How to attract more customers is key for restaurant sustainability. The restaurant industry is growing in different dimensions and the competition is getting stiffer. Restaurant experts, independent owners, chain operators, or new to the industry – every restaurant is eyeing more and repeat loyal customers.
It’s simple – more customers mean more business for any restaurant owner. But the constant juggle is to have a sustainable customer pool. There are over a million restaurants in the US, and according to Newsweek, total annual sales are expected to be around $900 billion this year. (Garfinkle 2022)
Apart from an appealing menu, friendly staff, and warm hospitality, marketing plays a significant role. In the last couple of years, we have seen how quickly the restaurant industry has evolved in its marketing approach. Some strategies resonated well in the past but didn’t limit yourself to traditional marketing methods. The latest strategies include digital resources showing an informative side of the restaurant business.
Now let’s see how a restaurant owner can get more people through their doors. Here are six proven ways to attract more customers to your restaurant.
1. Use Technology to Serve Your Customers Better
Installing suitable technology to amp up your restaurant operations can make a big difference in customer satisfaction, and the chances of repeat visits increase.
Like HME’s ZOOM Nitro drive-thru timer has flexible vehicle detection options to ensure speed and efficiency for customers waiting outside the drive-thru lane, including pull-forward, mobile, and curbside pickup areas.
HME’s ZOOM Nitro Digital Timer
Or restaurant staff using Panasonic’s lightest headset Attune II HD3 – reliable and eliminates the possibility of an accidental microphone snafu.
Panasonic’s Attune II HD3 Headset
2. Create an Online Presence and Buzz
Start building a solid online presence on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. With more than 3 billion active users on social media, it’s an invaluable tool for any restaurant to tap into. You can take eye-catching pictures and create content that will spark interest in potential customers and interact with them regularly.
Image Source – (Smith 2022)
Online reviews are another crucial tool for marketing your restaurant. Positive reviews from happy customers can significantly attract more diners. Ensure you actively seek customer feedback and ratings on sites like Yelp and Google Maps.
You can also create an attractive website to build trust with repeat customers. Connect it to your social media profiles, and you may include online ordering capabilities.
3. Offer Incentives and Special Deals
Everyone loves getting something for nothing, whether it’s a discount on their first visit, complimentary side dishes, or a free drink. You can also offer loyalty rewards such as points or discounts every time they visit your establishment and spend more than a certain amount. It is an excellent way to keep your current customers returning and attract new ones.
You can also consider offering discounts for large groups, loyalty programs, or happy hour specials.
4. Participate in Local Events and Explore Partnerships
One fun way to reach more potential customers is to participate in local events such as fairs and festivals. It will get your restaurant’s name out there and allow more people to try your food. We see this each year at large venues such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The application process for HLSR is from May to August for the following year’s event.
You can also consider teaming up with nearby attractions or hotels and negotiating a deal that benefits both parties. For example, you might offer discounted dinners to visitors staying at the hotel for more than a few nights. A website like VisitHoustonTexas.com offers restaurant deals for Houston visitors. It’s a great way to get your brand out there!
5. Leverage Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Encourage your current customers to spread the word about your restaurant by offering incentives such as discounts or coupons for referrals. Working with a professional marketing team can help you develop more targeted campaigns and ensure more potential customers know about your restaurant and refer you to friends and family.
6. Keep A Close Tab on Industry Trends
It’s crucial to keep up with current trends in the food industry and continuously adjust your marketing strategies as needed. In 2023, many trends from 2022 will continue – including more contactless operations, increased focus on sustainability practices, and more innovative marketing strategies for restaurants.
Restaurants can reduce their environmental impact by investing in more eco-friendly practices such as composting, using more recyclable materials for packaging, and utilizing more plant-based ingredients. (Peek 2023)
Customers are giving more attention to restaurants that are conscious of the environment and offer healthy menu options.
Conclusion
Restaurants should continue to explore more creative marketing strategies to capture and retain customers. There is no shortcut to hard work and persistence. With time, you will gain insights into your consumers’ ordering patterns and offer unique services to keep them happy.
When it comes to installing technology resources, Business Sound and Communications can help. Our expertise gives you a competitive edge with sales and service of drive-thru communications, digital menu boards, POS systems, timers, scent marketing, surveillance equipment, and more for restaurants and hospitality businesses.
We represent Panasonic, HME, PAR, MoodMedia, and ICRealtime. You can call us at (281) 590-3400.
Works Cited
Garfinkle, Madeline. “These Are America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains for 2023.” Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur, 20 Dec. 2022, www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/these-are-americas-favorite-restaurant-chains-for-2023/441479.
Smith, Jessica. “Comparing the Social Media Followers of Different Fast Food Restaurants.” Infographics Archive, 25 May 2022, www.infographicsarchive.com/comparing-the-social-media-followers-of-different-fast-food-restaurants/.
Peek, Sean. “How to Find Customers for Your Restaurant.” Business.com, 22 Feb. 2023, www.business.com/articles/how-to-attract-customers-to-your-restaurant/.
