Typically during the holiday season, how your business serves the community changes; this year is certainly no exception. Hours are extended to allow more foot traffic, there are more promotions for gift card sales, menus are updated to include heartier warm meals to fight off the winter cold, and your venue’s event calendar fills up buyouts and private dining bookings for holiday events scheduled through the end of the year.
You may be wondering, “Why are we talking about the holiday season in August?” while it’s currently hot enough outside to cook an egg on the pavement.
There are a lot of seasonal changes at your venue that should be shared with the general public, which means it’s time to update your EventUp by Tripleseat venue listing.
Did you know that 80% of consumers will use search to find information about nearby businesses? And nearly half of those visitors will use mobile to do so. Make it easier for customers and future guests to find the following information they are looking for by having an updated listing.
Update the extended hours for both the holiday season as well as any venue closures due to private events or pre-planned shutdowns for your staff.
Change out those outdated menu links for the holiday seasonal food and drink menus. Don’t forget to update and add the kids’ menu if you offer one.
Make sure you update your About section with any holiday sales or promotions you are running, whether big or small. Do you offer any food or drink kits, online cooking classes, or desserts to-go? Plug those offerings and how to order them from your venue so you can get them in the door as a customer, even if someone isn't planning an event. That gives you the opportunity to delight them, so in the future, when they do have an event to plan, they will think of their positive experience with your venue.
Holiday photos can be from a holiday event from the previous year, any holiday decor you have set up around the venue, or something as simple as your holiday menu or gift cards styled with lights and garland. Show off visually that you are in the holiday spirit and are open to helping create holiday magic for your guests.
Create an email or social media campaign encouraging happy guests to leave positive reviews by offering a free appetizer or dessert. Then add those positive reviews to your listing. More than 80% of people trust reviews online, even if they don’t know the person who wrote the review. The more positive reviews you have, the more new people will want to be in on the hot spot and become your new customers.
Updating your listing shouldn’t just be on your holiday season to-do list. You should update your venue listing regularly as your menu, venue amenities, or offerings change. Check out these resources to help your venue listing stand out amongst the crowd on the EventUp Venue Directory.