8 Effective Ways to Market a Local Restaurant
When it comes to marketing a local restaurant, there are a lot of different things that can be done. From using unique marketing ideas to hosting events, there are many ways to draw in the neighborhood and make your restaurant a popular destination.
Create a clear vision for your customer persona and target your messaging to that audience. Some other effective marketing tactics for restaurants include social media, email marketing, and sponsorship and event marketing.
1. Social media
Whether it’s sharing seasonal specials, upcoming events or happy hour menu items, social media is a great way to promote your restaurant. Having clear marketing goals helps you choose the right channels and tactics to reach your audience.
Be careful not to be too in-your-face about promoting your restaurant, though, as that can turn people away. Try to post about your restaurant in a natural, entertaining way to attract guests.
Consider paying for Facebook ads to extend your reach to potential customers who may not have seen your posts otherwise. Using location targeting ensures your ads only show up for users in your area. This type of targeted advertising is extremely cost-effective.
2. Print and radio ads
Despite the rise of digital marketing, traditional strategies like placing ads in the local newspaper and radio are still viable. These channels can reach a broad audience, and their content is highly targeted to specific demographics.
Restaurants can use paid advertising to increase visibility, drive traffic to their websites, and convert leads into customers. One of our clients saw a 30% increase in revenue after using paid advertising as part of their strategy.
Aside from online bookings, food apps can be another way for restaurants to attract and engage potential customers. These apps are often geo-targeted and offer users a convenient way to discover and book restaurants. They can also be used to share reviews and photos of restaurants.
3. Events
An effective marketing strategy for restaurants is to hold or sponsor events. This can be a great way to showcase the restaurant’s offerings, and it also helps build customer loyalty.
For example, many restaurants run sports promotions during major sporting events to attract customers and boost revenue. Similarly, hosting a wine tasting event can help bring in new diners.
Restaurants can use events to promote limited-time offers or seasonal menu items. They can also use events to host special celebrity guests or chefs. It is important to keep attendees engaged by sending out content leading up to the event and following the event by surveying them. This will allow the restaurant to improve future events.
4. Email marketing
Email marketing is an effective way for restaurants to reach their customers and keep them up-to-date on promotions, events, and new menu items.
Text message campaigns are another newer form of restaurant marketing that is gaining popularity. These allow you to send direct promotions and discounts directly to your customers’ phones.
One of the most important things for a local restaurant to do is maintain a well-organized website and online menu. This ensures that potential customers can find the information they need easily and quickly. This can also increase your visibility in search engine results.
5. Direct mail
Direct mail is a type of marketing that involves sending physical mail to potential customers. This can include postcards, brochures, and catalogs. It can be more expensive than email marketing, but it can also provide a higher ROI.
Restaurant flyers are a great way to promote specials, events, and menu items. They can be distributed by hand or left in mailboxes and other local businesses.
Food apps are a popular way for restaurants to reach potential customers. They can be used to announce new promotions, host events, and change business hours. Restaurants can also use them to collect reviews from customers. However, they should be sure to respond to both positive and negative feedback.
6. Partnering with local businesses
Partnering with local businesses is a simple way to increase exposure for your restaurant and reach new audiences. This can be as simple as including coupons in your local partners’ customers’ shopping bags or partnering on a holiday promotion.
Introducing new dishes to your menu is another way to attract attention and boost sales. Use social media and email to promote these new offerings, with drool-inducing photos and descriptions.
Creating partnerships with complementary local businesses allows you to offer exclusive discounts or bundled packages. This helps differentiate your business from competitors and attracts customers who value comprehensive solutions. It also demonstrates your commitment to the community and fosters goodwill.
7. Sponsoring events
Whether it’s a fundraiser or a community gathering, creating charity events is an effective marketing strategy that shows the restaurant cares about the area. Sponsoring events also gives the restaurant visibility and foot traffic.
Another way to market a local restaurant is through a text campaign. Similar to an email campaign, restaurants can offer customers special deals or menu updates through text messages. These campaigns can be a great way to reach new customers and increase customer retention.
8. Word of mouth
Word of mouth can be one of the most effective marketing strategies for a restaurant. Organic conversations and recommendations, such as social shout-outs (retweets and regrams) and employee advocacy, can help businesses grow quickly. Companies like Gymshark, Threadless and Casper all grew fast due to their word-of-mouth buzz.
Food delivery apps are a popular way for local customers to discover restaurants. Getting listed on these services helps restaurants to reach new audiences and provide a convenient online ordering service.
Local SEO is a powerful restaurant marketing strategy that can boost website traffic and sales. It involves optimizing the website, improving search engine rankings and building quality backlinks. Restaurants that invest in this strategy often see a return on their investment within three months.