As the festive season rolls in, people start celebrating with food, family, and friends, making it the perfect time to boost your online orders. Whether it's Christmas dinners, New Year’s Eve treats, or seasonal takeaway cravings, this period is a goldmine for restaurants.
But with so many businesses competing for attention, how do you stand out? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some actionable holiday marketing tips that will help you bring in more customers and keep them coming back for more.
1. Optimise for Competitors’ Top Keywords
A clever way to outrank your competition is by strategically using their keywords. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can reveal what search terms your competitors are targeting. During the holidays, people are actively looking for “Christmas dinner delivery,” “festive takeout near me,” or “New Year’s meal deals.” By optimising your website with these keywords, you can attract search traffic to your restaurant.
Be sure to update your meta titles, descriptions, and online menu with these festive phrases. Think of it as sprinkling digital holiday cheer—just enough to grab attention but not overdo it.
If you think that’s a lot of work, hire a professional and experienced digital marketing service to do the keyword research while you focus on your business.
2. Target Your Competitors’ Social Media Followers
Your competitors’ social media followers are already interested in dining out, so why not target them with some irresistible offers? Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to run targeted ads aimed at the followers of specific brands.
Create festive-themed ads with holiday discounts or meal bundles and promote them to your competitors' followers. A well-timed ad, like “20% off holiday feasts for new customers!” can be just the nudge they need to switch. Remember, you’re not just selling food—you’re selling convenience and joy during a hectic season.
3. Make Sure Your Online Ordering Platform is Convenient to Use
No one wants to struggle with a complicated ordering system, especially during the busy festive period. This is where having a seamless online ordering platform makes all the difference. If your customers encounter slow pages, confusing layouts, or limited payment options, they will likely give up and order elsewhere.
Ensure your platform is fast, user-friendly, and mobile-optimised. Multiple payment options—like credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay—will make the process smoother. Remember, your goal is to make the entire experience feel like a gift for the customer.
4. Use Food Imagery in Your Online Menu
A picture is worth a thousand cravings. Enticing food photography on your online menu can make your dishes irresistible. People eat with their eyes first, and a well-captured photo of a Christmas roast or a decadent dessert can work wonders in tempting customers to place an order.
Make sure your images align with the festive vibe—think of decorations, warm colours, and seasonal elements. Adding captions like “Limited Edition Gingerbread Cheesecake” or “Holiday Special Lamb Curry” also makes the items feel exclusive, increasing their appeal.
5. Highlight Popular & High-Profit Items
The holidays are about treating yourself, making it the perfect opportunity to push your best-sellers and high-margin dishes. Make these items easy to spot by featuring them at the top of your online menu or marking them as “Chef’s Holiday Picks.”
Highlighting high-profit items isn’t just good for your bottom line—it’s also smart marketing. When customers feel like they’re ordering what’s popular or recommended, it builds trust and helps them make quicker decisions.
6. Offer Combo Meals for Holidays
Combo meals are a win-win during the festive season. They encourage customers to spend more while offering a great value deal for them. Think “Family Feast Bundle” or “Date Night Dinner for Two”—the key is to create packages that fit into typical holiday scenarios.
Consider bundling appetisers, main courses, desserts, and drinks into one convenient deal. Combo meals simplify customers' decision-making process and allow you to showcase multiple dishes in a single order, increasing average order value.
7. Streamline Guest Experience
From order placement to delivery, every touchpoint with your customer should feel effortless. The festive season is chaotic enough—your job is to reduce friction, not add to it. This means having clear communication, reliable delivery estimates, and responsive customer service.
Keep your customers updated at every step. A friendly SMS confirming their order or a follow-up message asking for feedback goes a long way in building loyalty. You can even add a small holiday surprise—a handwritten note or a festive discount code for their next order—to leave a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is a prime opportunity to boost online orders, but you need a well-thought-out marketing strategy to reduce the noise. By optimising for top keywords, targeting your competitors' audience, offering festive combo meals, and streamlining the guest experience, you'll be well on your way to making the most of this festive period.
Get creative with your marketing, embrace the spirit of the season, and let your food do the talking. This is the time to shine, delight customers, and ensure your restaurant becomes their go-to place for holiday feasts. If lucky, you can secure your place for a prestigious restaurant award.
Happy Holidays, and here’s to a successful, delicious festive season.
