Starting a restaurant can be a daunting task. There will be plenty of operational projects and purchases to help you get your venture off the ground. However, your efforts might not matter if you fail to convince customers to try your meals.
If you’re starting a restaurant, one of the most important things to keep is attracting customers. Even before you open the doors of your business, you need to start getting the word out there. There are a few different ways to do this.
Social Media Marketing
One way to market your upcoming restaurant is through social media. It is a free way to reach out to potential customers and get them excited about your business.
Start by creating accounts on major platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Then, start posting regular updates about your progress. Share photos of the menu items, progress photos of the construction, and a sneak peek of the interior design.
You can also use social media to run promotions and contests. For example, you could ask people to share their favorite restaurant experiences on your Facebook page for a chance to win a free meal at your establishment.
Just make sure that you’re regularly active on social media and responding to comments and messages. Potential customers will not want to reach out if they try to reach out to you and don’t get a response.
Word-of-Mouth Marketing
One of the most powerful marketing tools is word-of-mouth marketing. It is also one of the hardest to control.
You can encourage word-of-mouth marketing by providing an excellent experience for your customers. Ensure that the food is delicious, the service is friendly, and the ambiance is inviting. If you offer a great experience, your customers will be more likely to tell their friends.
Generating Leads
Generating leads is essential for any restaurant business. Without them, you will not be able to attract new customers and grow your business.
There are a few different ways to generate leads for your restaurant. One of the most effective is social media marketing. You can use social media to run promotions and contests and post updates about your progress. Just make sure that you’re regularly active on social media and responding to comments and messages.
Another way to generate leads is through PR campaigns. You can hire a PR firm to help you get started. They can help you develop a list of targets, such as food bloggers, local news outlets, and even national publications. Then, they will work on getting you features and press mentions.
Partnering with other restaurants for discounts could also be in your favor. However, you might not know where to get them. Fortunately, you can partner with a company that allows you to buy restaurant leads. Your venture can already receive an influx of customers from people redirected from other restaurants when you already know how to reach out.
Coupons and Discounts
Coupons and discounts are excellent marketing tools because they motivate customers to try your restaurant.
You can distribute coupons in a few different ways. One is through direct mailers. You can send out postcards or flyers to people in the area with a voucher for your restaurant. Another way is through local business partnerships. For example, you could partner with a nearby hotel and include a coupon for your restaurant in the welcome packet for guests.
You can also offer discounts through online platforms like Groupon and Living Social. These websites offer deals on local businesses, including restaurants. Customers can purchase these deals and then redeem them at your establishment.
Just make sure that you’re not offering too deep of a discount. Otherwise, you could end up losing money on each deal.
Developing a Loyalty Program
A loyalty program is an excellent way to encourage customers to return to your restaurant.
There are a few different ways to develop a loyalty program. One is through a punch card system. Customers receive a card that they can get punched each time they visit your establishment. After a certain number of punches, they receive a discount or free item.
Another way to develop a loyalty program is through an app. There are a few different apps that you can use, such as Belly and FiveStars. Customers can sign up for the app and earn points every time they visit your restaurant. They can then redeem their points for discounts and free items.
Partnerships with Local Businesses
Partnering with local businesses is an excellent way to generate leads and promote your restaurant.
For example, you could partner with a nearby hotel and include a coupon for your restaurant in the welcome packet for guests. Alternatively, you could partner with a local business that delivers meals and has your restaurant’s menus in their delivery bags.
You can also partner with other restaurants in the area. For example, you could team up with a nearby pizza place and offer a discount to customers who order from both establishments.
Final Thoughts
Starting a restaurant can be a daunting task. However, there are a few things that you can do to set yourself up for success. These marketing strategies will be your best shot at ensuring that the opening week is always a jam-packed house.
