Through the grapevine: Basic marketing ideas for the restaurateur
With diners' tastes and trends changing course as easily as the wind, it's important for any restaurant worth its salt to accommodate the customers' whims, within reason, as quickly as it can. And of course clients have to hear about the next big thing being served. This is where marketing comes in. Every restaurateur should have a solid marketing plan in his pantry if he wants to succeed – if he doesn't yet, here are some ideas:
Image Source: foodtechconnect.com
Embrace social media. The modern versions of "the grapevine," Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are an easy way to engage customers. Restaurant owners can provide updates, answer customer queries, and post enticing photos, which is arguably the best way to attract customers. (The Amaro filter may lighten up photos, X-Pro II may add drama but for vibrantly-colored dishes, #nofilter is the best.) Easy as it is to post on social media, however, it still requires careful thought as many brands have also tripped up due to careless status messages.
Image Source: telegraph.co.uk
Go for sustainability. Diners are becoming conscious of where their food comes from, how it's butchered, and it's processed and packed. Green practices like buying from local producers or packing leftovers in reusable bags instead of plastic will certainly catch the eye of eco-friendly customers – and take note, this is a number that's growing exponentially day by day. Besides which, this may also contribute to lower costs in the long run.
Hold contests and events. Even something as simple as the chance to win a free box of one's trademark pastry when a customer posts on Instagram with a caption about how much they love the pastries will pique interest. People like freebies and that one free box of doughnuts can lead to more paid boxes.
Put up a user-friendly website and make sure it works. Many restaurants have their website but often, prices and other information aren't updated. This is a grave mistake in a world where everyone's constantly wired. An easy-to-navigate site with photos, menus, and contact details is a great way to lure in customers. Integrating a reservation or online ordering application can be the next step.
Other things a restaurateur can look into as direct or indirect means of marketing are being active in the community; updating the restaurant's look every once in a while by painting the walls or changing the fizzled out bulbs in the signage; and rebooting the menu by adding better photos and well-written copy, as well as introducing new food items.
Bringing in more customers to Latitude 360 is one of areas of expertise the dining and entertainment hub's president,Greg Garson, has. Follow this Facebook page to receive updates on Latitude 360 and on the latest restaurant marketing trends.
turnnoffyourmind
tangentwithtanner
snowghoul
yousharknotpass
gummygunk
gamechangershow
andulkaphoto
areudirty
pixelskylines