Eight Fun Marketing Ideas To Bring Customers Into Your Restaurant
As a new restaurant owner, you know that it can be tough to bring in new customers. Customers are looking for incredible food, a great atmosphere, and that little extra something that sets your eatery apart from the rest. If you’re looking to bring some new life into your restaurant and attract some new customers, try out some of these fun restaurant marketing ideas:
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Plan Theme Nights
Theme nights are a great way to add a bit of spice to any gathering, and they can be crafted around just about anything you can think of. A pizzeria could hold a battle of the toppings night where customers vote on their favorite pizza toppings. A traditional English pub may use the special evening to whisk guests back in time by offering a menu of reinvented foods from the Tudor era.
While more elegant themes will take more time to prepare, easy options can be pulled together weekly. Offering trivia nights or karaoke hours are popular (and entertaining) ways to attract a crowd. No matter what kind of event you put on, advertise it well in advance so potential customers can plan to attend. Then sit back and watch your customer base grow!
Source Local Talent
There’s no better way to draw a crowd than by offering them something unique they can’t find anywhere else. If you have the space, consider hosting local musical acts or comedians to entertain your diners.
Not only will this bring in a crowd, but it will also allow you to show off your support for the local community. When people see that you’re invested in making your city a better place, they’ll be more likely to invest in you.
Host Customer Appreciation Events
People love feeling valued, and it’s imperative to show appreciation to the local community that supports your business. Plan customer appreciation events periodically to show your customers how much you value their business. Offer special discounts, complimentary appetizers or drinks, or anything else to show gratitude.
Create A Signature Dish
Do you have a dish that always sells out? Make it your signature dish. Promote it on your menu and website, and make sure everyone knows what you’re known. This will bring customers to try your signature dish and give you a chance to show off your culinary skills.
Need a specific dish in mind to feature? Give your kitchen staff creative liberty to create something new and exciting to feature as the signature dish. This will show off their talents and give them a sense of ownership over the restaurant.
Reward Customers For Word Of Mouth Advertising
There’s no denying the power of word-of-mouth advertising. After all, who better promote your business than satisfy customers? But what’s the best way to encourage customers to spread the word?
One approach is to offer rewards for referrals. You could discount future purchases or enter customers into a drawing for prizes. A handwritten thank-you note or a gift can go a long way toward showing your value. By taking advantage of the power of word-of-mouth, you can reach new customers and grow your business.
Get Involved In The Community
One of the best ways to promote your restaurant is to get involved in the community. This could include sponsoring a local sports team or hosting charity events. Not only will this help you give back, but it will also raise awareness for your business.
By getting involved in the community, you can show potential customers that you’re more than just a business—you’re also a good neighbor.
Give Out Samples
Give people the to try your product to see how great it is without committing to a purchase. Of course, this requires that you have enough pieces on hand to meet demand. And you’ll need to set up your sampling station.
The best place is somewhere with a lot of foot traffic, like a busy street corner or the entrance to a popular store. You can also hand out samples at food events or trade shows. Just make sure that your target market will be in attendance.
For example, a school PTA meeting might be a good choice if you want to reach young mothers. When giving out samples, the more people you can serve, the better.
Hold Interactive Classes
Show your customers that your kitchen staff is true experts at their craft by offering interactive cooking classes. Customers will have the opportunity to learn new techniques, ask questions, and get hands-on experience. They’ll also walk away with a new appreciation for your restaurant.
Other classes include wine tastings, pairing, and mixology lessons. Trending food items like charcuterie boards are great options. Cake decorating and cupcake-making courses are always popular.
No matter what type of classes you offer, ensure they’re interactive and informative. That way, customers will walk away feeling like they’ve learned something new.
Fun Marketing Ideas: Final Thoughts
Following these restaurant marketing tips can promote your restaurant and attract new business. Remember to be creative, think outside the box, and always put your customers first. By spicing up your dining experience and making it more interactive and fun, you’ll create a workplace environment your staff will enjoy, and customers will want to return again and again.
