Apr 2, 2020
.
5 min read
How Hospitality Venues Can Make Use of Technology Right Now
As we’re heading into the new year, no one would have anticipated that the pandemic would still be around, affecting many businesses. Though, over the past year, the hospitality industry has proven that with a little creativity and a change in strategy, operators can still come out as winners despite the odds. With ongoing changes in restrictions and new regulations, hospitality businesses are looking to technology for ways to continue operating.
Here are 6 proven ways hospitality operators can use technology to continue operating and boost their revenue.
1. Live Streaming
If the customers are restricted from visiting your premises, why not visit them instead? We’re talking about live streaming! With just a video camera and a good internet connection on hand, you can ensure that the show goes on. From live band performances to pub quiz nights. You can bring the entertainment to the comfort of your customers’ own confines.
Most social media platforms give you the option to stream events as they are happening. You could also run the stream from your website if you add this functionality. As you advertise the event, you can ask supporting customers to send a “donation” your way, in exchange for providing them with entertainment.
This “donation” will help to cover the door fees and other profits you’re missing out on while your business cannot trade as usual.
With so many individuals locked indoors during this period, you’ll be surprised at how many keen fans you’ll have. Just remember to use social media, WiFi marketing, and newsletter campaigns to market your live stream event.
You’ll also want to ensure that commenting functionality is turned on. This way, your audiences can chat and socialise via digital channels while they get to enjoy the entertainment that’s associated with your venue.
2. Start Your Own Cooking Show
If you can’t provide your patrons with cooked meals, why not show them how to prepare their own dishes that you have helped them come to love? Your restaurant can rope in the chefs to record cooking shows that demonstrate how to prepare a few meals on your menu.
You can upload your recordings to your website, YouTube, and your social media pages to keep customers intrigued with your brand. And you may gather new supporters too. You can even do a live stream to create more excitement and suspense.
But there’s more…
To keep cash flow moving, why not sell recipe box kits to your fans? These kits can contain all of the ingredients needed to create a meal that you sell. Your favourite fans will flock to buy these kits. It’s a win-win deal!
And this brings us to our next point…
3. Create an eCommerce Shop
Now’s the time to seriously consider investing in an eCommerce website. Even businesses in the hospitality sector can expand online to ensure that cash keeps flowing.
An eCommerce site will give you the ability to sell the recipe kits you’ve put together or you can sell other products that are unique to your brand. Why not rustle up some quirky branded merchandise that will appeal to your supporters? From cooking lessons and gift cards, an eCommerce site is one way to keep your business going.
4. Delivery Services
Social distancing has increased the need for goods to be delivered to doorsteps. Luckily, the food delivery market is booming worldwide. With the introduction of delivery services such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat (to name but a few), consumers can now order their food online or on mobiles and receive a meal from any café or restaurant in the area within an hour.
If you have not yet subscribed to any delivery services, now’s the time. Make sure you are added to the list of service providers on the delivery apps. Also, remember to promote your food delivery option on your website and your social media pages. Many restaurateurs are going as far as asking staff to do the deliveries to save on costs.
5. Virtual Vouchers
You want to take advantage of all forms of digital communication to keep in touch with your customers. From text message notifications and email newsletters to pop-up mobile app messages, there are many different ways.
These means of communication are an excellent way to send audiences virtual vouchers with the hope that they will be used as soon as your venue can continue trading as normal. You can issue individuals with vouchers for discounts on meals/accommodation or you can sell gift vouchers that can be redeemed at your eCommerce site.
This is just one additional way hospitality businesses can use technology to start rolling in again once doors can open as usual.
6. Social Media
We have left the most obvious for last. Now, more than ever, your hospitality venue needs to take advantage of social media.
Make sure to keep your posts positive during those times. Implement campaigns that will help you to engage new customers who are ready and waiting to visit as soon as restrictions have been removed.
Keep your followers and fans informed to reassure them that their favourite venue will still be there waiting for them. Use social media to reassure your customers that you have put all of the necessary safety measures in place and in line with current regulations. A little bit of peace of mind can go a long way.
Get in touch for more marketing support and insight into how you can keep your hospitality business afloat. We’ll provide you with time-saving hospitality technology that helps you succeed.