Running your own business might get quite challenging sometimes, especially when you own a restaurant. There are so many different eateries to choose from. How to make yours to stand out? There are numerous marketing strategies that will definitely increase the income of your business. If you are looking for some of the most efficient ways and ideas to boost your restaurant’s sales, then you have come to the right place!
Take a Look at Some Basic Restaurant Sales Strategies First
Let us start with some basic stuff here – you need to set up your Google+ account and you should also appear on Yelp. Those are the two most important platforms for any businesses. If you do not exist there – then you might be in trouble. We live in the century, where internet plays an extremely significant role. People google everything. They type: “restaurants around me”, so your eatery has to be there! What is more, your customers will be able to leave comments and rate your business. Do not be afraid of that! Even an unpleasant review might help you improve your work. And for the rest – let the people see how awesome your restaurant is!
Geo-what?
Have you ever heard of geo-targeted ads? It is all about delivering different content of ads to consumers based on their location. Of course – you should be advertising all across the city, but be sure to take some extra time to promote your business around your area. People who live in your area should know about your famous lasagna! What is more – if there are office buildings around your restaurant – you should take advantage of that as well! There are lots of people who would definitely order a nice, fresh meal to eat during their lunch break!
Ideas to Boost Restaurant Sales – Let the People Hear You!
Are looking for more strategies to increase sales in restaurant? Say no more! Well, actually – you need to get verbal! Advertising in local media, like radio and newspapers, might bring you some potential visitors. An ad on a local radio might seem to be a bit pricey, but check if the radio station can offer you some kind of a deal. Perhaps you can buy an ad for two weeks, and then try to observe – how many people have come to your restaurant, because they heard the ad on the radio. As for the local newspaper – try adding a coupon to your ad. People would love that. You can add a coupon for a free dessert with the purchase of a meal.
Home Delivery? Make it Fast!
We all have been dealing with some crazy times lately. Restaurants were struggling, but thankfully food delivery services have been invented a while ago! Of course, it is nice to hang out with friends at a restaurant – we all missed that! But sometimes, we are too lazy and too convenient, so let us all be grateful for food deliveries. Partner up with only the best delivery companies. You definitely want your customers get their food fast and still warm – if not hot! If your restaurant does not provide food delivery – you might want to change that as soon as possible! Food delivery option is definitely one of the main marketing strategies to increase restaurant sales.
What About a Restaurant Sales Action Plan?
Planning will do some good – we know it! You need a restaurant sales plan. Well, you need a restaurant sales action plan to be precise! Of course, every business’ goal is to increase the income. You can come up with a plan and a marketing budget for any upcoming ads and other promoting campaigns. Of course, there are always those unexpected expenses, but once you have a certain amount, that can be spend on marketing – it will be easier for you to manage your finances. What is more, you can come to an agreement with your local radio station and newspaper and establish some sort of a flat rate for your future ads. You can figure out an agenda – and advertise your business each month, or every other month. There are many options. Once the radio station learns you wish to use their services, they might offer you some pretty decent prices.
How is Your Online Page Doing?
This might seem not so important to some of you, but a good restaurant sales plan is as crucial as your restaurant’s online page. You ought to remember about this one thing – always keep everything up-to-date. Opening hours, special offers, menu and even your staff info. People who decide to visit your business’ website need to be informed about everything that is going on at your eatery. Make sure your website is easy to navigate and has the newest menu. Let your customers know about the latest lunch specials and the food delivery that your restaurant provides.
Looking for More Ideas to Improve Restaurant Business?
No worries – there are even more ideas to increase restaurant business and its revenue. Social media has been an online phenomenon for quite some time now. It has become so powerful and popular, that once you own a business – you just need to get an Instagram and a Facebook account for your restaurant. You can either hire someone to run those pages for you, or you can simply do it yourself. Just remember – here you also need to keep things updated. Make sure to post new pictures, add any special offers and let your customers know about any upcoming changes or events. Social media plays a significant role when it comes to marketing. There are over 10 million photos being uploaded on Instagram every day. Foodstagramming has become a new trend (and a new word!).
Let the Food Strike a Pose!
Let us elaborate a bit more on social media frenzy. You can collaborate with a bunch of local influencers. Trust us – they will definitely take some awesome pictures of the food your restaurant serves and the interior of the venue. Let them do the magic! What is more, try to encourage your customers to tag your business in their posts. You can come up with contests – like when they share a picture and tag your restaurant – they might win a free dessert of even a gift card! You can also post pictures of your staff, some candid photos or even show off those colorful and insanely fresh-looking fruit and veggies, that are about to be cooked and served to the customers. Went on a fish market to get some products? Post a picture from your shopping trip – let your clients know that you choose only the good quality products!
Remember About Your Employees
Many sales building ideas for restaurants involve encouraging an employee growth. A good work environment is the key to every business’ success. A good atmosphere is important. If you look after your employees, they will look after your business. Team work is extremely important, especially in a restaurant. You want everything to run smoothly. A good team will definitely improve your revenue. Satisfied customers and their referrals are the most efficient ads! Give your employees a chance to grow and learn new things. Let them learn about those upselling techniques. Make sure to appreciate their hard work. It all adds up to the pool of restaurant sales and marketing strategies for sure!
Let Me Introduce You To…
Since we have mentioned your employees, we think it would be a great idea to introduce them to your clients. Of course, it is impossible to do it physically – but you can always use your website and social media platforms to do so. Show your incredible team and let the customers know the people who work behind the hidden walls as well. The staff consists of not only the bar tenders and servers – but also chefs, managers, and a bunch of other people, who make it all work! You can always post their pictures and a short biography. It is always nice to know a little something about a person who brings your food.
What is on the Menu?
If you are still looking for other ideas to improve restaurant business – we recommend evaluating and optimizing your menu. Make sure to keep it interesting. You probably know which items on the menu are more and which are less popular. Try to eliminate those dishes, that are very unlikely to find its fans. Definitely keep the classic ones! Make sure to listen to your clients. If they keep asking about that baked salmon you used to serve – maybe it is the right time to bring it back? You can also try the seasonal menu. Do not be afraid to experiment a bit. People tend to get bored with the same old food, so give them a chance to try something else.
Updated Menu Is Definitely Among Some of the Ideas to Increase Restaurant Business!
Since we have discussed the menu and its future variations – let us remind you to always check the online version as well. It is always better to verify your restaurant’s online details and see if there had been any changes added to the online menu as well. There are plenty of people who like to check the online menu prior to their visit. Let your clients see their options and get hungry only by reading that newly adjusted and updated list of dishes your restaurant serves! You can always add some pictures too! Craving that burger already? A picture will definitely help them make up their minds and visit your restaurant ASAP!
Do Not Underestimate the Power of a Review
This next topic might not seem like one of those typical restaurant sales strategies, but it might definitely help your business grow. Online reviews and ratings play a huge role in every restaurant’s business. You should always read those reviews and try to answer all of them. You can always thank your customers for a five-star-review, but do not neglect those less pleasant comments. Be sure to reply in a polite manner. You can always ask for customers suggestions. Sometimes even a bad comment might make you noticed something that you have not seen before. Once people see that you really care for their needs and are willing to imply changes that they might have suggested – they will definitely want to come back to your restaurant. Afterall, we all want some good food and a pleasant service, right?
Can I Offer You a Complimentary Drink?
People love free stuff – that is a fact. If you want to increase sales in your restaurant, you should definitely take some time to come up with a bunch of discounts and coupons for your customers. Never forget about your loyal client. If you see them quite often, you can offer them a free drink every now and then. They would love that for sure. Show them, that you really appreciate their visits and you wish to offer them the best service there is. You can also attract new customers to your restaurant, by giving away some coupons. Run a small campaign on social media and let the people know, that each customer can get a free cookie if they bring their friend with them and order a coffee.
Anything Cool Happening in the Area?
One of the marketing strategies that can help you increase sales in your restaurant are events. You should always know what is going on in the city. Restaurant’s Week? Count me in! A concert in the park? We will be there with our food truck! Make sure to participate in at least some of those events. It is a perfect way to promote your restaurant and gain new clients. Get out there and let the people know, why your restaurant is worth checking out. Remember to have your business cards with you. Perhaps you can order some personalized items, like pens or keychains with your restaurant’s name on it. You might need to invest a bit, but hey – it is a very popular advertising technique. And if you happen to run out of freebies and business cards – refer them to your social media accounts. We both know they will find some awesome pictures there!
Can I Get a Table?
Another thing that should be taken into consideration? Online reservation tools. People like to make reservations, so they know for sure a table will be waiting there for them at a certain time. Make sure to give your customers that option. What is more, you can also introduce a loyalty program. Loyalty systems are one of the most popular strategies to increase sales in restaurants. Encourage your customers to collect those points, so later they can exchange them to a gift card or something else. People like those kinds of things. They will be more likely to visit your eatery, because subconsciously – they will feel the urge to get more points and eventually get a reward.
Want to Join Us for The Party?
Another cool marketing strategy that will definitely improve your revenue are parties! Yes – you can throw a themed party or an event. Invite some of your loyal customers and try to leave some room for any potential new-commers. Make sure to use your social media accounts to advertise the event. What is more, you can also organize a workshop or offer your customers services like – birthday parties, bridal showers and more. The more options and offers you have; the more opportunities may occur. The tendency of throwing parties outside of the house is on the rise. People want to find the perfect venue with some great food, so they do not have to worry about anything. If your restaurant offers those sorts of things – then you might definitely experience a boost of income!
Let Us Make a List
We encourage you to maintain the inventory. You can find various software that might help you with that. What is more, a special restaurant software might turn out be extremely efficient. You will be able to monitor your expenses, avoid food and produce waste, help you with your employee’s payrolls and much more. It can be a great tool when it comes to managing your restaurant.
There are numerous strategies and marketing techniques that will definitely improve the revenue of your restaurant. It might seem like that lot of things should be taken into consideration, but there is no need to panic! Little by little, you will be able to figure out which strategies might work best for your business.
