GVSThe food service industry is extremely competitive. With so many different types of fast food chains, cafes, and bistros out there, it can be difficult for restaurants to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by their target audience.
However, by adopting the right marketing strategies, restaurants can gain a competitive edge over their competitors.
So if you run a restaurant and are looking to get an advantage over your rivals, look no further. In this guide we’ve explained 7 of the most effective restaurant marketing ideas.
Social Media Marketing
The power of social media in today’s digital world can’t be underestimated. It is thought that people spend an average of over 2 hours per day on social media so it’s no surprise that it is the restaurants with a strong social media presence that are the ones that succeed.
However, it isn’t enough to just create your account and let it sit there – you need to regularly post and engage with your followers. And the best way to promote your restaurant online is to post high-quality, mouth-watering pictures of your dishes. Posting a range of delicious looking photos on your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter profiles is a great way of attracting the attention of hungry eyes.
Loyalty Offerings
Devising a loyalty program for your customers gives them an incentive to keep coming back. Perhaps you could provide customers with a card that you stamp off and for every 10 meals they eat at your restaurant, they get one free. The key is to pick a high enough threshold that makes the loyalty offering beneficial for you as well as worthwhile for the customer.
Hand Out Samples
Handing out samples of your best or latest dishes is the ultimate way to incite customers and generate interest regarding your restaurant. Everybody loves to try before they buy – especially if it’s for free!
Head to a busy park on a summer’s day and make the samples as memorable as possible by handing them out from a unique mobile vending solution. Here at Global Vending Solutions we offer all types of vending solutions that are sure to help you gather a crowd. From large tuk-tuks to Citroen style vans and ice cream mopeds, we have the know-how to help your restaurant engage and excite consumers.
Offer Discounts & Coupons
One of the most effective ways to encourage new customers to visit your restaurant is to provide discounts. For example, you could hand out flyers to local residents that entitle them to 25% off the bill on their next visit.
The thinking behind this is that someone will make the most of the discount and visit your restaurant for the first time. They’ll try your food and be so impressed that they come back again and again paying full price. And just like that you have a new loyal customer!
Google My Business
Creating a Google My Business account for your restaurant is absolutely essential. It helps to ensure that when users search for your restaurant on Google, the relevant information is displayed. Not only does it show your address and opening hours, but it also provides a place for customers to leave reviews and ratings.
Research indicates that Google handles over 75,000 queries every second, 46% of which are local searches. And if users can’t find your restaurant’s details, they’ll more than likely find a competitor and make a booking there instead.
Food Bloggers & Influencers
Another effective strategy that can help people become aware of your restaurant is to get in contact and partner with a food blogger. Invite them to your restaurant and ask them to share their experience on their website and social media. Some bloggers are likely to decline, but the more you ask, the better chance you’ll have of one agreeing to pay you a visit.
Food bloggers are incredibly popular, and some have huge followings, so getting their attention can do wonders for your restaurant.
Make Your Menu Easily Accessible
Users like to research online before visiting restaurants, and the number 1 piece of information they’re looking for tends to be the menu. So make sure you publish a high-quality, easy to read and easy to find menu that is up to date and accurate.
If potential customers can’t find the dishes you offer they’ll be inclined to take their stomachs elsewhere.
Get Started with Global Vending Solutions
If you’re looking for a unique way to promote your restaurant, be sure to take a look at our range of mobile vending solutions available to hire. With vast experience in marketing both brands and products, we can help to effectively market your restaurant.
