The food industry is one of the largest, and arguably most competitive, industries. Attracting new customers is crucial for restaurants to thrive.
With countless dining options available, implementing effective marketing strategies is essential to stand out and draw in new patrons.
Here are 6 proven strategies to spice up your restaurant’s marketing efforts and attract new customers.
1. Social Media Marketing
80% of customers expect restaurant brands to have a social media presence and interact with them.
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow restaurants to showcase their delectable dishes through visually appealing photos and videos.
Use them to share mouthwatering content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engage with customers through comments and messages.
Some great tactics to use in your social strategy:
Contests & Giveaways: Generate buzz and encourage customers to share about their dining experience on your behalf. This creates excitement around your food and restaurant brand.
Influencer Partnerships: One of my favorite tactics is using influencers to increase your reach and raise brand awareness. It’s the new age word-of-mouth! Many people develop deep connections to their favorite influencers and value their opinions when making purchase decisions
Paid Advertising: When you run targeted advertising campaigns you can reach potential customers based on their interests and demographics, helping you find new regular customers.
2. Local SEO Optimization
90% of diners look up a restaurant online before visiting, higher than any other business.
Local SEO helps your restaurant be discoverable when users are searching for dining nearby. Step one, claim your Google My Business listing. Optimize your listing with accurate information, high-quality photos, and positive reviews (94% of consumers read comments online).
There is so much to gain in implementing SEO in your marketing strategy. You can significantly boost your restaurant’s visibility to potential customers in your local area and gain online presence for local search terms.
To attract more foot traffic and increase your customer base, you must optimize your website for relevant keywords like “best restaurants near me” or “Italian restaurant in [your city],” and encourage positive online reviews from satisfied customers.
Specifically creating high-quality local content, such as blog posts about local events or seasonal dishes, can further enhance your restaurant’s online presence and drive organic traffic to your website.
Simple SEO Quick Tips:
- Local Citations: Ensure your restaurant’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across online directories and review sites.
- Keyword Optimization: Incorporate relevant keywords into your website content, meta descriptions, and blog posts to improve search engine rankings.
3. Email Marketing
A powerful tool for restaurants looking to attract and retain customers, email is an essential part of any restaurant’s marketing strategy.
Start by building an email list. You can directly connect with potential diners, delivering personalized messages about special offers, new menu items, and upcoming events.
Tailor your campaigns to specific demographics or customer preferences, increasing engagement and driving foot traffic. Nurture the relationships with your patrons by encouraging repeat visits and building brand loyalty through exclusive promotions and loyalty programs.
Some email tactics we suggest trying:
Personalized Offers: Over 70% of customers say they are more likely to visit a restaurant with personalized promotions. Use customer data to send targeted email campaigns with exclusive discounts, special promotions, and personalized recommendations.
Loyalty Programs: Reward repeat customers with loyalty points, exclusive offers, and birthday perks to encourage repeat visits.
Event Invitations: Invite customers to special events like wine tastings, cooking classes, or themed dinners to create memorable experiences.
4. Direct Mail
Being both tangible and personalized, direct mail is a great way for restaurants to reach potential customers.
Sending out can help create a sense of anticipation and excitement. High-quality visuals showcasing mouthwatering dishes and inviting ambiance can leave a very lasting impression.
Direct mail allows restaurants to offer exclusive discounts or limited-time promotions, incentivizing recipients to try their cuisine. It may seem very traditional, but email marketing is the perfect complement to your digital efforts, providing a multi-channel approach to attract new diners and foster brand loyalty.
Example: A restaurant uses data to target families with children. They send a postcard with drool-worthy photos of their latest menu items being enjoyed by a family, along with a promotion for kids to eat free every Monday, with the purchase of an adult meal. There is a QR code that takes them to their mobile-friendly website.
5. Community Involvement
For restaurants seeking to attract and retain customers, community involvement is a great way to do just that.
When you actively participate in local events, sponsor community initiatives, or partner with other businesses, you can build strong relationships with the community you serve. This not only enhances brand visibility and reputation but also fosters a sense of loyalty among locals.
When a restaurant becomes an integral part of the community, it becomes the go-to choice for celebrations, gatherings, and everyday dining experiences.
Some Ways to Get Involved:
Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and organizations to cross-promote each other’s services.
Charity Events: Participate in charity events and food drives to build goodwill and positive brand associations.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsor local events and sports teams to increase brand visibility and community engagement.
6. Targeting New Movers:
New homeowners are particularly valuable, spending up to 20 times more in their first six months than existing homeowners spend in two years. 90% of new movers willing to try new brands.
Using new mover data can help your restaurant get in front of the customers who are actively seeking new dining options.
Marketing campaigns can be super personalized. Tailored around welcoming these individuals to the neighborhood, making a great first impression for your brand, and including enticing discounts.
Analyzing mover demographics can also help restaurants understand the preferences and dietary needs of their target audience, enabling them to curate menus and promotions that resonate with their tastes.
New movers are dining out 1–4 times a week, so they are definitely worth tapping into.
Conclusion
When you implement a comprehensive marketing strategy your restaurant can create a strong brand presence, engage with your target audience, and drive customer acquisition.
Restaurant Marketing Solutions
For further ideas and marketing solutions to attract new customers, contact Welcome Wagon!
Founded in 1928 to welcome new movers to their community, Welcome Wagon is committed to connecting your restaurant with new homeowners through online and offline channels.
