A restaurant relies on quality and customer services to build up a loyal following of regular customers. However, in order to get them through the door in the first place it needs a comprehensive marketing strategy incorporating both the offline and online worlds. The catering industry is highly competitive, and business owners simply can’t afford to wait for customers to come to them. If owners want to make their restaurant famous, there are several steps they can take.
Create a good website
All the most popular restaurants and branded chains have a website that displays their opening times, menus and general information about the establishment. There are also some very handing online booking systems that allow diners to make reservations, change them and check on the status of their booking via a website or mobile app. A great website not only allows a restaurant to communicate offers and new dishes with regular customers, it allows it to reach out and find new ones.
Embrace social media
Every modern business is now using social media as a way of directly communicating with both existing and potential customers. By following people likely to use their restaurant, owners can encourage reciprocal follows, and share news of their latest offers and menus. Once these message start getting shared, the potential for exposure is huge. The likes of Twitter and Facebook also offers restaurant management to gather feedback from customers.
Educate customers
When Starbucks first came to the UK, the British public didn’t know what a latte or Americano was. However, through a campaign of customer engagement and education, the coffee giant made these drinks part of daily life for millions of customers. Restaurant owners can do the same via their online presence by sharing recipes, revealing tricks of the trade and introducing people to more exotic dishes than they’ve become accustomed to. Some restaurants will even hold open evenings where they will allow potential customers to sample some of the most delicious dishes on their menu.
Adopt the offline world
Whether it’s through a direct marketing campaign or handing out flyers on the local high street, marketing in the offline world should still be a part of any restaurant’s advertising campaign. It is now possible to get several thousand leaflets and discount vouchers from onlineprinters.co.uk – best printing services for small to medium-sized companies looking to increase their profile in the local area.
Through a combination of marketing and word of mouth, any restaurant with the right menu and excellent customer service can find success in a highly competitive market.
