Section 11 of 12

Tips & Best Practices

Practical advice from restaurants that get the most out of Buqq.

This section collects practical advice for getting the most out of Buqq — from writing a welcome message that converts browsers into bookings, to keeping no-show rates low.

Welcome messages that convert#

Your welcome message appears at the top of the booking page before any slot is selected. It's often the deciding factor between a guest completing a booking or bouncing.

What works

  • Set expectations — "Lunch bookings available Tuesday–Friday; dinner every evening."
  • Create urgency — "Friday and Saturday evenings fill up fast — book early."
  • Be specific about groups — "Parties of 8 or more, please call us directly."
  • Mention the occasion angle — "Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations."

What to avoid

Avoid filler phrases like "Welcome to our booking page" or "Thank you for your interest." Every word should earn its place.

Keep it under 150 characters. Guests read the welcome message in two seconds — make it count.

Photos that fill seats#

Gallery photos are the single biggest conversion driver after availability. Restaurants with at least four gallery photos consistently outperform those with one or none.

What to photograph

  1. The dining room — Show the atmosphere. Natural light, tables set, no empty chairs visible if possible.
  2. A hero dish — One beautiful plate from a good angle. This is the image that appears first.
  3. The bar or drinks — If you have a strong beverage offering, show it.
  4. Outdoor or terrace seating — If you have it, feature it — it's a major draw.
  5. A group table — Shows you cater for celebrations and larger parties.
You don't need a professional photographer. Modern smartphones produce excellent food and interior shots. The key is good natural light and a clean, uncluttered frame.

Handling no-shows#

No-shows cost restaurants an average of 5–10% of potential revenue. A few simple measures reduce them significantly.

Set a clear cancellation policy

Add a cancellation policy in Settings → Cancellation policy. Even a simple "Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance if you can't make it" reduces no-shows by making the expectation explicit.

Use arrival notes

Add a reminder in Settings → Arrival notes: "If your plans change, please cancel using the link in your confirmation email or contact us directly." This appears in the confirmation email every guest receives.

Track no-shows in Analytics

The No-shows & Cancellations chart in Analytics shows you whether your rate is trending up or down. If it's rising, consider tightening your cancellation policy or adding a deposit requirement (handled outside Buqq via your payment processor).

Promoting your booking URL#

Your booking URL (buqq.online/booking/your-slug) should appear everywhere a potential guest might look for you.

Checklist: Where to put your booking URL
  • Your restaurant website — header button or dedicated "Reserve a table" page
  • Instagram bio (use the link-in-bio or link directly)
  • Facebook Page — add as a "Book Now" action button
  • Google Business Profile — add as the booking link
  • TripAdvisor / OpenTable descriptions — include the URL in your description text
  • Email signature — include a one-line booking CTA
  • Physical menus or table cards — a QR code linking to your booking page
If you change your slug, update every location where the old URL appears. Buqq does not redirect old slugs automatically.