4 Mouth-Watering Marketing Moves For Restaurant Owners

Even though eating food will never go out of style, running a restaurant is no easy feat. Restaurateurs are constantly tasked with coming up with ways to outdo their competitors. Naturally, there are plenty of options for hungry patrons to choose from. Especially in the weeks to come, implementing smart marketing strategies will be necessary. After all, summer starts next week! So what can be done to make a restaurant stand out?

Here are four mouth-watering marketing moves for restaurant owners:

1. Make your social media presences sizzle.

It’s only right we start with this tip. You should never neglect your social media accounts because they all represent today’s top ways to utilize word-of-mouth promotion. Offer your friends and followers content that is share-worthy. We’re talking about mouth-watering posts showcasing your dishes, behind-the-scenes kitchen antics and happy customers enjoying their meals. Be sure, as well, to respond to comments and request user-generated content.

“There is a contemporary phrase, ‘the phone eats first’ to describe how current consumers interact with their plates,” writes Robin Gagnon of We Sell Restaurants, “Many will photograph their meals before diving in for a bite. Restaurant owners should take advantage of this cultural phenomenon and encourage customers to share their dining experiences on social media using your branded hashtag. Repost user-generated content to showcase authentic endorsements.”

2. Engage in flavourful email marketing.

The same way tantalizing photos can intrigue consumers on social media, your email marketing blasts should make mouths water. Regularly send out newsletters complete with information about exclusive deals and upcoming events. Of course, include numerous mouth-watering photos of your latest creations. Don’t forget to personalize your emails by addressing customers by their names and offering them deals on their favourite dishes.

OptinMonster reveals some impressive statistics about how email marketing can help restaurants. “The average email open rate in the restaurant industry is 18.5%,” informs their site, “49% of customers want weekly promotional emails from preferred brands. 70% of customers are more likely to visit restaurants that offer personalized promotions.”

3. Develop a delectable loyalty program.

There’s no business like repeat business! By introducing a new loyalty program, you will encourage patronage on a regular basis. Devise a plan that offers points for every purchase. They can be redeemed for discounts, free meals or exclusive experiences. You may also want to create tiered levels that offer increasing rewards as customers spend more. Be sure to promote your loyalty program through in-store signage, social media and your website.

“A well-designed customer loyalty program with rewards and incentives is a powerful tool to cultivate repeat business and drive customer engagement,” insists HappyOrNot, “Keep it simple for potential customers, offering valuable perks like discounts, exclusive menu items, easy access to new dishes, or special events that entice existing customers to return, such as cooking classes.”

4. Apply for a merchant cash advance.

Let’s work together on firing up your restaurant’s popularity this summer! For information about how Synergy Merchants’ unique merchant cash advance program can help you, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-718-2026 or email us at info@synergymerchants.com. You can also apply online for a free, no obligation quote!