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Restaurant marketing is a tough job for business owners. In the current landscape of options, it can feel overwhelming to try and stand out from the crowd. Consumers are more informed than ever, and also have specific expectations and standards with their preferred businesses. Rest assured that you have control over your marketing success. With a commitment to your brand, consistent efforts, and a willingness to adapt, you are setting your restaurant up for success in the marketplace. Here are our top seven strategies for effective restaurant marketing.
Top 7 Restaurant Marketing Strategies
1. Build Your Local Business Connections
A large majority of consumers today prefer businesses that are transparent about the production process. Serving a menu that touts sustainably sourced ingredients is a huge advantage as a restaurant owner. If you can provide a concise summary of your menu offerings, you are cultivating an environment where consumers can dine confidently. Farm-to-table cuisine, locally sourced products, and organic produce are the terminology the modern restaurant customer wants to hear.
2. Update Your Google Business Profile
If potential visitors are not able to easily access your restaurant address or current operating hours, this will negatively impact your numbers. Nearly everything is done virtually these days, and this includes selecting where you want to eat. Consistently monitor your restaurant website, business listings, and Google Business profile to ensure everything is up to date (including holiday hours). Add a reservation system and a pickup order button to your Google Business profile for greater ease of access.
3. Connect With Food Bloggers and Influencers
In the name of virtual engagement, it does not hurt to broaden your reach in the digital space. Connecting with existing networks through food bloggers and influencers expands your visibility immensely. Work to source local food bloggers and influencers primarily, as their audience is already likekly within your target market.
4. Offer Loyalty Customer Rewards
Return customers are your goal, as this validates restaurant service level and consistent satisfaction. Personalize your regulars’ experience by offering birthday discounts and promotions such as “tenth meal is free.” These small incentives help visitors feel appreciated and valued. Also be sure to reward social engagements such as a follow, page like, or a re-share.
5. Utilize Facebook Marketing
Up to 75% of consumers use Facebook as their primary method for sourcing a place to eat. Your online visibility and status certainly impact the decisions of potential visitors. Facebook Ads help to target the right people with your restaurant marketing promos. Use quality videos and imagery to entice scrolling patrons to give your establishment a try.
6. Build Your Social Media Platforms
Before you launch your Facebook Ads, you need to ensure that your online profiles are crisp and engaging. Capture high-quality and aesthetically pleasing content to share across your social media platforms. Be sure to emphasize your most popular dishes as well as any locally sourced ingredients. Keep your online presence personable and in alignment with your brand voice. Include updates from your staff and content featuring patrons enjoying your delicious grub. Employee fun facts and birthday announcements help familiarize your clientele with the friendly faces they will see at your restaurant.
7. Encourage Referrals and Reviews
It is an unfortunate reality that most patrons are only motivated to leave a review if their experience was negative. As reviews heavily influence your business’ online standing and image, you want to do your part to encourage visitors to share about their positive experiences. Include a QR code linking to your review site on menus and business cards to remind restaurant patrons to share their thoughts. Consider incentivizing a five-star review by offering a free meal or a discount on their next order.
