Key Takeaways
- Track and analyze patterns: Use data to identify trends and plan promotions.
- Optimize your website: Use keywords and make it mobile-friendly.
- Adopt online ordering: Save on commissions and drive more traffic.
- Leverage social media: Promote events and engage with followers.
- Implement online reservations: Reduce wait times and increase convenience.
- Host special events: Organize themed nights and unique offerings to attract diverse customers.
