Connect with your customers and enhance your marketing

Stampede

Products

Table Management

Guest Wi-Fi

Marketing & CRM

Reviews

Loyalty & Rewards

Gift Cards

Analytics & Reports

Industries

Restaurants

Hotels

Pubs & Bars

Resources

Learn

Marketing Scorecard

Free Downloads

Email Campaign Templates

Automation Ideas

Blog

About

People and Promise

Careers - We're Hiring!

Success Stories

Testimonials

User Resources

Supported Hardware

Knowledge Base

Partners

Pricing

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!



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





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

post

How to Reduce No-Shows and Cancellations in Your Hotel

Did you know <a href="https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-statistics/">Instagram has 1 billion users every month</a>? So if your restaurant isn’t activity using this platform, <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/must-have-marketing-methods-for-your-restaurant/">you’re missing out</a>! The good news is that food is one of the most featured categories on Instagram. Not only do people upload pictures of food they have made, but they also capture the food they have eaten at restaurants. This is an <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/rock-your-restaurant-with-wifi-and-instagram/">excellent marketing tool</a> for your business, especially if they tag your business and location so it can be found by others. So better get started with planning your food images for your Instagram account. 







Uploading images of your food onto Instagram is a great method of getting hungry crowds to flock to your restaurant. Like any marketing tool, however, it does take a bit of trial and error to get right. After all, this is not your personal page where likes and follows don’t matter &#8211; this is your business and you need your product to shine in order to turn a profit.



So, if you are looking to get your food onto Instagram, here are our top tips to make it a success. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Choose Your Dishes Carefully</h4>



No matter how well they are made, some cuisines just don’t photograph well. Curry and risotto being two notable examples that spring to mind.&nbsp;



But hold up &#8211; that doesn’t mean to say you can’t photograph these or any other less photogenic cuisine. In fact, curry <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/uk-most-instagrammed-food-avocado-curry-fish-chips-yorkshire-puddings-a8502531.html">is one of the most Instagrammed dishes</a> out there. It does, however, require some skills to make it look as appetising as possible. As a general rule, anything slopped on a plate with no attention given to the presentation isn’t going to win any new customers, no matter what it consists of.&nbsp;



Your food needs to look as if some thought has gone into it. If in doubt, don’t upload the picture on Instagram or re-take it at a different angle. The last thing you want it to upload a really off-putting food image onto your restaurants&#8217; official page.&nbsp;



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



Many restaurants use low lighting because it’s atmospheric. But, the trouble is it doesn’t make for the best outcome when taking photos of the food. Using flash is too harsh and can be distracting to other diners, so what’s the solution?



If you haven’t already invested in some professional lighting, you can pick up <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Selfie-Supplementary-Lighting-Enhancing-Smartphones/dp/B01E3NSBFA/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=phone+ring+light&amp;qid=1574674870&amp;sr=8-4">a ring light for as little as £5</a>. The right light can make all the difference in photography, and the same goes for food too. 



Another trick is to make use of natural lighting, by photographing food near a window. The best trick is to stand with your back to the window so that you are holding the camera the same direction in which the light is flooding in.



If possible avoid heavy yellow light which is quite artificial. It can give food an orange tint, and generally doesn’t bring out detail very well. While you can always use filters to enhance an image, getting the lighting right isn’t something you can really compromise on.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Consider Hiring A Professional</h4>



Granted, we’re not all Rankin’s in the making. If you or your team aren’t great at photography or perhaps don’t have the time during a busy service &#8211; <a href="https://www.tonyhphoto.com/blog/food-photographer-for-your-restaurant-marketing">it’s time to think about setting up a professional photoshoot</a>.&nbsp;



When the restaurant is closed or on a quiet day, book a photographer to capture your dishes. You will probably want to make at least 10-20 so that they can shoot a tonne of food images at once for your Instagram account. Another great idea is to have them also take images of the dishes being made in the kitchen, as this can make for some authentic behind the scenes shots.



The advantages of a professional taking care of your images is, that they will be shot in the right lighting, in super HD plus using the most flattering angles. You can then upload one at a time to Instagram, or use the images as backgrounds to Instagram Stories. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">It’s All In The Details</h4>



Plates that could have done with a clean up around the sides were sauce or gravy has run over. A burger that looks messy and isn’t stacked very well. Chips that are burnt. You get the picture here &#8211; <a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/food-photography-basics/">your food needs to look appetising!</a>&nbsp;



Attention to detail really is key, so make sure your kitchen staff always present dishes to the best of their ability. When photographing food for marketing purposes, this couldn’t be any more important.



Well presented food communicates you care about what you do. Food that is badly presented and generally looks quite messy on the plate, signals to customers that little attention is given when making the food. It can be driving any customers without you even realising. 



Another tip is not to overload a plate with too much food. Although you might find it contradictory when you’re trying to make people hungry, sometimes less is more. If a plate has too much food then it can also make it difficult to style correctly when trying to take the right shot.&nbsp;



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



Instagram is an amazing platform to upload images of your food. You can take mouthwatering shots straight from the kitchen and have them seen by potential customers all over the globe. The best part is it’s simple to use as well as being completely free too!&nbsp;



What about taking this one step further and encouraging your customers to post their own images of your food on their social media accounts. Even better encouraging them to share it with family and friends whilst they&#8217;re still in your venue. All possible with our <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/getting-started-with-guest-wifi/">Guest WiFi solution</a>. Once your customers have signed into your WiFi, you can redirect them to one of your social media channels. Higher interaction guaranteed.



Why not give it a try today?



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





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

How to Take The Perfect Food Image for Instagram

The Easter countdown is officially on. Time to get your digital assets and marketing promotions Easter ready to&nbsp;bring in some extra revenue.



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



Many businesses will opt for a traditional brunch or roast lunch offer. Take a twist this year with a new approach to some traditional dishes. What about <a href="https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/hot-cross-scones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hot cross scones</a> for your brunch menu? Or introducing customers to some <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/traditional-easter-foods-from-around-the-world-4161077" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dishes from other countries</a>?



But there is more you can do to create an Easter experience your customers will remember&#8230;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-easter-marketing-elements">Easter marketing elements</h4>



Sprinkle some&nbsp;Easter themes on your digital assets&nbsp;to build your customers&#8217; excitement.&nbsp;Seasonal elements, illustrations and images&nbsp;are the quickest way to get started.



Easter and Spring is all about vibrant and cheerful colours, so focus on using <a href="https://icolorpalette.com/palette-by-themes/easter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pastel colours,</a> including pinks and yellows, to make your Easter marketing instantly recognisable.



Ready-made <a href="https://unlayer.com/email-templates/easter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Easter templates </a>can help you save lots of time when it comes to designing email campaigns too



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">8 Easter social media ideas</h4>



Easter offers lot of great opportunities for fun and engaging social media campaigns too.&nbsp;Mix and match different formats&nbsp;(posts, stories and reels) to reach a wider audience.



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Caption this &#8211; use&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/a30717299/easter-puns/" target="_blank">Easter egg puns</a></li><li>Share fun Easter memes</li><li>Host a virtual egg hunt across your socials and website</li><li>Share your staffs’ Easter traditions, favourite meals …</li><li>What’s on your Easter brunch table</li><li>Short video/reel &#8211; make your own DIY Easter decoration</li><li>Easter sneak peak &#8211; coming up at your venue</li><li>DIY bunny ears competition</li></ol>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">8 Easter in-venue event ideas</h4>



Easter-related activities are not exclusively for kids, grown-ups can have a lot of fun as well. Get the whole family involved:



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Egg hunt or scavenger egg hunt</li><li>Egg and a spoon race</li><li>Competition &#8211; egg decorating</li><li>Guessing game &#8211; jar filled with easter eggs</li><li>Host an <a href="https://quiz-questions.uk/easter-quiz-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Easter-inspired pub quiz</a></li><li>Easter baking class</li><li>Team up with a local florist for a wreath-making workshop</li><li>How to set your Easter table &#8211; decoration ideas</li></ol>



Easter marketing content ready but not sure how to set up your email campaign? <a href="https://stampede.ai/company/#contact" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with our team who are happy to help.

16 Rapid Ideas For Successful Easter Marketing Campaigns

We all know <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-power-of-reviews-and-recommendations/">how important online reviews</a> are in marketing, especially for local businesses. Most customers don’t head into a store or restaurant these days without browsing a company’s Google and social media reviews first.&nbsp;Though, lots of businesses struggle on how to respond to positive and negative customer reviews.



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



It’s estimated that a total number of <a href="https://www.oberlo.co.uk/blog/online-review-statistics">89% of consumers look for online reviews</a> before making a purchase. <a href="https://www.oberlo.co.uk/blog/online-review-statistics">54% of a potential customer base will form an opinion</a> about a local business after reading just 4 reviews.



Just one good review has the potential to draw in a line of new customers. Bad reviews – well, they just hurt. Sometimes, they are a true reflection of your business and at other times, they arise from a one-time misunderstanding. Sometimes they’re just downright cruel.&nbsp;



Reviews are going to happen whether you want them to or not. The good news, however, is that if you respond correctly, even a bad review can do you justice.&nbsp;



Before we start discussing “how” to respond to a review, let’s quickly place emphasis on “why” one should respond.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-local-businesses-respond-to-online-reviews">Why Should Local Businesses Respond to Online Reviews?</h4>



Marketing has evolved from one-way communication to a mutual conversation. This is because social media has turned marketing into a “social” entity.&nbsp;



Let’s look at the following as an example:



If a customer came up to you and complimented you on your store, would you give them a blank stare? And if someone complained about your management, would you walk away and brush them off?



Your answer is very likely going to be a hard “no”.&nbsp;



So, why would one ignore a comment on a social platform (social being the operative word)? By engaging your customers with a response, even if their message is a negative one, you show them that you care about what they are saying. 



A thoughtful response not only satisfies the reviewer, but the rest of your audiences will appreciate the respect that you are reflecting onto them. And like we mentioned above, it’s at this point that a negative review can quickly be turned into one that gives your brand an excellent public image.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-respond-to-a-negative-online-review">How To Respond To A Negative Online Review?</h4>



We’re starting with “how to respond to negative reviews” because they are the hardest to react too.&nbsp;



We don’t like to be slandered and when someone throws hurtful words at our beloved businesses (even if there is some truth to their words), but it’s our human nature to react emotionally. Reacting emotionally, however, is what can get us into more hot water. 



This means that the very first step in responding to a negative review is to take a deep breath and gather your wits. &nbsp;



Then, you can work on your response by:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Addressing the reviewer. First and foremost, you want to avoid generic responses that begin with “Dear Customer” at all costs. Instead, make your message a personal one by addressing the reviewer individually.</li>



<li>Say thank you. Thanking someone’s candour shows respect. It will make the individual who left the review feel more valuable. A simple acknowledgement like this might already change their opinion on your business.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Apologise and sympathise. Apologising shows that you care about your customers and that you’re not too proud to own up to your mistakes. Even if you are not in the wrong, say sorry anyway – because, in essence, you should be sorry that your customer feels that way. People don’t like businesses that are too perfect or too proud to apologise.</li>



<li>Take responsibility. Sometimes you just have to put on those “big-boy-boots” and take responsibility. Don’t make excuses (even if you do have reasonable ones), simply acknowledge your customer’s experience and provide reassurance that you will try your best to hold yourself to high standards in the future.</li>



<li>Make things right. By making things right, you will prove to the reviewer and the audiences that read your reviews that you take their feedback and your business seriously. When you communicate changes and improvements, you stand the chance of winning the customer/s over and gaining their trust in you once again. &nbsp;</li>



<li>Take the issue offline. Once you have left a response for all to see, it’s best to try and continue the discussion with the reviewer offline. This allows you to further resolve their complaint.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



Here is an example of a response to a negative review using the advice we have provided above:



&#8220;Dear John. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’re so sorry that your experience did not match your expectations. 



We are typically renowned for our meticulous attention to detail, and we regret that we missed the mark. Our team would like to assure you that we will work on improving our standards to avoid disappointment in the future. 



We would like the opportunity to investigate your feedback further. Please could you contact us at [Email Address]?&#8220;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-respond-to-a-positive-online-review">How To Respond To A Positive Online Review</h4>



Ending off on a sweeter note, positive reviews will make any business owner’s day. It’s just good manners to say thank you when someone compliments you. A response such as this, for example, will go a long way:



“Thank you, Sarah, for your lovely review. Our team appreciates your feedback. We hope you can join us again soon!”&nbsp;



Remember, your response to a positive review may be intended for one specific individual, but when it comes to Google and social media platforms, thousands of other individuals will be reading what you write. This means that you need to seize the opportunity to reinforce the positive and show your audiences that you appreciate their feedback and loyalty.&nbsp;



To end, we have one final piece of advice. Always respond to reviews as soon as you can. The sooner you can rectify a problem or show your gratitude – the better!



If you have been stuck with some bad feedback lately, try this <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-reviews#reviews-calculator">review calculator</a> we built. It works out how many 5-star reviews you need to get your score back to where you want it.

How to Respond to Positive and Negative Online Reviews [Updated for 2022]

Montpeliers launches Fringe Festival Cocktail Club with Stampede

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

A new kind of marketplace for hospitality apps

October Update – 3x Faster Guest WiFi and more

New Features & Updates – September 2023

Did you know that more and more people are using Instagram to make decisions about their next dining choice? Often restaurants are scaled based on their “Instagrammability”, i.e. how Instagram-friendly they are.&nbsp;Keep reading to find out how to make your restaurant more Instagrammable.



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



The average customer <a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/how-instagram-changed-the-restaurant-industry-infographic/572565/">spends 10 minutes taking pictures</a> before actually starting ordering anything. Shocking? Well, <a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/how-instagram-changed-the-restaurant-industry-infographic/572565/">69% of Millennials</a> take a photo of their food whilst being out and about and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-customers-choose-a-restaurant/">30% would avoid going to a venue with a weak Insta account at all</a>. You might not be the biggest fan of this trend, though the Insta influence keeps growing every day.



Not all is bad with Insta. There are big advantages for your business. All this posting and sharing with family and friends is <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-importance-of-user-generated-content-on-social-media/">free advertising for you</a>! This leads to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/the-importance-of-digital-word-of-mouth/">word-of-mouth</a>, getting you more people through the door. Who would say no to that?



Having said this, you might not be able to influence the content of the posts as such, but you can influence the way they look. So, how do you make sure your restaurant is Instagrammable?&nbsp;



It’s not only about the appearance of your food and drinks (like all this <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/19/style/unicorn-food-starbucks.html">crazy rainbow coloured unicorn food</a>). There is more to consider than you might have thought of. We have gathered 5 restaurant design features helping you to go viral with your venue.



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-take-perfect-food-image-for-instagram/">https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-take-perfect-food-image-for-instagram</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-good-lighting">1) Good Lighting</h4>



Let’s start with the most obvious one. The perfect snap needs <a href="https://www.absoluteci.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-your-bar-or-restaurant-more-instagrammable">good lighting</a>. The ideal solution for the best captures, of course, would be natural light. However, maybe your venue is hidden in the back or downstairs without much natural light coming in &#8211; plus what about after dark customers? Therefore, artificial lighting is what you have to rely on. Nowadays there are many different types to choose from &#8211; warm white, cool white, daylight or maybe fancy coloured light?&nbsp;



Each venue has its own ideal solution. You might even consider different types of lighting within your venue to get the perfect balance between too bright and too dark. Make use of a dimmer to adapt your light throughout the day. In addition, quirky lights &#8211; like fairy lights &#8211; can add the additional kick to your restaurant and create the perfect ambience for THE shot.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-attention-to-detail">2) Attention to Detail</h4>



It’s no secret that attention to detail is a powerful tool to set yourself apart from your competitors. Most of us will think about this in terms of customer service or operational excellence. However, you should also think about the entire dining experience, including physical assets. This could be the dishes you’re using, but also your overall decoration on the tables and in your venue.



Why not exchange your plain white plates with more colourful, exciting ones that can make the difference when looking through the camera lens? A variety of plants and interesting or quirky signs (you could go neon or choose a quote reflecting your brand) can further help you to set yourself apart. Remember to give your decoration elements a little makeover from time to time, to make it more exciting for your customers. Don’t forget seasonal decoration.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-unique-dishes-to-stand-out">3) Unique Dishes to Stand-Out</h4>



You might have it already in your restaurant &#8211; your signature dish or drink. Something unique you came up with that customers can only get at yours. Something Instagrammable that creates the buzz, driving people through your doors encouraging them to share their experience.



If you don’t have a unique dish, it’s not as complicated to come up with an idea as you might think. Stick to something you’re good at, no need to go crazy here. Think of your customers’ favourite dish or drink in your restaurant, your bestsellers. Choose one and take it up a notch. What about trying out some new flavour combinations or an eye-catching presentation?&nbsp;



Come up with a name that fits your brand and the dish, something memorable. That’s it, your new signature dish is waiting to be photographed and shared on Insta. Don’t forget to share this new, exciting dish with your customers on your social channels! And for bonus points, give it a <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-hashtags-for-your-restaurant-posts/">unique hashtag</a>!&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-aesthetic-in-your-venue">4) Aesthetic in Your Venue</h4>



Going a bit bigger here. It’s not only about the details in your decoration but also about the overall aesthetic of your venue that can make it more Instagrammable.&nbsp;



Starting from the outside (also a good way to attract walk-in traffic) and looking at your external wall. Maybe a <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/19/restaurants-invest-in-photogenic-decor-to-attract-instagram-users.html">colourful wall or artwork</a> can do the trick. You don’t have to be an artist yourself, do some research on local artists looking for an opportunity to showcase their talent. Also, make sure your name is visible on the outside.



The same applies when we move inside. Pay attention to your artwork and make sure it fits your overall brand and story. Eye-catching wallpaper gives your customers the ideal background for their shots. For example, this bar has light-up stairs that will definitely catch your attention: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0WlGseDHnO/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B0WlGseDHnO/</a>.



If you want to take it another step forward, have a look at your floor. Is it the usual grey-coloured one you find in the majority of restaurants? You could give this a boost with some <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/20/16000552/instagram-restaurant-interior-design-photo-friendly-media-noche">decorative, striking floor tiles</a> that make your venue special.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-storytelling">5) Storytelling</h4>



Every venue has its own story. This might be the way you came up with the idea to start a restaurant, an interesting fact about the owners or the story about the actual venue itself.&nbsp;



There is always something exciting to tell about your place your customers are interested in. <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-restaurants-can-use-storytelling-for-social-media/">Stories are there to be shared</a>. So make sure your customers know your story and integrate this theme within your food and decor.



For example, the restaurant <a href="https://www.mammas.co.uk/">Mammas Pizza</a> has a chalkboard on their wall, telling how the owner was an extra in two Star Wars films. They even took it a step further. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186525-d719977-r280067735-Mamma_s_American_Pizza-Edinburgh_Scotland.html#photos;geo=186525&amp;detail=719977&amp;ff=397854343&amp;albumViewMode=hero&amp;aggregationId=101&amp;albumid=101&amp;baseMediaId=397854343&amp;thumbnailMinWidth=50&amp;cnt=30&amp;offset=-1&amp;filter=7&amp;autoplay=">The writing is like the opening of a Star Wars film.</a>&nbsp;



Remember, all these features should lead to a unified overall appearance in your venue. No matter how crazy you get, there should be some sort of connection to your brand and who you want to be, allowing you to create an overall theme.&nbsp;



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



Not all of these Instagrammable features might be suitable for your venue. No need to start tearing down your walls or spending fortunes on new decoration. But they will give you an idea of what your customers are paying attention to when getting out their phones to take their next shot. Maybe a little tweak here and then can already boost your restaurant up the Insta-friendly scale.&nbsp;&nbsp;



This all sounds good and well, but once customers get their Insta shot, how do you ensure that they’re coming back? We all know, attracting new customers costs you more than nurturing your existing ones.&nbsp;



To get their newest Insta shots posted, your customers need WiFi. Make use of the Guest WiFi you provide and gather your customers’ data for targeted promotions, review management and much more.



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





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

5 Tips to Make Your Restaurant More Instagrammable

[vc_row bg_type=&#8221;color&#8221; padding_top_multiplier=&#8221;&#8221; padding_bottom_multiplier=&#8221;&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2/3&#8243;][fildisi_modal modal_id=&#8221;leave-feedback&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Feedback&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][contact-form-7 id=&#8221;2323&#8243; title=&#8221;Feedback&#8221;][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/fildisi_modal][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=&#8221;image&#8221; bg_image=&#8221;15599&#8243; bg_image_size=&#8221;responsive&#8221; padding_top_multiplier=&#8221;5x&#8221; padding_bottom_multiplier=&#8221;5x&#8221; columns_gap=&#8221;60&#8243; font_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; el_class=&#8221;try-it&#8221;][vc_column text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1583788662441{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #1f2888 !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Check out our news&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:45px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:65px&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][fildisi_empty_space][fildisi_button align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Go to Blog&#8221; button_hover_color=&#8221;primary-2&#8243; button_shape=&#8221;extra-round&#8221; button_link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fstampede.ai%2Fblog%2F|||&#8221;][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Now Online

Demo

SaaS Agreement

Now Online – Highlands and Islands Airports

[vc_row bg_type=&#8221;color&#8221; padding_top_multiplier=&#8221;4x&#8221; padding_bottom_multiplier=&#8221;2x&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#17183f&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;20758&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][/vc_column][vc_column vertical_content_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; width=&#8221;1/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1627402849335{margin-top: 20px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Secure Future Footfall Now&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_class=&#8221;main-page-title&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Stampede&#8217;s digital Gift Card feature is ideal for hospitality businesses. Make it easy for your customers to buy gift cards and vouchers online.&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h5|font_size:25px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:1.5&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1627403337645{margin-right: 10% !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;main-page-title&#8221;][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1627402865513{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner][fildisi_button button_text=&#8221;Book a Product Tour&#8221; button_hover_color=&#8221;primary-2&#8243; button_shape=&#8221;extra-round&#8221; button_link=&#8221;url:%23schedule_demo&#8221; button_class=&#8221;book-demo&#8221; el_class=&#8221;book-demo&#8221;][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bg_type=&#8221;color&#8221; padding_top_multiplier=&#8221;3x&#8221; padding_bottom_multiplier=&#8221;3x&#8221; separator_top=&#8221;curve-left-separator&#8221; separator_top_size=&#8221;60px&#8221; separator_top_color=&#8221;#17183f&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;20724&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][/vc_column][vc_column vertical_content_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; width=&#8221;1/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1627403441787{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Gift Cards&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23ff3c9b&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_class=&#8221;main-page-title&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;main-page-text&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1627403376484{margin-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]Send customers to your business branded landing page giving them a super streamlined way to pay upfront now and support your business. They reclaim when they can and want.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][fildisi_button button_text=&#8221;Book a Demo&#8221; button_hover_color=&#8221;primary-2&#8243; button_shape=&#8221;extra-round&#8221; button_link=&#8221;url:%23schedule_demo&#8221; button_class=&#8221;book-demo&#8221; el_class=&#8221;book-demo&#8221;][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1627403217135{margin-top: 10px !important;}&#8221;][fildisi_divider line_type=&#8221;custom-line&#8221; line_width=&#8221;144px&#8221; line_height=&#8221;3&#8243; line_color=&#8221;custom&#8221; line_color_custom=&#8221;#edf2f7&#8243; padding_top=&#8221;30&#8243; padding_bottom=&#8221;15&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;text-includes&#8221;]SELL YOUR GIFT CARDS ONLINE
<ul>
<li>Sell gift vouchers and cards online</li>
<li>Collect data for future <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/">marketing</a></li>
<li>Customise your unique web page</li>
<li>Get paid straight away</li>
<li>Support your cash flow now, drive footfall later</li>
</ul>
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;image&#8221; bg_image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; bg_position=&#8221;right-bottom&#8221; equal_column_height=&#8221;middle-content&#8221; separator_top=&#8221;curve-left-separator&#8221; separator_top_size=&#8221;60px&#8221; separator_top_color=&#8221;#17183f&#8221; section_id=&#8221;gifting&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1/2&#8243; mobile_text_align=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Gift Cards&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_class=&#8221;main-page-title&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;main-page-text&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1627400829642{padding-bottom: 45px !important;}&#8221;]Send customers to your business branded landing page giving them a super streamlined way to pay upfront now and support your business. They reclaim when they can and want.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1/2&#8243;][fildisi_button button_text=&#8221;Book a Product Tour&#8221; button_hover_color=&#8221;primary-2&#8243; button_shape=&#8221;extra-round&#8221; button_link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fcalendly.com%2Fstampedeae%2Fstampede-demo-request|target:_blank&#8221; button_class=&#8221;book-demo&#8221; el_class=&#8221;book-demo&#8221;][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1/2&#8243;][fildisi_button button_text=&#8221;Get started now&#8221; button_hover_color=&#8221;primary-2&#8243; button_size=&#8221;extralarge&#8221; button_link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fsignup.stampede.ai%2F%3Fsource%3Dgifting||target:%20_blank|&#8221; button_class=&#8221;arrow-button free-trial&#8221; el_class=&#8221;text-button&#8221;][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][fildisi_divider line_type=&#8221;custom-line&#8221; line_width=&#8221;144px&#8221; line_height=&#8221;3&#8243; line_color=&#8221;custom&#8221; line_color_custom=&#8221;#edf2f7&#8243; padding_top=&#8221;30&#8243; padding_bottom=&#8221;15&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;text-includes&#8221;]GIFT CARDS ARE FREE TO USE
<ul>
<li>Sell gift vouchers and cards online</li>
<li>Collect data for future <a href="https://stampede.ai/how-it-works/marketing/">marketing</a></li>
<li>Customise your unique web page</li>
<li>Get paid straight away</li>
<li>Support your cash flow now, drive footfall later</li>
</ul>
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1/2&#8243;][rev_slider slidertitle=&#8221;Gifting&#8221; alias=&#8221;slider-12&#8243; layout=&#8221;auto&#8221;][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2/3&#8243; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221;][fildisi_button align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_text=&#8221;STAMPEDE INFO!&#8221; button_color=&#8221;primary-2&#8243; button_hover_color=&#8221;primary-2&#8243; button_size=&#8221;extrasmall&#8221; button_shape=&#8221;extra-round&#8221; button_link=&#8221;url:%23|||&#8221; el_class=&#8221;tip-button&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;main-page-text&#8221;]We&#8217;re using Stripe to power our solution because it&#8217;s secure and fast. Setting up an account takes seconds![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1/6&#8243;][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_class=&#8221;try-it&#8221;][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1584018827046{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-image: url(https://stampede.ai/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/banner-bg2.png?id=15813) !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Try Stampede for free&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%231f2888|line_height:65px&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_class=&#8221;full-weight&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;main-page-text&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1585043445265{padding-bottom: 30px !important;}&#8221;]
Get gift carding for your business.
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1/4&#8243;][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1/2&#8243;][vc_raw_html]JTVCY29udGFjdC1mb3JtLTclMjBpZCUzRCUyMjE2NTczJTIyJTIwdGl0bGUlM0QlMjJGcmVlJTIwVHJpYWwlMjBTdGVwLTBfZ2lmdGluZyUyMiU1RA==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1/4&#8243;][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Book A Personalised Demo&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_raw_html css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1657270072138{border-bottom-width: 20px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Gifting

In 2020, the online food delivery market is set to generate £4,215m <a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/374/156/online-food-delivery/united-kingdom?currency=gbp#market-globalRevenue">for the UK economy</a>. The market is so strong, that the UK is the 4th biggest nation in the world for the amount we spend ordering food online, with 22 million of us logging onto food delivery apps and websites. A figure that is growing rapidly year on year.







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



Update for March 2020



With the situation around COVID-19 becoming more serious, restaurants are facing major dropdowns in business and ultimately cash flow. People are more and more withdrawing from going out for dinner. However, there are ways to keep your restaurant up and running. Offering your food on delivery apps is a good way to combat it. 



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



Back in the day, you’d have to physically go to a restaurant or takeaway to get food to eat at home, or find the number in the Yellow Pages. You could even pop into Blockbuster to hire a video to watch with your takeaway while you waited for it to be cooked. How things have changed! Now, a chicken korma or meat feast pizza can arrive at your door within a couple of taps.



If your restaurant is yet to get to appear on a delivery app, you could be missing out on vital business. In fact, Deliveroo partners have seen <a href="https://www.feedough.com/deliveroo-business-model-how-does-deliveroo-make-money/">an average of 30% increase in business</a> since signing up, and that’s just one app! While it might seem complicated, the process is actually relatively straightforward. Given the huge boost in trade it could bring to your restaurant, it’s definitely worth considering. 



Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to getting your restaurant on a delivery app, and why it’s worth doing so.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">What Are The Most Popular Delivery Apps In The UK?</h4>



According to <a href="https://www.redbytes.co.uk/best-food-delivery-apps-uk/">Red Bytes</a>, the following delivery apps are the most popular within the UK. 1. Just Eat 2. Food Hub 3. Deliveroo 4. Hungry House 5. Uber Eats 6. Domino’s Pizza 7. Zomato 8. Talabat 9. Eat Clean Me 10. Spoonfed 



Each of these apps has its own quirks from catchy tv jingles to GPS showing you where your food is on its journey. What they each have in common is the ease of use they provide for hungry customers. Menus are usually clear and simple, with mouthwatering pictures depicting exactly what you can order.



This kind of technology is brilliant for restaurants, namely because these apps have already been built, removing the associated cost and risk for individual businesses. If a customer is hungry, all open restaurants will be displayed within a certain radius. All people have to do is select what they want. The order and money will then go directly to the restaurant, minus any fees the app will take as commission. Compared with physically visiting you or calling up, this is a lot less hassle for customers, not least because most restaurants allow for pre-orders too. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">How To Get Your Restaurant On A Delivery App</h4>



As you might expect, every restaurant delivery app is a separate company, and so has its own unique process when it comes to signing up. For example, <a href="https://www.ubereats.com/restaurant/en-US/signup?lang=jp-JP&amp;_ga=2.257046283.161372892.1583089592-952172802.1583089592">Uber Eats</a> has a screening process in which restaurants must pass unspecified criteria. <a href="https://restaurants.just-eat.co.uk/">Just Eat</a> requires you to register your business with the Food Standards Agency as well as with your local council, and you must have a minimum 3-star rating.



With so many delivery apps available (including up and coming ones), it goes without saying <a href="https://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Article/2018/04/06/5-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-delivery-partner">you must do your research</a> before you agree to partner with anyone. As well as having a great user experience, you also need to weigh up the costs to your business as some will charge more than others. Remember, that although the delivery app is just a partner, the service the app gives to your customers will be a reflection on your business as a whole.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Top Tips For Success</h4>



If your restaurant is new to the takeaway scene, you need to understand what you are getting into. The food that is available for takeaway needs to survive its journey and arrive in good condition. The materials you’ll need also need to be factored in, and in the age of ‘the war on plastic’, this is a tricky subject. It is of course, worth figuring out especially as nailing the takeaway market has the potential to greatly increase your business reach and overall profits. 



Already have an established takeaway model? Then, it’s a good idea to figure out how a delivery app could benefit your business, as well as ensuring continuity if you plan on retaining your existing delivery model too.&nbsp; If you do receive a boost in trade, then you’ll need to be able to handle it which could require hiring more staff to cook the food and deliver it. As you are able to set your own hours, it’s a good idea to start off with a trial run to see if you have everything in hand. Slow waits or a poorly cooked food could lead to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-respond-to-positive-and-negative-customer-reviews-online/">bad reviews</a> if not. 



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



The delivery app scene is booming, and if your restaurant isn’t yet using one, you could be missing out on vital trade for your business. Given the industry is rising year on year, it’s definitely worth taking the leap of faith if you’ve been unsure up to now. After all, the business model works and has been created by someone else who has done all the hard work for you. Although there will be a small cost involved, the boost in trade could also see your physical restaurant become more popular by advertising your food to a wider audience. 



When you first partner with a delivery app, spreading the word is key. While you are sure to pick up new trade, your existing customers will be equally interested to know they can now order your delicious food to the comfort of their own homes too. 



Stampede can help you with your <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/email-marketing-tips-for-the-hospitality-industry/">marketing campaigns</a> informing your customers of all your latest news and promotions. Including telling them you are now available on your chosen delivery app. Whether you prefer email, SMS or even social media &#8211; spreading the word can help maximise your campaign to deliver the right results.&nbsp;



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





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

Why You Should Put Your Restaurant On A Delivery App Now