Many believe that marketing for any small business is the same. While in some respects that is true, there are some unique ways to market the company that you would not use on other types of small businesses when running a restaurant.
A combination of digital and traditional marketing tools and tricks should be implemented. However, you should add other marketing tools to help a restaurant gain customers and thrive. Here are seven marketing tools to get your restaurant noticed.
Promotions and Coupons
While the taste and quality of the food served will be the biggest draw for a restaurant, customers will be equally concerned with cost. Offering coupons on the next meal or running specials and promotions will keep them returning as much as the excellent food.
Website
Having a business website featuring your menu and information is a must for a restaurant. The website should be inviting and include pictures of mouth-watering food and the warm atmosphere customers can expect when they visit.
An added attraction that could bring your restaurant more business through the website is to have an online ordering feature. This feature will allow take-out customers to peruse your menu longer, often resulting in added items they may not add if ordering over the phone.
Social Media
Small business restaurants’ most effective social media platforms are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), Snapchat, and TikTok. These platforms allow the restaurant to interact directly with regular and potential customers. Posts on social media should focus on the restaurant, the food, information, and engagement. The goal is to increase your online presence to help potential customers find your restaurant.
Reviews
Be bold and ask customers to review your restaurant. Many potential customers use search engines to find new restaurants in their area. When deciding to try something new, online reviews significantly drive traffic to your restaurant. Give special offers, discounts, or free food or drinks in exchange for a review. It is a low-cost way to drive significant traffic to your restaurant.
Blogging
Adding a blog to your already engaging website can bring more traffic to discovering your restaurant. The content needs to be keyword-heavy, simple, and engaging. Use your website analytics to discover what search words bring traffic to your site, and make sure every blog includes those words. Using humor and community interests and featuring food and restaurant staff will allow people to come to try you out.
Customer Interaction
It would help employ other tried and true marketing approaches outside digital marketing strategies. Run ads in local publications as can be afforded, attend community events, hand out free samples, and use flyers and signage.
Interacting with potential customers will get them in, and your food and atmosphere will keep them returning. You should also always remember your already loyal customers and interact with them. Everyone loves to feel appreciated and acknowledged. Communicating with your customers will go a long way to free marketing.
Word of Mouth
If you dig into any successful restaurant’s business best practices, word of mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools a restaurant owner has. Many businesses, especially restaurants, get more business from others talking it up than any other marketing tool.
Reputation is crucial; if others recommend your restaurant, that is marketing gold. How do you guarantee word of mouth? That is a tricky question; you can’t force people to talk about you, but you can give them incentives to tell friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective marketing for a restaurant requires a tailored approach. Combining digital and traditional tools, such as promotions, a compelling website, and active social media engagement, is essential. Encouraging customer reviews, maintaining a blog, and participating in community events enhance visibility. Personalized customer interactions, both online and offline, contribute to loyalty. Above all, word of mouth remains a powerful marketing tool, emphasizing the importance of delivering exceptional dining experiences to inspire recommendations and ensure long-term success.
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