10 Creative Restaurant Marketing Ideas for 2021
Have you recently opened a restaurant? Or is your restaurant well-established and you’re just looking for ways to keep the foot traffic flowing? Maybe the answer is something in between.
Regardless of your establishment’s current circumstances, you’re one successful marketing strategy away from drastically improving business.
Luckily, Loopy Loyalty has a wealth of experience working with an array of restaurateurs. As such, we’ve learned a lot about restaurant marketing.
So, read on for our ten helpful tips:
Instagram, Instagram, and more Instagram
Of all the social media platforms, Instagram is most successful at getting potential patrons eating with their eyes.
As highlighted in this recent blog of ours, #foodporn is one of the most popular hashtags on all of Instagram. On that note, using only one hashtag accounts for 12.6% more engagement per post.
Though, this strategy necessitates the use of relevant hashtags (meaning you must do your keyword research) and unforgettably eye-catching images. Luckily, Instagram’s filter feature will enhance the appearance of your already beautiful dishes.
Leverage Online Reviews
First and foremost, 84% of all consumers trust online reviews.
Realistically, in 2019, nearly every single patron looks for your Google My Business rating before visiting your restaurant.
Do everything in your power to ensure you receive fantastic writeups from customers, then share those reviews on social media to leverage their potential fully.
For example, when you notice diners enjoying their experience, don’t be afraid to ask them about leaving a review. Also, you can send a push message to them with Loopy Loyalty which brings us to our next tip:
Offer A Digital Rewards Programs
There’s no denying the staggering amount that a loyalty program can enhance the customer experience.
Plus, a digital loyalty program like Loopy Loyalty removes paper cards from the equation. So, customers won’t miss out on collecting points because they forgot their cards. Nor will you have to waste time and money at the printers.
Best of all? There are a variety of creative ways to award customers with digital stamps.
Encourage Patrons to Share Content
Once people start talking about your restaurant on social media, you become part of the conversation — every business owner’s dream.
So, think about launching contests or giving digital stamps for customers who share photographs from your restaurant. Instagram is perfect for this, because patrons can tag your restaurant, apply a specific branding hashtag, and you can ‘regram’ (re-post) the photos.
Celebrate Happy-Hour
Promoting happy-hour (Monday to Thursday during the late afternoon) with an appetizer and drink special keeps foot traffic steady during an otherwise slow time for business.
This method is time-honored and still works in 2019. And now, you have more tools (i.e., social media and email marketing) to promote your deals.
Furthermore, pleased happy-hour patrons end up adding full dinner orders to their drinks and appetizers, leading to substantial tabs.
Up Your Flyer Game
Much like happy-hour, well-executed flyers are a form of traditional marketing that consumers still appreciate in 2019. It’s the tactile experience of being able to touch and interact with the material that helps flyers connect with the masses.
However, this strategy necessitates your producing flyers that convert. Figure out where and when to distribute while avoiding cramming brochures with event pictures and menu items. Look for examples of successful restaurant ads for creative inspiration.
Befriend Neighboring Businesses
Find the local café, barber, or bookstore owner, and offer them exclusive deals on food. Then explain that you’re willing to put their marketing collateral in your restaurant if they reciprocate.
Make a Scene
Keeping town bylaws and the cost of permits in mind, look into holding an event just outside of your establishment. Hire a band, get on a megaphone, and offer free samples of your delicious food. This will give the community a chance to know you — plus they’ll get a taste of your top-notch cuisine and surely return as paying customers.
Produce Cooking Videos on YouTube
In 2021, all it takes is a half-decent phone camera, some research on the production process, and a YouTube account to make recipe videos online.
You can share the content across all platforms. This strategy allows you to show off some personality and craft a brand image for your restaurant. Plus, when done right, over 70% of marketers claim that videos generate more conversions than any other content.
Amazing Service, Better Food
In 2019, marketing techniques are more diverse and complicated than ever. But all the Instagramming and tightly produced YouTube videos in the world can’t cover for lousy food and lackluster service. A savvy marketing strategy requires your kitchen to be a well-oiled machine, and your servers to be professional and courteous.
