The restaurant industry is incredibly competitive but can be very profitable if you play your cards right. The food service industry is expected to generate $898 billion in revenue in 2022, which is great considering this industry has been suffering greatly since the beginning of the pandemic.
But to reach the top and be ahead of your competitors, you must apply the best marketing strategies. If you’re going to promote yourself well and ensure your business always comes to mind to the people in your area, here’s what you should do.
Create a Google Ads campaign
It’s safe to say that a business can’t succeed nowadays without an internet presence. This is why digital advertising, or using the internet for promoting your restaurant, has grown so much in popularity in the last few years.
If you’re new to this type of advertising, there are a few digital marketing hacks that could help you understand it better. But the most important thing you need to realize is that while there are many different platforms you can use for digital advertising, the one that you can’t miss out on is Google Ads.
Google Ads campaigns are a great investment because they ensure your ad gets to the right people. Since Google Ads uses a CPC (cost per click) method, you will only pay for the ads that someone clicks on.
Use a restaurant marketing tool
Tools have been integrated into every industry you can imagine and the restaurant industry is not an exception. Technology can be of great help and you can use it to create an online reservation and ordering system, send newsletters, run your social media accounts, and more.
Tools need to be an essential part of your marketing strategy. Since there are many different types of restaurant marketing software, you will have the option to choose one that best meets your needs based on what you want to achieve.
Set up a Google My Business account
You can do much more on Google apart from using it for your ads. One of the most useful things Google offers to businesses is their free service called Google My Business. This feature allows you to create and manage your online presence across this search engine, which is great if you want more control over your restaurant’s online information.
This will make it much easier for your potential customers to find you online. Since most people, especially younger generations, search for restaurants on Google, this can give you better chances of attracting someone.
Even if they don’t search for you specifically but a place that specializes in the cuisine you’re known for, your restaurant will appear in their searches. You can even set up online reservations on GMB to make the reservation process easier.
Include a digital menu on your website
As a restaurant, your biggest attraction is the food you offer to customers. As we already mentioned, many people search for your restaurant on Google and probably visit your website before deciding whether or not they want to eat at your place.
If you want to entice those website visitors to come to your restaurant and try what you have to offer, make it easier for them by including a digital menu on your website. Just make sure that all of the information in the menu is easily accessible, up to date, and if possible, accompanied by pictures. You can convert your menu into a QR code using the menu QR code generator and place it on tables, allowing customers to easily discover new items in your restaurant.
You can easily make a food menu online with a visually appealing layout that showcases your dishes, prices, and special offers, making it convenient for your customers.
Create a loyalty program
Restaurant loyalty programs can be a great way to increase the number of repeat sales. These programs use a point system where a customer can earn a reward such as a free meal or a reduction of their total bill if they earn enough points.
This is a slightly different marketing tactic than the rest because it’s focused more on your existing customers but it can still bring in new customers. If you have a great loyalty program that offers amazing benefits, the word will spread soon and before you know it, people will be queuing up to sign up for it.
As much as 75% of consumers will favor a brand if there is a loyalty program that rewards members. A lot of successful food chains such as Starbucks and TGI Fridays have managed to create programs that keep customers coming back for more.
Final thoughts
Sometimes restaurant owners can feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of competitors they have to deal with. As a result, they worry if they will manage to attract customers to their business. But as long as you apply the right marketing strategies and offer amazing food, you have nothing to worry about.
