Essential Restaurant Promotion Strategies for Maximum Impact

If you're running a restaurant and feeling overwhelmed by the various marketing tools out there, don't fret! Here's a simple guide to the six essential marketing tools you need to see success in your mix. Remember, you don't have to use all of them at once; even doing one well will significantly improve your restaurant marketing game.

Marketing Tool #1: An outstanding website with online ordering

A well-designed, user-friendly website is key in today's digital world. Not only does it attract and retain customers, but it should also enable them to order from the comfort of their phones or desktops. Here's why it matters:

Higher revenue as it avoids paying commission fees to third-party platforms.
A better customer experience due to the convenience of pickup, delivery, and table ordering options.
Streamlined operations thanks to automated order management.
Access to customer data to help personalize marketing efforts and increase customer retention.
Easy menu customization, perfect for promoting new items, limited-time offers, and even adjusting dishes based on availability.
Faster table turnover with table ordering, leading to increased sales.

WordPress plugin Orderable is a fantastic choice to set up your online ordering system, providing an array of features to streamline your operations, enhance customer experience, and boost sales (check out our guide on creating a striking restaurant website from scratch for more info).

Website marketing techniques depending on your time/skills

Adding products to WooCommerce and converting them into your online menu using Orderable is a breeze. This setup enables you to take orders online easily.

Advanced: Offer promotions to increase sales

Orderable enables you to boost revenue by automatically offering customers additional items or add-ons they might like. This helps promote new items without the usual hard work or staff training.

Marketing Tool #2: SMS marketing for instant customer engagement

SMS marketing is perfect for engaging customers, promoting offers, and driving repeat business. It can even work as an alternative to email marketing if you're short on time or haven't mastered the craft yet. Let's look at some strategies:

Basic: Send order updates and thank-you messages

With Orderable, you can easily update customers on their order and also thank them for their business while offering incentives for reviews or their next order.

Advanced: Follow up with non-order specific messages

By sending promotions, updates on new menu items, or seasonal discounts, you can build a stronger connection with your customers, boosting loyalty. Be sure to secure customers' permission to use their phone numbers for marketing first.

Marketing Tool #3: Email marketing

Email marketing is another effective way to promote your business, cost-effective, build customer relationships, share offers, and track campaign results. If you're new to the game, here are some strategies for various skill levels:

Basic: Create an automation for new customers

Set up an email automation for new customers by adding them to your email list and sending them emails about special offers or incentives. For example, say hi, offer a discount on their next order, and ask for a review or feedback.

Advanced: Send regular weekly emails

Although it takes time to send weekly emails, it fosters long-term customer relationships by keeping your restaurant's name fresh in their minds. You can send updates on specials, upcoming events, new menu items, and seasonal dishes.

Marketing Tool #4: Local search and SEO

Local search is crucial for restaurants. A well-maintained Google My Business (GMB) listing showcases your restaurant to potential customers in your area and enhances trust and credibility. To optimize it:

Basic: Claim and complete your GMB listing

Claim your GMB listing, fill in all accurate information, such as your restaurant's name, address, phone number, website, images, and hours of operation.

Advanced: Regularly update and engage on GMB

Post updates, images, and Google Posts, respond to reviews, address questions, add attributes, and update your menu to keep your listing fresh and appealing to customers.

Marketing Tool #5: Online Reviews

Online reviews are vital to your restaurant's reputation and visibility. Here's how to handle them:

Basic: Monitor and respond to reviews

Monitor reviews on various platforms, such as GMB, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, and thank customers for feedback while addressing any concerns they may have.

Advanced: Encourage reviews and reward loyal customers

Train your staff to ask for reviews after a positive dining experience, offer incentives for leaving reviews, and share positive reviews across your website, social media, and email marketing campaigns.

Social media plays an essential role in your marketing mix. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to engage with customers, showcase your offerings, and drive traffic. Here's how to use them effectively:

Basic: Set up your profiles and post essential updates

Start by setting up your profiles, ensuring your information is accurate. Focus on posting essential updates like menu changes, opening hours, and important announcements.

Maintain an active presence by posting engaging content like high-quality images and videos of your dishes, behind-the-scenes glimpses, promotion, and events. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages.

In conclusion, these six tools can transform your restaurant marketing efforts.entiysof you. Use them wisely, and your restaurant will see spectacular results! If you're starting from scratch, get Orderable, a WordPress plugin that simplifies online ordering, and set up your restaurant website for success.

Invest in an excellent website with online ordering to establish a strong digital presence, boost sales, streamline operations, and personalize marketing efforts.
SMS marketing is a powerful tool for instant customer engagement, promoting offers, and fostering repeat business through order updates and thank-you messages.
Email marketing is a cost-effective method to build customer relationships, share offers, and track campaign results. Start by creating an automation for new customers and move towards sending regular weekly emails.
Local search and SEO are critical for restaurants to reach potential customers in their area. Optimize your Google My Business listing by ensuring it's accurate, updated, and engaging.
Manage and respond to online reviews to maintain your restaurant's reputation and visibility, and encourage customers to leave reviews by offering incentives.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are key to engaging with customers and showcasing your offerings. Start by setting up profiles and posting essential updates, and maintain an active presence to drive traffic.
Financially, the right combination of marketing tools can significantly improve your restaurant's revenue, customer base, and overall success – making a small investment in these essential tools an asset for any small-business owner in the food-and-drink industry looking to elevate their lifestyle and cooking skills while growing their business through strategic marketing efforts.

Essential Restaurant Promotion Strategies for Maximum Impact