A great deal alone is not enough to fill tables. You can create an enticing happy hour special or a seasonal menu, but without the right marketing strategy, these promotions can go unnoticed.
The key is knowing where and how to promote them. Here are five marketing channels to ensure your promotions reach the right customers at the right time.
1. Marketplace visibility
Getting discovered by new diners starts with being where they're already looking. Marketplace platforms like Quandoo connect you with diners actively searching for their next dining experience and put you in front of people ready to book.
Once you're visible on the marketplace, you need something that makes diners choose you over the competition. This is where our Special Offers feature becomes your competitive advantage.
With this feature, you can showcase your promotions prominently on your restaurant profile. You can add clear descriptions, pricing information and important details – all displayed in a format that's easy for diners to understand and book.
2. Social media
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are essential tools for promoting offers, especially when used strategically.
- Eye-catching visuals: High-quality visual content is guaranteed to make people stop mid-scroll.
Use TikTok and Instagram reels to build excitement with a promotion countdown, capture customer reactions, or give a sneak peek of the special promotion dish coming together – these moments spark curiosity and inspire people to visit.
- Influencer collaborations: Know a local foodie with a loyal following who loves discovering new places? Invite them for a complimentary meal and ask if they’d be open to creating a post in return. Make sure to provide all the promotion details and your booking link to make sharing easy.
- Giveaways: Giveaways are a powerful way to create buzz and boost engagement: make the prize relevant, keep entry rules simple, set a clear time limit, and use the giveaway as a chance to highlight your offer.
- Paid ads: Targeted ads that focus on location, demographics, or interests are a highly effective way to connect your restaurant with diners who are most likely to become customers.
3. Website
If you have a restaurant website, don't forget to showcase your special offers there too. Your website visitors are already interested in your restaurant – they just need that extra nudge to make a booking.
Use a bold banner at the top of your homepage or at the centre to announce your offer. Include a clear call-to-action that links directly to your reservation calendar.
You can also use pop-ups to spotlight a limited-time offer. Time it thoughtfully – let visitors explore your site for a few seconds, or trigger it when they’re about to leave.
Keep the message brief, easy to close, and include a clear CTA button leading to your reservation calendar.
4. Email marketing
Email remains one of the most valuable tools for driving bookings, especially since you’re reaching people who have already shown interest in your restaurant.
Here’s how to craft a solid promotion email:
- Use the subject line to tease the offer and spark interest.
(e.g. Unlock an Exclusive Dining Deal - Just for You!, A Tasty Surprise Awaits - Claim Your Special Offer, Don’t Miss Out: Free Dessert with Your Reservation.) - Make sure to personalise the message as much as possible. Use the subscriber’s first name and any other information that can help you tailor the message.
- Keep your email visually engaging and concise. Add a high-quality photo of the promotion with a clear headline, and include a phrase that creates urgency (e.g. “limited availability” or “this week only”).
- Add a direct and visible CTA that will stand out and lead directly to your booking calendar. You can do this easily by using Quandoo’s widget link, which you can find in the product or request via our live chat.
5. Text messaging
With a 98% open rate, text messages get read within minutes, making them perfect for promoting time-sensitive offers and filling last-minute availability.
Your message should be clear, compelling and easy to act on. Include the offer, any important terms, and a simple way to book.
Example: Hi [Name], happy birthday from [Restaurant Name]! Celebrate with a free dessert when you dine with us this week. Book your table now: [link]. Offer ends Sunday.
Turn great offers into bookings
Creating an offer is just the beginning; how you promote it determines whether it will drive bookings.
The idea is to make them visible where your customers are already looking, whether that’s browsing marketplaces, visiting your website or checking their phones.
Be consistent, creative and clear in your messaging. Experiment with different strategies, track what works best, and build on it. The more places your offers appear, the more bookings you'll get.
