There are an infinite amount of ways you can market your business to attract customers. We’ve outline many effective strategies in this section, but obviously each restaurant is completely unique and will have its own optimal marketing path, so in the end you need to determine what’s best for you considering location, competition, and cuisine. Three more strategies people have used to market are accepting online reservations, creating a food truck, and doing random raffles.
Online ReservationsOn busy nights like Friday and Saturday many customers want a guarantee that they can get a table without waiting. In the modern age people have tended to use the internet to make these reservations through sites like OpenTable. By partnering with them or other Vendors you can allow people to do this, which will satisfy customers and keep them coming back. We would also encourage you to allow your website to take reservations.
Food TrucksSome restaurants open a food truck in addition to their actual location, to expand their business’s reach and promote their food to more people. This is a very expensive decision as it will require you to buy the truck, more cooking equipment, and hire additional staff, but if your restaurant is doing well and you want to expand it may be worth exploring this option before opening a second location. Food trucks can also be used at food festivals, fairs, concerts, and other events to easily sell your products. If you are interested in creating a food truck make sure to visit our Food Truck section to research the government compliance requirements as well as helpful hints and suggestions for success.
Random RaffleYou can use different types of raffles and games to keep customers coming back. One popular, fun way is a giant spinning wheel that gives different prizes depending on where the spinner lands. Some of the prizes can be free dishes, others drinks, others coupons. This interactive raffle will entice customers to come back to try their luck again if they lose. Another strategy is to have a fishbowl raffle where customers put their business cards in a bowl and one is chosen every week to win a special prize. People in general love these types of games where there is a chance of winning something. Obviously keep the winnings reasonable so your restaurant doesn’t go out of business if someone wins the jackpot, but give enough away so that customers see others win and know it’s possible. These games will keep people entertained and coming back.
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