Opening a new restaurant can be an exciting but daunting task. There are so many things to do in order to get your business off the ground, and promoting it online can be one of the most important steps. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips to help you get started.
Ways to market your restaurant online
There are many ways to market your restaurant online, and the most effective approach will vary depending on your goals and audience. However, some general tips that can help you get started include:
- Use targeted advertising.
Utilize online advertising tools like Google AdWords and Facebook Ads to reach people who are specifically interested in restaurants in your area. Targeted ads can be very effective in driving traffic to your website or social media pages.
- Get listed in online directories.
There are many online directories that list restaurants, so make sure your business is included in as many of these as possible. This will make it easier for potential customers to find you when they’re searching for a place to eat.
- Create a strong website.
Your website should be attractive and easy to navigate, with all the information potential customers might need, like your menu, hours, and contact info. You can also use your website to take online orders or reservations.
- Offer discounts and coupons.
People love getting a good deal, so offer discounts and coupons on your website or social media pages. You can also promote special deals and promotions through online directories and targeted advertising.
By following these tips, you can effectively market your restaurant online and reach a wider audience of potential customers.
Ways to use social media to promote your restaurant
- Make sure your restaurant is present on all the major social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Encourage customers to check in at your restaurant on social media and offer incentives for doing so.
- Post regular updates about special offers, events and news from your restaurant on social media.
- Make use of hashtags to reach a wider audience on social media.
- Use attractive visuals and mouth-watering photos of your food to make your social media posts more appealing.
- Engage with customers who mention your restaurant on social media – thank them for their positive reviews and respond to any negative feedback promptly and courteously.
- Run competitions and giveaways on social media to generate interest in your restaurant.
- Live-tweet or live-stream events taking place at your restaurant to give followers a taste of the action.
- Partner with influencers in the food industry to promote your restaurant on social media.
- Always monitor your social media accounts so that you can respond quickly to any queries or complaints from customers.
Jarred SF magazine is a go-to resource for on-the-go restaurant-industry professionals. Focused on all aspects of restaurant management news —the business of eating— the online magazine posts news items on a daily basis, incorporates profiles, trends and expert advice to offer valuable content to this niche. 