A Guide to Promoting Your RestaurantWhen it comes to restaurant marketing there are a number of useful strategies and tactics available to attract new and recurring customers.Providing quality dining for visitors is only one step. Getting them in the door in the first place is the biggest challenge, and for that you need to promote your restaurant not just your food.

Stand Out First impressions are critical. Passing trade is an underestimated

source of business. Make sure your shop front is designed

and styled to draw maximum attention and attract customers inside.

Provide clear and visible signage which attracts the attention of passer’s by.

Have a stylish and up to date menu outside detailing exactly what your restaurant has to offer.

Relationship MarketingRelationship marketing is critical in the modern

business worldEmail addresses and mobile phone numbers are

vital to growing, developing and maintaining a customer base.

Collect as much information as you can about your customers and target market.

Establishing a substantial customer database will allow you to cultivate strong relationships with your customers and readily and easily promote your restaurant to them.

Send out reminders or birthday wishes. Offer discounts, vouchers and freebies to “valued”

customers.

Online PresenceA restaurant without an online presence is

missing out on a substantial source of business and revenue.

Use your website to attract new business, develop a following and allow customers to find all the necessary information about your restaurant.

Make sure that your website is simple and easy to use, that information is up to date and available and customers are easily able to get in touch with you to make a reservation.

Utilise Social Media A significant number of restaurants and

organisations in the food industry are using social media to drum up interest in their company and attract new customers.

Grow and develop a following and build relationships with your customer base.

Share valuable and engaging information and content with your online followers.

Don’t simply use sites like Twitter and Facebook as a PR channel to distribute bland marketing messages and sales pitches.

Social media allows you to develop your customer base, build relationships and gives customers the opportunity to share stories and experiences via word of mouth.

All about ReviewsThere is little more influential when it comes to

sourcing potential customers than online reviews.People often seek the advice, views and

reassurances of others. This will often mean visiting online review sites.

Not only does this make customer care essential but also means you need to encourage positive reviews and feedback from happy customers.

Unhappy customers are far more likely to share their thoughts as a means to vent their frustrations.

Encourage satisfied customers to share their views online and with friends and family through word of mouth.

Drum Up InterestYou need to establish your restaurant as the hub

for the local community – a place for residents, friends and families of all ages to visit.

The best way to establish your presence in the local community is to go out in to the community and drum up interest.

Send your staff out on to the street, visit businesses and residences in your local area, handing out flyers, business cards, menus and vouchers.

Be highly visible to draw attention and make it clear to the public who you are, where you are from and how they can find you again.

Build up your image within the local media, distributing press releases regarding your launch, any new products, services or special discounts and offers.

Maintaining a Food PR presence within the local media will help to promote your brand and keep you front of mind with the public.

The need to market and promote your food business or restaurant is more critical than ever.

Fortunately the opportunities to do so are equally as abundant.

Following some of the steps outlined here will ensure you continue to attract and maintain a healthy flow of customers to your restaurant.