Christmas is coming, and it’s one of the best times of the year to pack your restaurant with happy diners. Between office parties, family get-togethers, and last-minute celebrations, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make this holiday season a big win for your business.
If you’re wondering how to stand out and grab more bookings, email marketing is your answer. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to remind your customers why your restaurant is the place to be during Christmas. And if your restaurant has bagged some restaurant awards or been recognised by the Curry Oscars, that’s even more reason to shout about it in your emails.
Ready to get started? Here’s how to use email marketing to boost Christmas sales and keep tables full.
1. Get Festive with Your Emails
People love a bit of Christmas cheer, so make sure your emails look and feel festive. Add some Christmas colours, sprinkle in snowflakes, and show off pictures of your cosy, decorated restaurant.
Why It Works:
A festive vibe gets people in the mood for celebrating, and they’ll start imagining how great your place would be for their Christmas dinner.
Top Tip:
If you’ve won a Curry Oscar or other food industry awards, include that in your email. A line like “Enjoy a Christmas dinner from an award-winning restaurant!” will grab attention and build trust.
2. Send the Right Message to the Right People
Not everyone on your email list wants the same thing. Some are planning big office parties, while others just want a quiet dinner with their family. Tailor your emails to suit different groups.
How to Do It:
- Regulars: Reward loyal customers with a special discount or free treat.
- Takeaway lovers: Promote a festive feast delivered to their door.
- Event planners: Share group booking deals for office meetings or parties, or big family dinners.
Segmenting your email list means you’re speaking directly to what your customers need, making them more likely to book.
3. Create Christmas-Only Offers
Everyone loves a good deal, especially during Christmas. Use your emails to promote exclusive festive offers like:
- Set menus packed with seasonal favourites.
- Discounts for large groups.
- A free glass of bubbly or dessert for Christmas Eve diners.
Make It Special:
If your restaurant has earned restaurant awards, include that in your pitch. For example, “Treat your loved ones to a Christmas dinner at our award-winning restaurant!” adds instant appeal.
4. Show Off Your Food
Let’s be honest—no one can resist drooling over a picture of perfectly plated food. Use your emails to show off your festive menu with mouth-watering photos.
What to Include:
- Your most popular dishes, like a succulent Christmas turkey or a spicy festive curry.
- Cosy shots of your restaurant decked out in holiday decor.
- Smiling staff serving up Christmas cheer.
A stunning visual might be all it takes to make someone click “Book Now.”
5. Write Eye-Catching Subject Lines
Your subject line is the first thing people see, so make it count. It should grab attention and make them curious enough to open your email.
Examples:
- “Bring the Christmas Magic to Your Table – Book Now!”
- “Award-Winning Festive Menu Waiting for You!”
- “Hurry! Limited Spaces for Christmas Eve Dinner!”
Keep it short, sweet, and festive.
6. Sell Gift Cards for the Holidays
Gift cards are a no-brainer during Christmas. They’re easy for people to buy and a great way for you to secure future business.
Sweeten the Deal:
- Offer a bonus, like “Buy a £50 gift card, get a £10 voucher!”
- Remind customers that your restaurant is award-winning, so your gift card is extra special.
7. Show Off Your Achievements
Awards are a big deal, so don’t be shy about them. If you’ve won a Curry Oscar like the ARTA, or been recognised in restaurant awards, let your customers know. It’s a brilliant way to stand out from the competition.
How to Use Awards in Your Emails:
- Add an “Award-Winning” badge to your email designs.
- Drop in a line like “Join us this Christmas at a restaurant recognised by ARTA: the Curry Oscars!”
- Share a short story about how you earned the award—customers love a good backstory.
8. Make Your Call-to-Actions Clear
Every email you send should have a purpose. Whether it’s to book a table, order a takeaway, or buy a gift card, make it super easy for people to take the next step.
Great CTAs to Use:
- “Book Your Festive Table Now!”
- “Order Your Christmas Feast Online – Click Here!”
- “Celebrate the Holidays with Us – Reserve Your Spot!”
Make the buttons big, bold, and impossible to miss.
9. Share Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Your customers want to feel connected to you, so let them peek behind the curtain. Show how your team is gearing up for Christmas or how your festive menu is created.
What to Share:
- Photos of your chefs prepping signature Christmas dishes.
- A sneak peek of your team decorating the restaurant.
- Stories about how your awards have inspired this year’s festive menu.
It’s a personal touch that makes your emails more engaging.
10. Use a Countdown to Build Excitement
Nothing gets people moving like a deadline. Use countdown emails to remind customers about key dates.
Example Schedule:
- 7 Days Before Christmas: “It’s the Final Countdown – Book Now!”
- 3 Days Before Christmas Eve: “Last Few Tables Left – Don’t Miss Out!”
- Christmas Eve Morning: “It’s Not Too Late – Order Your Festive Feast Today!”
Urgency works wonders for motivating people to act.
11. Make It Mobile-Friendly
Most people check their emails on their phones, so make sure yours looks great on small screens.
Quick Tips:
- Keep your design simple and easy to scroll.
- Use big, easy-to-click buttons.
- Test your emails on mobile devices before sending them out.
12. Check What’s Working
Your email campaign doesn’t stop once you hit “send.” Keep an eye on how your emails perform and tweak them if needed.
What to Track:
- How many people open your emails.
- Which links get the most clicks.
- What type of offer gets the best response.
Use this info to improve your future campaigns and make them even more effective.
Make This Christmas One to Remember
Email marketing is one of the easiest ways to bring in more bookings and sales this Christmas. With a little effort, you can turn your emails into a tool that spreads holiday cheer and gets customers flocking to your restaurant.
And if you’ve got a shiny Curry Oscar like the ARTA to your name, make sure your customers know about it—it’s the perfect way to boost trust and excitement.
So, get those festive emails ready, and watch your bookings fill up faster than Santa’s sleigh!
