Competition in the restaurant business is rapidly growing in the UK, and owners are coming up with all sorts of ideas to stay ahead of the curve. One of the most effective ways to beat the competition is limited-time offers (LTOs).
LTOs can be a single or a mix of various promotional offers that allure customers with exclusive offers and perks. Today, we’ll explore seven mind-blowing tips for attracting customers with limited-time offers.
On a general note, LTOs can be a weapon to not only leave your competitors behind but also enhance your restaurant’s operational efficiency— a step toward winning prestigious restaurant awards.
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Make It Look Like ‘Urgent’
Do you know what works the most when it comes to instilling the urge to ‘buy now’ in your customers’ minds—the fear of missing out? Creating that sense of urgency can work wonders among your loyal customers if you pair it with your limited-time offers.
Using words or phrases like “A Lifetime Chance,” “Offer Lasts a Day,” or “Last Chance to Grab” can ignite the urgency in customers to hit your place as soon as possible. Applying these ideas may work fast, as London foodies are after unique culinary tastes and offers every other day.
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Bring Up New Dishes with LTOs
Bringing something unique to the menu under your limited-time offer can be a nice trick to attract existing and new customers. If you’re after restaurant awards like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA), the Oscar of the Curry Industry, spicing up your place with unique and exclusive cuisine may work wonders.
For instance, you’re offering a fusion cuisine in your restaurant with some seasonal spices and unique ingredients from a different culture. This will not only optimise your menu as a fresh one but also add value to the money spent by customers.
Besides, customer feedback on such measures can help you decide whether to add new dishes to your menu or not.
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Make Use of Your Online Food Ordering System
No matter what limited-time offer you come up with, it will not create any buzz among the customers without the proper platform. Your online ordering system can be a big resource for helping you with that.
One of the best ways to leverage your online food ordering system is by integrating your LTO with it. This way, your customers in London will happily order their takeaways and deliveries under promotional offers. This will mobilise your customers’ ordering facility while making your LTO a success.
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Leverage Social Media Platforms
You can’t keep social media out of the business, and in LTOs, it thrives in every way possible. Use your social media business accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc., to promote your offers to your target audience.
Create enticing images and videos with top-notch graphic designs to promote your lucrative food offers through these social media channels. The more mouthwatering and happening the offer looks, the greater the number of customers to order from your restaurant.
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Utilise the Charm of Local Festivals and Events
Since London boasts a rich year-round calendar of special food festivals and events, it’s a great chance for you to coincide your LTOs with those events. Whether it’s a major food festival or a street food carnival, join hands with the local authorities to promote your LTOs to bring new customers.
Throw events like “Special Curry Week,” “Fusion Fest,” or “Indian Dessert Week,” etc., where people from children to adults will join. What’s more, people can put their comments and reviews that you can use to build a good reputation and be nominated for restaurant awards.
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Put Your Loyalty Members on Top
Your loyal members are a big pillar of your restaurant business. That’s why it’s a big opportunity to offer them limited-time offers, such as ‘early access’ or ‘special discounts.’ Your loyal customers will appreciate this offer and encourage their friends and family to subscribe to your membership.
For instance, try offering a priority offer where your loyalty members will be permitted to taste your LTO specialities a night before the public can do so. Offers as such will not only make them glad but also make them return to your place repeatedly.
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Keep an Option for Customer-Generated Content
One of the easiest ways to attract more customers through limited-time offers is to apply user-generated or customer-generated content. Encourage your customers to share their experiences on your LTOs on social media.
Let’s say a hundred of your customers share photos on social media enjoying your LTO-based dishes at home or at your place; won’t this create a buzz among other users, including your existing customers and new ones?
You can also create hashtags and inspire your customers to use them while posting positively on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. This will expressly share your words among netizens in the UK and solidify your reputation in the market.
Final Words
Limited-time offers can attract new customers, boost sales, and spread goodwill from city to city. This strategy requires wise investment depending on the season, specific time of year, and changing consumer behaviour.
If you think our article will help you strategise your next LTO, consult with your chefs, servers, and partners to make the best offer. Also, consider running for a restaurant award on the merit of a life-changing LTO offer from your restaurant.
