Three Inexpensive Ways To Boost Your Restaurant Traffic
Creating a marketing plan on a budget can be a challenge for the small restaurant owner, but it isn't impossible if you're savvy. Here are three inexpensive or free ideas you can begin implementing to boost your customer base.
Social Media And Review Sites
It doesn't cost anything to set up a Facebook page for your business. You can let it slowly build momentum overtime as you post your daily specials and people share your posts. Or you can spend as low as a dollar a day to create Facebook ads that will promote your business to a larger audience. According to a recent business blog, one dollar will expose your restaurant to 4,000 potential customers daily, far less expensive than newspaper, magazine, or radio spots. Review sites, such as Yelp and Trip Advisor, can also direct traffic your way. More and more, people are taking the time to voice their opinion about the establishments they spend their money at. This can be a good thing but it can also be bad. Check your restaurant's reviews every week and after special events or large parties. You can use the feedback from the reviews as a way to identify problems in the restaurant you may not be aware of, such as issues with staff. You can also take the time to thank those who gave you a favorable review. Most importantly, you can nip dissatisfied customers in the bud by personally responding to their complaints and inviting them back to give you another opportunity. Potential and current customers appreciate seeing you have a vested interest in their satisfaction. Charity Events
Participating in a charity event not only helps solidify your presence in the community, it also helps to expose your business to customers who may not otherwise be aware of you. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to see what upcoming events will be held around town, and get involved. Choose events depending on your budget and the anticipated event turnout. Rather than spending money on direct marketing ads, you will be donating your food and services and, ideally, recouping the return on your investment with new customers in the future.
Form Partnerships
Seek out other local businesses that aren't your direct competition, such as the nearby car lot. Car dealerships typically spend a lot of money in TV, radio, and newspapers advertising their big sales. Offer to provide sandwiches or whatever your specialty is for free or reduced cost onsite at their event. They will naturally use this as a part of their marketing to draw customers in, a win-win for you both. Getting your name out there as one of the best local restaurants in town doesn't have to cost a ton of money, you just have to think outside the box a little and take advantage of the power of internet.
For a local restaurant, contact a restaurant such as one that was Voted Best of America.