According to the National Restaurant Association, annual sales across the restaurant industry is $799 billion and they’ve predicted that there will be 16.3 million jobs in the industry by 2027. Let’s just say, the restaurant industry is not going anywhere any time soon. Since the industry is experiencing steady growth, how are you marketing your restaurant and standing out from the competition?
You don’t need to hire a marketing expert or spend an outrageous amount of time building your marketing strategy. There are marketing tools that you can easily access and customize a platform that fits your unique needs. With the help of these marketing tools, you can reach new customers, engage with your current customer base and make sure your audience has the most up to date information.
1. GET SOCIAL
There are several social media platforms you can choose from. If you want to showcase your food, you can use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to show off your skills. These social media sites give you the opportunity to show potential customers what your restaurant has to offer. Remember that high-quality images are key. You can find some examples below. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
2. OFFER COUPONS
Incentivize customers to come back to your restaurant by passing out coupons. According to Expedia Affiliate Network, coupons were a top-ranking way of driving customer loyalty for 61% of consumers. If you are just starting your restaurant business or if you have been in the industry for a while, coupons are a great way to generate buzz around your business.
Pro-tip: You can create coupons by using programs, such as Adobe Spark and Canva.
3. CREATE A WEBSITE
Luckily, there are accessible resources like WordPress and SquareSpace to help you build a custom site for your business. Take the time to compile a color scheme, compelling copy, and unique brand elements to build your webpage. You can use this web platform as a go-to for customers to view the menu, specials, customer reviews, and contact information all in one place.
Pro-tip: With permission, post testimonials from your loyal customers on your site.
4. CROSS-PROMOTE
With the help of businesses in the area, you can reach an audience that wasn’t aware of your restaurant by cross-promoting. Do your research on which non-competing business you would like to partner with and make sure expectations are in writing for both parties to sign. For example, you can start by asking a non-competitive business if you can place your ads at their store and agree to do the same for them at your business.
Pro-tip: Test the waters. You can sign an agreement to cross-promote for the next quarter and see if this tactic is making a difference for your establishment.
5. RESTAURANT INSURANCE
How are you protecting your business from unexpected third-party liability claims? With the hustle and bustle that is the restaurant industry, you need to protect your business and its assets when disaster strikes. Displaying your proof of insurance on your website is another great marketing tactic. This ups your level as a professional and lends more credibility to your brand. Learn more about how restaurant insurance can prevent financial strain in the case of a lawsuit.
With so many restaurants to compete with, your best bet is to develop a marketing strategy that can tap into a new audience and nurture the customers that already dine at your restaurant. Since the restaurant industry is experiencing so much growth, it is critical to be active on online platforms and engage with your customers.
We hope you can implement these marketing strategies to your overall plan. Better yet, try to make it happen today!
BY LYNDSEY LARSEN
Lyndsey Larsen is the Marketing Manager and writes about business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and insurance.
Lyndsey Larsen is an experienced writer with a background in corporate communications nonprofits, SAAS corporations, and nutraceutical companies. She has previously worked as a journalist for regional and national publications. In her spare time, she enjoys chasing butterflies, rockhounding, and spending time with her two kids in Utah’s mountains or deserts. Find Lyndsey on LinkedIn.
