In this day and age it’s important to know how to market your restaurant online. There are so many tools that you can use to get your name out there and gain new customers. From email marketing to creating killer social media channels to sharing your brand on new platforms, there’s no shortage of ways to expand your customer base. Figuring out where to start can be pretty daunting so we’re here to help you learn how to market your restaurant online.
How to Market Your Restaurant Online
1. Figure Out Who You’re Trying to Reach
With any good marketing strategy you’ll need to figure out who your audience is. Start by defining that before making any decisions on how you’re going to market to them. You also need to figure out what your budget is. This will help you determine if you need to stick to free tools like social media, if you can build a website, or work with other companies to get your name out there.
2. Social Media is Your Friend
Social media is a great tool when it comes to spreading the word about your restaurant. And the great thing about it is that there are several different social media platforms to pick from. While many people think that Instagram is the only one that really matters, it’s just not true. Pick the platform that will work for your business.
Twitter is great for keeping up with industry trends, the latest news, and speaking with your customers. If you’re a company that is shaking up the culinary world with great menus and interesting dishes, twitter is a great place to start your online marketing.
Facebook is the perfect tool for restaurants that want to connect with their customers. Having a Facebook Page is really helpful for your customers because they can provide you with feedback more easily.
If words aren’t your thing and you’re all about great plating and showing off the way your food looks, then Instagram is the way to go. If you use Instagram the right way, you have the opportunity to reach new customers. Use hashtags, post epic content, and engage with your followers. Utilize stories and reels to really show your creativity.
TikTok is basically the wild wild west of social media because it’s still really new compared to its competitors. This means that the world is your oyster when it comes to creating content to share with your customers. Have your staff create fun viral videos, show off your food or cocktails, or the venue itself.
3. Send out Newsletters That Entice People
There’s nothing worse than your inbox being flooded with newsletters from companies you don’t care about or companies that don’t have anything to offer. This is why you need to make sure that when you email your customers, you’re sending them something of value. Offer your email list an exclusive discount or a chance to make bookings before the general public. Create incentives for them to keep coming back to your restaurant.
4. Positive Reviews Can Go Really Far
Encourage customers to leave reviews on websites like TripAdvisor and Google. A lot of people who don’t know an area will use these sites to find out where to eat and a good review goes a long way. Use social media and your newsletters to ask people to leave reviews after their visits.
5. Make it Easy for People to Make Bookings
People don’t want to jump through hoops to make a booking for dinner. Make it easy by coming up with a reservation system (whether you do it yourself or use a tool to make it easier). If you’re interested in large or private bookings, VenueScanner is an excellent place to list your restaurant.
