New restaurant owners normally have many hurdles to clear with regulations, codes, competition, and fluctuating food prices. After surviving the process of launching a restaurant, getting to opening day can sometimes feel like a victory. Television chef Anthony Bourdain once said that “If anything is good for pounding humility into you permanently, it’s the restaurant business.” Once you get through opening your restaurant, however, you then have to market it.
From new equipment to possible construction or renovation, the costs of opening a restaurant can add up quickly. In considering these costs, new restaurant owners also need to think about marketing. Even if the new restaurant is in the best location, offers the best menu, employs the best staff, and creates the best offers and discounts, none of it will matter without strong promotion. Without significant marketing, a new restaurant will probably not attract the customers required, at least initially. To reach all the potential customers, new restaurants must create a strong online presence. Let’s take a look at how you can promote your new restaurant online.
Use multiple promotional channels.
There are numerous ways to promote your restaurant online, from social media ads to website banners to digital coupons. Try to experiment with all forms of marketing and promotion. A good rule of thumb is to dedicate about 80 percent of your marketing budget to digital means and 20 percent to other outlets.
A well-designed brochure or flyer is one cross-promotional option that you might consider for your restaurant marketing. Numerous brochure templates will help with graphic design elements and creation. Your business brochure can be a great way to promote specials, tell the story of your restaurant, and provide menu information. A brochure can also help with customer acquisition by directing people to your website. A restaurant pamphlet or brochure can be shared digitally and even linked to a QR code that can be posted and shared. A well-designed brochure can be placed on social media sites and used in collaboration with partner business websites.
Hire a professional.
If your budget allows, a professional marketing agency can be a substantial benefit. A restaurant marketing agency understands the restaurant industry and what drives customers to establishments. Hiring professionals allows you to leave the marketing on autopilot and focus on running your restaurant. Marketing professionals bring a team of experts to help put together a complete picture of the business and the ways to get new customers in the door. From social media management to SEO to public relations, a restaurant marketing team can be a one-stop shop for promotion through all of your marketing channels.
Create a top-notch website.
Whether you’re using a marketing company or doing it alone, the first step for a successful restaurant promotion online is to create a great website. A stellar website is functional and responsive and focuses on customer engagement. As important as the restaurant’s physical address, your restaurant website needs to be publicized on all advertising, promotional materials, and brochures. A well-designed website promotes all of the restaurant information and is optimized for ease of use. It’ll also be important to update the site regularly to become a point of contact for all customers.
Utilize social media platforms.
To achieve success today, it’s almost required that your business use social media to attract customers. With people spending an average of 135 minutes per day on social media, these sites allow you to reach numerous customers at all times of the day. Social media platforms provide the perfect avenue to showcase your menu items, run promotions, and create incentives for dining. Social media channels can easily be leveraged to promote a new restaurant online.
Opening a new restaurant takes determination and perseverance. To be successful, you’ll also need to find an online marketing strategy that promotes your business and creates excitement among potential customers. From a website and social media to marketing professionals, there are several things that you can do to promote your new restaurant online.
