Local Restaurant Marketing Ideas
The success of any restaurant is dependent on the quality of food that is prepared, as well as effective marketing techniques. Even if you've accomplished the first, you will need to continuously market to your local area so that you can attract new customers for further growth. When taking ideas into consideration, try both tried and true marketing techniques as well as methods that may be unfamiliar to you.
- Website – Market your business by creating an attractive website. Include professional pictures of your food as well as tasty descriptions of the meals. Use your website to offer “Internet Specials” that are different from your other advertised deals and available only to visitors of the website.
- Weekly Specials - One way that local restaurants can draw in new and repeat customers is to offer enticing weekly specials. An example of this would be allowing all children below a certain age to eat free or a free dessert night each week. When offering these specials, include any restrictions in the advertising so that guests are not surprised if their meal doesn't qualify. Advertise these specials in local newspapers, on your website and with window or sidewalk signage.
- Coupons - Take advantage of area coupon mailers. These are booklets or pamphlets that are mailed out to residents in a certain area and are filled with coupons from various businesses.
- Birthday Clubs - A popular marketing technique is to offer free birthday treats for guests who sign up to your mailing list or newsletter. This can be in the form of a free dinner with the purchase of another meal or it could be as simple as a complementary dessert.
- Senior Discounts – Market to area residents that are 65 and older, concentrating your efforts at local senior centers or communities. Offer additional discounts on top of your regularly advertised senior discounts.