How to increase bookings for Bank Holiday Weekends
As we approach the upcoming Bank Holiday Weekends, you have a golden opportunity to increase your bookings and revenue.
With two bank holidays in a row (Monday 1 May 2023 is the Early May bank holiday and Monday 8 May 2023 is an extra bank holiday to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III), this is the perfect time to focus on your marketing strategy and attract more customers to your establishment.
To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III pubs in the UK are even exceptionally allowed to stay open for 2 extra hours.
Imagine your pub or restaurant packed with happy customers, enjoying their Bank Holiday Weekend. With a little bit of effort and the right approach, you can turn this dream into a reality and boost your sales.
Bank Holiday Weekends: 10 Tips to increase bookings for UK Pubs and Restaurants
1. Optimise your online presence
Make sure your online presence is optimised to attract more bookings during the Bank Holiday Weekends. One of the best ways to be more visible online and generate more bookings is to display a ‘Reserve’ button on your Google Business Profile.
Thanks to the partnership between Zonal and Mozrest, you can receive bookings from Google Maps and Google Search directly into Zonal Events, making the booking process seamless for customers.
|Pro Tips| Google Business Profiles with booking buttons are more likely to stand out in search results, as they provide an additional level of convenience and accessibility for potential customers.
2. Offer special menus and promotions
One of the most effective ways to attract more customers to your establishment during the Bank Holiday Weekends is to offer special menus and promotions. Consider creating a special menu that features holiday-themed dishes or drinks. You could also offer discounts or freebies to customers who book a table in advance. These promotions will encourage people to come and dine at your restaurant or pub.
3. Promote your business on social media
Social media is a powerful tool that can help you reach out to more people and promote your business. Use your social media accounts to share your special menus and promotions, as well as any other events or activities you have planned for the Bank Holiday Weekends. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags and engage with your followers to generate more interest and bookings.
|Pro Tips| Add a ‘Reserve’ button to your Facebook and Instagram accounts and receive bookings directly into your reservation software. Check Facebook – Zonal Events and Instagram – Zonal Events for more info.
4. Partner with local businesses and events
Partnering with local businesses and events can help you attract more customers and generate more bookings. Consider teaming up with local tourist attractions, hotels, or other businesses to offer package deals or discounts. You could also participate in local events or festivals to showcase your establishment and attract more customers.
5. Make your establishment stand out
Make your establishment stand out by creating a unique and memorable experience for your customers. Consider decorating your pub or restaurant with holiday-themed decor, playing festive music, or hosting special events or activities. These little touches will make your establishment more appealing to customers and encourage them to make bookings.
6. Ensure excellent customer service
Excellent customer service is crucial to ensure that your customers have a positive experience and return to your establishment in the future. Train your staff to be friendly, helpful, and efficient, and ensure that they have the necessary resources to provide excellent service. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations are powerful marketing tools that can generate more bookings and revenue.
|Pro Tips| To better engage with your guests to generate more interest and bookings, read our 5 tips for responding to positive customer reviews (with examples).
7. Implement safety measures
Implementing safety measures is crucial to ensure your customers feel safe and comfortable. For example, it is recommended to provide hand sanitiser and ensure that your staff wear masks if they are coughing. These safety measures will give your customers peace of mind and encourage them to make bookings at your establishment. Not implementing safety measures make pubs and restaurants’ hygiene questionable and leads to negative online reviews and reputation.
8. Collect customer data
Collecting customer data can help you understand your target audience and tailor your marketing strategy accordingly. Consider implementing a customer loyalty program or collecting customer data through surveys or feedback forms. This data will help you identify trends and preferences among your customers, enabling you to make informed decisions about your marketing strategy.
9. Stay up-to-date with industry trends
Staying up-to-date with industry trends can help you stay ahead of the curve and attract more customers to your establishment. Keep an eye on industry publications, attend relevant events or webinars, and network with other industry professionals to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.
10. Follow up with customers
Following up with customers after their visit can help you build a loyal customer base and generate more bookings in the future. Consider sending personalised thank-you notes, offering special discounts or promotions to returning customers, or asking for feedback through surveys or online reviews.
To conclude, Bank Holiday weekends are fantastic opportunities for pubs and restaurants to boost their bookings and revenue. By taking the right approach, you can make the most of these busy periods and attract customers who are looking for a great time. Remember to plan ahead, promote your events and special menus, offer promotions, and provide excellent customer service to ensure that customers return again and again. Finally, don’t forget to follow up with customers after their visit to encourage repeat business and obtain valuable feedback.
To make the most of these opportunities, Mozrest can help you increase your online bookings and streamline your reservation process. Contact us today to learn more about Google – Zonal Events and start increasing your bookings for the Bank Holiday Weekends.
More information on Zonal’s website.
