By Daniel Wanderson, Contributor
Many businesses had to change their strategies because of the coronavirus outbreak. Most companies have managed to organize remote work so it didn’t affect the overall situation. But what about businesses that are in the tourist industry? Or businesses that rely on visitors, like restaurants, bars, and cafes?
Yes, tourism and restaurant businesses have suffered a lot. That’s where most companies have learned the value of loyal customers. Even though COVID-19 has yet to be defeated, restaurant teams can still show their gratitude and appreciation towards their guests and online patrons. There are multiple ideas to benefit from, read below in the article.
Honest & Open Communication
One of the best ways to show gratitude to your guest is to be honest and talk about changes. Today, most companies communicate with their clients via social media and email. Whether you run technology company, a betting website, a hotel, or a restaurant, you need to communicate with your customers about what they should expect from your business moving forward.
This should include things like how your team is dealing with social distance requirements, abridged hours, reduced capacity limits, and any contactless curbside pickup or delivery changes.
You can check out the Instagram or Facebook posts of owners who have been posting videos about their restaurants and changes of services if you need some ideas. For example, some explain what changes they have implemented, what actions they accomplish to make sure the restaurants are clean, etc. Others post videos about how to order food, what they do to make sure all customers are safe, etc.
Sanitizing Your Restaurant
Even before the outbreak of coronavirus, customers weren’t eager to visit restaurants with poor hygiene. Around 66% of diners skip visiting restaurants with poor food hygiene reviews, whereas 75% of customers don’t visit restaurants that have been knowing to give guests food poisoning.
And those figures were from before COVID-19. Imagine how poor cleanliness and food poisoning reviews would effect your restaurant now? Hungry diners choose restaurants that implement safety precautions and have positive cleaning reviews. Implementing and talking about these precautions would show customers that you value them and want to stay safe and informed.
Create Special Delivery Boxes
If you don’t have it yet, you should consider delivery services an curbside pickup. The rules keep changing, today we can go out and dine, tomorrow we are on lockdown. When it’s a lockdown, people are only allowed to order food, rather than dine in a restaurant.
One of the best ways to show your appreciation of your guests is by making special delivery packages. You don’t need to create unique designs. Clients appreciate it when they receive a delivery box with a “We hope you’re doing well”, or “Stay strong”, etc. A simple sign that shows you want your customers to stay safe, but it works.
And if you have a talented artist on staff, having them draw unique little doodles on each delivery package can both keep spirits high on your staff and put a smile on your guests’ faces. It’s a small thing but small things add up.
Talk About Your Staff
Today, most guests are more likely to attend the restaurant that takes care of their employees. It’s not only about decreasing the spread of coronavirus, it’s also about showing humanity. You should talk on social media about the precautions you implement to keep your staff safe and sound.
Of course, it also builds trust between you and your guests. You should explain how your staff is cooking food with all the necessary precautions. Explain how your delivery and curbside pickup programs work, too.
It’s also a great idea to avoid using cash; aim for as much contactless tech as possible. Organize credit card payments on the website, or when receiving the delivery. Customers feel safer when they see at what length you go when organizing safe delivery, which shows your appreciation.
Implementing Clients Loyalty Programs
If you still don’t have loyalty programs, you might want to launch one. Loyalty programs with well structured rewards will build heavy repeat business. You can also offer one-off discounts for just being part of the fam. For example, emailing your loyalty program patrons with promo codes or special discounts on their next delivery order as thanks for sticking with you during this rough period. Don’t forget to mention how grateful you are to have them as guests.
You could also organize giveaways and other contests. For example, when ordering something from your restaurant, guests participate in a contest with a gift card as a price. If you have an app that makes it easier for clients to order food, then it’s the best time to promote it!
For example, offer a one-time discount for downloading your restaurant’s app. It will promote your app and will urge people to order food from your restaurant since they already have the app on their phones. You can then send marketing campaigns straight to their phones with SMS.
Be Active On Social Media
Modern consumers spend a lot of time on the Internet, especially on social media. It’s the best time to communicate with potential guests. Make sure you keep posting on official pages on chosen social networks on a regular schedule. Aim for the 80-20 rule.
You can even start a blog with safety tips during COVID-19, or tips on how to choose food, etc. Keep in touch with your customers so they feel that you care about them and their well-being.
Organize Live Streams
If your chef is not against going live, pre-recorded videos and livestreams would be a great idea to engage your audience. For example, organize tutorials on how to cook different meals. It would be interesting for your customers, and when the situation with COVID-19 is under control, your clients will most likely choose you over other restaurants.
Conclusion
Even though it’s difficult to maintain a restaurant these days, it’s always a good idea to keep communicating with loyal customers. Showing your appreciation and care will keep your business alive.
About the Author
Daniel Wanderson is a ghostwriter, blogger and editor. He likes playing football, dancing and even singing, but his professional areas are IT, history and SEO of his work website dota2-bets.net.
