When the world is in a state of lockdown, it is hardly surprising that the majority of businesses are finding it difficult to stay open. For restaurants, it has become even more important to be proactive when marketing themselves to patrons so that business stays afloat. Effective marketing is essential to ensure that your restaurant remains operational amidst the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this blog, we have compiled a list of helpful tips that will help you market your restaurant better.
Read along to know more!
Offering Pickup Services
Aggressively promote your restaurant’s order pickup service during this period of self-quarantine. Offer free curbside pickup service on all orders placed directly through your website which will help you save money you would otherwise pay for third-party services. To make this offer more attractive and convenient, consider adding a dessert or an appetizer free of cost to further promote your pickup services.
Gift Cards and Promotional Giveaways
Dining out may not be a feasible option right now but people are looking for ways to support local businesses, especially the ones that are their favourites. Make gift cards easily available through email or through your website so that your customers can support your restaurant now and make the most of the dining-in offer at a later date. This is a good time to distribute promotional items like custom beer mats or fridge magnets.
Be creative and get your best deals printed on beer mats so that you stay on top of their minds. To know more about beer mat printing, get in touch with custom beer mat printers!
Encourage Customers to Order In Bulk
If you have the means to do it, it will be worth offering your customers the option of placing their orders in bulk. You could either deliver this or they can opt for pickup services as mentioned above. Let your customers know that meals can be placed in the fridge and you can include instructions on reheating.
This way they can experience the best of what your restaurant has to offer. Offer discounts on bulk orders in a way that ensures that you don’t lose any money.
Offer Free Meals for Kids
Make your customers an offer they can’t refuse. Offer a free kid’s menu to your customers that they can avail of the purchase of a meal for an adult. It is a great business tactic and an easy way to grow your business as schools are closed and kids are staying home. You can club this idea with delivery, pickup, and dine-in options.
As parents, your customers will find it more convenient to order from your restaurant as they won’t incur additional costs for their child’s meal. This will give you an edge over your competitors.
Provide a ‘No Contact’ Service
Assure your customers that they can avail themselves “no contact” experience with your restaurant whether they opt to pick up their order or get it delivered from your restaurant. With the spread of the pandemic, your patrons are bound to feel more comfortable and safe if there’s no contact whatsoever.
If your customers opt for pickup service, your employees could place the order on the hood of their car and if they opt for the order to be delivered, your employees could simply ring the doorbell and leave it outside.
Experiment With a Theme
The world right now may be a bit bleak with the situation being what it is but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of fun. Host a virtual happy drinking hour or trivia night. You can also host a party on Facebook or Instagram Live. You also have the option to tap into trending movies and shows like Star Wars and curate a menu based on this theme. You can share recipes of food and drinks that your customers can try at home.
This initiative will not only make you popular on social media platforms but also foster a sense of community. As a token of thanks, you can distribute promotional beer mats as mentioned above.
To Wrap it Up
Stay up to date with information relating to coronavirus so that you can follow all the measures to ensure the safety of your employees and your customers. Look for ways to be creative with the limited resources you have. It will all pay off once you are back in business full swing!
