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In order to turn your followers into actual customers, you have to get them to know and trust your brand. As a restaurant business owner, you know that selling the benefits and value of what you do is how you attract customers. Since the beginning of time, storytelling has been a way that humans have communicated with each other. How can you use storytelling for your social media posts for your restaurant?







Storytelling through social media allows your customers to form that all-important digital connection with your brand. Instead of simply posting bland marketing material, <a href="https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-tactics/">storytelling interacts with your customers on a much more personal level</a>. In turn, this helps create familiarity and loyalty with your brand. This will make your customers a lot more likely to do business with you in the long run.



So, if you are new to the concept of storytelling or want the best ways to implement it within your social strategy. Here are our top tips. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storytelling-doesn-t-have-to-be-personal">Storytelling doesn&#8217;t have to be personal</h4>



We&#8217;re not all natural storytellers, and for some people, they can struggle to share personal stories through lack of experience or wanting to keep things private. When it comes to connecting with your customers, it&#8217;s not necessarily about sharing personal stories. Rather <a href="https://www.social4retail.com/the-importance-of-storytelling-on-social-media.html">sharing stories that mean something to us personally</a>.



Stories can come from customer interactions, casual conversations or experiences. For example, if your produce is grown locally and you’re proud of it. Why not take pictures of the farm and talk about the growers? Or, perhaps you have a dish that your restaurant is most famous for. Why not share the secret of how it’s made? In many cases, storytelling simply conveys the culture of the brand, in an easy to digest format.&nbsp;



There’s no set formula when it comes to your storytelling. The key is keeping in mind the details that are likely to strike a chord with the person reading it. Social media is a sociable place after all, so imagine it almost like a real conversation.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-share-behind-the-scenes-action">Share behind the scenes action</h4>



We’ve established that storytelling is about building a connection with your audience. One of the easiest ways to do this as a company <a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/15-behind-the-scenes-content-ideas-to-share-on-instagram-infographic/623452/">is to share some behind-the-scenes info.</a> Perhaps you have a new chef starting at your restaurant. Why not upload a picture and a few lines about them, and what they are looking forward to in their new role? 



Or, say Valentine’s day is coming up. Why not share a sneak preview of the dishes or special event you will be putting on, to perk interest among your followers? You could even share news about an expansion or other news related to your company. If your followers are likely to be interested, then it helps build a more personal relationship with your restaurant, that goes far beyond them just coming in to eat.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-user-generated-content">User-generated content</h4>



As a social media account owner for your business, you likely see countless positive reviews, pictures and videos left across your feeds. <a href="https://wedevs.com/141859/user-generated-content-campaigns/">User-generated content is a powerful marketing tool</a>. It is perceived as being more genuine than if a brand toots its own horn instead. If someone is tweeting you to say they had the best meal out they’ve ever had, why not share this with your audience too?



You can use user-generated content in your social media storytelling too. For example, say a customer has their engagement party in your restaurant, and tags you in the photos saying what a wonderful event you created. With their permission, you can then use this across your feed. Maybe add a comment saying how it was your pleasure etc, as well as leaving contact information about how other people can book the same. It’s quite a simple strategy, but one which connects with people on a really effective level.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-save-the-waffles-for-your-dessert-menu">Save the waffles for your dessert menu</h4>



When writing a caption for your social media, it&#8217;s easy to go off on a tangent. While there&#8217;s no real crime against lengthy posts, it&#8217;s important that each sentence moves the story forward. Wordy or unnecessary sentences are unlikely to be read by your followers. And for some, it could even appear as spam.



In some cases, storytelling can literally be done in just a couple of sentences. Wherever possible, allow the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/4-tips-for-an-outstanding-email-design/">image or video to do most of the storytelling</a> for you. As this is much easier to react with versus reams of text. The key is always to engage the viewer and provoke an emotive response, that allows them to get to know your brand in a way they haven’t before.&nbsp;



If you’re stuck for ideas, <a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/3-brands-who-sell-their-culture-through-social-media-storytelling/518335/">there are a lot of resources you can access for free</a>. Showing some of the most successful examples of brands using storytelling within their social media. The more you educate yourself on this, the easier it will be to pick up and implement within your restaurant campaigns.



Further read: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-effectively-design-social-media-posts/">https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-effectively-design-social-media-posts/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h4>



Storytelling is a method of communicating with your customers. When done effectively will strengthen the bond between them and your brand. It goes far beyond general marketing and instead paints a picture of the kind of experience they are likely to have when dining in your restaurant, and the unique story behind it. 



However, to be able to story-tell with your customers effectively, you need the story of who your customers actually are. Here at Stampede, our software allows you to capture your customer data in a way that’s GDPR compliant. As a result, you can create <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">tailored and highly personalised marketing campaigns</a> that speak to your customer directly.



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By combining storytelling within your social media alongside intuitive marketing campaigns, you can communicate with your customers on a truly insightful level.

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How Restaurants Can Use Storytelling for Social Media

Keeping on top of your marketing whilst running a hospitality business can be tough. Let marketing automations do the heavy lifting for you. 



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They&nbsp;make your&nbsp;marketing easy and free up your time&nbsp;to focus on driving sales.



Check out our most popular marketing automations that you can send via email and SMS.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-quick-win-marketing-automations-campaigns">4 Quick-Win Marketing Automations Campaigns</h5>



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Drive repeat visits



Want to send out personalised campaigns that drive sales?



Send customers a&nbsp;birthday offer&nbsp;via SMS.



Data: Date of birth



<a href="https://stampede.ai/customer/bar-tonic">Read Success Story</a>
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Retain your customers



Haven’t seen some of your customers for a while?



Create a&nbsp;win-back email&nbsp;campaign to bring them back to your venue.



Data: Last in-venue visit or booking



<a href="https://stampede.ai/customer/cocktail-embassy">Read Success Story</a>
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Get more and better reviews



Need to boost your reputation online?&nbsp;



Activate the&nbsp;reviews automation&nbsp;to start pushing those numbers up.



Data: Recent in-venue visitor



<a href="https://stampede.ai/customer/montpeliers-group">Read Success Story</a>
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Nurture your loyal customers



Want to build a loyal customer base?



Reward your loyal customers with a&nbsp;‘thank you’ voucher&nbsp;and turn them into fans.



Data: Frequent loyalty card user or customer



<a href="https://stampede.ai/customer/atis">Read Success Story</a>
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<h5 class="wp-block-heading">5 Reasons Why Our Customers Love Marketing Automations</h5>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>They are fast to set up, tip: create and re-use templates</li>



<li>They run on autopilot and leave you time to focus on other tasks</li>



<li>They drive sales &#8211;&nbsp;<a href="https://moosend.com/blog/10-marketing-automation-statistics-need-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">75% of email revenue</a>&nbsp;comes from personalised campaigns</li>



<li>They are personalised and relevant to your customers which means high conversion rates</li>



<li>They keep customers engaged and coming back to your venues</li>
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Also, have a look at our&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/a-5-step-recipe-that-creates-profitable-personalised-marketing-part-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">simple&nbsp;5-step recipe&nbsp;</a>that will help you set-up more personalised marketing campaigns.



Let us make marketing easier for you. Get started with <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stampede marketing automations</a> to free up your time.

Easy And Profitable Marketing With Automations

Without question, one of the most frustrating things in running a hotel is the tendency of guests to reserve a room but then cancel at the last minute. Or just fail to turn up altogether. It’s not just the annoyance factor, though; last-minute cancellations or no-shows have a real impact on the profitability of your hotel. How do you manage to reduce no-shows and cancellations in your hotel?







Independent hotels may suffer from this inconvenience more than most, due to a tendency (whether real or perceived) to have more lenient policies than multi-site corporations. While there is no solution that could promise to reduce these incidents to zero (we’re dealing with humans, after all!). There are a few simple methods you can use to greatly reduce both the likelihood and the impact of cancellations you suffer from this year. Ready to find out more? Let’s dive in!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Method #1: Have a Fair, but Clear Cancellation Policy</h4>



As we touched on in the introduction, the key reason that independent hotels may suffer from an above-average number of no-shows or cancellations is the relative <a href="https://www.hotelminder.com/8-tips-to-reduce-last-minute-hotel-cancellations-and-no-shows">lack of a clear policy</a>. Even more patchy enforcement of the policy.&nbsp;



Review your policy now. See how it compares to those of your competitors. You can usually find these quite easily by browsing to the “terms and conditions” section of their website. Your cancellation policy needs to strike a balance of fairness for both you and the guest. All kinds of things can happen to disrupt the plans of a traveller, after all, so it’s only fair to them to allow them to cancel. 



The more notice they give, the less the impact on your hotel. So make sure your policy reflects this crucial fact. Many hotels allow free-of-charge cancellations provided there is at least 48 hours notice. Giving you some time to make the reservation available to another customer.&nbsp;



It may also be wise to consider a more stringent policy for particularly over-subscribed times of the year. For example over Christmas, or when a large event regularly takes place in your area. Again, make sure that this policy is easy to understand. All your staff have to know exactly what the special policy is and what dates it applies to. Finally that it compares favourably to the cancellation policies by your competitors for the same timeframe.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Method #2: Make Sure your Cancellation Policy is Published and Enforced!</h4>



This may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many hotels have their cancellation policy buried away where customers will only have their attention drawn to it once it’s already too late.&nbsp;



Anyone that makes a reservation, whether online, via phone, or any other method, needs to be provided with a copy of your cancellation policy so they can’t claim ignorance of it later! Ideally, they should confirm their acceptance of the policy when they make the booking. At the very least their booking confirmation should include a clear reference to it. Even if it’s just a short summary with a link to the full policy on your website.&nbsp;



Make sure all staff are trained to refer to the policy and enforce it, politely explaining the costs involved if doing so causes push-back from the customer. If you decide to allow discretion in the enforcement of the policy, you should make it very clear who is allowed to exercise this discretion. Give examples of circumstances that might allow them to do so &#8211; for example, extreme weather conditions.&nbsp;



Finally, any <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/infographic-how-likely-are-people-to-act-on-promotions/">promotions</a> that you run, whether via email marketing or other advertising, should also include a clear reference to your cancellation policy. Best to cover all the bases!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Method #3: Encourage Guests to Communicate Changes to You&nbsp;</h4>



You should allow customers plenty of options to communicate any changes of their plans to you. Providing them with the option to submit a cancellation or re-schedule of their stay via email or live chat on your website will result in a reduction of no-show occurrences.&nbsp;



Some customers are just too embarrassed or shy to pick up the phone and have to explain to someone exactly why their plans have had to change! Give them as many options as possible to get in touch. Emphasise that you’re keen to hear from them and that you understand plans sometimes have to change at the last minute.&nbsp;



For example, if your policy states that cancellations with less than 24 hours notice have to be paid at the full rate. You could send a reminder email or text 36 hours before the reservation starts. Telling them that you are looking forward to seeing them and including all the ways they can let you know if their plans have had to change for any reason. Many <a href="https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4088497.html">hotel reservation systems</a> can be configured to send such reminders automatically. Though provided all the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-legally-and-safely-collect-and-use-customer-data-in-the-hotel-industry/">necessary information is captured</a> when the reservation is made initially.&nbsp;



Further reading: DIRECT BOOKING



Clear and consistent communication removes the worry of the unknown!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Method #4: Re-market Rooms that Become Available due to Cancellations</h4>



As we’ve covered, cancellations are a fact of life &#8211; you’ll never be able to avoid them altogether. Where many independent hotels are missing a trick is in taking advantage of the opportunity created by a cancellation. Use it to make an extra special offer available on the now vacant room.&nbsp;



A room cancellation, especially for one of your premium suites or stay options, give you a valid justification for letting someone else upgrade to. Even more book that room for a lower-than-usual cost. You will reap the rewards of a delighted guest (who will be more likely to tell others and share pictures of the room on their social media). In addition, you’ll recoup some of the monetary loss that the cancellation has caused.&nbsp;



You can advertise the cancelled room in various places. Your reception/bar, on the boards outside your property and of course on social media. Don’t forget your own database of customers, too. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/email-marketing-tips-for-the-hospitality-industry/">Email and text (SMS) marketing </a>are a powerful way to drive more traffic to your website and ultimately secure more bookings.&nbsp;



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/effective-email-marketing-tips-for-hotels/">https://stampede.ai/blog/effective-email-marketing-tips-for-hotels/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">In Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>



We hope these methods for managing this frustrating aspect of running a hotel have given you plenty to think about and implement in your establishment. 



Do you want to find out more about how our solution could help you stay in touch with your guests? Get in touch!



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How to Reduce No-Shows and Cancellations in Your Hotel

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The Reviews Toolkit

In recent months, we’ve been introduced to a growing number of other hospitality apps via new and long-term customers. It’s exciting to see the value our customers get from connecting more data sources into Stampedes and we want to enable more of it.&nbsp;



To do this, we’ve launched a new app marketplace to make it easier to centralise more customer data in Stampede. As part of this, we also released a new Developer Portal to create an easier way of connecting new data sources.



This is a truly open marketplace for hospitality apps to get interconnected. What we mean by that is it moves beyond the realms of outdated file transfers and account managers manually handling the data behind the scenes on behalf of operators. It&#8217;s real-time so data moves smoothly between apps and Stampede as it happens.



In this update, we&#8217;ll look at how the new marketplace can enhance your marketing efforts and also how app developers can use it to build connections with Stampede, delivering more value to their operators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-operators">For Operators</h2>



The hospitality industry requires smart tools that can streamline complicated operations and help the business grow. The app marketplace connects your external data sources into a single system.



By centralising marketing data apps all in one place, the platform offers greater visibility and easier access to the data. This enables operators to manage their data more effectively, making sure all aspects of their marketing are in one place, they can save time without needing to manually import and export data from various systems. This also lowers the GDPR breach risks of handling customer data.



By connecting other hospitality apps and data to the ecosystem, operators can supplement their current tools by leveraging Stampede&#8217;s suite of marketing, data analytics, and automation. For example connecting your table booking platform and order-to-table app into Stampede, along with existing tools in there, helps you streamline repetitive tasks, saving you precious time and resources.



Apps already on the marketplace include OpenTable, Roller, and Storekit. Integrating with these applications, and others provides a substantial boost to your marketing campaigns by simplifying operations and making data more accessible.&nbsp;



This makes it possible to create a flawless, end-to-end marketing strategy that can be tracked in real-time. By monitoring all marketing performance data in one place, companies gain critical insight into which strategies and tactics work, and which do not, saving time and helping inform smarter decision-making.



Here is a sample of apps currently available for integration:



Mailchimp Campaign Monitor Airship Storekit Loke Toggle ResDiary OpenTable Roller Access Tonic / DesignMyNight Zapier Stripe Paypal HartPMS



<a href="https://product.stampede.ai">Log into your account,</a> click your account icon on the bottom left hand menu and head to the App Marketplace to set up your connections.



If you would like to request another app for the Marketplace, get in touch with one of our team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-developers">For Developers</h2>



Stampede&#8217;s portal offers a dedicated space for app developers to connect their products via Rest API.&nbsp;



Developers can access open-source tools and an extensive knowledge base that provides comprehensive support to ensure their apps operate smoothly.&nbsp;



Head to <a href="https://developer.stampede.ai">developer.stampede.ai </a>to find out more and begin an integration. There you can learn which sources of data to transfer into Stampede such as guest contact details, order information and venue information to aid marketing segmentation.



This ecosystem provides developers with the necessary support to create connections to Stampede, which is vital in growing their businesses and providing value to their clients.&nbsp;



Our in-house development team are also on hand to help. We are currently looking to recruit new app partners, please <a href="https://stampede.ai/partners">contact us</a> if you are interested in working together.

A new kind of marketplace for hospitality apps

The hospitality industry has evolved rapidly in recent years and AI technology is playing an increasingly vital role in improving key areas of the customer experience.&nbsp;



With its scalable and flexible capabilities, AI can significantly reform the way businesses operate. It can help save time and money while driving long-term customer loyalty.



In this blog post, we&#8217;ll explore 4 ways that AI can be used to further enhance your hospitality operations.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-operations">1. Operations</h2>



Advances in technology have been paving the way for new and exciting opportunities in business operations.



One of the latest AI tools to emerge on the scene is the chatbot. A virtual assistant that provides responses based on customer queries by scanning common keywords and related answers. It offers valuable support to staff by taking over routine tasks. 



On top, chatbots are available 24/7, so they ensure customer service standards are held up even outside of traditional business hours.



Hotels commonly use AI tech for contactless check-ins and virtual assistants acting as concierges. With these technologies, guests get the most out of their stay as it simplifies many aspects of hotel services. 



In the same way, self-serve kiosks are becoming a fixture in restaurants, allowing customers to place orders with ease and freeing up staff time.



Finally, <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-get-maximum-value-from-customer-review-sentiments">AI-powered sentiment analysis</a> can help companies track trends and issues related to customer feedback. This enables them to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve their service.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-marketing">2. Marketing</h2>



AI can vastly support marketing strategies by gathering more relevant data and customer insights. From this, marketers can create hyper-targeted and personalised campaigns that matter to customers and therefore have a higher chance of converting.&nbsp;



Using AI automation, marketers can easily automate repetitive tasks, such as uploading data using spreadsheets. This allows them to focus their time and attention on other parts of the business.&nbsp;



Another example of automation is <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/increase-sales-with-your-crm-and-marketing-automation">trigger-based campaigns</a>. They are based on previous customer interactions. I.e. Send a discount to customers who haven’t been at your venue for a while.



AI can also support digital advertising by taking over jobs such as audience and campaign optimisation. And finally, social media monitoring across channels for brand mentions and engagement is made easier with AI.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-sales">3. Sales</h2>



Sales is a challenging and complex area for any business but with the help of AI, hospitality operators can get some significant assistance.



Hotels, for example, are now able to apply a <a href="https://hoteltechreport.com/news/dynamic-pricing-hotels">dynamic pricing strategy</a>. Room rates are adjusted in real-time to reflect demand patterns and rates are optimised depending on seasonality. Whilst ensuring that customers are getting the best prices when booking direct.&nbsp;



Additionally, AI can offer valuable insights into customer interactions and purchasing behaviour. This way operators can quickly identify potential opportunities for upselling and cross-selling to boost their revenue.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-data-analytics-and-reporting">4. Data analytics and reporting</h2>



Data analytics and reporting are invaluable tools for hospitality businesses seeking to gain insights into customer behaviour and improve decision-making. With the usage of AI, these processes have become even more streamlined.



One of the most significant benefits of AI is the ability to automatically generate customised reports and dashboards. This covers especially time-consuming, manual tasks that were often prone to errors.



Additionally, AI can help to better manage data and identify the most valuable customer segments. Those can be applied to create personalised marketing campaigns.&nbsp;



Resources and inventory are also much more efficient and easier with AI&#8217;s ability to make suggestions as well as forecast market and business trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-takeaway">Takeaway</h2>



AI has revolutionised the hospitality industry. Demonstrating its undeniable potential in optimising operations, improving marketing strategies, increasing sales and becoming more data-driven.



New technology continues to be mixed with traditional methods and offers an unprecedented level of customisation. This can advance the bottom line and improve the overall customer experience.



The ultimate aim of integrating AI into hospitality roles is to create a system which runs smoothly while allowing employees to focus on personalising services. 



When interacting with customers becomes easy and efficient, brands will be able to build stronger customer relationships and loyalty leading to greater business growth opportunities.



Make sure to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/ai-in-hospitality-marketing-a-complete-guide">check out our full guide</a> exploring AI for hospitality marketing.

4 Ways To Optimise Your Hospitality Business With AI

The opening of Jamie Oliver’s new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hot-dinners.com/2022101211817/Gastroblog/Latest-news/pasta-dreams-jamie-oliver-soho-pop-up-delivery-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivery-first pasta&nbsp;</a>brand has been hitting the news for the last couple of days.&nbsp;



For many of us, ordering a takeaway or delivery has become a regular thing. In fact,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrc.co.uk/news/ordering-part-brits-weekly-mealtime-routine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">22 million Brits do so at least once a week</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecaterer.com/news/consumer-spending-slows-barclaycard-september-2022-evenings-in-spending-more-takeaways" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">customer spending increasing</a>&nbsp;by 10.1% since March.&nbsp;



This recent consumer trend presents a big opportunity. By&nbsp;diversifying your revenue streams&nbsp;you can better protect your food and drink business from market fluctuations.



It&#8217;s time to bring back your delivery offers and meal kits to drive some extra revenue this winter.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">10 Tips To Increase Your Delivery Orders</h5>



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Opt for direct ordering rather than 3rd party &#8211; 62% of customers want to order direct and via an app </li><li>Ensure a smooth ordering process and online experience </li><li>Send offers to customers who have ordered only once to encourage more frequent orders </li><li>Use the data insights to create personalised offers, i.e. favourite menu item </li><li>Tie it to your loyalty program &#8211; 70% prefer a ‘ free delivery’ as a reward </li><li>Have an accurate menu description with enticing imagery </li><li>69% of customers rate reviews as a deciding factor for their next order &#8211; actively ask customers for reviews, reply the good and bad ones, and keep an eye on your scores </li><li>Use customer feedback to continuously improve your processes, packaging, etc. </li><li>Make use of upsell options, i.e. drink package, dessert </li><li>Spread the word &#8211; pinned social media post (and link in your bio), website banner, email</li></ol>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-re-create-a-restaurant-at-home-experience">How To Re-Create A Restaurant At-Home Experience</h5>



Customers might cut back on expensive meals over the next couple of months, but they still want to&nbsp;treat themselves. Delivery and meal kits hence fit in as an ideal &#8211; and cheaper &#8211; alternative.



It’s up to you to make the&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-get-it-right-meal-kit-online-sales-success-by-hawskmoor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at-home experience</a>&nbsp;as special as your in-venue one. So, your venue becomes their preferred choice for ordering and you can later&nbsp;turn them into walk-ins.



Here’re some ideas to pimp up your orders:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Come up with seasonal meal kits, i.e. autumn, festive-themed (this also creates a sense of urgency to order and avoid missing the specials!) </li><li>Consider different mid-week and weekend offers, i.e. offer weekend drink packages </li><li>Offer a premium version with high-end ingredients/specials </li><li>Include add-ons, i.e. decoration, curated playlist, printed or digital tasting menus and notes </li><li>Offer a limited special featuring your bestseller and signature dishes </li><li>Include a personal note in your orders </li><li>Sneak in a little surprise in your boxes, i.e. Halloween treats, Christmas chocolate</li></ul>



Further reading &#8211;&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-set-up-a-successful-meal-kit-e-commerce-page/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to set up a successful meal-kit e-commerce page.</a>



Need a hand with promoting your delivery offerings via email and SMS? <a href="mailto:support@stampede.ai?subject=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with our team who are happy to help.

Secure Revenue This Winter With Delivery Orders

Email marketing is one of the most effective digital marketing strategies; in fact, <a href="https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/06/29/email-marketing-statistics">59% of B2B marketers</a> claim that this is the best channel for generating revenue. To add to this, 80% of retailers say it <a href="https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/06/29/email-marketing-statistics">leads to the highest customer retention</a> – even surpassing social media efforts. In short, this means that even businesses that are non-digital, such as restaurants, pubs, bars, etc. can also benefit from email marketing; a study even found that emails have a click through rate that is six times higher than tweets. But to be effective, you need to first build an email list . Then you can get the best possible ROI from your marketing efforts. An email list is just a list of collected emails that businesses gather over time from customers. Customers sign up for the list to receive updates on products, discounts, seasonal sales, and other details about the business – directly into their inbox. Let’s first go through the benefits of building a list, and running email marketing campaigns designed to engage and retain consumers:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-email-marketing"> Benefits Of Email Marketing </h3>



 Email marketing has a lot of benefits, especially if you are not an online business. Once they walk out from your establishment you often don&#8217;t have other means of connecting with your customers. These include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li> Direct communication with your customers</li>



<li> A broader audience base that includes the people who aren’t active on social media</li>



<li> Low marketing costs</li>



<li> Emails also acquire new customers around <a href="https://www.campaignmonitor.com/blog/email-marketing/2019/04/importance-building-email-list/">40 times better</a> than Twitter or Facebook. </li>



<li> Surveying the market to determine customer demands</li>



<li> Word of mouth (QuickSprout found that email subscribers are <a href="https://www.quicksprout.com/11-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-i-started-my-first-blog/">three times more likely to share content</a> on social media than leads coming from any other channel).</li>
</ul>



 Every email you send to the customers should contain to something valuable. Non-digital businesses can utilise email lists to raise awareness regarding new campaigns, product release, promotions, and even reward loyal customers. This will lead to increased consumer engagement, and eagerness to open the emails as they expect to gain something of value. For example, restaurant owners can send email alerts about a revamped menu, while boutiques can promote their summer sales to returning customers who have subscribed to the list. Remember, consumers who purchase through email tend to <a href="https://www.jeffbullas.com/email-marketing-statistics/">spend around 138% more</a> than people who do not subscribe to your list.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-an-email-list-from-scratch">Building An Email List From Scratch </h3>



 Before you start building a solid email list for your business, make sure you have the following supporting resources: Detailed Knowledge About Your Target Audience Prior to building an email list, it’s always better to know exactly who these people are. By creating a basic marketing persona, you can determine how well different kinds of emails would be received. To gain valuable information like the customer’s demographics (including age, gender, and even salary), as well as their buying goals, use tools like Stampede – a Wi-Fi marketing platform that makes capturing information like this easy, and fully <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/blackbx-wifi-and-gdpr/">compliant with regulations like GDPR</a>. This is the ideal way of gaining a large number of email addresses, especially since most customers want to connect to free Wi-Fi. A good way to encourage more people to connect – and thus, sign up for your newsletter – is by announcing the fact that you offer free Wi-Fi on your menu, on the concierge’s desk, on your waiting staff’s aprons, tables, etc. An Updated Website With Attractive Landing Pages You also need a solid base to direct your email list members to; the business website is the best location for this purpose. If you’re a small business with a minimalistic website, don’t worry. All you really need is a basic landing page that contains your email/subscriber form. Now that you’re ready with the above-mentioned resources, it’s time to get to the actual job at hand – building your email list. Here is a step-by-step guide that is guaranteed to help you build an effective list: 1. Sign Up For An Email Marketing Service To reap the benefits of your mailing list, you first need to choose the right email marketing service for your business. These marketing services generally tend to offer different pricing models that you can choose from. To test the waters, try a basic package and see how well it works. Popular examples include MailChimp and Hubspot. You can use any provider that you’re comfortable with, and simply export all the customer data through a software like Zapier. 2. Integrate Email Into All Marketing Strategies With the help of your email provider, integrate your mailing lists with any other platform that your business is active on. This will allow you to collect email addresses from different platforms, and even alert the consumer whenever you send an email. 3. Optimise Your Website Campaigns and attractive landing pages are the top ways through which you can collect emails. You could include the following into your website:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li> Personalised CTA For Each Landing Page Or Blog – In a study conducted by <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/personalized-calls-to-action-convert-better-data">HubSpot</a>, personalised CTAs have led to 42% higher view-to-submission rates than uniform CTAs all over the website. </li>



<li> Slide-Ins – Slide in advertisements, or website retargeting can help you engage the consumer better. They can convince a visitor to stay, and even attract them towards a particular product or service.</li>



<li> Opt-In Forms – Good opt-in forms can make or break your mailing lists. Be sure to only ask relevant questions. Don’t be too intrusive, but also, don’t hesitate to ask for the information that you need.</li>



<li> Timed Pop-Up Surveys – To increase the probability of your viewers signing up to the mailing list, first make sure they are well-invested. Pepper different pages with specific surveys related to that content, after the visitor has spent some time on the page.</li>
</ul>



 4. Use Stampede This service provides you with a branded login portal that greets your customers when they connect to your Wi-Fi. It further enhances your marketing campaigns by collecting valuable data to increase customer loyalty, sales, and even return visits. Customers gain lifetime access to the business’s Wi-Fi, while you capture a ton of customer insights.



5. Set Up Auto-Responders Now that you have an optimised website or landing page (through the Wi-Fi sign up portal); it’s time to ensure that you send the right content, at the right time, to subscribers. A simple way to do this is by setting up auto responders. These are automated emails, scheduled in advance to send upon specific triggers or actions by your visitors. Stampede can help you send action-triggered, highly targeted, and personalised messages automatically to your customers. For example, you can set up an auto responder for when customers sign up to your list. This ‘welcome email’ can contain short message, followed by a coupon for 5% discount or complimentary dessert on their current dine-in order, or any other purchase. This can be incredibly effective to increase sales, providing <a href="https://www.easy-smtp.com/welcome-email-marketing-optimization">average of 320% more revenue</a> per email than other promotional material.



As a non-digital business, it’s important to incorporate various mediums into your marketing efforts, such as email marketing. While excellent service is one aspect of retaining customers, targeted emails can keep them engaged – even when they’re not physically present in your store or restaurant. And the most important factor to consider when building your mailing list is valued content. As long as you send good deals to your customer, they will remain engaged with your brand. To take things a step further, carry out A/B testing to determine what kind of emails have higher opening, and click-through rates. This will offer you insights into what drives your customers – which can be further used to drive engagement, and ultimately, sales. Want more information on how email can be used to boost your business? Read our eBook to understand how our platform makes it easier to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/learn-how-to-boost-your-business-with-sms-and-email-marketing/">reach your customers through their phones instantly!</a> Are you ready to start working on your email marketing efforts? Give us a try – we offer a free, no-obligation trial, and simple integration with your existing Wi-Fi equipment. <a href="https://stampede.ai/contact/">Contact us today!</a>

How To Build An Email List For A Non-Digital Business

Did you know that Guest WiFi and Reviews are interconnected? And that you can use the first to boost the second?







It comes as no surprise that great guest review scores are one of the main factors for your business’s financial success. One the other hand, it also doesn&#8217;t require much to understand the possible negative impact low star reviews can have on your business.&nbsp;



Guests score you on a number of factors, such as the level of service and the quality of products you provide. It is, in essence, a grade of the customer experience at your business.



So just imagine. The service is great, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the venue is fantastic and the food and drinks…to die for! Imagine letting all that goodwill evaporate when your guests can’t access the WiFi.



Now you may think that will not influence their experience as 4G is widely available,&nbsp;however, 86% of tablets require WiFi, not 4G for internet connection. Recent surveys have shown that 75% of respondents reported that a good WiFi experience would influence them returning to a venue and therefore has an impact on their reviews. 



There are some easy steps you can take to improve the guest WiFi experience and the review score of your business.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>





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<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Welcome Your Customers</h4>



A WiFi welcome page that is branded for your venue is a great way to welcome guests and to further advertise your business. It is also a way for you to ask customers&nbsp;information about themselves in exchange for free WiFi. This simple method is a brilliant way of getting more back from your WiFi, as well as offering a reliable connection for your guests.



Another step further, if you operate a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-advantages-of-managed-wifi-for-your-hospitality-chain/">hospitality chain.</a> You are able to create a uniform brand experience allover your venues. So that your customers recognise your brand wherever they go. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Welcome Them Back</h4>



In every business the key to success is offering a product that people want to come back for, again and again. Once your guests return to your venue, they do not have to enter any information to connect to WiFi. They will <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/get-your-customers-to-login-once-keep-them-always-connected/">seamlessly connect</a> just as they would at home, and why not welcome them with a &#8216;welcome back&#8217; email? And why not share this experience in a positive review?



That&#8217;s now possible with our <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">Marketing Automation Feature. </a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Know Your Guests</h4>



As well as giving your customers a fantastic experience, wouldn’t it be great if your&nbsp;WiFi could give you, the business owner, something in return apart from positive reviews? With a good Guest WiFi solution, you can now know how often guests return, which days/times they return, how long they stay and much more. Very valuable <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">analytics</a> for the savvy business owner.



Using these insights, you could then create special campaigns. Say you&#8217;ve identified a quieter time during the week, so why not send out special offers (2-4-1) to boost them?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Keep the Conversation Going</h4>



So your review scores are increasing and you have a growing, happy and loyal customer base, that you know quite a lot about. The information obtained can be used to spread brand awareness with your customers and give “<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">calls to action</a>” through loyalty programs, special offers &amp; discounts.



So, why not invest in great Guest WiFi system to make your customers happy, increase your review scores and use fantastic marketing tools to keep <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/building-customer-loyalty-with-blackbx/">them coming back?</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Increasing your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-respond-to-positive-and-negative-customer-reviews-online/">Online Reviews</a></h4>



If all the above is not enough for you and you still want to get more reviews from your WiFi. Why not try out our reviews feature?



With this, you are able to automatically ask your customers for a review once they&#8217;ve left your venue. In a round-robin-like system, these reviews will be evenly distributed to your TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook. 



But this is not the best part of the feature. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-respond-to-positive-and-negative-customer-reviews-online/">Negative reviews</a> often cannot be prevented, even if you gave your best. So, everything below 4 stars will go to a hosted form only you have access to. This allows you to get in touch with the customer and take any counteractions to turn a negative experience into a positive one.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<div class="wp-block-media-text" style="grid-template-columns:36% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12864" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300.png 600w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300-300x300.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300-150x150.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300-96x96.png 96w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300-560x560.png 560w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300-16x16.png 16w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300-592x592.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300-100x100.png 100w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300-60x60.png 60w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img-reviews_300-90x90.png 90w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Want to Take Full Control Over Your Reviews?



_______________



<a href="https://stampede.ai/reviews/">Check out our reviews tool</a>
</div></div>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Got curious? Do you want to see all this in action? Get in touch with us now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="#schedule-demohttps://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a></h2>

How WiFi Can Help Boost Guest Reviews Of Your Venue

Last year has once again shown us how adaptive the hospitality industry is when it comes to finding ways to keep up and running. New trends have emerged that will continue to play an important role throughout this year. Here are&nbsp;4 key hospitality trends you should include in your strategy&nbsp;for 2022.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-community-engagement">Focus On Community &amp; Engagement</h4>



The pandemic has taught us one important thing:&nbsp;community matters.



This year will see an even bigger focus on community building and customer loyalty. Social media is your go-to tool here for regular engagement. However, email marketing is equally important. Build an email list with your most loyal fans and nurture them with exclusive content and early access offers.



Companies should also adopt a&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-listening-business/" target="_blank">social listening strategy</a>&nbsp;to better understand their audience. Mentions and conversations related to the brand and industry can help to identify certain themes. Those can be used to tailor offerings and attract more customers. For example, anything around #Veganuary is prominent on social media at the moment.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Personalise Your Digital Customer Experience</h4>



Customers expect a personalised experience. This also applies to all things digital. Many common customer touchpoints, such as ordering &amp; payments or menus, have shifted towards digital platforms. 



So, your digital guest experience (including all tech tools attached to it) should integrate seamlessly with your physical, in-venue, experience. Stick to your branding and messaging to make it instantly recognisable for a&nbsp;uniform customer experience.&nbsp;



And don’t forget to pull together&nbsp;customer data from your digital tools&nbsp;to get insights on your customers’ behaviour. This allows you to create an even more personalised experience throughout.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Produce More Video Content</h4>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://whatsnewinpublishing.com/over-82-of-internet-traffic-will-be-online-videos-by-2022-how-publishers-can-scale-their-content-production/#:~:text=Cisco%20recently%20declared%20that%20by,really%20hard%20to%20keep%20up." target="_blank">By 2022, over 82% of all online content consumed will most likely be in video format</a>. No denying that TikTok is the big winner of 2021 when it comes to short-form video content. Though, many hospitality businesses categorise it solely as an e-commerce platform and struggle to see the benefit it might have for them.&nbsp;&nbsp;



TikTok is a great platform to interact and engage with your audience. Take your customers behind the scenes and share tips and tricks with them. You could pick one staff member to take over the account or feature your different departments.



Big hospitality brands are already using it successfully. Check out&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@starbucksrecipeswithm?lang=en" target="_blank">this account</a>&nbsp;with 2M followers and run by a Starbucks employee who shows how to prepare their bestsellers and more.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Keep Multiple Revenue Streams</h4>



Over the past two years, many businesses have pivoted their strategy as and when they had to. From delivery &amp; takeout to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/4-creative-ways-to-increase-your-meal-kit-sales/">meal kits</a>, co-working spaces and selling groceries or merchandise. The idea is to have multiple sources available so that they can keep trading regardless of circumstances outside their control.



The big question often is whether to keep those parts alongside normal dine-in operations or to drop them. No doubt, they often require extra resources that are not always available.



However, it’s not just businesses that have adopted and changed, so have customers. Despite being keen to go out for a meal, the majority would like to have those additional offerings as a fixed part of their favourite venues. Get your customers involved and ask them what they want to see from your businesses this year.&nbsp;

4 Key Hospitality Trends To Grow Your Business in 2022

With Google announcing the end of third-party cookies in 2024, the clock is ticking for hotels to switch to a first-party data strategy for good.



For many this radical change has already proven worthwhile. As per a recent survey by Sojern, <a href="https://www.sojern.com/press-release/81-percent-of-hoteliers-see-a-lift-in-revenue-once-a-first-party-data-strategy-is-implemented">81% of hoteliers said they have seen an increase in revenue</a> since changing their game plan.&nbsp;



No doubt, this is a big strategic move that requires thoughtful resource management and planning.



We’ve gathered some key things to keep in mind before you get started.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-first-party-strategy">What is a first-party strategy?&nbsp;</h2>



First-party data refers to data that is obtained by the hotel through its owned digital channels. Examples are their Guest WiFi, loyalty program or website booking integration.



The biggest benefit is that operators have full ownership over this type of data. They can store, access and manage it directly and use it for marketing purposes and more.



In addition, 1st party data is often more accurate and relevant as it is willingly provided by customers to the company.



However, the current situation is more like a mix of first- and third-party data. The latter often comes from guests booking through OTAs rather than direct.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why opt for a first-party-only strategy?</h2>



Without third-party tracking and data, operators miss out on essential interaction points in their customers’ journey.&nbsp;



Personalised marketing and on-site service become nearly impossible, the outcome is a rather disjointed guest experience. 



For example, hotels <a href="https://stampede.ai/downloads/the-direct-booking-checklist">don’t get access to OTA booking data</a> and can therefore not contact guests prior to their arrival to tailor their stay.



So in an ideal scenario, all the data is collected by the hotel based on actual customer interactions. From the first touch point, i.e. the initial booking, onwards when guests return.&nbsp;&nbsp;



This then allows operators to create a holistic guest profile which stores preferences and previous interactions. Insights that can be used for personalised marketing to drive long-term loyalty and revenue.



Though, the key to a successful 1st party strategy is getting the right data from the right sources.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10 most-used 1st party data sources for hotels</h2>



How can hotel operators gather their own data covering online and offline events? Let’s have a look at some common first-party sources:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Property Management System (PMS)</li>



<li>Customer Relationship Management System (CRM)</li>



<li><a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi">Guest WiFi</a></li>



<li>Website &#8211; newsletter sign-ups</li>



<li>Mobile app sign-ups</li>



<li>Online booking engine</li>



<li>Guest surveys</li>



<li>Loyalty program</li>



<li><a href="https://stampede.ai/get-bookings">Table booking platform (F&amp;B)</a></li>



<li>Social media channels</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4 steps for implementing a first-party data strategy</h2>



Here are 4 essential actions to take to start shifting your strategy:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Map out your entire customer journey. Consider all potential online and offline sources. Define your marketing short/long-term goals.</li>



<li>Determine the required data and its sources. What is the current process in place and what is missing? Close potential data gaps.</li>



<li>Make the best use of your data. Choose the right technology to manage your data most efficiently.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Analyse and adjust if necessary. Build your own customised dashboards and reports to keep an eye on progress.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to maximise your first-party data</h2>



In general, the more data sources hotels can access, the easier it is for them to build a 360-degree customer view.&nbsp;



However, this can also quickly lead to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-common-data-integration-flaws-in-hospitality-tech">disjointed data silos</a> piling up, which requires a lot of manual labour and time to connect them. But without their integration, the data is of no use and correct attribution is nearly impossible.&nbsp;



In addition, handling various systems and spreadsheets also increases the potential risk of a GDPR breach.



So, in order to use the data in the most efficient and secure way, hotels should therefore opt for a <a href="https://stampede.ai/">unified CRM solution</a>. It automatically syncs all their sources into one place without the need for integrations.



All staff members get access to the same data and from there they can quickly analyse it, segment it and use it to drive their marketing efforts.&nbsp;



Plus, with a multi-functional system, the overall data quality increase as guest profiles are always up-to-date. Which in turn results in better marketing conversions.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Make sure to check out our <a href="https://stampede.ai/downloads/the-direct-booking-checklist">FREE Direct Booking Checklist</a>. Our step-by-step guide features examples around social media, email marketing and SEO to ensure that you’ve ticked every box when it comes to your direct bookings.

A Quick Guide On First-Party Data Strategy For Hotels

In the last few years, social media has completely transformed not just how we interact with each other, but how as businesses, we interact with our customers too. We’ve gone from leaflets through the doors to paid Facebook campaigns, megaphones in the street to hashtags and tweets. If you’re not au fait with social media, you can be forgiven for thinking Tik Tok is simply the noise a clock makes. When in reality being one of the biggest platforms of the new decade.







So, when you’re a restaurant with social media feeds, just how do you get them to work for you? So that your tables are booked and not sitting empty? If you are looking to get higher engagement across your social media channels, here’s everything you need to know.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Start with the basics</h4>



When you first create a social media page for your business, it’s going to have nobody following it. Therefore, no engagement either. A really simple step is to invite all of your friends to like the page. Maybe leaving a message explaining it’s your new venture, or that your business is now on Facebook/Instagram etc, and you’d appreciate the support.&nbsp;



You should also have links to your social media pages clearly displayed on your website. Also any other digital or physical marketing material, you put out. ‘Follow us on Facebook’ is a really simple sentence, but you’d be surprised how well it works. Make sure your page name corresponds with your business, and that the page is public and easy to find.



When it comes to social media posts on Instagram and Twitter, always tag the location of the city you’re in. Additionally, aim for at least 20 hashtags on each post. You can type the hashtags out in advance if it speeds things up. But always include tags that state your location and the food you serve. <a href="https://adespresso.com/blog/instagram-statistics/">The most popular time for posting food-related content is 12pm on a Friday</a>, so this would be a good time to tap into that all-important engagement.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Be engaging to begin with</h4>



It sounds simple enough, but one of the biggest mistakes companies make on social media is assuming that your followers are extremely interested in everything you post. In reality, if it doesn’t offer value to the customer (such as informing/inspiring/entertaining them etc), then why should they stop and pay attention. Let alone share it with friends?&nbsp;



If you are stuck in a rut, and all your posts are flatlining. Then it’s time <a href="https://coschedule.com/blog/social-media-post-ideas/">to research the type of content that will spice things up</a>. Perhaps you could share a blog post about your upcoming events. Do a giveaway or even run a straightforward poll asking people how they like their steak. It’s not always about too technical, rather delivering content that provokes a reaction, therefore, boosts engagement.&nbsp;



It pays to <a href="https://www.postplanner.com/facebook-post-ideas-for-businesses-that-guarantee-engagement/">go through your previous posts and see what did well, versus what didn’t</a>. Ask yourself if the image or message was weak, or if the timing could have been better. Sometimes, looking at things from a fresh perspective can be really useful. Perhaps even put it on a big screen and ask your staff for their feedback too.&nbsp;



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-effectively-design-social-media-posts/">https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-effectively-design-social-media-posts/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Remember it’s supposed to be sociable</h4>



Running a restaurant probably takes up most of your waking hours, but that doesn’t mean to say you can neglect your social media as a result. When companies respond and react to their customers on social media, this boosts engagement as a result.&nbsp;



If you really don’t have the time or knowledge. You may consider employing a social media manager or even outsourcing your social content to a marketing agency. Either way, ignoring it is the very opposite of what social media is about, and it’s definitely not a tactic that will win you new customers.&nbsp;



On Facebook, in particular, your stats <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/1625715647696553">showing how fast you respond to customers is public</a>. Imagine if someone was looking to ask about booking a table with you over Facebook, but they saw you take 3 days on average to respond?



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Try a sponsored campaign</h4>



Ideally, your social media followers and the engagement they can generate will happen organically, but sometimes this just isn’t the case. If you are a new restaurant to the area, it can take time to build up a decent following. When you’re trying to spread the word about your business, time isn’t a luxury you have.



In this instance (or if you just want to shake things up) <a href="https://sproutsocial.com/insights/topics/social-media-advertising/">you should consider doing a sponsored campaign through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram</a>. Essentially, by creating a campaign and agreeing on a budget in advance, your page will be exposed to thousands of people automatically. The amount you spend is up to you. The platform will display the expected number of engagements or actions to your page the amount is likely to generate.&nbsp;



It goes without saying that you should put a lot of thought and effort into the post. Not least because there are rules about what can be paid to be boosted. You also want it to have the maximum impact and get your money’s worth. Another factor considering here is the time at which you post the content. For example, few people are going to be interested in a breakfast deal at 3 pm in the afternoon, or a steak deal at 9 am on a Monday. Insight is key here.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h4>



Achieving a high level of social media engagement requires a consistent <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/rock-your-restaurant-with-wifi-and-instagram/">effort at delivering content</a> that is in tune with your audience. In addition, it should also have a clear purpose so that the message is understood and your objectives are achieved. If you really want to get those likes and shares flying in, then it has to be worth people’s while.&nbsp;



Here at Stampede, we’re on a mission to make it even easier for you to obtain customer insights that will boost your marketing campaigns and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">overall engagement</a>. Our software also allows you to boost your social media reach by redirecting them to your preferred channels once they&#8217;ve signed into your WiFi.

How to Get Higher Engagement on Social Media Channels

2023 Key Social Media Metrics To Track for Your Restaurant

Hannah Morgan

Great British Inns

Tammie Hurrell

Montpeliers Group

Grant Murray

CRU Holdings

Emma Luke-Ward

Lane7 Group

Steve Watson

Signature Pub Group

Nick Gregory

Society Manchester

Shivani Kenth

Zindiya Streatery & Bar

Graham Atkinson

Butta Burger

Chris Hughes

Mele Group

Chris Aitchison

Bar Tonic

Ieuan Davis

The Coal Exchange Hotel

Personalisation is an ultra-hot topic in HORECA. There’s no denying hospitality is a human art. The word describes the relationship between guest and host. We know that technology can put the ‘person’ into personalisation. Wait staff ask customers how they like their steak and coffee shops now offer a world of variation on the humble cup of coffee. But should businesses like yours adopt an even more personalised approach? What are the actual benefits of personalisation?







<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bolster your marketing efforts</h4>



When you need to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/tracking-digital-marketing-roi/">increase the ROI of your marketing</a>, targeting through personalisation gives you the edge. Tailoring your marketing makes your money work harder. We’ve covered the basics of how to get started with personalisation in Useful data for restaurant marketing. It’s most important to realise that personalisation can help at each stage of the customer journey. It informs campaigns so you use the right tactics to reach and <a href="http://www.hemingwayapp.com/#_msocom_1">influence your audience and boost your engagement</a>. Plus, you can serve your paid social ads, email offers and stories in a personalised way too.&nbsp;



Your personalised marketing efforts shouldn’t stop once a prospect becomes a customer either. By building up a profile of your guests, you know which special email offers will tempt them to visit you. Additional benefit to make it even more personalised, with Stampede, you can even choose to present your guests&#8217; different offers while they’re on site. Our stories feature gives an easy way to entice customers with the right offer.&nbsp;



You may be lucky enough to have great wait staff that get to know your customers, what they like and how to upsell them. But the reality of the hospitality industry is that you lose information when staff members leave. They move onto a new role and take that important customer rapport with them. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">By collecting the right data</a> to feed into your CRM, you can use personalisation to give all your staff a confident starting point. This makes connections easier to build and maintain.



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/personalise-your-customer-journey-at-your-restaurant/">https://stampede.ai/blog/personalise-your-customer-journey-at-your-restaurant/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Standout customer service</h4>



We recently wrote about personalisation as an important factor in <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-nail-customer-service-for-families/">customer service for families.</a> There are obvious benefits to offering picky-eating kids exactly what appeals to them. But why restrict such choices to children only? You could opt to provide personalisation at the ordering stage, like McDonald&#8217;s. They reported a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">30% rise in order values in US trials of self-ordering screens</a> and these screens have now made their way to the UK. The evidence suggests that when people are able to order something exactly how they like it with less fuss, they spend more. And isn’t smooth service good customer service?&nbsp;



To elevate service through personalisation, businesses can use technology to anticipate and meet customer preferences. This needn’t apply to the menu only. By incorporating order ahead or takeaway options, we give customers more control over their journey. It will be interesting to see if service levels become even more personalised in the future beyond the world of fast food. 



Could you offer customers a cheaper price for ordering via technology at the table? And would this encourage shy customers to order or visit you more? How about giving any noise-averse customers the option to book during a ‘quiet hour’ in the same way travellers can book a quiet coach?&nbsp;



Offering countless variations on every aspect of your menu or service is unlikely to be practical. But simply knowing some preferences are catered for can make choosing your venue simpler for individuals as well as groups. It’s not necessarily about offering overwhelming levels of choice. Customers want to feel listened to and valued. Whether that’s auto-filtering a menu for allergy sufferers or helping those with decision fatigue to make a faster choice. Like the ideal burger, ideal customer service differs between individuals, are you catering to your customer’s needs?&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Personalisation’s business lessons</h4>



You need to have some idea of your customer’s needs and preferences to cater to their personalisation want. But in doing so, you have the potential to gain further valuable information. Offer your burgers with or without gherkins and you may discover most of your customers don’t like them. This will allow you to save on stock and rethink your recipe.&nbsp;



Marketing can also be supercharged when you know what tempts individual and segments of visitors to visit you. You might even choose to use a guest’s previous ordering history to target marketing specifically to them before and during a visit. And you can be sure your message is delivered to them according to their preferences for a better response rate. 



Offer and analyse points of differentiation to see what makes your customers tick. In turn, this should improve your marketing reach, lead to more visits and higher sales. Personalisation can fuel everything from customer acquisition to more effective customer loyalty programmes.



If this sounds a little far-fetched, let us show you how bringing together this information together can be easier than you think. Our solution also integrates with CRM systems to help you better understand each customer journey. Are you ready to create tailored experiences that build loyalty for your business?



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The Benefits of Personalisation for HORECA Businesses

A lot of hospitality venues are offering ‘low-cost’ meal deals at the moment as a way to attract customers when budgets are tight.&nbsp;



Discounting is one option to keep your cash flow up, however, there are other tools you could use.&nbsp;



Think about how you can increase the actual value of what customers get from their experience.



Here are two ways to better retain cost-conscious customers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-customer-loyalty-program">1) Customer Loyalty Program</h2>



The past years have clearly shown how valuable loyal customers are as a reliable revenue source for businesses.



In fact, one-third of customers will spend more to secure loyalty points. So, a customer <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/making-a-success-of-loyalty-programs-part-ii">loyalty program</a> not only helps you bring customers back, but it also increases their spending.&nbsp;



To make your loyalty program a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/making-a-success-of-loyalty-programs-part-ii">proper success</a> consider additional benefits aside from monetary incentives or freebies.&nbsp;



This could be a priority booking option or special member-only events. It’s all about adding more value to your customer&#8217;s experience and setting yourself apart from others.



Tip: Make sure to check out our <a href="https://stampede.ai/downloads/8-tactics-to-increase-customer-spend">free loyalty guide</a>, featuring 8 tactics to increase your customer spend and a breakdown of different loyalty programs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2) Exclusive Community</h2>



Whilst your customer loyalty program is open to all your customers, an exclusive community only targets certain customer groups. Adding this extra exclusivity feeling to your loyalty program will further elevate customer engagement.



Plus, such a niche customer community also allows you to really personalise your perks and better tailor your marketing messaging.



Potential segmentations ideas:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Students</li><li>Families</li><li>Gender &#8211; ladie’s/men&#8217;s club</li><li>Neighbourhood customers &#8211; based on postcodes</li><li>Emergency Services/Military workers</li><li>Early birds / Night owls (first visitors, last visitors)</li></ul>



One great example is <a href="https://noodleunion.wagamama.com/">Wagamama’s Noddle Union</a>. Their program is aimed at students and includes monthly giveaways and prizes on top of regular deals to make signing up more attractive.



Learn more about our Loyalty feature <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-loyalty/">here</a>. Or get in touch with one of our team who are happy to run you through it.

2 Ways To Keep Your Footfall Up With Customer Loyalty

Who are your customers, and what exactly do they want? The fundamentals of what makes a business either work or fail ultimately come down to this one question, which can be explored by looking at the customer journey as a whole, as well as <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">personalisation</a>.







Both the customer journey and personalisation boils down to understanding all the interactions your customers are having with your business. It can be likened to your wait staff asking “how’s your meal?”, but looking at the broader picture.&nbsp;



By knowing about every aspect of your customer journey, and how customers are interacting with your business, you can begin to build a bigger picture of what they ultimately want from you.&nbsp;



If you own a restaurant and are looking to improve the understanding between your business and your customer base, here are some of the best places to start.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding The Customer Journey</h4>



The customer journey is not just the time from when they walk into your restaurant until they pay and then walk out again. Instead, the customer journey covers every interaction your restaurant has with your patrons.&nbsp;



For example, searching for your website &#8211; how easy is the process, and are they able to book online? Then there’s dining in your restaurant, what type of experience are they having? Are your wait staff attentive and knowledgeable about your food? The customer journey also extends to following up with them afterwards, in the form of feedback forms or marketing.



If you really want to get into the mindset of your customers, then i<a href="https://www.salesforce.com/uk/blog/2016/03/customer-journey-mapping-explained.html">t’s important to understand their overall journey</a> and how your business fits in with each of these milestones. After all, if there’s a weak link the chain, it can pull everything else down too.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Personalise The Experience</h4>



Restaurants are not simply a place to eat. From catch-ups to celebrations, they provide the backdrop to some of our most memorable events throughout our lives.&nbsp;



If a customer calls to book a table or room for a special event, it’s the perfect time to incorporate personalisation. After all, it’s a real honour to be chosen as the place to celebrate a milestone event in someone’s life.&nbsp;



As management, you should look to incorporate personal touches into the event. What steps can you take to make the experience unique, versus what a chain restaurant would do?&nbsp;



Personalisation is also about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6OwbWcFhfM">tailoring your business to meet a particular trend or demand</a>. For example, when you walk into a coffee shop &#8211; do they simply sell tea and coffee, or have they thought about caffeine-free options too?&nbsp;



The more people are able to personalise the experience, the more your business model is able to fit into their needs. Remember, happy customers, equals return customers!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Anticipating Their Needs</h4>



Starting with your restaurant, how comfortable is it for people to spend long periods of time in? If it’s a draughty old building with rigid seating, it’s probably not going to be great for spending hours catching up with friends. However, throwing some armchairs in and putting a log fire in there changes things completely. This is anticipating your customer&#8217;s needs.&nbsp;



If service is a little slow, what steps can you take to prevent customers from becoming irate? Serving free drinks or even having fresh bread on the table, can act as a natural buffer to this situation. After all, there’s nothing worse than waiting hours for food when you are hungry. Dealing with this scenario effectively before it becomes an issue, is also part of anticipating the needs of the customer.&nbsp;



In essence, <a href="https://smallbusiness.chron.com/topfive-basic-services-customer-needs-restaurant-24669.html">the more you get into the mindset of your restaurant clientele</a>, the more you can anticipate what steps need to be taken to reach them. Looking at steps that can be taken to minimise issues throughout all stages of your customer experience is what will set you apart from your competitors.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Take Inspiration From Other Service Industries</h4>



Think about the experience you have on a plane, and how the airline and flight attendants anticipate your every need. For example, passengers are hungry and thirsty. So snacks, food and drinks are regularly served. On-board entertainment is provided to keep you from becoming bored or restless.&nbsp;



There’s also <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherelliott/2018/07/11/these-companies-have-the-best-customer-service-heres-why/#750e6082b80a">a real emphasis on meeting the needs of the passengers</a>, provided by visible service at regular intervals. Someone has thought of all these things in advance, and as a reaction to previous feedback.



While your restaurant might be located firmly on solid ground rather than 30,000ft up, that doesn’t mean to say you can’t follow the same approach when it comes to anticipating your customer&#8217;s needs. It starts by asking what could be improved on, and what steps do you need to take to do this?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h4>



Customer service doesn’t stop when your patrons leave the building. By building <a href="https://stampede.ai/product/features/">a clear picture of your customer insights</a>, you can stay on top of their experiences, good and bad.&nbsp;



Getting to the heart of what your customer wants is the core of any business. At Stampede, our software has the exact same ethos. 



Start your journey to understand your customers&#8217; journey, as well as learning how to personalise your business based on <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">real-time analytical data</a>.&nbsp;



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Personalise Your Customer Journey at Your Restaurant

When we welcome new customers to Stampede and show them the marketing feature, there are often&nbsp;3 big questions when it comes to sending times and frequency. So, we’ve gathered these 3 common email marketing questions together and grilled our own marketing team for some answers to share with you.



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-when-is-the-best-time-to-send-an-email-campaign">1. When is the best time to send an email campaign?</h4>



No doubt, the right timing has a big impact on the success of your email campaigns.&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.marketo.com/articles/the-best-time-to-send-emails/" target="_blank">Research shows</a>&nbsp;that the best sending time for the&nbsp;hospitality industry is between 8 and 10am, whereas&nbsp;marketing emails get the highest results at 4pm. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all time for best email performance. It’ll be specific to your industry, business and customers.



A good starting point is to look into your social media&nbsp;stats&nbsp;to find out when your customers are online and engaging with your content. Historic email data, especially your open rates, also give you a hint on which times usually work best for you.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bluecorona.com/blog/mobile-marketing-statistics/" target="_blank">Around 75% of consumers will access their emails on their phones</a>. Think about when your customers might check their inbox during the day and are most likely to have time to read it. This will probably be at times before work, during their lunch break and after work/late evening. However, the right time also depends on the customer demographic, e.g. families have different daily habits than business people.&nbsp;



The&nbsp;actual email content matters&nbsp;as well. Your longer monthly newsletter is something your customers can read after work or even during the weekend. Whereas your short and punchy lunch offers will ideally land in their inbox around the time people start thinking about where to go for food.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Which day is the best to send emails?</h4>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.marketo.com/articles/the-best-time-to-send-emails/" target="_blank">Statistics show that Tuesday and Thursday</a>&nbsp;are in general the best performing days of the week for emails.&nbsp;



However,&nbsp;always consider your content and its relevance. Are you trying to fill in empty tables due to cancellations? Or are you trying to promote any upcoming events in the next month? Regardless, you should always send time-sensitive offers based on their own timeline before considering overall industry best practices (ideally within your ideal time slots).&nbsp;



And again, dive into your own data and compare different weekdays to the weekends to see where you can get the best responses. You can also start your own A/B test and experiment with different days. Social media analytics will also provide you with the days of the week.



There’s only one golden rule for days:&nbsp;avoid public holidays&nbsp;if you can.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. How many times a month is considered the optimum for emailing customers?</h4>



The important bit here is to&nbsp;be consistent&nbsp;and to come up with your own schedule. If you do it randomly, you might end up sending too many or not enough. Watch out for increasing opt-out rates, this is a sign of emailing too frequently. And always bear in mind,&nbsp;only send out emails that provide value&nbsp;to your customers and not just because it&#8217;s time to send one.



Your loyal customers especially will appreciate tailored offers and updates coming through on a more regular basis. They’re highly engaged and want to hear from you.



Your schedule could be weekly, bi-weekly or only monthly. You could, for example, do a monthly newsletter recap about your company and send out emails with offers in between whenever relevant.



Need a hand with <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/#email">sending your emails</a> to your customers?&nbsp;Or got more questions around email marketing? <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="mailto:contact@stampede.ai?subject=&amp;body=" target="_blank">Get in touch</a>&nbsp;with our team.

3 Big Hospitality Email Marketing Questions Answered

24 social media content ideas for week 27th of December:



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<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monday-27th-fruitcake-day">Monday 27th &#8211; Fruitcake Day</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Cake offer</li><li>Poll idea: Yay or nay &#8211; fan of raisins?</li><li><a href="https://www.mashed.com/283751/the-best-christmas-cakes-from-around-the-world/">Fruitcakes from around the world</a></li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Monday 27th &#8211; Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-a-paper-snowflake-226204?">Paper-cutting competition</a> for the kids &#8211; show us your snowflakes</li><li>Get creative &#8211; snowflake decoration ideas</li><li><a href="https://earthsky.org/earth/how-do-snowflakes-get-their-shape/">Did you know</a> … there are more than 30 types of snowflake shapes</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday 28th &#8211; Chocolate Candy Day</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Count the candies challenge &#8211; how many are in the jar?</li><li>What is the<a href="https://yougov.co.uk/ratings/food/popularity/confectionaries/all"> most popular UK candy</a>? &#8211; Maltesers</li><li>What’s your favourite childhood chocolate candy?</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday 29th &#8211; Still Need To Do Day or Tick Tock Day</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Anything left on your to-do list?</li><li>How do you unwind? Get into nature, listen to music, entertainment escape or exercise?</li><li>Share your team’s motivational play list</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday 30st &#8211; Bacon Day</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Breakfast offer</li><li>How do you like yours? Crispy? Thick vs Thin? Back or Streacky? Have you tried vegan bacon?</li><li><a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/bacon-recipes">Bacon recipe inspiration</a></li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday 30st &#8211; Resolution Planning Day</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Company update &#8211; share any upcoming plans for 2022</li><li>Are you sticking to your resolutions? <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2795719">Share tips</a> to make them work</li><li><a href="https://www.goskills.com/Soft-Skills/Resources/Top-10-new-years-resolutions">Top 5 New Year’s resolutions</a> &#8211; Exercise more, lose weight, get organised, learn a new skill or hobby, live life to the fullest</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Friday 31st &#8211; Champagne Day</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Offer on champagne drinks</li><li>What’s your favourite <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/champagne-cocktail-recipes">champagne based cocktail</a>?</li><li>Share fun facts &#8211; one bottle contains almost 50 million bubbles, a flying cork can reach speeds up to 64 km/h</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">Sunday 2nd &#8211; Motivation &amp; Inspiration Day</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Share <a href="https://www.oberlo.co.uk/blog/motivational-quotes">motivational quote</a></li><li>Any big plans for the new year?</li><li>Who motivates and inspires you?</li></ul>

24 Buzz-Worthy Content Ideas For Week 27.12.21

Short-form video is one of the big social media trends&nbsp;for this year. If done right, this sort of content is one of the most engaging ones and certainly delivers high results. We’ve put together a&nbsp;selection of various online resources that will help you create high-performing video content.



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Here’s all you need to know from the setup to the editing and the content to get you started.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-the-setup">1) The Setup</h4>



Before you kick-off, make sure you consider the format of your video. Most short-form videos are filmed&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/BYqbcqqhCVo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vertically</a>&nbsp;to make them fit to Instagram Reels and TikTok.



Also, short-form can be any video length between&nbsp;30 seconds and 2 minutes. So, make sure to keep it short and sweet when creating video content.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-get-the-lighting-right">How to get the lighting right</h5>



This popular&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/how-to-do-tiktoks-viral-photo-editing-hack-1622171/" target="_blank">TikTok photo hack</a>&nbsp;will help you get your image settings on spot for the perfect shot.



A more&nbsp;detailed lighting guide&nbsp;on food filming can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deadpixelfilms.com/blog/lighting-food-video-in-a-busy-working-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. It will give you some more tips and tricks on how different settings could work for you.



If you want to showcase individual dishes and avoid distracting shadows a light box is what you need. Get instructions for a handy<a href="https://www.flaxandtwine.com/2013/02/diy-photo-light-box-a-finish-fifty-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;DIY light box&nbsp;here</a>,&nbsp;build from a cardboard box.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-best-present-food">How to best present food</h5>



It is all about putting your dishes in the right spotlight and making your customers’ mouths watery.



In essence, you can apply the same principles that work for food photography to filming. Watch this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMGqeBuI1T0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short video</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrewscrivani/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andrew Scrivani</a>, a well-known food photographer, sharing his ultimate best practices.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="2-the-editing">2) The Editing</h4>



You want to stand out on your customers’ feeds, so get creative when editing. You can also try and stick to a&nbsp;theme&nbsp;that will make your videos recognisable. Find some free and ready-to-use&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.canva.com/tiktok-videos/templates/" target="_blank">TikTok</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.canva.com/templates/?query=instagram-reels-videos" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;templates on Canva.



Also, make sure to check out this easy to follow&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-reels-tutorial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tutorial to get your reel editing on point.</a>&nbsp;Everything you need to know from adding music, filters, green screens to making time-lapses and remixing.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-use-filters-effects">How to use filters &amp; effects</h5>



??The choice of filters and effects seems to be endless. Have a look at these tips on&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bustle.com/life/how-to-search-tiktok-filters" target="_blank">finding and saving high-performing filters</a>.



Besides, the green screen effect can be really useful. It lets you change your background into literally anything you like.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enmKA97eIuQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here’s how you use it</a>.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-add-sound-effects">How to add sound effects</h5>



Just missing the perfect background music for your video? Get inspired by the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://thepreviewapp.com/trending-instagram-reels-songs-audio/" target="_blank">90 most popular Instagram Reel songs</a>. Or have a look at this useful article on how to choose the right&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://later.com/blog/tiktok-sounds/" target="_blank">TikTok sound</a>&nbsp;alongside your video.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="free-editing-apps">Free editing apps</h5>



Make editing your videos a lot easier and quicker with an editing app. Here’re the 3 most popular ones. The best part is they’re for free!



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.capcut.net/" target="_blank">CapCut</a>&#8211;&nbsp;TikTok’s own tool</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://inshot.com/" target="_blank">InShot</a>&nbsp;&#8211; all-in-one tool</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.zoomerang.app/" target="_blank">Zoomerang</a>&nbsp;&#8211; including tutorials</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="3-the-content">3) The Content</h4>



When looking for content ideas, the most important part is to stay authentic and true to your brand. This is what makes videos such a powerful and engaging tool.



Get inspired by some great industry examples:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUcZg95o6tt" target="_blank">Introduce your venue</a></li><li>Showcase a&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZS-375hr-Z" target="_blank">dish</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@urbantandoorbristol/video/7038657441826884869?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id6918430262649947653" target="_blank">menu</a>&nbsp;highlights</li><li>Highlight&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CW8Uis8jigD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">seasonal&nbsp;</a>events or&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CSSCL-AATqV/" target="_blank">promote</a>&nbsp;events</li><li>How to&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWD-FrgtbRF" target="_blank">make your favourite dish</a>&nbsp;(<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyz0C7i3ysU" target="_blank">cooking video tips</a>)</li><li>Go&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWbelgjI_ew" target="_blank">behind the scenes</a></li><li>A&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CS_d6kYgeI1" target="_blank">day in the life</a>&nbsp;of &#8230;</li><li>Share&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYcLDAFB4CG" target="_blank">customer stories</a></li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@poppycooks/video/6927752424480345350?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id6918430262649947653" target="_blank">Kitchen</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CUXnp_vDY_W" target="_blank">cocktail mixing</a>&nbsp;hack</li><li>Introducing your&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTmACnAIiJc" target="_blank">loyalty program</a></li></ul>



Want to start turning social media fans in to loyal customers, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/get-loyalty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital stamp card system</a>. Or&nbsp;<a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get in touch</a>&nbsp;to find out more.

How To Create Engaging Video Content [25+ Free Resources]

One prominent trend in the hospitality industry is the rising&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://mailchi.mp/exp101/good-morning-ring-an-old-friend-today?e=68c993fe11" target="_blank">customer demand for personalisation</a>. Personalisation is your key ingredient to creating a&nbsp;memorable customer experience. An experience that makes customers come back and spread the word about you.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



 Simply put, personalisation is an easy and straightforward way to stand out, increase your sales and grow your business.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-you-should-focus-more-on-personalisation">Why you should focus more on personalisation</h4>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.revinate.com/blog/infographic-personalization-struggle-hotel-marketing/" target="_blank">62% of customers say they have recommended, chosen, or paid more for a brand that provides personalised service</a>.



It’s time to move away from the one-size-fits-all approach many businesses still rely on. Customers want to be understood as individuals and served according to their needs.



Data helps you to unlock the huge potential&nbsp;for a personalised experience. However, gathering data often raises concerns around security and the assumption that customers would not want to give their details away.



Despite that, recent studies have shown that&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.fsrmagazine.com/expert-takes/diners-crave-personalized-experiences-are-you-delivering?fbclid=IwAR3vB4e9iY0arMVdccpQQjmj99MSe0_HZn087oYLY-7vbAyxKtEZ0kApFvA" target="_blank">84% of customers say they trust restaurants with their personal data if it translates to a better, more personalised experience</a>.&nbsp;



So, make sure to use the data and derive real value from it to create targeted and relevant offers.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-grow-your-business-with-personalisation">How to grow your business with personalisation</h4>



Personalisation is not only about satisfying your customers&#8217; needs. There is more it can do to grow your businesses.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="foster-customer-loyalty">Foster customer loyalty</h5>



Personalisation is the foundation of your relationship building. If you greet your customers by name whilst already preparing their favourite coffee it might not be a big deal for you. But will definitely be remembered by your customers. Think of how Starbucks is applying this principle by calling customers by their first name when their order is ready.



The same applies to keeping track of dietary requirements and food preferences to adjust your personalised menu recommendations accordingly.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="increase-revenue">Increase revenue</h5>



In addition, remembering customer preferences based on past purchases gives you an easy&nbsp;opportunity to upsell. You know what they like, so why not proactively offer it to them when taking their order.&nbsp;



Also, email campaigns that include&nbsp;personalised offers and deals come with a much higher conversion rate (up to 6x). Start building customer mailing list segments based on transactional behaviour, interactions and demographics to better tailor your campaigns.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="boost-word-of-mouth">Boost word of mouth</h5>



We all like to share special moments with others. So whenever you exceed your customers’ expectations chances are that they will recommend you, post about you and leave a positive review. This will, of course, bring in new customers.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="improve-operational-efficiency">Improve operational efficiency</h5>



 If you know what customers want and like you can&nbsp;better predict trends. Give them more of what they like and take unpopular items off your menu. This will also help you towards better inventory management and further reduce costs.



 Watch out for <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-bring-customers-back-using-customer-data-and-personalisation-part-ii/">Part II of this blog article</a>, about what is needed to create a personalised experience, including some inspiring ideas.



Need help sending out <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/">tailored email &amp; SMS campaigns</a>?&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request" target="_blank">Get in touch</a>&nbsp;with one of our&nbsp;team who are happy to run you through it.

Drive Revenue And Loyalty With Personalisation [Part I]

Who handles your restaurant&#8217;s marketing and PR? Does your restaurant chain have someone Instagram-ing in head office? Maybe you have an agency that manages your press and social profiles? Or do expect your manager and their team to generate the hype? If marketing and PR isn’t anyone’s remit right now, you’ll definitely want to read this. In this post, we&#8217;re talking through the pros and cons of trusting people inside and outside of your business to keep those customers coming.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Your General Manager



In single-venue HORECA restaurants businesses, marketing and PR often fall to the General Manager. Even in chains, managers are frequently expected to take the lead on promotions and events. Your manager should know your business and customer base inside out. But let&#8217;s be honest, depending on their background, they may not be particularly qualified to carry out your marketing. 



General Managers who are ideas people are likely to have good suggestions for plugging gaps in custom or attracting new diners. But do they know how best to reach those people or how to get ROI from your PR and marketing budget? And do they really have the time to dedicate to executing proper campaigns? Managing social media profiles, organising press nights and planning events is time-consuming. There’s no denying that General Managers tend to be an incredibly dedicated bunch. But with all the operational stuff to deal with, it&#8217;s hard for a General Manager to run promotional efforts to their full potential. And of course, there&#8217;s the important issue of their work-life balance to consider too.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Staff Members</h4>



There are some pretty attractive advantages to keeping marketing and promotion activities in-house. Your staff should know your brand, offering and customers better than outsiders. If you have someone on-site handling things it&#8217;s easier to be reactive too. For example, you can advertise availability following a last-minute table cancellation. Or you could promote a particular dish or drink that matches the weather forecast, something that’s tricky to plan in advance.



You find you already have some staff members with useful marketing and PR skills. Is one of your team studying <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/rock-your-restaurant-with-wifi-and-instagram/">photography</a> or into blogging? Encouraging staff members to combine an interest in marketing with a front of house or junior management role can prove savvy for smaller businesses. 



This way, the people at the heart of the action are those driving marketing. Being able to grow your marketing and PR efforts in-house like this can be a real plus when you’re <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-take-perfect-food-image-for-instagram/">working with a limited budget</a>. It also has the potential to guide an individual’s self-development as they acquire other marketing and PR skills.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">A Dedicated Marketing Manager</h4>



In independents with several sites or chains, it’s much more common to find dedicated marketing and PR manager. These guys plan communications and promotions across venues while applying brand consistency. If your business isn&#8217;t quite at this stage yet, having a dedicated marketing person might seem like a big financial commitment, but it can actually offer really good value. You know that the person in charge of your marketing dedicates all their time to drive your business and brand forward. 



According to <a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salary/Restaurant-Group-Marketing-Manager-Salaries-E10835_D_KO17,34.htm">Glassdoor</a>, the average salary in the UK for a Restaurant Group Marketing Manager is between £36,000 and £39,000. A manager working with one site would command substantially less. Take the time to set goals and track ROI of your hire and you’ll see how much value they bring to your business.&nbsp;



The actions of a good marketing and PR manager ought to win you consistent custom as well as coverage. And with time to dedicate to individual events and campaigns as well as an overall strategy, you should find marketing and PR types feed trends and market insights back into your business.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">A Marketing or PR Agency</h4>



If you want to work with someone or a group of people who have marketing or PR skills and experience but would prefer not to commit to employing your own member of staff, hiring a marketing or PR agency is a common choice. You can hire an agency or freelancer to work on your business launch or on a specific campaign such as a new menu launch or event promotion. Or, you might opt to work with them on a retainer basis.



Narrow the field by working with people who have a specific focus on hospitality and you should expect to benefit from their established network of press and influencers. You’ll also want to be reassured that they have plenty of ideas to help your business shine. But can anyone external to the business fully get what it’s about? Vickie Rogers, Managing Director at&nbsp;<a href="https://northpr.co.uk/abouthttps://northpr.co.uk/about">North PR</a>&nbsp;thinks that hiring a professional is often the key to telling the best stories for your audience, something that’s often easier when you’re on the outside looking in.&nbsp;



She told us: “Owning a restaurant/bar/cafe in this day in age is hard. It&#8217;s an incredibly competitive market and customers are much more picky about where they spend their money. You have to shout louder and with more compelling stories than the place next door.&nbsp;&#8220;



“I personally think that freelance/agency PR/social support for restaurants is a really cost-effective way of getting an experienced team who can develop campaigns that deliver. You don&#8217;t know what you don&#8217;t know, and many businesses don&#8217;t tell the right stories about their business. Creating a compelling narrative that &#8216;turns on&#8217; their customers, sometimes, can only be unearthed by an external independent team.”&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Super-charging your efforts</h4>



For many restaurants, the biggest factor in deciding who handles marketing and PR inevitably comes down to budget. When a restaurant or bar is starting out they often rely on the General Manager or team members to do most of the everyday promotion. They may bring in agency specialists for important campaigns. It’s when a business goes multi-site that they’re likely to hire a group restaurant manager and step their efforts up. Whichever avenue you head down, the key to getting the most for your money is to consistently set clear goals and continually measure progress. 



It’s also important to use all the tools at your disposal. As Vickie points out – you don’t know what you don’t know. At STAMPEDE WiFi, we work with businesses of all sizes to use analytics and data to supercharge their marketing efforts. Whoever is handling your restaurant marketing and PR, our experience shows that the right data can help direct your marketing budget more effectively and keep customers coming back.



Find out how STAMPEDE can enhance your marketing and customer experience<a href="https://stampede.youcanbook.me/">.</a>



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Who Should Handle Your Restaurant’s PR and Marketing?

With restrictions easing and working from home guidance changing across the country, a large number of people will start to return to offices soon. This means a big source of trade is starting up again with people commuting to work and back. And not forgetting all those potential customers working in offices close to your business.&nbsp;Increase your daily foot traffic with our marketing tips and tricks. 



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To make the most out of this regained foot traffic, you should rethink your offers and marketing promotions and start reaching out to this “new/old” audience.&nbsp;



People&#8217;s behaviour has changed in the last 18 months. Chances are that they might have gotten used to their new routines of preparing food at home. So, it’s up to you to remind them to re-establish their old routines.



We’ve come up with 4 promotional ideas to help you increase your daily foot traffic:



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-promotional-tips-to-boost-sales-from-commuters">4 Promotional Tips to Boost Sales from Commuters</h5>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-get-the-messaging-right">1. Get the messaging right</h5>



Most of us have a certain morning ritual. And for many people, this used to be a quick on-the-way-to-work meal and/or coffee to go.



With working from home, those breakfast sales, which usually come with a big profit margin, have suffered a lot. A similar situation happened during lunchtimes.&nbsp;



To get people back into their old habits, you have to really tap into the benefits. How much more convenient and tasty for customers to stop by your venue instead of having to prepare it all at home. Here&#8217;s some inspiration:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>“Save valuable time in the morning”</li><li>“We’ve got breakfast sorted for you, so that you can sleep in a little longer”</li><li>“Start off your working day with a proper cup of coffee”</li><li>“We’ve got you covered for lunch, no more weekly lunch planning needed”</li><li>“Same daily question, what’s for lunch today? But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Simply pop by …”</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-introduce-grab-and-go-menus">2. Introduce grab-and-go menus</h5>



<a href="https://www.restaurantware.com/blog/post/how-to-build-a-grab-and-go-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches or snack bites</a> are great to satisfy the needs of busy workers to get an instant feed. Plus, they help you to take off some stress in your service and kitchen operations during peak times, as you can easily prepare them in advance.&nbsp;



To <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/loyalty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boost sales further</a>, combine them with an enticing offer or introduce a “grab and go” only daily special. Think about incorporating food &amp; dietary trends in your boxes to make them more attractive.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-create-after-work-buzz">3. Create after-work buzz</h5>



Happy hours are a classic promotion to bring in after-work crowds. We all love to meet up and unwind with co-workers and friends after a long day at work.&nbsp;



Discounts on drinks (2-4-1) and appetisers, special prices for selected food and drink combos, small plates or shareable snacks are just a few ideas for your happy hour.



Those deals are known to work well to give your bottom-line a profit boost. To make your happy hour a success, create a special menu based on your most popular, high-margin items.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-promote-office-delivery">4. Promote office delivery</h5>



You’ve probably used the past year to ramp up and optimise your delivery business. Now you only need to promote it to offices around you.



Think about offering package meal deals and discounts for group orders. You might as well start off with a “free delivery” promotion to offices close by.&nbsp;



Also, make sure your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/get-found-by-more-customers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google My Business is up to date</a> so that your venue will show up in “near me “ searches.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonus-tip-run-a-business-of-the-day-promotion">Bonus Tip &#8211; Run a “Business of the Day” promotion</h5>



This can help you to <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/loyalty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turn your neighbours into regulars</a>&nbsp;and spread the word about your business.&nbsp;



Simply pick a nearby business and provide them with free/discounted food/drinks or let them test a sample lunch menu. Alternatively, you can run this as a social media competition for local businesses to take part in (&#8220;tag your co-workers and lunch buddies!&#8221;) to win a special deal.



Turn all this extra daily foot traffic into loyal customers who visit time and again with our <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/loyalty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital stamp card</a> solution. <a href="contact@stampede.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reach out to our team </a>to find out more.&nbsp;

4 Promotional Tips to Increase Your Daily Foot Traffic

In order to ensure ongoing success, hospitality businesses need to look for innovative strategies that will help them acquire and retain customers, run their operations more smoothly and increase revenue.



More and more turn to Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is a powerful tech tool that can support all sorts of areas in hospitality.



In this blog post, we’ll look at 4 AI use cases for hospitality operators who are serious about getting ahead with technology.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-personalised-service-with-ai">1. Personalised service with AI</h2>



Customers crave personalised experiences and services tailored to their specific needs



With the help of highly sophisticated algorithms, AI can segment customer data quickly, analysing it based on patterns, demographics, historical spending, and interactions.&nbsp;



This enables businesses to deliver targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with individual customers. AI also empowers staff to offer a more customised experience based on previous guest behaviour and preferences. This further encourages loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.&nbsp;



AI can equally help to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/another-5-step-recipe-how-to-easily-win-back-lost-customers-part-2-of-5">detect and retain lost customers</a> by using pre-defined triggers and employing automated campaigns to bring them back and turn them into loyal customers.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-content-output">2. Content output</h2>



With the rise of AI, marketers can craft captivating and converting content quickly and efficiently.&nbsp;



One of the primary benefits is its ability to generate all sorts of marketing content. Common examples are social media posts, emails, and website content. It massively speeds up the creation process and helps marketers save time and resources.



Additionally, the technology can translate content into multiple languages, making it easier to reach international audiences. This is especially handy for hotels.&nbsp;



Another advantage of using AI for content creation is that it can help boost your SEO strategy. By incorporating relevant keywords into your content, you increase your website’s chances of appearing higher in Google&#8217;s search engine results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-ai-powered-sentiment-analysis">3. AI-powered sentiment analysis</h2>



It can be overwhelming to sift through and answer mountains of online reviews and social media comments.



That&#8217;s where AI sentiment analysis comes into play. AI uses algorithms to identify common keywords and interpret customer sentiment. This way businesses can get a better understanding of their customer&#8217;s needs and how they feel about the brand. The information can then be used to identify common trends and issues that customers face and to improve products and services.&nbsp;



AI can also craft automated and customised review responses. Customers&#8217; concerns can therefore be addressed in a timely manner and if needed, passed on to a member of staff to handle them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-chatbots">4. Chatbots</h2>



Hospitality businesses are increasingly turning to chatbots to help streamline customer service and improve the overall guest experience. Plus, they are available 24/7.



Chatbots can assist with a variety of tasks and help overcome staff shortages.&nbsp;



They can provide answers to common questions, take orders for room service or restaurant reservations, and help guests with other enquiries such as housekeeping service. They can even make recommendations based on customer preferences.



Furthermore, Chatbots can be integrated with voice assistants. This allows for a more natural user experience and eliminates the need to type out long commands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



There are many ways AI tools can support hospitality operators nowadays which makes it worth investing no matter the size of the business.



From providing personalised service, creating more content in less time, and observing customer sentiment more accurately to making use of automated chatbots. All these things combined can result in significant increases in revenue for business owners.&nbsp;



AI is also highly adaptable, so operators can modify their strategy as the situation requires. This ensures that they can be prepared for any change that comes their way.



Make sure to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/ai-in-hospitality-marketing-a-complete-guide">check out our full guide</a> exploring AI for hospitality marketing.

4 Revenue-Driving AI Tools For Hospitality Operators

Marketing automation on its own is powerful. However, when backed up with a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-create-a-hospitality-crm-strategy-that-drives-results">Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system</a> hospitality businesses can take their revenue and customer loyalty to the next level.



This clever tech pairing comes with significant opportunities to engage and retain customers, drive conversions and significantly boost profit margins.



In this blog post, we&#8217;ll explore what marketing automation fueled by a CRM system means and review some best practices as well as real-life examples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-marketing-automation">What is marketing automation?</h2>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-1-definition">1.1. Definition</h4>



Marketing automation is a tool for businesses to streamline their marketing efforts and effectively communicate with their customers using personalisation and targeted messaging.



The driver behind this automation is customer data, which is collected and stored in the CRM solution. Many <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing">CRMs</a> now include a marketing automation feature, allowing for easier campaign management and tracking.



Emails and SMS campaigns are sent out automatically using pre-defined triggers, such as specific customer characteristics or interactions.&nbsp;



Plus, automation saves staff a lot of time and also reduces the risk of human error.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-2-trigger-based-campaign-examples">1.2. Trigger-based campaign examples</h4>



Here are some trigger-based campaign examples hospitality venues should implement.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>New newsletter subscribers &#8211; a simple welcome message drives engagement and encourages revisits.</li>



<li>Win-back lost customers &#8211; attract them back with a special deal.</li>



<li>Birthday surprise offer &#8211; shows that you value your customers and helps strengthen your relationship.</li>



<li>Online review booster &#8211; an automated post-visit review request email will keep guest feedback flowing.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



The required customer data for those campaigns can easily be extracted from the CRM through segmentation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-key-reasons-to-implement-marketing-automation">4 key reasons to implement marketing automation</h2>



Marketing automation benefits hospitality businesses in a number of ways.



Firstly, it allows nurturing customers towards long-term loyalty through personalised and targeted content. Customers are more likely to feel valued and appreciated when the messages they receive resonate with their specific interests and needs.&nbsp;



Secondly, personalised emails have proven to be more relevant and therefore have a higher conversion rate. In fact, they have a <a href="https://www.campaignmonitor.com/blog/email-marketing/how-personalization-and-automation-can-supercharge-email-conversions/">2.5 times higher click-through rate</a> than a generic email.



Thirdly, marketing automation also provides businesses with additional sales and upsell opportunities based on historic customer interaction in-venue and online.



Finally, once the setup is complete, automated campaigns don’t require much work as they run automatically. This allows your team to focus on other areas of the business.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-practice-tips">Best practice tips</h2>



Marketing automation has become an increasingly important tool in the hospitality industry. However, to be truly effective, some best practices should be considered.&nbsp;



Firstly, input from various data sources through your CRM is crucial. By collating data from your tech tools, such as <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi">Guest Wifi</a>, <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/loyalty">loyalty scheme</a> and <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-bookings">table booking platform</a>, you can build a comprehensive customer profile.



Furthermore, to make the best use of the data, it&#8217;s important to segment it into distinct customer groups. To make it easier, use the pre-defined data segments provided by CRM solutions.



Finally, operators should regularly check their triggers to ensure their automation work effectively and that customers still receive relevant and timely communications.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-hospitality-operators-succeed-with-marketing-automation">How hospitality operators succeed with marketing automation</h2>



Here are some real-life examples from hospitality businesses that have used their CRM to automate their marketing processes.



<a href="https://stampede.ai/customer/bar-tonic">Bar Tonic</a> has seen astonishing results from their automated birthday emails, offering customers a martini on the house. So far, they’ve generated over £10,000 return visit ROI from it.&nbsp;



Another marketing automation usage example comes from the <a href="https://stampede.ai/customer/signature-pub-group">Signature Pub Group</a>. By automating their review request emails, they’ve managed to collect more than 12,000 reviews in a short period of time.



Marketing automation not only increases sales but is also a real time-saver. For example, <a href="https://stampede.ai/customer/birdhouse-london">Birdhouse London</a> is able to 2 hours per week since implementing it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Takeaway</h2>



There is no doubt that marketing automation are an essential tool for any hospitality operator that wants to increase customer loyalty.



By laying down the foundation with a powerful CRM system and then leveraging it with personalised messages tailored to specific customer segments, they can make sure that their guests are engaged and keep coming back.&nbsp;

Increase Sales With Your CRM And Marketing Automation

Are you looking for ways to optimise your hospitality operations and make data-driven decisions that will grow your bottom line? If so, one of the most valuable tools to use for this is your CRM dashboard.



In this blog post, we&#8217;ll give tips on how to customise your CRM dashboard to make sure you get the most out of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-customise-your-crm-dashboard">How to customise your CRM dashboard</h2>



A well-tailored CRM dashboard can be a powerful tool for improving team productivity and accelerating growth.&nbsp;



To achieve this, start by mapping out what you need from your dashboard. What metrics are most important to your business? What information do you need at a glance?&nbsp;



Once you have a clear understanding of your requirements, get input from your team. What features or information do they find most helpful on a dashboard? This ensures that everyone&#8217;s needs are taken into account.&nbsp;



Finally, consider making use of templates to streamline the customisation process. Many <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/analytics">hospitality CRM platforms</a> come with pre-built dashboard templates that can be modified to fit your specific needs.&nbsp;



Taking time to customise your CRM dashboard can save you time in the long run and help ensure that you&#8217;re making data-driven decisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-set-up-personalised-goals">Set up personalised goals</h2>



It&#8217;s important to have a CRM dashboard that&#8217;s built around your specific needs in order to meet your sales and marketing goals.



By tailoring your goals to correspond with the metrics that are most significant to your business, you can quickly gauge your current situation.&nbsp;



For example, hospitality marketers want to focus on metrics such as tracking return in-venue visits, repeat bookings or marketing return on investment (ROI).



Make sure to limit your key performance indicators (KPIs) to the most important ones only. This way, you&#8217;ll be able to get an instant picture of your current situation and take the necessary steps to achieve your overall goals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-your-dashboard-user-friendly">Make your dashboard user-friendly</h2>



The importance of a user-friendly CRM dashboard cannot be emphasised enough. It plays a crucial role in keeping your business operations running smoothly.&nbsp;



Imagine having to spend precious time trying to decipher complex data instead of using it to make informed decisions. This is where visuals and design come in.&nbsp;



Mix up the visuals and use different graphs. This helps you create a customised CRM dashboard that is not only easy to understand but also visually appealing. In just one glance, you should be able to analyse the data and extract the relevant insights.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gain-actionable-insights-from-your-crm-dashboard">Gain actionable insights from your CRM dashboard</h2>



Maximising the value of your hospitality CRM dashboard requires more than just accumulating data.



With selected filters applied to your reports, you can compare the performance of different metrics and KPIs side-by-side. This provides you with insights that guide your sales and marketing strategies moving forward.&nbsp;



You can, for example, compare data between your venues over a given time period to understand exactly how each location is performing and adjust your tactics accordingly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Getting the most out of a CRM dashboard is key to success and should be part of your overall <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-create-a-hospitality-crm-strategy-that-drives-results">CRM strategy</a>. Don&#8217;t settle for surface-level data, dive deeper with your dashboard to turn raw data into real results by customising your CRM.



From customising it to your individual needs, setting personalised goals, and ensuring that it is user-friendly. Taking these steps can help you gain actionable insights and make informed decisions.&nbsp;



You should always ensure that the CRM dashboard is constantly evolving with your business changes. This will ensure you are maximising output and have an ever-evolving game plan that yields tangible results.

How To Build A Customisable Hospitality CRM Dashboard

Mother’s Day is one of those occasions that should be boldly marked on all calendars. As a business, you don’t only want to play your role in honouring moms around the world but you also want to use the event to your advantage from a marketing perspective. So, get ready for Mother&#8217;s Day with our creative promotion ideas for your venue.







Did you know that an average of <a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/87m-adults-visit-restaurant-mothers-day-survey-says">87 million adults take their mothers out</a> to a restaurant for Mother’s Day each year? This makes the day worthy of some strategic marketing efforts that will help you to surpass your month’s target. 



In case you are <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/free-restaurant-promotions-ideas/">short on creative promotion ideas</a> for the upcoming Mother&#8217;s Day, don’t worry, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re rustling up some Mother’s Day campaigns for the first time or you are looking for new and trendy ideas, our fun and innovative tips below will help you get off to a successful start.



8 Brilliant Ways to Engage Your Audiences This Mother’s Day:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Start by Advertising Your Mother’s Day Promotion as A Rare Event</h4>



Even though the occasion comes around once every year, it doesn’t mean that you cannot market this Mother’s Day as “THE” Mother’s Day of all mother’s days. By marketing your Mother’s Day event as a “once-off never to happen again occasion”, you’ll create a sense of urgency. This should intrigue your repeat customers as well as potential new ones.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Let Your Audiences Know That Moms Will Get Special Treatment</h4>



Your audiences want their moms to get extra special treatment on this very special day. So, plan a treat and let it be known to the world! Whether you hand out chocolates, flowers, or a free glass of wine, make sure your patrons know what’s going to be in store for them.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Create A Unique Dining Experience</h4>



Your regular patrons may look for a new venue to celebrate Mother’s Day unless you give them a reason to stick around. We suggest you spice things up a little. Instead of serving your regular lunch, why not host a high-tea, a Champaign breakfast, or a cocktail evening?



By creating a unique dining experience, you get to hold on to your regular customers and at the same time, you can encourage new ones to enter your doors.



Also, if you plan your event right, you will create a lasting impression and new guests may just visit you again to try out your regular menu.&nbsp; &nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Connect with Local Mom’s Groups</h4>



This is targeted marketing at its finest. For Mother’s Day, you want to host moms and their families galore. So, where better to find moms than at your local mom’s groups! Yup, you can plan your unique event and then send promotional flyers and emails to nearby churches, day-cares, and other organisations that are woman-focused.&nbsp;



You can also ask these groups to participate in surveys. A detailed survey will give you the info you need to plan an event that caters to “what moms want”.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Host a Mother’s Eve Event</h4>



By hosting a Mother’s Eve event, you can capitalise on this special occasion on more than one day. Why not hold a cocktail evening the night before where the ladies can have a fun and carefree night out before celebrating with their families? You can offer free drinks to all moms with the promise of a family brunch the next day. It’s genius!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">6. Cater to the Kids</h4>



The fastest way to mom’s heart is to treat her kids lovingly. That’s why we think a Mother’s Day promotion that includes entertaining the kids at a restaurant is a brilliant idea. Mom can sip her wine in peace while you bring in the kiddie’s entertainment and childminders. Get the kids to make Mother’s Day cards while they wait for their meals to arrive and you’ll get extra brownie points!



Use social media platforms such as Facebook to create an event page where you list the family entertainment that will be available. You can then use the paid marketing option to promote this event far and wide. 



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-nail-customer-service-for-families/">https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-nail-customer-service-for-families/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">7. Run A Contest with Moms in Mind</h4>



A contest will allow you to capitalise from this occasion on the days leading up to the big event. For example, during the month of March, all moms who visit your venue can be entered into a draw. You can announce the winners on Mother’s Day. And to take one step further, all prizes can be used to draw customers back to your establishment (such as meal vouchers, for instance). 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">8. Highlight Your Inclusivity</h4>



Do not alienate a subsection of mothers and families by only catering to one version of what “mom” can mean. Moms can come in all forms and the role can be filled by plenty of people from grandmothers and aunties to teachers and nannies. Families can have more than one mom too, so make sure your perspective of Mother’s Day fits this diversity.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">How to Promote Your Mother’s Day Event and Promotions</h4>



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-effectively-design-social-media-posts/">Use social media</a> to create a big hype and talk about how moms are going to miss out if they’re not there to be wined, dined, and treated.  </li><li>Use your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/email-marketing-tips-for-the-hospitality-industry/">database to send out emails and SMS’s</a> to notify your customers of what they can expect. If you haven’t started compiling a database yet…now’s the time (<a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-03">contact us</a> for more info).</li><li>Hand out flyers to targeted audiences such as your local churches, schools, and mom’s groups. </li></ol>



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/gathering-the-right-data-for-your-restaurant-marketing/">https://stampede.ai/blog/gathering-the-right-data-for-your-restaurant-marketing/</a>



Successful busy events such as Mother’s Day can be the difference between building a loyal customer base and a bad reputation – but, with a bit of forethought and a touch of creativity, you’ll be building lasting loyalty. For more information on how you can attract customers and retain them, please contact Stampede for an innovative take on marketing technology. 



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Getting Ready for Mother’s Day – Creative Promotion Ideas

Compared: 4 Time-Saving Social Media Scheduling Tools [Updated 2023]

Reach and retain your customers on the go with SMS Marketing.



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<a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/#sms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SMS Marketing</a> is a much underrated channel (certainly in the hospitality industry) with huge potential that offers a clever way to cut through the noise.&nbsp;



It&#8217;s a quick and simple way to reach your customers on the go. Fact is, over 97% of text messages are read within the first 15 minutes. Emails, on the other hand, might sit in the inbox for a good while.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-use-sms-marketing">Why Use SMS Marketing?</h4>



Many people go with either email marketing or SMS marketing, but using both in tandem will allow you to reach and retain more customers.



Benefits:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Reach customers where they are &#8211; on their mobiles</li><li><a href="https://optinmonster.com/sms-marketing/">98% open rate</a> vs. just 20% for email</li><li>Quick set up (short text length, no images)</li><li>Immediate delivery</li><li>Ideal for sending quick business status alerts &#8211; opening hours, delivery, etc.</li><li>Interactive &#8211; “hit reply”</li><li>Use it as a customer service platform</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sms-marketing-tips">SMS Marketing Tips</h4>



One marketing formula applies quite well here: KISS &#8211; keep it short and simple. Text messages usually come with a character limit of around 160.



Quick tips before launching your first campaign:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Always include a call-to-action</li><li>Make it interactive</li><li>Consider timing &#8211; avoid early morning &amp; late evening</li><li>Use a fun &amp; friendly tone</li><li>Offer a clear opt-out option &#8211; e.g. reply &#8216;STOP&#8217;</li><li>Include short URLs to drive people to website</li><li>Don&#8217;t send too many texts too often</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sms-marketing-ideas">SMS Marketing Ideas</h4>



If you think about it, nearly every topic you&#8217;re using for your email marketing can be applied to SMS. The only difference, you have to keep it short.



Inspiration for your next campaign:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Last-minute &amp; limited offers</li><li>Customer poll (reply: 1 for, 2 for &#8230;)</li><li>Competitions &#8211; text &#8230; to win</li><li>Upcoming events</li><li>Reminders &#8211; combine email &amp; SMS</li><li>Ask for feedback</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-last-words-of-advice">Last Words of Advice</h4>



Be aware though, not all text messages you send will be appreciated by your customers. Always get permission to use your customers&#8217; phone numbers!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next">What&#8217;s Next?</h4>



Ready to send <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/#sms">text messages</a> to your customers? <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reach out</a> to our team and we will get you set up with your SMS Marketing tool.

How SMS Marketing Drives 10x More Revenue Than Email

Did you know that Stampede integrates with over 200 e-commerce platforms? By connecting your e-commerce system with Stampede you will be able to access even more customer data insights, allowing you to create enticing marketing campaigns to bring customers back.



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Here’s the&nbsp;<a href="https://zapier.com/apps/categories/ecommerce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">full list of all 202 e-commerce apps</a>, including Shopify, Square and WooCommerce.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-use-transactional-e-commerce-data">How to use transactional e-commerce data</h4>



By adding more customer data sources together you&#8217;ll get a better view of the customer journey and their relationship with your brand. Those insights can then be used to create more personalised and targeted offers.



And that&#8217;s the key to getting great conversion rates.



Having all your data sources available in one place makes this easy and effective for you as well.&nbsp;Simply mix and match your data sources to create unique customer segments&nbsp;for your next email and SMS campaigns.



To get you started, we&#8217;ve put together some clever segment combination ideas and campaigns to go with them for inspiration.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">8 clever segmentation &amp; campaign ideas for your e-commerce data</h4>



1.&nbsp;Customer has purchased online but has&nbsp;not&nbsp;been at venue:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>We&#8217;d love to meet you! Why not come by and say hello? Get % off for your first visit.</li><li>Like our [product] and want to explore our full range? Come by our venue and get [freebie] for your first visit.&nbsp;</li></ul>



2.&nbsp;Regular in-venue customer but no online purchases:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Want to enjoy some of your most favourite items at home? Check out our online store and get % off your first order.</li><li>Did you know that we also sell gift cards and meal-kits? They will make a great gift for [e.g. Mother’s Day]. Special offer only valid until …</li></ul>



3.&nbsp;Customer has purchased the same item several times (automated message):



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Looks like you’re a fan of our [product]. What about getting it to your doorstep every month without having to remember to re-order it?</li><li>We’ve seen you like [product] and thought you might as well like this [product].</li><li>A fan of [product]? We’ve got a much wider range available in our venue. Come by and get [freebie].</li></ul>



4.&nbsp;Customer has made several online orders and are a regular customer (loyal):



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Thanks for sticking with us! Here’s a sneak peak of our new [product] and an exclusive early bird offer for you.</li><li>Here’s a little treat for you. Simply show your voucher code the next time you come to visit us to get [freebie].&nbsp;</li></ul>



5.&nbsp;Abandoned cart (automated message):



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>We’ve noticed you left something in your cart. Do you want to proceed? Get additional % off if you order within the next …</li><li>Here’s a free shipping to what is left in your cart. Order now.</li></ul>



6.&nbsp;No online order or in-venue visit in the past 30 days (cold):



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Here’s % off to say we miss you! Visit us or buy online.&nbsp;</li><li>Just checking in, as we haven’t seen you in a while. Get % off your next visit/order.</li></ul>



7.&nbsp;Big online spenders and high review scores (advocate):



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Looks like you’re enjoying [product]. Why not tell your friends and get % off your next order.&nbsp;</li><li>We want to say thank you and have [freebie] waiting for you at our venue.</li></ul>



8.&nbsp;Big online spenders and low online rating (win back):



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>We’re sorry to hear that you’re not happy with [product] and we would like to retry. Here’s % off your next visit/order</li><li>Give us another chance, we want to make up. Your next order of [product] is on us.</li></ul>



Check out this useful article on our blog&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-set-up-a-successful-meal-kit-e-commerce-page/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on how to set up a successful e-commerce page</a>.



Ready to integrate your e-commerce platform to Stampede for more data insights?&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch&nbsp;</a><a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>and our team will be happy to assist.

Drive More Sales With E-Commerce Integrations and Data

There’s no denying that loyal customers are a key revenue driver for any business. Their <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/service/customer-loyalty-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">average spending is up to 67% higher compared to new customers</a>. More than ever, hospitality businesses should now up their efforts to increase customer loyalty to secure a steady revenue flow.&nbsp; A well-established way to get customers coming back and increase sales is by offering loyalty stamp cards. Collecting stamps at each visit and getting rewarded for it, what’s not to like about it?&nbsp;



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But how many of your customers are actually filling and redeeming their cards? And how long does it take them to obtain a full one?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-problem-with-loyalty-stamp-cards">The problem with loyalty stamp cards</h4>



Getting customers to sign up for your stamp card is usually an easy task, keeping them coming back to use the card is another story. All the initial excitement and interest in collecting stamps tends to wear off over time. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167811621000082" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The average rewards program gets a redemption rate of only 13%.&nbsp;</a>



Using stamp cards will increase the chances of a customer coming back, but it can’t be relied upon entirely as a way to keep them coming back for more.



The key action here is to keep customers engaged on a frequent basis in a variety of ways, so they get their stamps too. Let’s uncover some loyalty card secrets.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-keep-customers-engaged">How to keep customers engaged?</h4>



First of all, you have to stay front of mind with your customers. They probably have many loyalty cards from various different places. So it’s on you to regularly remind them that they have a stamp card from your place as well. It’s all about actively encouraging them to come back more often.



Also, when creating your rewards, focus on these questions:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Are they obtainable? Your average visit frequency helps you to determine the ideal number of stamps needed for a full card</li><li>Are they attractive? Which type of reward would your customers want? Are they worth collecting stamps for? Are your rewards relevant to your business?</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-email-sms-marketing-campaigns">Email &amp; SMS marketing campaigns</h4>



As ever, email and SMS marketing are a great tools to keep your customers interested and stay on top of their minds. It’s all about a friendly nudge to remind them of their loyalty stamp cards.



Here’s some inspiration for your campaigns to keep customers committed:



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-them-to-collect-more-stamps">Get them to collect more stamps:</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>&#8220;How many more stamps do you need? &#8211; a fresh batch of &#8230; arrived today, and we know how much you love them. Come by to get yours.&#8221;</li><li>“&#8230; more stamps to go. Come by today to get one extra stamp for every &#8230; “</li><li>&#8220;Special weekday deal &#8211; earn double the stamps when you buy &#8230;&#8221;</li><li>&#8220;Flash offer &#8211; Buy 1, Get 1 free on all cocktails from 6pm-9pm.&#8221;</li></ul>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-them-to-redeem-their-full-stamp-card">Get them to redeem their full stamp card:</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>&#8220;Still haven&#8217;t redeemed your stamps?&#8221;</li><li>&#8220;Got a full card? You&#8217;re owed a free …, come by today and enjoy &#8230;&#8221;</li><li>&#8220;Don’t miss out on our special freebie for all redeemed stamp cards this month.&#8221;</li><li>“Your chance to win. All redeemed stamp cards from this month will enter a special prize draw.”</li></ul>



By the way, are you still using paper loyalty stamp cards? Everything we’ve said before is massively improved by going digital. Save money and gain more loyal customers faster with digital stamp cards.



<a href="contact@stampede.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> to find out more about our digital stamp card solution.

How to Maximise Revenue from Your Loyalty Stamp Cards

Your newsletter is our focus today. For some, the thought of <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-set-up-your-first-email-campaign-guide-2020/">writing a regular newsletter</a> might lead to an immediate headache. But stick with me. We will give you some tips and tricks on how to create an engaging newsletter. From quick writing and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/4-tips-for-an-outstanding-email-design/">design hacks</a> to the importance of the call-to-action.&nbsp;



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-newsletter-anatomy">1. Newsletter Anatomy</h4>



Have a look at these basics newsletter building blocks. Most email platforms have them built-in, so you can just drag and drop the blocks where you want them.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Social-Media-Posts-10.png"><img decoding="async" src="https://image.stampede.ai/fill/1024/579/ce/0/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGFtcGVkZS5haS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMS8wNC9Tb2NpYWwtTWVkaWEtUG9zdHMtMTAtMTAyNHg1NzkucG5n" alt="" class="wp-image-19844"/></a></figure>



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Of course, you can always add more blocks and more images or videos. But try to keep it simple and easy to look at.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-writing-tips">2. Writing Tips</h4>



This quote from Dan Munz is a good summary on how to write a newsletter: &#8220;1. Write your email. 2. Delete most of it. 3. Send.&#8221;



It&#8217;s all about getting started. If you get stuck, let it rest for a bit and come back later. Have a look at it with a fresh brain and other ideas will come.



Now read through it and decide sentence by sentence:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Does it provide any value?</li><li>Is it relevant or just another way of saying the previous sentence?</li><li>Does it fit into the flow?</li><li>Is it short and punchy?</li></ul>



When you&#8217;re happy with it &#8211; send a preview first, then SEND!



To prevent you from writer’s block (we’ve all been there) make sure you have a list of evergreen topics you can come back to whenever needed.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-call-to-action-cta">3. Call-to-Action (CTA)</h4>



The best written and designed newsletter won’t lead to anything without a <a href="https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2015/02/20/call-to-action-buttons">proper CTA</a>. What is the aim of your newsletter? Do you want to redirect your customers to your website or socials to increase engagement? Or do you want to promote a new service, menu or event?



No matter what your ultimate goal is, there are some general, best practice rules that you should follow to get your desired result.



Words



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Be punchy &amp; powerful</li><li>Create a sense of urgency (buy now, don’t miss out etc.)</li><li>Use the first person</li></ul>



Visuals



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Button colour in contrast to the background colour</li><li>Colours: green &amp; red are said to perform best</li><li>Use LARGE (capitalised) text</li><li>Leave enough empty space around it</li></ul>



Our last piece of advice:&nbsp; 



CTAs have to be highly visible, it has to capture your readers’ attention straight away. Be brave, people tend to keep them smaller than they should be.



If you need some more advice on creating your next engaging newsletter and sending it out to customers, <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact">get in touch</a> with the team. We’re happy to help.

3 Time-Saving Newsletter Tips to Keep People Engaged

So, you’ve followed your dream and opened a restaurant. Serving up some of the tastiest meals in your local area. You’ve worked hard on the design, creating a stunning dining area where your customers can relax and enjoy the freshly prepared dishes. However, there are a few issues playing on your mind. How are you going to lure the customers and keep the orders coming in the face of competition from other local restaurants? We’ll answer these questions and suggest some tried and tested marketing methods for your restaurant in this helpful blog.







But how and where to get started with your restaurant marketing? There are a couple of easy and straight forward methods available. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Customer Research</h4>



There are a number of steps that you can take to build the profile of your restaurant to make sure the customers keep coming back for more. 



It’s best to start off with a bit of research. Finding out about the people who are most likely to spend their hard-earned money in your restaurant. You should also find out as much as possible about the competition. Focussing on how they are managing to entice the crowds. Should you be following their example or market your restaurant as an exclusive dining venue?



The research should then continue with some focus on the people who are already visiting your restaurant. Most importantly, you should take time to talk. Try to find out why these customers are visiting and how satisfied they are with the service. 



In addition, ask questions about everything from the reasons for visiting to thoughts about the restaurant decor. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">Such data</a> could be put to use in the creation of targeted marketing campaigns. But also general improvement of your restaurant. You can also find out the busiest times within your restaurant and make staffing decisions accordingly. &nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Social Media Marketing</h4>



Your customers might like to spend their time reading the latest tweets, chatting on Facebook, or looking at the pretty pictures on <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/rock-your-restaurant-with-wifi-and-instagram/">Instagram</a>. It’s important that you get to grips with marketing on the preferred social media channels. 



Further, you should keep your communications on brand and consistent no matter where your customers are engaging. Competitions could be set up and live updates posted about special events and discounts. You might even post pictures of the mouth-watering meals prepared by your kitchen staff. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/avagenes/">Ava Gene’s Instagram</a> account provides a bit of inspiration on this front.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Email Marketing</h4>



Another popular restaurant marketing method can be seen in direct <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">email marketing campaigns</a>. This method makes use of all the valuable customer data collected. To get the data, customers may be prompted to give their email addresses, Facebook profile, or Twitter handles in exchange for access to the free WiFi. From there, you can then create targeted communications which can be sent out at opportune moments for customer engagement. 



Even better, emails can be automated for the successful retention and reward of your loyal restaurant customers. Such emails may be sent out a few days after customers have visited your restaurant. This will ensure that the positive experience remains top of their minds. You could also distribute emails to customers who haven’t visited for some time (e.g. over 30 days) to boost the levels of retention.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Geo-Targeted Advertising</h4>



You should have plenty of information to use in the digital marketing of your restaurant. Therefore, advertisements could be built around visitor characteristics such as age, gender, and location. 



Also, you should take the time to make sure that your restaurant can be found by local customers. Create content including targeted keywords and focussed on the interests of people in your community. In addition, register for local listings and take every effort to build a stand-out online profile. Within this, advertisements could be set up focussing on people under the age of 30, who are looking for ‘Tapas in Brighton’ or ‘Chinese Restaurants in Lincoln’.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Loyalty Programs</h4>



We told you about some of the best ways of earning repeat business in our <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/building-customer-loyalty-with-blackbx/https://stampede.ai/blog/building-customer-loyalty-with-blackbx/">recent blog on customer loyalty</a>. As mentioned, you can use the offer of free WiFi to collect some really valuable information about the good folks who visit your venue. Use this information for more targeted campaigns. You might take the opportunity to arrange special holiday discounts. Or schedule messages after the achievement of set milestones. 



There is also the option of setting up a points-based system, which the customers can track via their digital devices. As an example, you could offer a free meal for every ten points earned by a customer. However, ensure a quick and easy point redemption process. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Social Paying</h4>



Organise social payment events to ensure that positive word is spread about your restaurant. These events will involve customers paying for outstanding service and top-notch food in the form of social media updates and reviews. 



For example, offer free drink in exchange for the addition of a set number of Twitter followers for your restaurant and discount coupons in return for Facebook likes. You can then share details of positive customer experiences on your website and across social media. This will effectively set you apart from the rest.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Blog Writing / Outreach</h4>



There are plenty of popular bloggers and social media influencers who could help out in the marketing of your restaurant. Some of these online experts have reader and viewer numbers running into the tens of thousands. You can encourage them to spread the word by arranging free or discount meals and delivering on your promise of the first-rate service. 



The positive reviews are sure to be read by large numbers of people particularly likely to visit your restaurant. Have a read of the <a href="https://www.forketers.com/how-to-invite-food-bloggers-to-your-restaurant/">Forketeers blog</a> for some handy tips on how to reach out and build positive relationships with the foodie bloggers.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">WiFi Marketing</h4>



To get the most out of these restaurant marketing methods, you can use the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/">Stampede WiFi system</a>. Most customers will be more than happy to exchange their email or mobile phone numbers for free internet access. You can use your customer information to create personalised messages encouraging restaurant reviews and social media posts. You could even have regular news pieces sent out with details of menu updates and exciting events. Have a read of some of <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/">other blogs</a> for further information about the prospects of WiFi marketing.



If you make use of the proven restaurant marketing methods highlighted in this blog, you can expect the levels of customer engagement and loyalty to increase. You’ll find that the positive word spreads and that you enjoy increased popularity. Maximise the prospects of further marketing success through the adoption of other tricks and tactics covered by Stampede.



Why not give it a go with a free trial of our software?



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Must-Have Marketing Methods For Your Restaurant

We’re pleased to share with you the latest feature addition to our marketing platform: unique voucher codes.



In the past, conversion tracking between online marketing and offline conversion used to be a guessing game and many events were simply missed.



So far, Stampede has already closed a big gap with businesses being able to track returning in-venue visitors based on WiFi interaction. However, until now it wasn’t possible to record singular campaign conversion, i.e. matching customers who came back to the venue (to redeem their voucher) with the corresponding marketing campaign.



Unique voucher codes will allow you to do this. They help you better understand how many conversions your campaigns get by linking your vouchers to the emails you’ve sent. It’s a powerful and effective way to increase customer spending and reporting accuracy.



No more matching codes and campaigns, no more rough ideas of what worked (or didn’t). Just easy digital marketing.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-works">How It Works</h5>



Get started by creating a new voucher in the Stampede Growth section. Choose a name, redemption amount as well as expiry date and include a short description.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-20-at-12.18.13.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://image.stampede.ai/fill/882/1236/ce/0/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGFtcGVkZS5haS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyMi8wNS9TY3JlZW5zaG90LTIwMjItMDUtMjAtYXQtMTIuMTguMTMucG5n" alt="" class="wp-image-21710" width="441" height="618"/></a></figure>



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Now head over to <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/">Stampede Marketing</a> and enable voucher codes for your campaigns. You can then build promotional emails which will include a unique code for each customer in the audience. These one-time-only codes will also prevent customers from using them multiple times.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-21712" width="370" height="338" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1.png 739w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-300x274.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-150x137.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-16x16.png 16w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-592x541.png 592w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-66x60.png 66w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screenshot-2022-05-16-at-13.01.34-1-99x90.png 99w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px" /></a></figure>



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Each voucher code will be automatically attached to the email or SMS and allows for super accurate conversion tracking. Once customers redeem the voucher at your venue, you will be able to track each conversion back to your individual campaigns via the code.



To access the results of voucher code campaigns, head back to the Growth section in Stampede. Here you will see exactly how many conversions your campaigns are bringing in. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Proven Campaign Ideas</h4>



To get started here are some campaign ideas to increase revenue and nurture customer loyalty.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Welcome Campaign</h6>



When a customer signs ups for your newsletter on your website, you can automatically send them a welcome discount voucher code. Once they redeem, you can track their full journey from their first online interaction to an offline in-venue visit.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Birthday Campaign</h6>



Personalised marketing is a great way to deepen your customer relationship and keep customers coming back. One example of these simple but effective campaigns is birthday emails with personalised vouchers attached.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Win-Back Campaign</h6>



Retain customers who haven’t been at your venue for a while and offer them a discount upon their next visit. If they redeem you can further engage them with additional offers, etc.



Also, make sure to set up an automated reminder email if the voucher hasn’t been redeemed after a certain time.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">VIP Club Campaign</h6>



In this case, your vouchers give your loyal customers access to exclusive rewards and benefits, i.e. free or discounted merchandise. You can use this campaign in combination with special events, such as launch parties or celebrations.



Unique voucher codes are now live in Stampede, you can log in and use them right away. If you have any questions, <a href="https://h.stampede.ai/meetings/stampede/demo">reach out to our team</a> who are happy to help.

New Stampede Marketing Feature – Unique Voucher Codes

Some of the biggest names in high street food and drink like <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://foodanddrink.scotsman.com/food/pizza-express-reveal-the-recipe-for-their-famous-dough-balls-heres-how-to-make-them-at-home" target="_blank">Pizza Express</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.essexlive.news/whats-on/food-drink/greggs-release-sausage-bean-cheese-4023733" target="_blank">Greggs</a> have started sharing their best-loved recipes online. If you can’t go out to get your favourite foods, then being able to create them at home is the next best thing. And some of these big names are going a step further with detailed cook-at-home video demonstrations showing how people can make these favourites by themselves.



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One <a href="https://youtu.be/lTcesqUPu9U">excellent example</a> is from Wagamama&#8217;s Exec Chef Steve Mangleshot. Filmed in his own home kitchen, he donned his chef’s whites and jumped right into the classic chicken katsu curry &#8211; a favourite for many Wagamama patrons.



If you’re not so familiar with <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-video-marketing-can-boost-your-restaurant/">making video conten</a>t you might wonder: “What makes this video so good?”. It’s not all about budget or having a well-known brand. Anyone can make great videos that represent you and your brand really well by sticking to these best practice tips.



 Here&#8217;s some of the crucial bits Steve from Wagamama got right in his cook-at-home videos, that we reckon make a big difference:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-setup">The Setup</h4>



His ingredients are laid out individually so he can show them off. Where there’s some simple prep needed (like beating the eggs) this is already done. It’s a good way to show which ingredients are part of specific stages of the cooking process. In this case &#8211; what is for the chicken and what is for the sauce.



The full ingredient list is in the description. This is vital! No one wants to start/stop a video to write them down. Got hard to find ingredients? Throw a link to a place where people can buy them online in the description too.



ALL the lights are on &#8211; great videos need good lighting. We can see it’s the middle of the day but every downlight on the kitchen surfaces is on. This draws the viewers’ attention to the main event and prevents background lighting causing Steve to be just a silhouette.&nbsp;



He filmed it in manageable sections. This makes it easier to edit, without depending on one take to do it all. It also allows for close-ups of the cooking processes and ingredients to be slotted in to make the video engaging.



You don&#8217;t need expensive or complex video editing software to arrange a series of clips into one video. Apple’s iMovie or Windows Movie Maker are just fine for doing these. If you don’t want to export it to a desktop or laptop, GoPro’s Quik app can do the same thing on mobile.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-element">The Human Element</h4>



What makes <a href="https://youtu.be/lTcesqUPu9U">this video</a> work is that he&#8217;s tailored it for the audience and the situation. The audience are going to be Wagamama fans to some degree. They are also people who are stuck at home with potential restrictions on their ability to shop for groceries. The little things Steve does here to make the video relevant to all these audiences are spot on.



He talks about the ingredients that he found in the cupboard &#8211; it’s made from household stuff not wholesale exclusives. This reassures the watchers that this really is doable at home with mainstream ingredients.



Steve&#8217;s dog makes an appearance &#8211; pets in the video are all the rage right now! We’ve all seen the jokes and memes about cats, dogs and other pets appearing in video calls. Here, it injects some empathy. Any dog owner knows how much they love to lie in the most in-the-way place whilst you work about the kitchen.



There&#8217;s encouragement for viewers to make it their own. Steve suggests that viewers adjust the volumes of certain ingredients to their own tastes. He shows where and when to do this with the caveats of how it will affect the dish.



Lastly &#8211; and this isn&#8217;t for everyone &#8211; but he&#8217;s really channelled his inner &#8220;TV chef&#8221;:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Talking directly to the camera</li><li>Be loud and clear, project your voice so the built in phone camera picks you up</li><li>Use lots of adjectives on the food. Wonderful, gorgeous, delicious, incredible, lovely &#8211; the list goes on.</li><li>Be really descriptive. Getting the smell of particular ingredient combinations or the sound of the perfect bread crumb coating.</li><li>Show the hard parts in detail. Go back and watch the part about the sauce and roux. He takes plenty of time to show the slow addition of stock and how it should develop.</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrapping-up">Wrapping Up</h4>



With all the above in mind, there&#8217;s still some neat editing gone on behind the scenes as well in Steve&#8217;s Wagamama video. Such is the nature of a large restaurant company and its resources. 



This cook-at-home video is definitely more of a target to aim for than a minimum requirement for video standards &#8211; don&#8217;t try and overdo it. Quick and down-to-earth resonates with audiences as we’ve seen in many other how-to videos. 



Also remember, these best practice tips aren&#8217;t limited to food videos. This advice all still applies whether it&#8217;s a showcase to make sourdough bread, a cocktail class or a beer tasting. Lay everything out, get the lights on, humanise the situation, record in sections, be descriptive and you’ll be on to a winner.



If you keep the points above in mind, you&#8217;ll have people flocking to your wonderful cook-at-home videos whilst keeping your brand and your credibility up front and central for your customers.

Wagamama Exec Chef Steve Mangleshot showing how to make chicken katsu curry

A Success Recipe For Cook-At-Home Videos by Wagamama

Are you thinking of opening a prohibition styled speakeasy serving custom-crafted cocktails flavoured with the latest Scottish gins? Or are you starting a pop-up cafe specialising in the latest trend? What about bucking all the hype serving up good old fashioned diner grub? No matter what type of food or drink you plan to serve your customers. There’s going to be one thing that your customers demand as soon as they enter your place: <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi/">WiFi</a>. 



As a matter of fact, a recent survey showed that the most <a href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/restaurant-management-statistics">important technology feature for customers is free WiFi</a>. It&#8217;s a vital part of their overall experience and can influence their decision to come back or not. 







In order to give your customers the best guest experience, you need to get everything right. Including your decor, your staff, your food and, yes, your WiFi. With that in mind, here are our top five tips on how to set up WiFi for your restaurant or pub.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-professional-wifi-equipment">Use Professional WiFi Equipment</h4>



You’ve poured your heart and soul into your new business. So are you going to let your customers sign in to the same crappy WiFi router that your internet company gives to pensioners downloading pictures of their grandkids? No. It’s time to put on your big boy pants and pay for a decent router. But buying the best doesn&#8217;t necessarily mean you&#8217;ll need to empty your bank account.



Our top <a href="https://stampede.ai/supported-hardware/">hardware recommendations</a> for seamless integration with Stampede include popular brands like:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>TP-Link</li><li>Ubiquiti UniFi</li><li>Cisco Meraki</li><li>D-Link</li></ul>



The <a href="https://www.netspotapp.com/blog/wifi-security/explaining-wifi-standards.html">standard that WiFi</a> uses for connections is called 802.11, appended with letters to reflect the WiFi generation. For example, when WiFi was first released to the public, way back when in 1999, it was known as 802.a. As of 2022, the most widely used standard is 802.11ax or WiFi 6, coming with an even greater data transfer speed. 



But don’t sit around waiting for the latest standard to come out before you purchase your equipment. Since WiFi devices are backwards compatible, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting outpaced by technology.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-place-go-mesh">Big Place? Go Mesh</h4>



If you&#8217;ve got a large pub or restaurant with lots of hidden nooks and crannies, then you&#8217;re going to want to go with a mesh network. The idea behind mesh networks is to provide all-around coverage for your pub or restaurant. Even better it eliminates any WiFi blind spots. A mesh network typically consists of a number of WiFi separate broadcast units. Usually, between two to four, that seamlessly integrate into one network. 



Hooking up mesh networks isn’t as difficult as it sounds. The router software usually takes care of the integration for you. Even though you may have up to 4 devices bouncing a signal around your business, customers only have to worry about connecting to a signal network. <a href="https://www.techadvisor.com/test-centre/network-wifi/best-mesh-wi-fi-network-systems-3661110/">This article in Tech Advisor </a>is a quick read and gives you a nice overview on some of the best mesh routers out there.



Here&#8217;s a <a href="https://stampede.ai/resources/bar-tonic/">case study we did with Bar Tonic</a>, one of our customers who rely on a good WiFi signal due to their special location.



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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Succeed with Stampede - Bar Tonic" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SVpZWzhhNBY?start=4&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setup-a-captive-portal">Setup a Captive Portal</h4>



Alright, so you’ve got your network all set up and broadcasting. You’re getting a great signal from every location in your place of business. Even in the most distant bathroom stall. Now all you need to do is write up your network password on all the walls so your customers can connect, right? WRONG. 



You’ve just spent some bucks paying for a professional WiFi network for your business. So why give it away for free? By using a software product like Stampede, you can set up what is known as a <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi/">Captive Portal</a>, to give your customers access to your shiny new WiFi network.



Here&#8217;s how it works: After a customer connects, they’re prompted to register for your network with their email address or using their social media account. Once they’ve verified their email, they’re logged in. No passwords to remember and no chalkboards on the wall. Just a much smoother customer WiFi experience.



The other cool part about a captive network is that it will <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/get-your-customers-to-login-once-keep-them-always-connected/">automatically re-connect your customer</a> next time they pay you a visit. No more logging in! And the best part &#8211; at least for your business? You now have your customer’s email address that (with their permission, of course) you can use for our next tip &#8211; automated marketing.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-automated-marketing">Use Automated Marketing</h4>



You’re providing free WiFi for your customers and, in return, you’re getting their data. So use it! When you have a customer login to your WiFi with Stampede, in addition to an email address, you can ask for other details on the <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/wifi/#portal">Captive Portal login screen</a>. Name, age, gender &#8211; anything you can think of. You can even add custom questions. This is a great place to ask your customer opinions about new menu items or specials you’re thinking about offering. And not to forget about the fact that you can customise the log-in screen to your own branding.



Once registered, you can import your customers&#8217; email into mailing list software like Mailchimp. Use software like Zapier to do thousands of different tasks, like importing emails into a Google Docs spreadsheet. 



Or, you can save time and have all your data conveniently in one place with <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/">Stampede Marketing</a>. Automated text or SMS messages are a great tool for <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/a-5-step-recipe-that-creates-profitable-personalised-marketing-part-1/">personalised marketing campaigns</a> to bring customers back. Want to reward <a href="https://stampede.ai/resources/8-tactics-to-increase-customer-spend/">loyal customers</a>? Send them a message with a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/new-stampede-marketing-feature-unique-voucher-codes/">voucher</a> for a dessert on their third visit. Haven&#8217;t seen a customer in a while and want to get them back? Drop &#8217;em a coupon for a free drink &#8211; who can resist that?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-social">Get Social</h4>



So you’ve got an awesome WiFi network with a Cative Portal set up in your pub or restaurant and your customers are loving it. Now it’s time to spread the word! Put your Instagram, Facebook and TikTok handles EVERYWHERE &#8211; menus, the walls, even on your receipts. Encourage your customers to share their experience and, more importantly, their photos. 



Take it one step further and use automated marketing to gather customer feedback with ease. Reviews help you build trust and attract new customers. With <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/automations/#reviews">Stampede Reviews</a> you can send an automated message after your customers have left the venue and ask them to leave you a review and write about their experience. What&#8217;s even better, you can access all major review platforms (Tripadvisor, Facebook and Google) from one dashboard, allowing for a much easier reputation management.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awesome-wifi-in-your-restaurant-or-pub-set-up">Awesome WiFi in Your Restaurant or Pub Set Up</h4>



Now you&#8217;ve got awesome WiFi that your customers love. They&#8217;re spreading the word about you all over social media and you&#8217;re keeping them loyal with automated marketing. That wasn&#8217;t so hard now, was it?



So, if you&#8217;re thinking about taking the plunge and opening up the restaurant or pub of your dreams, and see the importance of offering awesome WiFi. Why not give us a try? <a href="https://h.stampede.ai/meetings/stampede/demo">Get in touch</a> to find out how this could easily be implemented at your venue.

5 Tips for Setting Up WiFi for Your Restaurant or Pub [Updated for 2022]

Omnichannel Marketing, Snackable Content and Storyscaping &#8211; we know, there are many cool words around the broad topic of marketing. Actually, there are so many fancy words that sometimes you get the feeling some of the marketers don’t even know what they’re talking about. It’s all too easy to get lost in the marketing jungle. The most worrying factor, however, is losing sight of your customers, in a world where <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2019/10/15/what-happens-when-your-customers-love-you/#7a84ff425eb7">loyal customer</a><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2019/10/15/what-happens-when-your-customers-love-you/#7a84ff425eb7">s</a> are one of the most important factors.







So, the most crucial principle revolves around your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">returning customers.</a> They&#8217;re the base your business is built on and you should never forget that. But how do you make sure that your customers feel like kings and queens? 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Focus on existing customers</h4>



Instead of channelling all your efforts into acquiring new clients, why not take a second and reflect on the fact that your business isn&#8217;t able to serve all possible customers out there. The number of customers you can do business with is finite! So, why not channel your efforts into making the customers you already have happy and stay with your brand?



Focus on your existing customers and try to get a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-customer-insights-into-your-companys-dna/">deep understanding</a> of their needs and wants. By using this gained information, you&#8217;re able to offer them a much more customised and personalised experience. That way, they want to come back to your venue, as they know what to expect and that they&#8217;re highly valued by you.



Not convinced? How about this fact: returning customers could only cost you 4% as much as acquiring a new one AND they spend more than the double amount of money. So focusing on your loyal customers does not only help you save money, even better it gets you more revenue.



Still not sure? Have a look at this video.



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<div style="position: relative; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><figure><iframe loading="lazy" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/C1jt6xvISqw?ecver=2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></figure></div>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Start with your Loyalty Program today</h4>



That’s why the big players usually have a Loyalty Program in place for their returning customers. Their loyalty program allows them to rewards their most valuable customers in a special way. 



So why not treat your customers with something special after their 5th visit? What about a nice discount or a bottle of wine for free? Or what about a special treat for their upcoming birthday? That will definitely make them feel special. All well and good, but is this whole loyalty program thing not expensive?



The good news is, Loyalty Schemes can now be implemented for businesses of any size. It’s neither expensive, nor time-consuming to add a Loyalty Program to the marketing strategy of your business. But most definitely highly effective. 



If you want to learn more about Loyalty Programs, their importance for your business and the benefits you and your customers can get from them, have a look at our free eBook. Find out how you can transform your business today to really connect to your customers and boost their loyalty.&nbsp;



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Or why not get started right away. Transform your loyal customers into kings and queens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="#schedule-demohttps://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a></h2>

Why Loyal Customers Should be Kings and Queens

The ongoing supply chain issues are continuing to impact the hospitality industry. Businesses across the country are constantly on the lookout for new local suppliers to keep stocks filled and customers happy. But with much of the supply chain management still being done offline, finding new suppliers can be a daunting task. A supply chain app can be your solution.



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-offline-supply-chain-problems">Offline supply chain problems</h4>



Many businesses&nbsp;rely on the classic word-of-mouth, someone knowing someone who might have some stock left. Usually, this involves a good amount of phone calls and messages. But also manually updating inventory sheets and order forms to keep track, which can be a rather&nbsp;sluggish process, especially when dealing with multiple different suppliers.



But there are many more potential suppliers out there than businesses might be aware of. And there is a better, more streamlined way of finding and managing them&#8230;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Digitise your supply chain</h4>



A digitised supply chain is much more dynamic and flexible&nbsp;but also removes the potential for errors that occurs when juggling with various spreadsheets and lists manually.



The first step is to digitise the process of finding suppliers online. 



We’ve compiled a short list of suppliers across the UK to get you started. Industry bodies and trade associations are always a good way to begin your search.



Most of those directories also offer a map view, which makes it easier to spot potential close-by producers.



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://artisanfoodtrail.co.uk/producers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artisan Food Trail</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bigbarn.co.uk/local-food-map/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Barn</a>&nbsp;&#8211; includes an online marketplace</li><li><a href="https://foodanddrink.scot/support-local/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Drink</a>&nbsp;&#8211; for Scotland</li><li><a href="https://product.stampede.ai/ba782304-abcc-11ea-ac20-0a369310b5a4/marketing/Love%20British%20Food" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Love British Food</a></li><li><a href="https://product.stampede.ai/ba782304-abcc-11ea-ac20-0a369310b5a4/marketing/openfoodnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Food Network&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://www.produceandprovide.co.uk/find-local-producers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Produce and Provide</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salsafood.co.uk/directory/search2.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SALSA</a>&nbsp;&#8211; food safety certification scheme for smaller producers</li><li><a href="https://www.siba.co.uk/directory/brewery-finder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society of Independent Breweries</a></li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Digitise your supply chain</h4>



Looking for local suppliers on the web will open up a wider range of options, but can still be time-consuming. There are&nbsp;smarter solutions on the market, that can do the search part for you&nbsp;and much more.&nbsp;



Supply chain apps allow businesses to manage their whole supply chain in one place, from finding new suppliers to stock management, ordering and invoice management.



What’s more, those apps rely on real-time shared data so stock levels and price fluctuations on the market are constantly updated. 



Below are two great examples of UK based supply chain apps (coincidentally developed locally to us at Stampede) that connect local suppliers with hospitality businesses. 



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://nextchain.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NextChain</a></li><li><a href="https://ordersmadesimple.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orders made Simple</a></li></ul>



Both have a wide (and growing) network of suppliers, from national producers to local, independent ones. Businesses can easily connect with their existing suppliers, but also easily find new ones and place and process their orders on the app straight away. And both apps are available for free!



Some more food ordering examples:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.joinfoodchain.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Join Food Chain</a></li><li><a href="https://www.choco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Choco</a></li></ul>



Make sure you&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">check out our blog</a>&nbsp;for additional ideas on topics like Guest WiFi, marketing, reviews and customer loyalty. And don&#8217;t forget to add us on your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/stampede_ig/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for even more regular inspiration.

How A Supply Chain App Can Do The Work For You

<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-february-march-2023social-media-calendar">Free February &#8211; March 2023 Social Media Calendar</h1>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-more-last-minute-panic-brainstorming-for-your-social-media-posts">No more last-minute panic brainstorming for your social media posts.</h4>



Operating a business and at the same time staying on top of your social media content can be tough. Constantly coming up with new and engaging ideas for your next posts takes time you might not always have.



Download your free social media calendar&nbsp;for February and March 2023 now.



Featuring topical post ideas, hashtags suggestions and image inspiration for each month.

ONS Reveals Hotel & Restaurant Decline Vs 2018

Recent research from <a href="https://getbento.com/blog/restaurant-takeout-delivery-trends-q2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentobox</a> revealed that 80% of diners actually plan to keep up their current delivery/takeout volume even with indoor reopened. Deliveries do still make up a large proportion of revenue for hospitality businesses.



By now, most hospitality businesses have gained a strong delivery-only customer base. Those customers that have never been in to the venue present a revenue opportunity to be unlocked. But how do you attract those delivery-only customers to your venue to generate more sales?



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-use-of-customer-data">Make use of customer data</h4>



The secret lies in the data you’ve gained from your delivery customers through various ordering platforms and your website. Data you can now use to reach out via email and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-sms-marketing-drives-10x-more-revenue-than-email/">SMS</a> to highlight your exclusive in-venue only offerings.&nbsp;



Here are some ideas to attract your delivery customers to dine-in.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Highlight the difference between your delivery and your in-venue offerings</h4>



Your message should focus around the fact that customers might miss out on certain dishes and drinks when using your delivery service only. Your delivery menu is probably a condensed version of your actual menu. Plus, some of your menu items might simply not be suitable for delivery.&nbsp;



So, the likelihood is that customers who regularly buy your delivery offers are interested in discovering more of your menu. You just need to make them aware of it.



Take a look at some examples:



“Why not pass by our venue this weekend to enjoy even more of our all-time favourites …? Book your table now and get % off your visit.”



“Are you a fan of our …? Then you should also try … Exclusively available at our venue only. Reserve your spot now.”



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Create in-venue exclusives</h4>



Why not go a step further with several special promotions around your in-venue exclusives to entice customers?



And don’t forget to mention your special deal/offers that are only available for sit-in customers, e.g. 2-4-1, happy hour, etc.



Some items to point out:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>A wider menu choice in general</li><li>Daily specials with limited availability</li><li>Fresh beer on tap/draught</li><li>Wide range of cocktails and drinks</li><li>Drinks refill&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Tap into the unique in-venue experience</h4>



Customers are not only missing out on certain dishes and drinks but they’re also not able to experience your in-venue atmosphere. Think about what makes your venue special and focus your messaging around the overall dining out experience they won’t get at home.



What to include:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>It’s time to relax &#8211; you’re being taken care of by our team</li><li>Enjoy a meal/night out with family &amp; friends in our relaxing atmosphere</li><li>Got an occasion to celebrate? We’ve got you covered</li><li>Highlight any special events and themed nights</li><li>Don’t miss out on our live music events</li><li>Instagram-worthy presented dishes</li></ul>



Want some help attracting your delivery customers to dine-in via email or SMS marketing? <a href="mailto:contact@stampede.ai?subject=&amp;body=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with one of our team. We&#8217;re happy to help.

4 Ways to Attract Delivery Customers to Dine-In

What would you say if your Guest WiFi can do much more than simply offering an Internet connection to your customers? Even better, what if you could turn the cost for providing free WiFi into some sort of <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/3-powerful-ways-wifi-marketing-can-grow-your-business/">tangible return</a>? This is where WiFi Marketing and its benefits come into place.



It allows you to use the information gained through your offered WiFi to increase your revenue, footfall, customer satisfaction and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-value-of-restaurant-marketing-automation/">much more</a>. But how exactly does that work? And how could your business benefit?







<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-wifi-marketing-work">How Does WiFi Marketing Work?</h4>



<a href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/articles/wifi-marketing-and-your-business">WiFi Marketing</a> is perhaps one of the most useful tools for businesses looking to engage with their customers in different ways. Check out this short video to get a better understanding of what it means and how easy it is to set-up with using Stampede.



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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="WiFi Marketing | Stampede" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uX-Vy3m0dcg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



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WiFi Marketing allows you to send individualised SMS and email messages to your customers, depending on their behaviour. Assuming, some customers regularly come to your venue, some only have been there once. How can you now use WiFi marketing to offer a much more personalised experience in both cases, positively <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-hospitality-operators-can-use-data-to-reveal-loyal-customers">affecting overall loyalty</a>?



Example campaign ideas could be sending a customer a text message after their 5th visit to your venue. This message could contain a special offer, i.e. a free drink.



This offer is an effective opportunity to reward your customers for their loyalty. Not only helping them feel more valued by your brand but also significantly increases the chances of them returning to your venue and spending more money.



Same applies for turning one-time visitors into repeat ones. What about a special deal (15% your next food bill) to encourage them to re-visit. This offer can be triggered by all customers who have not been at your venue for let&#8217;s say a month. And who would not come back for such a deal?



Even more, these campaigns, once set-up, ran automatically. Therefore, especially handy for busy business owners who don&#8217;t have much time. Also, no IT or marketing expertise required, promised. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-this-better-than-original-marketing">Why Is This Better Than Original Marketing?</h4>



This new method of marketing is disrupting common marketing methods as we know them. To top all this, its unique way of user engagement has proven to convert up to 5x more customers than the industry average. Amazing right? 



Conversation rates show that 24.68% of people who receive a personalised SMS message are likely to return, which is significantly higher than the industry average.



In addition, there is much more you can do from the data obtained through your WiFi. Another key benefit of WiFi marketing can be seen in the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">analytics</a> gained. These reach from valuable venue insights, such as dwell times and returning customers to average time spent. 



Based on these findings, special marketing campaigns can be used, for example, to boost quieter times.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounds-good">Sounds Good?&nbsp;</h4>



Why not get started marketing your business with WiFi today? It&#8217;s easier than you think!&nbsp;

How WiFi Marketing Benefits Your Business

Never miss a message from your customers again with our brand new product feature: the Stampede Inbox.



It can indeed be a challenge and time-consuming task to stay on top of your various inboxes.



<a href="https://www.superoffice.co.uk/resources/articles/customer-service-study/">A recent customer service study</a> found that a worrying number of 62% of customer enquiries are left unanswered.



Common reasons are inboxes not being connected to a CRM and only a limited number of staff having access to incoming emails.



So, what about centralising all customer communication to one platform that is accessible to the whole team?



Such a unified inbox massively improves your response times and gets you extra points for your quick and streamlined customer service.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-works">How It Works</h2>



All incoming customer requests and responses are received in the inbox and stored under their individual profiles.



Staff members can then reply straight away in only a few clicks which means happier customers.



There is also the option to add internal notes to keep your team updated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why The Stampede Inbox Is Unique</h2>



What makes our inbox a one-of-a-kind is that it comes ready-linked to every other interaction your customers have via Stampede. 



There&#8217;s no more piecing together the conversations and information from disjointed platforms. 



This creates a single 360° customer view, providing you with more context based on previous customer interactions and historic data.&nbsp;



So you can craft personalised responses that are relevant to each customer.



The Stampede Inbox is now available for all customers. Head to <a href="https://product.stampede.ai/">Stampede</a> to explore our new product feature in more detail.



If you have any questions or need a hand, reach out to our <a href="https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/murdo">Customer Success team</a> who are happy to help.

Meet Stampede Inbox: Never Miss Another Message 

Amazon’s Fringe Festival pop-up is no laughing matter

In <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-thoroughly-spring-clean-your-digital-places-part-1/">Part 1 of this series</a>, we discussed how you can give your online places a good clean. In this post, our focus is going to be on wider digital spaces, with emphasis on digital devices, web and mobile applications, file storage, and software. You’ve probably put this type of detailed spring cleaning off in the past, but with COVID-19 temporarily closing the doors of hospitality businesses around the globe, now’s a good time to optimise these digital places for easier operations. 



We recommend the following activities to polish your digital places and make technology work harder for you:&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Start by Weeding Out All of Your Devices</h2>



Do you have more than one digital device lying around? Your answer’s likely going to be a big “yes”. It’s time to round the lot up and organize their contents. Transfer useful files from older devices onto the devices you are currently using. Organise files so that they can be easily found, delete irrelevant files, and uninstall apps that you no longer use. This way you will have a cleaner user-interface on each device and you will have tons of space for new downloads going forward (which is important because your business is going to have to rely on new technologies and applications in the future).&nbsp;



Now, you can safely store your older devices for later use or you can donate them to a good cause and create some extra space for yourself in your physical workspace.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Polish Your Apps</h2>



The future of digital marketing is going to be very much web and mobile application based. Since you’ve cleared space on your devices, you should be able to store more files and programs. You can 1.) download new helpful and innovative apps and 2.) declutter and reorganise the applications you’re already using.&nbsp;



Popular apps for the hospitality industry include:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>OpenTable (a table reservation app)</li><li>Flypay (an app that allows patrons to choose a listed restaurant or bar location, enter their table number, and have their bill instantly retrieved)</li><li>Bamboo HR (assists with streamlining HR processes within your business)</li><li>Mind Meister (an app that assists with the planning of events, restaurant, and coffee shop marketing)</li><li>Typsy (a staff training platform for hospitality businesses)</li></ul>



Electronic Point of Sale Systems have also become an essential component of most successful hospitality businesses. You may want to use this time to get to know your current ePos system better or research other options that may better suit your niche. 



When it comes to organising your apps, you can look into removing users who are no longer with your organisation, improve your layouts to make them more user-friendly for your staff, and you make sure that everything is working systematically as it should (.i.e. get to know your apps back to front). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Just Do the Updates</h2>



Update reminders can be a thorn in the side of daily work life, but we cannot keep putting them off indefinitely. If we fail to do software updates, then we threaten the security of our digital devices. They will also run more slowly. As a result, the work we try to do on them will be completed at a reduced pace (which is no help when you’re trying to implement the best promotion techniques, for example).  



When you have downtime, then use the opportunity to prepare some non-computer work. This way you can allow your computers, tablets, and smartphones to run their hour-long (or maybe five-hour-long) update processes to optimise their systems.&nbsp;



Tip:&nbsp;don&#8217;t forget to back up your files beforehand, just in case something goes awry! Which brings us to our next point.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Take Advantage of File Sharing</h2>



You probably have a plethora of work files just hanging around on your desktop. Keeping these files on your computer alone, however, can present risks to your businesses’ security and knowledge base. If your laptop is stolen or loses functionality during a power surge (for example), then all of this important information will be gone – possibly forever. And that’s where file-sharing can be your saving grace.



If your business has a shared server, you can store your files under your umbrella. Alternatively, you can look to cloud storage solutions so that you can have access to your files from anywhere at any time. For documents that are more team-beneficial than sensitive, we suggest you look to <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/drive/">Google Drive</a>, <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/">Dropbox</a>, or other file-sharing platforms for an effective solution. 



Once you have your file-sharing process set up, you can organise your information so that it’s even easier to access – and you can create some extra space on your devices at the same time!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Declutter Your Email Account</h2>



Some may refer to their email accounts as the central data hub of their business. If you receive your notifications and communications from customers and suppliers via email, then this will hold to you.&nbsp;



Now’s the time to declutter your inbox and file your emails accordingly. You can:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Delete all the emails you no longer need</li><li>Delete and block junk mail</li><li>Store the emails you want to hold onto by using cloud storage solutions</li><li>Delete email accounts you no longer use</li></ul>



By removing important information from your email account and storing it on a safe file-storing server, you can reduce the chances of your email account being hacked for your private information. It also gives you a clean and organized account to work from going forward – think of it as room to breathe!&nbsp;



With COVID-19 (and other unforeseen events) interrupting systems as we once knew them, it’s always good to prepare for the future of marketing. So, once you’ve spring cleaned and spruced your platforms, then it’s time to research new types of marketing and what they will mean for you going forward. 



For more information on intelligent marketing tools that will help you push through tough economic times, please <a href="https://stampede.ai/contact/">contact Stampede</a>.

cleaning and updating your digital spaces and devices

How to Spring Clean Your Digital Places: Part 2

We now live in a world where we are beginning to rely on the offer of free <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/">Guest WiFi</a> networks more and more. 







Making use of WiFi on the go in order to communicate with friends and family and catch up on work, is part of our daily routines. Providing free Guest WiFi in your venue will allow you to rapidly grow <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">customer loyalty</a> and satisfaction whilst generating more income for your business. So, a win-win for you and your customers.



Here are 5 reasons why you should offer a free Guest WiFi service to your customers.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Increase Your Sales</h4>



By offering a free Guest WiFi service, you are more likely to notice customers staying in your venue for a longer period of time.&nbsp;62% of&nbsp;businesses stated that customers spend more time in their venue if free Guest WiFi service is offered. Even more, 50% of these customers are likely to spend more money as well.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Understand Your Customer Base</h4>



With a captive portal solution like Stampede in&nbsp;place, you can offer a legally GDPR compliant Guest WiFi service. In addition, it will ask your customers to put in data such as &#8217;email&#8217;, &#8216;location&#8217; &#8216;gender&#8217; etc before getting connected. 



All this information is then converted into a report with valuable insights. This will help you become aware of&nbsp;who your customers are, where they come from and how long they spend on average at your venue. Also, allowing for a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-customer-insights-into-your-companys-dna/">deeper understanding</a> of their behaviour that you would never have had before. This again lets you generate more sales for your business due to more personalised interaction.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Meet Customer Expectations</h4>



People are now becoming more <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2019/09/26/how-small-business-owners-use-guest-wifi-to.html">accustomed to using free Guest WiFi</a> when out and about. Guest WiFi is now available almost everywhere, so providing it to your customers is a big advantage. 



Studies have shown that 1 in 10 customers admit to leaving a venue if free Guest WiFi isn&#8217;t available for them to utilise. These figures could be damaging to a venue, as it risks the loss of business to competitors.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Attract New Customers</h4>



In busy major cities such as Edinburgh, London and Glasgow, offering free Guest WiFi is vital in <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/four-fab-benefits-of-free-wifi-for-coffee-shops/">increasing the number</a> of customers coming through your door. 



For example, when travelling abroad tourists are looking for free Guest WiFi when in a public space, allowing them to catch up with family and friends. Also, the appeal of internet access is becoming more important as more people are working on a self-employed basis working from public spaces.



Offering a WiFi service will make your business stand out and guarantees to boost loyalty and traffic if the system is fast and reliable.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Cheap Setup Fees</h4>



<a href="https://stampede.ai/product/how-it-works/">Setting up a Stampede</a><a href="https://stampede.ai/product/how-it-works/"></a> WiFi network is extremely cheap when you think of the potential revenue you could gain from a solution like this. A common myth is that installing Guest WiFi is a costly deal, however, we are here to prove that isn&#8217;t the case. 



A one of cost for the hardware, then a recurring monthly subscription fee, similar to your Netflix account. By capturing and utilising customer information, you turn your provision of free Guest WiFi from 100% cost into something with a tangible Return on Investment (ROI) and who would not want that?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Did We Convince You?</h4>



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5 Reasons to Offer Free Guest WiFi for Your Customers

Infographic: How likely are people to act on promotions?

Build, Build, Build

Introducing AI Segments for Marketing

A more effective ways to run Meta ads for hospitality

4 Ways CRM Data Can Be Used in Day-to-Day Service by Your Staff

How to Use Segmentation to Increase Guest Engagement in Hospitality

Introducing Quick Campaigns

Snap Box – Stampede Network Application

Stampede-Meta Audience Connect: Simplifying multi-channel marketing strategies

October Update – 3x Faster Guest WiFi and more

In this digitally focussed world, the website may well be a person’s first impression of your pub. It could be argued that having a professionally designed website is just as important as <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/running-a-pub-or-bar-add-guest-wifi-to-the-menu/">delivering top-notch customer service</a> and serving the finest ales. However, we appreciate that your skills may lie in everyday bar management rather than website creation and optimisation. It’s for this reason that we’ve created this helpful guide to the building of your pub website.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing The Domain Name</h4>



In the ideal scenario, you would time the selection of a suitable domain name to coincide with the naming of your pub. However, it’s more than likely that you domain name availability wasn&#8217;t top of your priorities when naming your pub. Either way, we recommend choosing a relatively short and easily memorable domain name. This will ideally tie in with your pub’s name and branding. As an example, the popular Magna Carta of Lincoln has the domain name <a href="http://www.magnacartapub.co.uk">www.magnacartapub.co.uk</a>. 



It would be worth spending some time brainstorming a few possibilities before using an online domain checker such as 123 Reg or Go Daddy.&nbsp; You will discover that .com domain names are generally the most expensive. However, you can choose from alternatives such as .co.uk or .biz. There’s even the option of <a href="https://uk.godaddy.com/help/about-pub-domain-names-9208">registering for a .pub domain</a>.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Arranging website hosting</h4>



It will be necessary to arrange hosting prior to your website going live and being accessible to anyone on the internet. Thankfully this is a pretty straightforward process, with the majority of internet service providers offering website hosting packages. The suitable choice of provider will depend on factors such as the amount of website traffic expected, the featuring of images/videos, and the need to keep your website live at all times. 



The digital marketers at UK Centric have produced a helpful beginner’s guide to <a href="https://www.ukcentric.com/hosting/beginners-guide-to-web-hosting/">web hosting</a> &#8211; well worth reading.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Developing The Pub Website</h4>



There are two main options when it comes to the development of your pub website; either do it yourself or hire somebody to do it for you. If you’re on a tight budget and have some confidence in your design skills (or someone you know) then the DIY option may be best. 



Thankfully there are a wide variety of website building tools guaranteed to simplify the process. Popular website builders such as Squarespace and Wix offer a variety of templates ideal for pubs. However, you might be frustrated by the lack of customisation options and the ability to make such a website fit your own style. Of course, it’s your choice whether to build a completely distinctive web presence. In any case, you should consider the impression made on prospective visitors.



Take a look at these bar websites for a bit of inspiration:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://www.kerridgesbarandgrill.co.uk/">Kerridge’s Bar &amp; Grill</a></li><li><a href="https://felixchs.com/about-restaurant-cocktail-bar/">Felix Cocktail Bar</a></li><li><a href="https://www.badluckbar.com/">Bad Luck Bar</a></li><li><a href="https://www.burrobarboston.com/">Burro Bar</a></li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Hiring A Web Designer</h4>



There are plenty of choices when it comes to the professional development of your pub website. Hiring an independent, maybe even local expert might be the best bet if you want keep costs down. However, there is also the option of paying for agency services, which may include Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and promotional copywriting. These are services that can make your pub website much easier to find on search engines like Google and Bing.



If you’re in any doubt as to the best professional choice then it would be worth having a look for online reviews. You might also ask friends and other local business people for their recommendations.



These factors should be considered when choosing and comparing web designers:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Types of website design experience</li><li>Record of building successful pub websites</li><li>References and recommendations</li><li>Pricing and availability</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Producing The Content</h4>



You should carefully consider the arrangement of content like images and text on your pub website. Details such as the location and opening hours will be essential. You should also ensure that the content matches up with your pub theme and style. This would include the colour scheme and even the written tone of voice of your pub.



Consider the types of customers that you are appealing to when making choices on everything from the featured menu design to the inclusion of pictures and videos. You might entice visitors with tantalising images of your classic pub dishes and events. Again you have the option of drawing on professional assistance when it comes to the writing and curation of content for your pub website. 



Some ideas for content on your pub website:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Lists of upcoming events</li><li>History of the pub if it is long standing</li><li>Inspiration for the pub theme</li><li>Description of features like live sports, craft beer, whisky selection</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Previewing &amp; Testing</h4>



It is important that you take the time to preview and test the different pages of your website before they are published for the world to see. Remember the importance of making the best possible impression, reviewing and making changes to everything from the grammar to the visual layout as necessary. 



Ensure that your website has the ideal visual quality and functions as expected on desktop computers, laptops, and handheld devices such as the smartphone. If there’s any doubt then ask for a second opinion.



Check these elements before your website goes live:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Contact page details (easy to find and correct)</li><li>Page loading speeds (slow page loading annoys people)</li><li>Website links (no 404 error messages when clicked)</li><li>Legal terms and conditions</li><li>Security (remember to register for an <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-ssl">SSL certificate</a>)</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Keeping Your Website Updated</h4>



If you want to attract more web visitors than other pubs in your local area and ensure the best possible experiences then you must keep your website updated. This might involve making basic changes to your contact details or featured menus as and when required. Regular blogging is also recommended for the purpose of keeping your website fresh and achieving top Google search page rankings. 



You could share reviews of your finest beverages, customer stories, and details of upcoming events for the purpose of attracting more people to your pub. You can also raise your pub profile and keep your customers involved via popular social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.&nbsp;



Here are some <a href="https://99social.co.uk/social-media-tips-for-bars/">social media tips</a> for bar owners:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Snap pics of dishes</li><li>Talk about drinks</li><li>Shout about events</li><li>Get people involved</li><li>Add a personal touch.</li></ul>



Additional social media recommendations can be found on the <a href="https://cask-marque.co.uk/promote-your-beer-and-pub-on-social-media/">Casque Marque</a> website.



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Need some more inspiration on how to get your Guest WiFi up and running in your Pub? 



Have a read here <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-tips-for-setting-up-wifi-for-your-restaurant-or-pub/">https://stampede.ai/blog/5-tips-for-setting-up-wifi-for-your-restaurant-or-pub/</a>



Or why not give our Guest WiFi solution a try in your Pub? 



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Easy Steps To Make A Great Website For Your Pub

We&#8217;re pleased to announce that signature Connect software solution now integrates with the <a href="https://www.engeniustech.com/ezmaster-network-management-software.html">EnGenius Tech</a> ezMaster network management software making our software even faster and easier to set up within their products.



Many hotel outlets are making the most of EnGenius Tech&#8217;s software and hardware offering. In fact, on their <a href="https://www.engeniustech.com/hospitality-voice-communications-hotel-wifi.html">website</a> there are a number of useful resources for hotel managers and operators on the many uses of wireless technology.



Between their ideal hardware solutions and our intelligent marketing software for captive portals and guest wifi, this new integration is guaranteed to offer numous benefits to many hotels and accommodation businesses



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Looking for more info on technology integrations? <a href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Get in touch!</a></h4>

EnGenius Tech now a Stampede technology partner

For many hospitality businesses, the upcoming&nbsp;Six Nations&nbsp;(<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/fixtures/" target="_blank">5th Feb &#8211; 19th Mar</a>) rank lower than other sports events they tend to focus on, as they don’t see much value coming from it. However, according to research by MatchPint and KAM Media&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2022/01/11/Where-can-I-watch-Six-Nations-2022" target="_blank">44% actually want to watch the Rugby Six Nations live in a pub this year</a>. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-capture-big-revenue-from-big-sports-events/">boost your Six Nations promotions</a> and get sports fans through the doors this February.



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increase-revenue-with-pre-booking-promotions">Increase revenue with pre-booking promotions</h4>



Start promoting your events now. Create some sense of urgency and give your customers reasons why they should watch the games at your place. What makes your venue special?&nbsp;Feature your in-venue highlights&nbsp;like big screens, sound system, private booths, a wide selection of beers, etc.



To further encourage more bookings, offer a pre-match menu with limited availability only and/or pre-order meal and drink packages.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Create tailored email &amp; SMS campaigns</h4>



Send out a first overview&nbsp;email with all upcoming events&nbsp;(including the match schedule) and highlights around the Six Nations. This should be followed by individual&nbsp;game-related booking reminder comms, as well as last-minute availability text messages. And don’t forget to include your “book now” call-to-actions.



Always give customers the&nbsp;option to opt-out&nbsp;from any sport-related communications in the future. This will help you to segment your database better in future, to improve the performance and conversion of other sports event campaigns (e.g. World Cup 2022).



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Boost fan engagement on your socials</h4>



Sports events are great to engage with fans on your social channels. Which team are you? Match day guesses, etc&#8230; It definitely is the easiest way to&nbsp;keep customers updated&nbsp;on your in-venue events. Plus, socials are ideal to promote any&nbsp;last-minute bookings&nbsp;and your special menu items (via Stories, Reels etc).



Why not come up with your&nbsp;own hashtag #[company]fanzone&nbsp;to create a real community feeling. Encourage customers to use it when sharing their match day experience with their network.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Drive more customers through your door</h4>



Even though the match itself is in the focus, you should aim to make your overall customer experience memorable. This is your chance to attract and&nbsp;turn all those rugby fans into fans of your venue&nbsp;and make them come back on a regular basis.



We’ve gathered some ideas on how to make your venue stand out and also how you can cater to those who prefer to stay at home.



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">In-venue highlights</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Dedicated fan zone</li><li>Additional entertainment &#8211; after game gigs, pub quiz</li><li>Special group packages and deals</li><li>VIP package for larger bookings &#8211; private space&nbsp;</li><li>Create themed dishes and/or drinks based on the nations playing</li><li>Offer sharing platters (<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/newlynsfarm/p/CLuGw8Or7Rv/" target="_blank">Six Nations cheeseboard</a>) or beer buckets</li><li>Game time happy hour, e.g. 2-4-1, discount between start/end of the game</li><li>Pre-meal deals</li></ul>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">At-home experience</h5>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Order a selection of bottled beers</li><li>Your all-time favourites as little tasters</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/big-match-recipes" target="_blank">Party/finger food</a>&nbsp;specials</li><li>Discounts for bigger orders</li><li>3 course rugby-inspired meal</li></ul>



If you need some help ramping up your Six Nations promotions to increase revenue,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request" target="_blank">reach out to our team</a>. We’re happy to help.

How To Score Extra Revenue With Six Nations Promotions

DIY meal-kit demand has skyrocketed in the past year. Businesses have put a lot of effort into coming up with their own kits. And their customers loved it! Lots of us have discovered some unknown chef talent. Indeed, meal-kits seem to be a win-win for businesses and customers alike.



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But now that venues start to reopen again and customers are able to enjoy their meals at your venue, what will happen to your meal-kit offers? How could you further increase your meal-kit sales?



According to the recent report “A Tale of Two Tables” by <a href="https://kam-media.co.uk/resources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KAM Media and Slerp</a>, 89% of customers want the restaurant brand to continue delivering and 62% want their favourite restaurant brand to start selling meal boxes nationwide.&nbsp;



So is it worth keeping your meal-kit offering available to satisfy this demand, whilst also reopening for normal service?



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reasons-why-meal-kits-are-here-to-stay">Reasons Why Meal-Kits Are Here to Stay</h4>



Our <a href="https://twitter.com/stampede_speaks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#PrepStartsNow</a> partner Flipdish sees meal-kits as a <a href="https://www.flipdish.com/resources/blog/why-meal-kits-are-here-to-stay-and-a-smart-new-revenue-stream-for-your-business" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">key revenue stream for restaurants in the future</a>.



Here’s why:



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The number of bookings allowed in venues is still limited and lots of your customers might not be able to secure a booking.</li><li>They are an additional revenue stream with little additional costs.</li><li>You can reach more potential customers with your offerings. Some might not be able to travel to your physical location.</li><li>It’s convenient for your customers &#8211; no need to look for recipes and buy ingredients.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-create-more-meal-kit-ordering-buzz">How to Create More Meal-Kit Ordering Buzz</h4>



<a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/quick-tips-to-drive-more-sales-at-home-kits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Customer awareness about DIY meal-kits has reached a mainstream level.</a> It’s now on to you to make the most out of this and secure more revenue from your meal-kit sales.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-spread-the-word">1. Spread the Word</h4>



Leverage your social channels and share regular posts about your meal-kits. Highlight the fact that customers can still order your popular kits to enjoy at home. Pin your posts and add an “order direct” button to make it as easy as possible for customers.



Don’t forget to add your meal-kit offerings to your regular newsletters to increase sales. For a little extra sales push, combine them with a promotion.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-come-up-with-new-meal-kit-ideas">2. Come Up With New Meal-Kit Ideas</h4>



With Summer just around the corner, customers might want to take their dining experience outdoors. What about <a href="https://lovindublin.com/lovin-home-comforts/bbq-kits-order-cook-at-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBQ</a> or picnic meal-kits? Get creative to make your offerings even more attractive.&nbsp;



Consider special event meal-kits for birthdays, anniversaries, sports events, etc. You might also offer a premium version of it with limited or high-end specials and ingredients.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-get-the-maximum-out-of-your-online-store">3. Get the Maximum Out Of Your Online Store</h4>



Make sure that your online store lets you upsell and cross-promote your entire product range for additional revenue.



Also, allow your customers to add special dietary restrictions during the ordering process. You might also think about making your meal-kits available in different group sizes and offering a special family version.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-go-the-extra-mile">4. Go the Extra Mile</h4>



Turn your DIY meal-kits into a special at-home customer experience, provide more than just food and drinks. This could be table decorations or a curated playlist of music.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-bonus-tip-nationwide-delivery">5. Bonus Tip &#8211; Nationwide Delivery</h4>



By offering your meal-kits nationwide you can upscale your reach and increase meal-kit sales massively. You can connect to a whole new range of customers. Plus, you can also deliver to your regular customers whilst they are on their staycations.



Several operators already offer this such as Pizza Pilgrims. The biggest challenge is packaging, but if others can solve that, so can you!



Need some assistance with spreading the word about your meal-kit offerings via email and SMS marketing campaign? <a href="contact@stampede.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reach out</a> to our team. We are happy to help.

4 Creative Ways to Increase Your Meal-Kit Sales

New Features & Updates – September 2023

Feature Update – Improved campaigns, reporting and imports

New Data Source: Stampede x Toggle For More Repeat Customers

Introducing More Tools To Thrive – Stampede 2023 Product Update

Better Marketing For All

Staff turnover in the restaurant industry is much higher than in other industries. In some cases, it’s almost double. With all the curveballs 2020 has thrown at us, this is only increasing. Considering the costs associated with recruiting, hiring, and training new employees, it’s a huge concern for your bottom line. 



While these statistics can be overwhelming, it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ve put together ten ways you can reduce staff turnover, <a href="https://www.hourly.io/post/10-rules-of-leadership">retaining talent</a>, and increasing your restaurant’s financial performance. Let’s boost employee satisfaction, driving long-term loyalty!&nbsp;



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-staff-turnover">What is Staff Turnover?</h4>



Staff turnover refers to the proportion of employees who leave an organization over a set period. Traditionally, it is calculated on a year-on-year basis, expressed as a percentage of the total workforce numbers. In an HR context, a high turnover rate refers to lots of employees leaving the business. Most businesses strive to keep this figure as low as possible.&nbsp;



According to the 2018 National Restaurant Association report, the average turnover rate sits at around 74.9% for restaurants, with fast-food companies losing between 130% and 150% of their workers every year. Other industries in the private sector are sitting at 48.9%, to put it into perspective. Interestingly enough, the kitchen has the lowest turnover rate, while those in management roles are most likely to move on.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The reality is that employees leave their jobs all the time. The reasons vary, and it won’t always be in your control. The high-stress environment of the restaurant industry coupled with lower pay rates can make it tricky to retain your staff. However, rather than accepting this as a regular part of doing business, focus your attention on a few critical strategies to keep your turnover under control.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-ways-to-reduce-restaurant-staff-turnover">10 Ways to Reduce Restaurant Staff Turnover</h4>



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">1. Future-Proof With A Higher Wage</h5>



One of the top five reasons employees leave their job is for a better-paying position elsewhere. Increasing your payroll isn’t always the most appealing prospect as an employer, but it’s essential to think about the bigger picture. Recruiting, onboarding, and training new staff members is time-consuming. It costs a fair amount too. By offering your employees a more competitive wage from the outset, you’ll reduce your turnover in the long run.&nbsp;



Better yet, keep your most talented employees by offering them a raise. Even if it’s a small amount, it’ll make an exponential difference.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">2. Focus On Your Culture</h5>



Uncover where the gaps are in your <a href="https://www.smallbusinesscoach.org/the-great-impact-of-company-culture/">company culture</a> with regular staff surveys. Keep them anonymous, so you get honest feedback and ask the tough questions you need to address. If you’re sensing a dip in morale or tension between employees, it’s an opportunity to get to the bottom of it. Creating a positive work environment is one of the best ways to improve employee engagement.&nbsp;



Take it a step further by introducing an employee handbook. Get everyone aligned from day one on company values, creating a sense of unity and a common goal. A collaborative work environment is crucial in this fast-paced industry.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">3. Refine Your Hiring Process&nbsp;</h5>



Hire right from the get-go, and you’ll curb your staff turnover instantly. When you’re under pressure to fill positions, it’s easy to go for someone who is “good enough,” but this won’t serve you in the long run. Aim for that outstanding employee and allow yourself some breathing room so you can afford to be patient. Consider someone’s qualifications, check their references (twice) and understand their skills before you make a move. During the interview, ask about their short and long-term goals. It’s one of the easiest ways to ascertain their views on staying put.&nbsp;



On the flip side, be sure to highlight the growth opportunities available to them at your restaurant. They must be able to picture their career trajectory.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">4. Source Internally</h5>



The employees you already have within your fold are a considerable asset. When a new position opens up, look at your existing team. Identify any candidates who might be suitable for the role, opening up applications internally before you start outsourcing.&nbsp;



Employees will also offer great referrals. If they love working for you, they’re going to want good people on the team. Instituting something like an employee referral program could be an exciting way to incentivize quality recommendations.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">5. Plan For Seasonal Turnover</h5>



Seasonal turnover is inevitable. Unfortunately, it’s one of those things restaurant owners have to deal with regularly. Instead of shying away from it, include it in your plan for the year. Ensure you invest in your core staff, accounting for seasonal adjustments by kickstarting hiring and training with plenty of time to spare.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">6. Making Training A Priority</h5>



The training program you use to onboard new employees sets the tone for their relationship with your restaurant. Take the time to train appropriately, making employees feel valued. Ensure they have access to all the information they need, unpacking your style of business and any quirks or requirements.&nbsp;



Once your employees are up to speed, they’ll be confident in your restaurant, allowing them to perform. If you’re professional in your training, you set a standard they’ll adhere to during their shift.&nbsp;



Take it a step further by encouraging cross-training. Employees may have started with one set of skills but continue to broaden their skill set with new opportunities. Whether it’s assisting with reservations, understanding the accounts, or helping with food prep &#8211; an empowered employee is a satisfied employee.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">7. Schedule Fairly</h5>



It’s not uncommon for employees in the restaurant industry to work for multiple establishments. Why? They’re not getting enough shifts at each place, so they have to double-up. Consider your employee breakdown, creating a schedule that converts to an evenly spread payroll. You want to pay your staff well enough that they aren’t looking for more shifts elsewhere.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Re-arrange your schedule to ensure everyone gets an appropriate amount of time. You will need to manage burn-out, too, reducing the hours of those working well above the usual. It’s about balancing employee expectations and output, keeping longevity in mind.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">8. Create An Employee Loyalty Program</h5>



Recognize and reward your employees for their work. Introducing a program like Employee Of The Month is a great way to incentivize performance. On top of that, it creates an environment of praise where employees feel noticed and valued.&nbsp;



Consider introducing a longevity bonus, encouraging staff to stick around for set periods. The reward doesn’t have to be monetary, and it could scale over time. Whether it’s a gift certificate or a shift choice, it’s a way of recognizing their commitment.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">9. Make Communication A Priority</h5>



It’s easy for team unity to face challenges in the restaurant industry. You have various teams working in different areas, and sometimes an “us versus them” mentality can arise. Promote healthy communication and a positive atmosphere by hosting regular staff meetings. Make a point of accepting suggestions and implementing changes, making staff feel heard.&nbsp; Getting to know each other is one of the best ways to break through any divides.&nbsp;



<h5 class="wp-block-heading">10. Conduct Exit Interviews</h5>



One of the best ways to gather insights about your business is via exit interviews. When an employee decides to part ways, set up an honest and open conversation where you can unpack their reasons.&nbsp;



Ask specific questions, keeping a record of their responses. Over time, you’ll be able to see if any patterns are emerging. Highlighting areas of improvement you can focus on internally. These can also be a good baseline for <a href="https://www.the-next-tech.com/business/qualitative-vs-quantitative-research-whats-the-difference/">research</a> so you can make better-informed decisions in the future.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-start-reducing-employee-turnover-today">Start Reducing Employee Turnover Today!</h4>



For many restaurant owners, reducing staff turnover is a priority. Start by implementing these ten tips, increasing your employee engagement and satisfaction and ultimately increasing retention for the long run.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Article Contribution by <a href="https://www.hourly.io/">Hourly.io</a>

10 Ways To Reduce Staff Turnover In The Restaurant Industry

Finally, you&#8217;ve landed your dream job of managing and running your own restaurant. But what do you need to do to sustain on a long-term basis? And how could you use your WiFi to help you grow your business? Keep reading!







So, you&#8217;re serving all your favourite foods, the ambience is just right. You&#8217;ve got the latest and greatest IPA on tap for all the twirly moustached hipsters to quaff. After opening, your business did ok for a few months, but, after the initial excitement, traffic seems to have dried up. Even the hipsters have moved on to the next place serving Icelandic grapefruit IPA.



Your dream career is in danger of dying unless you do something &#8211; and fast. You&#8217;ve got a great product &#8211; your restaurant &#8211; the only thing is that nobody knows about it. The problem? Marketing. You&#8217;re doing it wrong. But, before you pull out that chequebook to start paying a restaurant consultant, we wanted to share with you three quick and easy tips. So, you can get started TODAY to drive traffic to your venue using your Guest WiFi to help your business further grow.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Market to 3 Visits</h4>



This is the part that many people in the hospitality business seem to forget. Sure, you want your customers in the door, but you also want to keep them coming back. 



According to Jon Taffer, of Bar Rescue, if a customer comes into a restaurant and has a great experience, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/three-best-restaurant-tips-customer-retention/" target="_blank">the likelihood of them making a second visit is 40%</a>. If the same customer comes and has a great second visit, the possibility of them making a third trip to that same business rises to 42%. Pretty good, right? But here&#8217;s the kicker &#8211; on the third visit, the statistical probability of that customer making a fourth visit rises to over 70%.



And, if you&#8217;ve seen Bar Rescue, you know that Jon Taffer knows what he&#8217;s talking about.&nbsp;



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<figure><iframe loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/h5jkpFg7Sho" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>



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As we all know, that recurring revenue is the sweet spot that we&#8217;re looking for. Imagine if you had a business packed with customers who had visited four times or more and consistently kept coming back!&nbsp;



So what&#8217;s the secret? <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/infographic-how-likely-are-people-to-act-on-promotions/">Incentivise</a>. One restaurant trick of the trade is to seat new customers in a certain part of the restaurant or give them a specific colour napkin to identify them. These are some great tricks, but we&#8217;re in the 21st century now. And you&#8217;ve got <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-tips-for-setting-up-wifi-for-your-restaurant-or-pub/">WiFi on your side</a>.



(Right? If not, head over and sign up for a free trial now. Don&#8217;t worry. We&#8217;ll wait.)



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Instead of a napkin, send your new customer an <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-marketing-with-wifi-benefits-your-business/">automated </a>email or SMS venue 10 minutes after they&#8217;ve left your place with &#8211; and get this &#8211; the offer for a free side dish on their next visit. BAM! Who&#8217;s going to turn that down? The customer sees the message and returns. Sure, you&#8217;re out a few bucks worth of food, but you&#8217;ve earned another visit.



Great, right? Sure, but we&#8217;re not done yet. Let&#8217;s get &#8217;em back in. How about offering a free drink? BAM! This time, another ten minutes after the customer has left your venue they&#8217;ve gotten a coupon for a free drink the next time they stop by. BAM! An easily incentivised third visit.



And the best part? It was all automatic!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Leverage Social Media</h4>



You might have heard the tale lately of the Instagrammer who was out trying to <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/hotel-bans-influencers-instagram-social-media-stars-elle-darby-the-white-moose-cafe-a8166926.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">score themselves a free hotel room</a>. Just between us, that whole situation got out of hand and we&#8217;re not sure who came out looking better. But that doesn&#8217;t mean you shouldn&#8217;t reach out to influencers on social media. Don&#8217;t worry, it&#8217;s not necessarily going to cost you a hotel room.



Let&#8217;s say you&#8217;re running a taco place in Shoreditch, London. Do an Instagram search for Instagrammers in London. Take a look at how many followers they have. Maybe even concentrate on foodies (easy to spot because they have lots of pictures of food, IPAs and twirly moustaches in their feed). 



Drop them an Instagram message with a coupon for a free taco. The Instagrammer comes to your taco place, tries a taco &#8211; taking a picture first, of course, and sending it through your free WiFi to their feed. In minutes, your taco creation is seen by thousands of followers. And what did it cost you? A taco.



Even better, when you offer WiFi in your business, redirect your customers to your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/rock-your-restaurant-with-wifi-and-instagram/">restaurants Instagram page </a>after they log in. A not-so-subtle reminder!&nbsp;



Here&#8217;s a short video showing how our friends over at Tapa use their WiFi and social media to keep their business growing:&nbsp;



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<figure><iframe loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hW9wAS0FQqM" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Curate Online Reviews</h4>



These days restaurants can live and die by social media reviews. Tripadvisor, for example, has reviews on over 18,000 restaurants just in London alone (<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/434gqw/i-made-my-shed-the-top-rated-restaurant-on-tripadvisor" target="_blank">not counting the fake restaurant that a journalist concocted</a>). 



So it&#8217;s more important than ever to let your customers have their say. What better way to do this than to (gently) remind them to leave a Google or Tripadvisor review right after they&#8217;ve left your restaurant? But that&#8217;s just the tip of the iceberg. 



Be sure to download our free e-book to see just <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stampede.ai/blog/importance-of-online-reviews" target="_blank">how important online reviews are</a>. Even more, how you can use them to grow your business by making use of your existing WiFi.



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!</h4>



See? That wasn&#8217;t so hard now, was it? We showed you three different ways you can use social media and automated marketing to grow your restaurant business. And all this for just a fraction of the pennies you&#8217;d pay one of those fancy restaurant consultants. 



If you&#8217;re still looking for a few more tips, be sure to check out <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/blog/marketing-your-restaurant-online-a-brief-guide-to-getting-bums-in-seats" target="_blank">this article our friends at Big Flavour marketing wrote</a> about running a successful restaurant.&nbsp;



And don&#8217;t forget the best part of automated marketing &#8211; the &#8220;automated&#8221; bit. So no IT or marketing expertise required. 



When you&#8217;re running a hospitality business like a bar or restaurant you don&#8217;t have time to learn and configure software packages. You just want to run your place the best you can. Which is where Stampede comes in. 



Run automated marketing campaigns, build your email lists, and offer fast, safe and secure WiFi all in one package and boost your business growths. What more could you ask for?



Click the button below to start growing your restaurant business with WiFi today!&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="#schedule-demohttps://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a></h2>

3 Tips for Growing Your Restaurant Business with WiFi

This week the results of BusinessCloud&#8217;s 100 SmartTech Innovators were announced for 2020. The final rankings were decided by a combination of an independent judging panel of industry experts and more than 1,500 votes from <a href="https://www.businesscloud.co.uk/100-smarttech-innovators">BusinessCloud</a> Media readers. 



<a href="https://stampede.ai/">Stampede</a> came 49th in the overall rankings and was one of only 3 Scottish companies to appear in the top 50 of the full list. We&#8217;re really excited by this brilliant recognition by the technology publication and want to congratulate all the other companies who made this list.



The 100 SmartTech Innovators list features a diverse range of businesses covering retail, transport, environmental, agriculture and more. To rank in the top 50 for the whole U.K. and as 1 of only 8 Scottish businesses is a great achievement for us that all our team can be proud of.



As reported in Scottish Business News the other 7 Scottish companies to make the 2020 100 SmartTech Innovators list are Synaptec (Glasgow), Ecometrica (Edinburgh), arbnco (Glasgow), GSS (Cumbernauld), Beringar (Edinburgh), DeepMiner (Aberdeen), and PureLiFi (Edinburgh). Mobica took the number one spot this year overall.



Many thanks to everyone that voted for us, it&#8217;s great to see growing awareness and understanding of technology like ours in the wider scope of the industry.

Stampede ranked in top 50 SmartTech Innovators 2020

The Doner Kebab chain, owned by &#8220;The German Doner Kebabs&#8221;, has now chosen to power guest WiFi to their customers across the globe through Stampede.
 German Doner Kebabs is a fast food retailer that has created a healthy and nutritionally balanced approach to traditional kebabs and was described by <a href="http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/german-doner-kebab">Time Out London</a> as, “kebabs without the guilt”, they opened their first store in Berlin in 1989 and now have over 60 stores worldwide.
Stampede guest WiFi will allow the chain to analyse information about customers and also conduct two-way communication with them, engaging with customers in new ways.<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4461 alignright" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 146px;" title="Stampede German doner kebabs " src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2735287/Imported_Blog_Media/12241172_1077785955573278_663192991988674778_n.png" alt="Stampede German doner kebabs " width="146" data-constrained="true" />
The service begins to act the moment a user connects to the free Wi-Fi network. Internet access is received after they log in with a social media account or by entering the info asked. It provides an opportunity to get to know the customers, thanks to information such as name, gender and language, which can then be used in order to send promotions, vouchers or messages to particular target groups, consisting of people who have per 
sonally visited the venue. The customers can then be directed to a Facebook-integrated welcome page, which allows them to add to the 920,000 current <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DonerKebabME">Facebook</a> page likes.
This kind of interaction allows the growth of theinternet fan base, which is especially useful in new venues, as the chain is aiming to add an additional 10 stores, in countries such as Canada, Russia, India and Bahrain.
<a class="eut-modal-popup" href="https://calendly.com/stampedeae/stampede-demo-request?month=2020-02">Click here to get started.</a>

Stampede Now Providing WiFi to German Doner Kebabs

Imagine you’ve recently opened a newly-minted restaurant that you’ve dubbed the Gingerman Eatery. Since it just launched, awareness among your desired customer base is nearly non-existent, yet, you’re confident you can deliver a uniquely-gratifying, share-worthy experience that customers will rave about to their network of personal connections.&nbsp;



A group of friends have just walked into your establishment and like any smart restaurant owner, you’ve recently implemented a WiFi marketing solution in-store. After wrapping up the work week, this group is looking to unwind over dinner and drinks, like most young professionals. While waiting for their orders to arrive, they pull out their phones to nab some free internet. 



Upon connecting to the guest WiFi network, they immediately encounter a branded landing page that prompts them to take two required actions to successfully complete the WiFi authentication process: one, they must choose whether to receive communications from you and two, they must <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/facebook-data-security-and-hospitality-wifi/">login via Facebook</a>. You now have five new customers added to your customer database who have provided their contact preferences for future communications from you. What’s more, by using social WiFi, each customer ‘checks-in’ at your venue, sharing their whereabouts to their respective Facebook communities. Now hundreds of like-minded followers are aware of your restaurant’s existence and the customers who have shared their location have provided an unspoken recommendation of your brand.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Gingerman Eatery 2, Restaurant sans WiFi Marketing 0.</h4>



Their experience with the branded landing page doesn’t end there. You leverage this prime real estate to communicate current promotions (e.g. happy hour cocktails, buck-a-chuck oysters, ½ off sangria pitchers, foods on special, etc..) which prove powerful; the limited-time nature of the promotions encourages customers to spend more time and money. Your WiFi efforts have increased average order amount per guest by nearly +30%, ultimately increasing sales.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Gingerman Eatery 3, Restaurant sans WiFi Marketing 0.</h4>



The bills have been paid and your customers have left. But you haven’t seen (or heard) the last of them! Since the opt-in process, you’ve gained the necessary permissions to send automated SMS messages and emails to first-time customers in order to convert them into returning customers. “Hey! We’ve missed you since your last visit. Come by this week and we’ll give you 10% off your entire order”, the text reads. Incentivised by the compelling offer, your customers happily oblige, returning for a repeat experience. Congratulations &#8211; your automated messages have cultivated a relationship with your customers and planted the seeds of loyalty.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Gingerman Eatery 4, Restaurant sans WiFi Marketing 0.</h4>



Back at your office, you log into your analytics dashboard. Laid out before you is a treasure trove of data and actionable insights about your customers that feed into location based campaigns &#8211; automated, real-time, tailored engagement with consumers based on their behaviour. You decide to implement a proximity-triggered campaign for returning customers. After logging back into the WiFi, returning customers will be shown WiFi Stories (proprietary to the Stampede platform) &#8211; recent news, limited-time offers and upcoming events &#8211; that are delivered to the customer in an approach similar to Facebook or Instagram stories. Not only has maximum impressions been achieved, but sales have increased by the sense of urgency encapsulated in the <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/introducing-stories/">WiFi Stories</a>. &nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Gingerman Eatery 5, Restaurant sans WiFi Marketing 0.</h4>



This is WiFi marketing in action.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">How does WiFi Marketing help grow Retail &amp; Hospitality businesses?</h4>



As we vividly illustrated in the example above, WiFi marketing is about bridging the physical and digital divide of your business, enabling a richer, data-driven in-store customer experience. &nbsp; Whether it’s a coffee shop, bar, pub, fast food joint, retail store or even a recently debuted hotel, businesses can grow through a robust customer engagement platform synonymous with WiFi Marketing.&nbsp;



Here are three powerful ways WiFi Marketing can help grow businesses, especially those in the retail and hospitality industries:



1. It gives you a clearer picture of how customers interact with your business &#8211; so you can communicate with them better.&nbsp;



While your WiFi Marketing platform is churning out automated campaigns, it’s also working to passively <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-marketing-power-of-wifi-analytics-for-your-business/">gather customer data</a>. This data is comprised of behavioural data and demographic data. Behavioural data tracks how customers behave in store and include metrics like dwell time (how long they stay in-store), identification of new versus returning visitors, return frequency and more. What’s more, business owners have the ability to marry that behavioural data together with demographic data that’s living and breathing on social media. By signing into social WiFi, business owners can identify the age, gender breakdown and interests of opted-in visitors. All of this data is converted into customer insights that help inform future automated campaigns and overall marketing strategy.&nbsp; The analytics doesn’t stop there. With our Stampede platform, you can measure campaign effectiveness and redemption to determine post-campaign ROI.



2. It allows you to interact with your customers &#8211; even when they are miles away from your venue.&nbsp;



As we’ve demonstrated, WiFi Marketing bridges the gap between your customers’ digital and physical profiles by asking they opt-in to receive direct communications from you. Through the vehicles of email marketing, SMS messaging and social media marketing, business owners have a lifetime opportunity to engage with their customers. There’s a litany of levers you can pull within the Stampede platform: set simple rules to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-value-of-restaurant-marketing-automation/">automate the sending of email or SMS messages</a>; drive push messages and coupons based on physical movement and/or demographics in real-time; message ‘at-risk’ customers based on days since visit; help create user-generated content by compelling customers to share stories about the venue on their social handles &#8211; all of these activities are part and parcel of an automated real-time, tailored engagement with your customers.&nbsp;



3. Finally, it generates top-of-mind awareness, helping to raise the profile of your brand to ultimately build brand equity



Don’t forget that WiFi Marketing is not just an automated marketing tool &#8211; it’s also doubles as a brand experience tool as well. The texts, emails, and engagements on social media are all designed to mimic how people interact with their friends and family today. Businesses at the end of the day are brands &#8211; and brands must be choosy about how they communicate with their customers if they want to elevate the brand experience. WiFi Marketing provides brands a golden opportunity that other marketing tactics, both digital and traditional, simply fail to provide &#8211; the art of conversation. By creating a one-on-one dialogue with your customer (versus treating them as passive recipients of hard sell messages), you’ll forge a stronger connection with your customers and consequently, increase positive brand perception that will pay off in the years to come.&nbsp;

WiFi Marketing: 3 Powerful Ways It Can Grow Your Business

Customers are loyal for many reasons. And maybe some are not as loyal as you think they are.



Whatever drives your customers back to your venue, it’s important to find out the intention behind it and to create different loyalty segments.



This allows you to market to them on a much more personal level and turn all levels of loyal customers into true brand lovers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Customer Loyalty Matrix</h2>



In general, there are 4 main customer loyalty categories as shown in the matrix below. They differ based on their level of brand attachment and price consciousness.&nbsp;



Let’s take a closer look at each quadrant.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="715" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-9766-1024x715.png" alt="4 types of customer loyalty" class="wp-image-23154" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-9766-1024x715.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-9766-300x209.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-9766-768x536.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-9766-1536x1072.png 1536w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-9766-1200x837.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-9766-150x105.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Group-9766.png 1963w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">4 Types of Customer Loyalty</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-habitual-loyals">1. Habitual loyals</h4>



This type of customer loyalty falls under the &#8216;simplest option&#8217; category.



They are driven by habit which means they don’t have a&nbsp; specific preference for a certain venue. Often there is no intention to look for an alternative as they are satisfied enough with what they get for now.



A common example is the coffee shop on the way to work. Customers are used to going there but they are no emotional connections to the venue as such.



However, as their loyalty is based on convenience they’re also at risk of switching should they come across a better option. Such as a new fancy coffee place opening up.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Transactional or offer-based loyals</h4>



What’s the ‘cheapest option’ with the best offer? That is what transactional loyal customers are looking for when choosing a venue.&nbsp;



They want to save money, more so now than ever.



Businesses can keep them hooked with regular offers and discounts, though their loyalty is, as is the case with habitual loyals, not related to a specific venue.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Loyalty-program loyals</h4>



The third type of loyalty can be categorised as the ‘satisfying option’.



Customers are engaged and actively interacting with your business based on your loyalty program and previous good experiences.



Despite the fact that their main goal is to climb up the ranks and get rewarded (price sensitive), they are certainly attached to your brand.&nbsp;



They are willing to spend more and chances are high that they tell their family and friends to join your loyalty program.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Emotional loyals</h4>



No doubt, these are your most valuable loyal customers. For them, your venue is the only option.



They are deeply connected to your brand due to ongoing value creation from your side. They identify with you. Call them your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-use-data-to-unveil-your-true-brand-fanatics">brand fanatics</a>.



With high attachment and affinity comes advocacy. Hence they also love to spread the word about your place and attract new customers for you, for free.



This is the category you want all your customers to be in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to move customers around in the matrix</h2>



Based on the matrix, habitual and transactional loyalty can be categorised as passive loyalty. On the contrary, loyalty-program-based and emotional loyalty as active.&nbsp;



The question is how to get customers from a passive to an active level.&nbsp;



Here are some ideas to get you started:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Personalisation&nbsp;</h4>



Customers come with their individual needs and expectations and especially habitual customers tend to also have certain behavioural patterns.



This is when customer data insights come in handy. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-bring-customers-back-using-customer-data-and-personalisation-part-ii">Use your CRM</a> to build unique 360° customer profiles.



So, for example, instead of sending out a generic’ birthday offer’, dig into your order &amp; pay app data.&nbsp;



Let’s assume a customer always orders an espresso martini. Try this email instead: “Celebrate your birthday with us. The espresso martini is on the house today.”



Adding an extra personal touch can go a long way and convince your passive loyals to switch from a money-driven to a value-driven mindset.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Online &amp; offline experience</h4>



The hospitality industry is special in the way that there are offline and online touchpoints along the customer journey.&nbsp;



To raise brand awareness and value perception you need to provide a unified experience across all. I.e. make your brand recognisable.



This way, passive customers will become more aware of whom they are actually engaging with. Even more so if the overall experience was frictionless.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Gamification</h4>



Gamification can add another fun layer to your loyalty program.&nbsp;



It keeps customers engaged and encourages them to interact with your brand more frequently. Which in turn drives their emotional brand attachment.&nbsp;



Besides, if they have fun they will share it with others, win-win.



Tip: Find some clever gamification ideas <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/5-gamification-ideas-to-take-your-loyalty-scheme-to-the-next-level">in this article.</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Referral scheme</h4>



A referral scheme is especially useful to move already active loyals to the highest level.



Customers get rewarded for their ongoing loyalty. You can show that you really value them. 



After all, you’ve chosen them to advocate for you, so they feel proud. Which in turn enhances emotional attachment.



Tip: Here’s how you can set up a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/increase-your-footfall-with-a-simple-customer-referral-loop-part-5-of-5">simple referral scheme</a>.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Need help segmenting the different types of customer loyalty from your data? <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-started">Reach out</a> to learn more about <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing">Stampede Marketing</a> and how you can use it for personalised campaigns.

4 Types Of Customer Loyalty: How Loyal Are Yours?

Brits really are creatures of habit, finds new report.

Research Found Gen Z Abandons Pubs and Clubs

We’re pleased to announce the release of&nbsp;customisable email booking templates&nbsp;as the latest addition to our table booking platform.



This is something we have struggled to find elsewhere, so we’re super proud to be pioneering this!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-customisable-branded-booking-templates">Customisable &amp; Branded Booking Templates</h4>



Our latest update allows you to send beautifully branded and eye-catching emails to your customers.



Simply choose from our&nbsp;4&nbsp;different pre-made templates&nbsp;for confirmation, cancellation, reminder and booking changes.



Check out our example below for some more details on each email building block.



<h6 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Email Header</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="586" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-1-1024x586.png" alt="" class="wp-image-22742" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-1-1024x586.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-1-300x172.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-1-768x440.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-1-1200x687.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-1-150x86.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-1.png 1327w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading" id="h-intro-and-bookings-details">Intro and Bookings Details</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1018" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-2-1024x1018.png" alt="" class="wp-image-22745" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-2-1024x1018.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-2-300x298.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-2-150x149.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-2-768x763.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-2-1200x1193.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-2-96x96.png 96w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-2.png 1327w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Business Details</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="513" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-3-1024x513.png" alt="" class="wp-image-22744" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-3-1024x513.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-3-300x150.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-3-768x385.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-3-1200x601.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-3-150x75.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-3.png 1327w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Additional Information</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="858" src="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-4-1024x858.png" alt="" class="wp-image-22743" srcset="https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-4-1024x858.png 1024w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-4-300x251.png 300w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-4-768x644.png 768w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-4-1200x1006.png 1200w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-4-150x126.png 150w, https://website-backend.stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bookings-Feature-Email-4.png 1327w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<a href="mailto:support@stampede.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reach out</a>&nbsp;if you need any help setting up the new booking emails or if you want to learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://stampede.ai/get-bookings?utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fASG98TmPNjRxQcL8KCFukWUD8M7F-ngLN1aR8CPT3PXdQyBffLpnb_FuxJqApqyYNoDa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stampede Bookings</a>.&nbsp;

Strengthen Your Brand With Customised Booking Emails

<h3>Research reveals Brits only try new food &amp; drink venues 1-2 times a year</h3>
<h4>Millennials keeping “the local” tradition alive while Gen Z abandons pubs and clubs</h4>
Stampede, the Scottish start up that helps public venues turn their guest Wifi into a marketing platform, today released the results of new research into the habits of people in the UK going out pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants. <a href="https://stampede.ai/resources/british-social-routines-and-connectivity-report/">The report</a> shows that the British public are stuck in a routine of going to the same places repeatedly, that Londoners are surprisingly sociable patrons, that young people are ditching the local pub (as well as clubs) and that venue owners must do more to entice new customers. The report also dispels the myth that people are more likely to leave a bad review that a good one, and other surprising stats include the fact that 28% of Brits said they could go longer without sex than without data.
Key findings include:
<ul>
<li>Half of respondents said that they only try new venues when given a prompt (eg. a promotional deal or recommendation) – yet a quarter of people said that their favourite pub/bar puts no effort into marketing new deals and events</li>
<li>More than a third of Brits (38%) say they only try new venues to eat or drink less than once a year. The majority only try a new venue every six months or less</li>
<li>Millennials are the most regular pub and club patrons – gen Zs are the least: 25-34yr olds are the most likely to have a pub they consider their ‘local’ (85%) vs just 46% of 18-24yr olds. 30% of 25-34yr olds say they regularly go to clubs, vs just 7% of 18-24yr olds</li>
<li>Despite its reputation for being an unsociable city, Londoners are far more likely to have a pub they consider their local (77% vs a national average of 57%) and are the second most likely to know their pub landlords and restaurant owners (47%) only behind Northern Ireland (50%). Londoners are also more likely to try new venues more often – 69% said they try a new venue every month or whenever a new venue opens</li>
<li>One in five people said they only go to their favourite venue on special occasions</li>
<li>Contrary to popular belief, people seem to be just as willing to leave online reviews for positive eating experiences as well as negative. 36% of people said they had reviewed their favourite restaurant, but roughly the same percentage (35%) had left an online review for their worst eating experience</li>
</ul>
“On the whole, people are rarely as brave or adventurous as they’d like to think – we are all creatures of habit,” said Patrick Clover, Stampede founder and CEO. “People spend their entire lives going to the same venues over and over again out of routine, yet many are desperate to break the cycle. Thankfully all it takes is the right promotion, a good review or a suggestion from a friend and even the most unadventurous people will brave new experiences.”
“Yes, we were surprised to learn Londoners were so sociable. I’ll try to spark up a conversation next time I’m on the underground!”
Stampede also wanted to learn whether Brits were dependent on their mobile devices and understand their experiences of getting connected to wifi in popular venues. Related findings include:
<ul>
<li>62% of people said they feel better when they are connected to public wifi, even if they have data remaining</li>
<li>33% of women said they could go longer without sex than they could data</li>
<li>A quarter of men surveyed said they could forgo love and friendship for longer than data</li>
<li>More than half of respondents reported experiencing problems connecting to public wifi in the past – many reported problems with passwords not working (25%), not being able to find the right password (23%) and registration processes taking too long (22%)</li>
</ul>
“Being connected at all times has become part and parcel of modern life, and that includes drinks after work, big nights out and even dates. People want to stay connected, share their lives with others on social media and need their phones to use services like Uber to get them to and from their chosen venues. It’s a long time since Wifi was optional for venues, but sadly there’s still no accepted best practice on how to register – hence the problems people encounter with passwords hidden on blackboards which often don’t actually work. That’s why it’s Stampede’s mission to standardise Wifi across the UK so that people can get connected quicker, use the internet in public spaces more securely, and give venue owners the chance to make Wifi work better for them.