If you make your living in the restaurant and bar business, you’re probably aware of the lulls that tend to happen in business over time. Some days, you’re operating at peak capacity, while others leave you with a fraction of the profits. As such, it’s crucial that you find ways to improve traffic during those less popular time slots. This way, you’re making more money and developing a fun reputation, no matter the day of the week. Here are some effective ways pubs can increase business traffic on even the slowest of evenings.
Step Up Your Online Marketing
One of the first efforts you can make is in the realm of online marketing. When it comes to finding new places to eat, drink, and have a good time, the internet is one of the primary places that individuals go to for information.
As such, you want to make sure that you have a solid online marketing campaign that catches the eye and draws people to your business. A strong social media presence can help with this as it gives a voice and personality to your location. You’ll also want to gain a good understanding of your targeted customer base to properly appeal to them.
Update Your Menu
Even the most iconic pubs have undergone a few menu updates over the years. While you don’t want to set aside best sellers to risk something new, it’s still often beneficial to switch out a few less popular items to see what sticks. Past customers will stick around for their favorites, and you’ll attract new business by incorporating something trendier. It’s the best of both worlds.
Schedule Specialized Events
Another incredibly effective way pubs can increase business traffic is to host specialized events during certain days of the week. Whether it be a fundraiser for a local non-profit or an engaging trivia night for your patrons, these additional activities add some excitement to a night out. Best of all, it’s different from what your nearby competitors have going on.
As such, you’re more likely to attract those who are looking to do something rather than just eat and drink. However, make sure that you familiarize yourself with how to organize a trivia night if you want to run one of these events. This way, you know how to prepare and ensure it’s a success.
Create a Customer Loyalty Program
Attracting new business isn’t enough if you don’t have a way to keep them coming back. Customer loyalty programs are effective at pulling individuals back in your door or at least ordering online. By providing them with incentives, such as special deals and price cuts, they’re more likely to return to your pub rather than go somewhere else.
There are a variety of strategies for generating more traffic to your pub, bar, or restaurant. As such, it’s up to you to find the combination that works for you. Putting in the effort to experiment and try new things can go a long way in drawing in more customers and ensuring your business becomes a staple in the community.
