How to Grow Your Business During the Holidays

With the holidays right around the corner, it is important to check your list twice and make sure you are ready for what season has to bring. While this can be a stressful time for many, it is a great opportunity to grow your brand awareness, boost revenue, and attract new customers. During the peak shopping season, here is your chance to grow your business, target new audiences, and spread some holiday spirit. So, this holiday season, stand out from your competitors and start some new holiday traditions that your customers will look forward to years to come! 

Though the retail industry thrives during the months of November and December, it tends to be the slowest season for many restaurants. However, you have the ability to change it this holiday season. The holidays are a great time for your restaurant to develop and build relationships with your customers, easing their stress and spreading some joyful cheer. Using these strategic strategies, you no longer have to fret about meeting sales quota, and you will be able to enjoy the holiday spirit more. 

Strategies for the Holidays:

1. Offer Holiday Specials
   Running a holiday special can make customers feel like they are being offered a reward that is only available for a limited time only. This gives businesses the opportunity to try and introduce their brand to a wider audience- individuals who are money conscious, holiday shoppers, and even out-of-town tourists. Furthermore, as a restaurant, you have the ability to help ease the stress off your customers and provide them with their “homecooked” holiday dishes. Providing holiday specials, customers have can share your products and services with their family and friends.
   • Holiday packages / meals kits
   • Limited edition products (holiday desserts, drinks, etc.)
   • Offer sales and promotions (BOGO, coupons, gift cards, etc.)
      
2. Host Special Events
   A great way to bring customers in this holiday season is by hosting a special event. Whether it is for a fundraiser, holiday activity, or a community social gathering, hosting events can help spread your brand awareness and will motivate customers to want to participate. To spread the word on your special event, engaging social media content and hanging out flyers in your store could help spark some attention.
   • Host a cost or food drive
   • Host a white-elephant gift exchange
   • Host a breakfast with Santa
      
3. Customer Loyalty and Promotions
   Thanking your customers for their loyalty and offering them a “gift” that can be shared, is a great way to ignite the holiday cheer. Providing your customers with a loyalty program or offering exclusive deals, can motivate them to return and make them feel appreciated for their service. Additionally, when customers can share this “gift” with a friend or family member, it can make holiday shopping a lot easier. As a bonus, when customers receive exclusive offers, it can enhance your brand awareness by reminding them of your business.
   • Offer and sell gift-cards
   • Offer exclusive discounts and promotions (exclusive events, coupons, etc.)
   • Provide a loyalty program
      
4. Market to Holiday Shoppers
   The holidays often give businesses new opportunities to market their business because the market changes, being full of visitors and holiday shoppers. During this time of year, many individuals are more willing to try a new experience or treat themselves by eating out. While these customers may not be your main audience, connecting them over the holidays can help your business grow its cliental and brand awareness. Remember everyone needs to eat, so why not use this as an opportunity to reach out to everyone?
   • Partner with other local businesses
   • Offer extended hours to support late shoppers
   • Allow parties to make reservations to host organizational events
      
5. Motivate Your Employees
   After a long year, embrace the holidays and bring the joyful spirit to your staff members. It is found you can increase productivity and performance, by simply motivating your employees. While the incentive of giving a bonus is particularly enticing, not all small-business restaurants can afford that. However, there are many non-monetary ways to motivate your employees during this time.
   • Host a holiday party and play games
   • Bring your employees baked goods
   • Holiday contests (Gingerbread decorating, best holiday dessert, ugly sweaters, etc.)
      
6. Display Holiday Spirit
   Displaying holiday cheer can be used to help attract customers and remind them of your business. Decorating your restaurant, allowing employees to wear festive outfits, or even simply going out of your way to wish your customers “Happy Holidays” can motivate customers to want to come in and spend their holiday with your restaurant. This is particularly gratifying because not only does it visually celebrate the holiday season, but it can introduce a new, but exciting, atmosphere for your customers.
   • Decorate your store window
   • Wear holiday sweaters
   • Write personalized messages on to-go cups and bags

Bottom Line
Bottom line, though the holidays can be difficult for businesses, there are many resources you can use to help your business grow during this time. With some creativity and some help from OrderEm, your business will be able to tackle the challenges of the holiday season like never before.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how OrderEm can help you this holiday season, please give us a call at 855-210-APPS or send an email to Info@MunchEm.Com