Restaurant success is notoriously, painfully difficult to realise. We probably don’t need to regurgitate the facts about two thirds of new restaurants failing in their first year, or of rising business rates and the increasing cost of ingredients causing an even greater financial squeeze.
Yep, competition in the restaurant industry is crazy. And it’s only getting tougher; simply offering great food and service at competitive prices isn’t enough anymore. Restaurateurs also need to up their marketing game to stand out and get noticed. With that in mind, here are 8 ways to market your restaurant more effectively.
Rank Well On Google Maps
If you want to drive hungry customers through the doors of your restaurant, then setting up Google Places, Google My Business (essential for local and mobile searches) and optimising your site for search engines is, in the modern age, an absolute necessity.
Doing so will cause you to rank well on the Google Maps. And you know how it is. You’re in a new town and looking for a restaurant; nine times out of ten it’s a cursory Google search and quick scan of those ‘red letter pins’ to find somewhere which will assuage your appetite. Make sure you’re matching the criteria to earn a much coveted pin.
Use Google Adwords
Speaking of the pervasive, essential Google, the company’s Adwords is a marketing tool you’ll want to capitalise on for improving your website’s SEO, too. Indeed, you can make your website rise to the top of Google Search Results just like a perfectly proofed sourdough bread if you know how to manipulate these adwords.
With Google Adwords you can create engagement that’s localised and customised – geographic and demographic – which is exactly what you want with target marketing. These ads will be displayed in the search results page or in the Google Display Network, in other words, websites that your potential customers visit. To help get you started, use a specialist restaurant marketing agency that specialises in Adwords PPC for restaurants to make sure you get a return on investment.
Encourage Positive Online Reviews
According to research, 87% of diners in the UK will choose a restaurant based on online reviews. But, how do you encourage good reviews online to stand out from the competition? Sure you can offer a mouthwateringly appetising menu, serve delicious food in an ambient environment and employ brilliant wait staff who all ooze that hospitality je ne sai quois…that should be enough, right?
Indeed, we wouldn’t ever recommend incentivising positive reviews from customers. Instead, provide the very best food and service, truly make the experience memorable and unique, and those loyal, positive reviews will come naturally. Branded menu covers
Consider Customer Loyalty Schemes
Those regulars we were just talking about will be the bread and butter to your pudding, make no mistake. Indeed, common knowledge has it that repeat customers not only spend more money, they also act as your brand ambassador, whispering sweet nothings about your perfectly risen souffle to the rest of the world. Depending on the type of restaurant establishment you are, then consider a customer loyalty scheme offering points and discounts. Indeed, nothing entices repeat custom (apart from your delicious food) quite like a restaurant loyalty program.
Should such a program not suit your restaurant’s vibe, reward loyalty with the warmest welcome, remembering customer’s names and their favourite drink, occasionally gifted on the house, for just as effective results.
Nail Your PR Campaigns
Every restaurant has a story to tell, from the food they source, to the chef’s come up, to the producers they value, or difference they make in the community. One of the best ways to communicate your story (ies) is through engaging and thoughtful PR campaigns and by building a trusted reputation with local news sites, journalists and bloggers. The general public trust the tastes of restaurant reviewers and bloggers blindly, so generate goodwill all round with such influential people (yep, we deliberately avoided saying ‘influencer’ there).
Also make sure your restaurant has a charitable, caring soul. The media exposure you can get from good PR and the exponential word of mouth impact it can have is the best marketing your restaurant can ever get.
Exploit Social Media To Its Full Potential
In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for reaching out to potential customers and engaging with your current clientele. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are ideal for showcasing your restaurant’s atmosphere, dishes, and special offers. Use high-quality images and videos to tell your restaurant’s story and create a visual menu that entices viewers.
Posting content that features your restaurant’s instantly recognisable plating techniques, its branded menu covers, staff wearing T-shirts with your restaurant’s name on, and a consistent colour palate across all platforms, constantly reinforces your brand on social media to great effect.
Engage with your followers by responding to comments, sharing user-generated content, and creating interactive polls or contests. By maintaining an active and visually appealing social media presence, you can attract a wider audience and keep your restaurant top-of-mind.
Read: What are some promotional products that restaurants can use?
Develop An Email Marketing Strategy
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach out to customers directly. Collect email addresses through your website, in-restaurant promotions, or during events, and use them to send out newsletters, exclusive offers, and updates about your restaurant. Personalise your emails with the recipient’s name and past dining preferences to create a more intimate connection. Segment your email list to target specific groups with tailored messages, such as a birthday discount or a special menu preview. A well-executed email campaign can drive repeat business and strengthen customer loyalty.
Host & Participate In Community Events
Become a staple in your local community by hosting and participating in local events. Whether it’s a charity fundraiser, a food festival, or a cooking workshop, these events provide an opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and connect with potential customers in a relaxed setting. Collaborate with other local businesses to cross-promote each other and tap into their customer base. By being active in your community, you not only increase your restaurant’s visibility but also build a positive brand image that resonates with local patrons.
The Bottom Line
In the fiercely competitive restaurant industry, it’s crucial to continuously refine and diversify your marketing strategies. By embracing social media, leveraging the direct impact of email marketing, and embedding your brand within the community through events, you can create a multifaceted approach that reaches customers on various platforms.
With these eight tactics in play, you’re well-equipped to make your restaurant the talk of the town and the favourite dining spot for many.