Capturing events and group requests through your website
A request for a twentieth birthday party, a corporate dinner, or even a wedding: these are exactly the kind of bookings that make a business happy. They bring in a lot and fill your quieter moments. But it’s precisely these valuable requests that often get lost in a jumble of separate emails and DMs. In this article you’ll read how to capture events and group requests through your website in a structured way, so no lead slips through.
Why separate emails cost you leads
If a group request comes in through a WhatsApp message, an Instagram DM and an email all mixed together, chances are you’ll miss something. One request has no date, another has no party size, and before you know it you’re emailing back and forth three times before you know what someone actually wants. That costs time, and during a busy service it easily falls by the wayside.
Every request you answer too late, or not at all, is a missed booking. And groups and events are precisely the bookings that bring in the most.
A request form that asks the right questions straight away
The solution is a request form on your own site that asks for all the information you need in one go: the type of occasion, the date, the number of people, any special requests and the contact details. That way every request comes in complete, and you no longer have to chase missing information.
It’s more pleasant for the guest too. They know straight away what information you need, and get the feeling their request is being handled seriously and professionally.
Connections with event tools
If you work with specialised tools for your events, you can connect them to your site. Sitebite works with, among others, MICE Operations, aimed at corporate meetings and groups, and The Perfect Wedding for weddings. Requests that come in via your site then land directly in the tool you use to handle those specific bookings further.
That way you keep the request, from first contact to booked event, in one place, with no information getting lost along the way.
From request to booked event
By having everything come in via your site, a clear process emerges. You see at a glance which requests are pending, you have all the information for each request straight away, and you can respond quickly. Responding quickly and completely is often decisive for events: whoever sends a good quote first wins the booking. You can read how to keep individual bookings running smoothly alongside this in Connecting online bookings.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference with a regular booking?
A regular booking is a table at a specific time. An event or group request calls for customisation: a number of people, an occasion, often a tailored menu. A request form is more useful for that than a standard booking button.
Can I decide myself what to ask for?
Yes. You set up the form to gather exactly the information you need to properly assess a request.
Where do the requests come in?
The requests come together in a clear overview, and can be forwarded to a connected event tool such as MICE Operations or The Perfect Wedding if you wish.
Don’t let a single request slip through
Events and groups are among your most valuable bookings. By capturing them in a structured way through your website, you make sure every request comes in complete and gets picked up quickly. Less hassle, fewer missed opportunities, and more full tables at the moments that count.
