Maximising Footfall and Brand Awareness: 10 Strategies for the Holiday Season
As the holiday season draws near, it’s officially crunch time. With the colder months and festive celebrations upon us, there’s no better moment to attract more customers to your venue.
To help you make the most of this crucial time of year, we’ve compiled ten proven strategies to enhance brand awareness and drive footfall, ensuring you finish the year on a high note.
1. Optimise Your Google My Business (GMB) Profile for Seasonal Searches
With 76% of local mobile searches resulting in an in-person visit within 24 hours, it’s essential that your GMB profile is updated for the festive season. Include seasonal photos, update holiday hours, and offer a sneak peek of your festive menu or special events. This simple optimisation can make a significant impact on your visibility during the holidays.
2. Launch Limited-Time Holiday Offers on Social Media
The festive season is the perfect opportunity to promote special offers. Venues that run limited-time promotions on Instagram Stories often see a 15% boost in foot traffic during this period. Make use of Instagram Stories and countdown stickers to highlight exclusive deals, such as Christmas Eve dinners, New Year’s Eve parties, winter-themed happy hours or bubble cocktail making sessions.
3. Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC) with Seasonal Hashtags
During the holidays, people love to share their festive experiences. Research shows that 79% of consumers say user generated content influences their purchasing decisions. Encourage guests to tag your venue in their holiday posts using a custom hashtag. Reposting this content not only boosts engagement but also attracts new customers to your venue.
4. Host Instagram Live Events to Build Excitement
With more people spending time online during the holidays, Instagram Live can generate up to 10 times more engagement than regular posts. Hosting a live holiday cocktail-making demonstration, showcasing festive decor, or teasing an upcoming event are excellent ways to engage your audience and drive visits to your venue.
5. Run Targeted Paid Social Ads with a Festive Twist
The holiday season is a competitive time, but local Facebook ads can increase foot traffic by up to 20%. Target ads at people in your area who are searching for festive dining, holiday parties, or event spaces. Dropping the Flavour Blaster into your content is sure to grab attention! Highlight special offerings like seasonal menus, live music, or cosy holiday atmospheres to capture their interest.
6. Manage Your Online Reviews—'Tis the Season for Good Impressions
The end of the year is when people are actively seeking trusted places to celebrate. With 93% of consumers relying on reviews before making decisions, responding to reviews promptly is crucial, especially during the busy season. Highlight positive feedback in your social media posts to build trust with potential customers.
7. Create Holiday Themed Email Campaigns
Email marketing engagement tends to increase during the festive season, with open rates climbing by 26%. Share your holiday events, special offers, and seasonal updates with your email subscribers. Consider including exclusive offers to encourage early bookings and secure reservations.
8. Ensure Your Website is Ready for Holiday Traffic
With more people searching for festive activities, about 70% of website traffic comes from mobile devices. Update your website to highlight your holiday offerings and include clear calls-to-action for booking tables, ordering holiday takeout, or RSVPing to events.
9. Collaborate with Local Influencers to Spread Festive Cheer
During the holiday season, micro-influencers often drive 60% more engagement than their larger counterparts. Partner with local influencers to promote your festive events., exclusive holiday dishes. This collaboration can help tap into their loyal, local audience and boost your reach.
10. Use Short Video Clips to Capture Festive Vibes
Video content tends to attract 48% more views than other types of social posts, particularly during the holidays. Capture the festive ambiance of your venue, highlight seasonal dishes, or showcase a quick "behind-the-scenes" of your team prepping for the holidays. Sharing these on TikTok and Instagram Reels can draw more customers to your door.
Bonus Tip: Host a Holiday Giveaway
There’s nothing quite like a giveaway to draw attention. Encourage followers to engage with your social media by tagging friends, following your page, or sharing a holiday memory at your venue. Offer a chance to win a festive dinner or drink voucher, which is a simple yet effective way to boost engagement and reach.
Looking for more insider marketing support? Email us with your queries at collab@flavourblaster.com
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