Competition for customers within the hospitality industry is fierce. If you run a restaurant business, it’s crucial to ensure that you stand out from the crowd. In this guide, we’ll share some simple, effective ways to encourage diners to choose your restaurant.
First impressions
Did you know that it takes the average human being less than 7 seconds to form a first impression? Within seconds of seeing a sign or walking through a door, a prospective customer will form opinions about your restaurant. You need to ensure that you make a brilliant first impression every time. Think about the message you want to convey about your brand. How do you want customers to view your restaurant and what kind of clients are you looking to attract? It’s beneficial to consider aesthetics, customer service and online experiences. More and more people are finding restaurants and researching online before they choose where to eat. You want the physical venue to attract attention, but you also want web users to form positive associations. Ensure that the building looks smart, professional and welcoming and encourage people to want to come in and find out more. Always extend a warm welcome and make sure guests are seated or given a menu to browse or a drink promptly.
Ambiance and experience
Going to a restaurant isn’t just about enjoying good food. Dining out should be an experience. Add ambiance with lighting, scents and aromas and music. Explore restaurant music services and consider the kind of vibe you want to create. Are you encouraging people to relax and take it easy, or do you want to inject some fun and energy into the dining room? Match the ambiance to the type of restaurant. The atmosphere in a cosmopolitan, chic fine dining restaurant should be very different from a themed eatery that caters for adult parties or kids, for example.
Rave reviews
Over 90% of consumers read online reviews. Good and bad reviews can make the difference between attracting diners or losing out to rival restaurants. Rave reviews can help you to build a client base, outshine competitors and create more leads. It’s important to note that diners consider more than the quality of food when leaving reviews. Many will also factor in the atmosphere, the service and value for money. Aim to ensure that every customer would leave a 5-star review. Prioritize quality, customer service and value and look for ways to elevate the experience. Make diners feel like VIPs, showcase what is unique about your business and listen to your customers. Read reviews and take feedback from diners on board. It’s beneficial to learn from both positive and negative comments. Keeping up to date with customer buying habits and industry trends can also help you to stay ahead of the curve.
If you own a restaurant, it’s critical to make sure that it stands out for the right reasons. Make sure that you create positive first impressions, consider the ambiance and experience and strive to achieve rave reviews from every customer.
