How do I get more event inquiries?!?
Event sales managers all over the country ask us this question every day.
However, despite this being a popular question - the answer is not well known. Most sales managers jump to spending more on marketing or listing their venue on directories is the solution. While both can be helpful, they are often expensive and the ROI is uncertain. Instead what we recommend doing first, is making sure that your existing customers are well aware of your event offerings. Many of these concerned sales managers don't have a private events section prominently displayed on their website and you could walk into their restaurant with out even knowing they have event space to rent.
Here are some tips we’ve seen from some of our most successful customers to get the word out that they are booking private events again.
1. Add a pop-up on your website
It’s easy for private event information to get lost on a website or buried under tabs. By adding a pop-up to your website like the one below, it’s impossible to miss that you’re booking private events again. Linking your Perfect Venue contact form to the pop-up ensures new leads go directly into Perfect Venue.
2. Social media post or email newsletter
A series of social media posts is a great way to remind your followers that you’re booking private events again. Including updated photos of the rooms and important information like capacities is a visual way to remind your followers you’re open for private events again. You can then re-use much of the same content for your email newsletter. Of course, make sure to link your posts to your Perfect Venue contact form.
3. Add a private events blurb to your menu
If there’s one thing that *every* guest not only sees but actually reads, it’s your menu. By adding a short blurb on your menu at the bottom, in a corner, or elsewhere, guests who visit for dine-in are more likely to learn that you have event space and come back for their next corporate or social function. Then, add your Perfect Venue QR code (found under Settings → Venue Setup) so that guests can book directly from the menu.
4. Put up a sign
It may sound old-school, but it’s a simple and effective way to get the word out for businesses like restaurants with heavy foot traffic. To take it to the next level, you can add brochures or businesses cards to the sign that guests can easily take with them with QR codes that link to your contact form.
5. Have a private events section on your website
This one should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how many restaurants don’t have a clear private events page on their website. Adding a simple page with pictures of your event spaces, food, drinks, etc., is a simple — but critical step to driving more private event inquires. A clear Call to Action button at the top of the page with text like “Plan Your Party”, “Book Your Event”, or “Send Inquiry” that links to your contact form makes it impossible for guests to miss.
In summary
Just because you can book private events again doesn’t mean your customers know that. So make sure to spread the word with visually engaging pictures, important information, and no-brainer call to action buttons like “Plan Your Party” or “Book Your Event” that link to your Perfect Venue contact form so that your event spaces are full!
