Boost Restaurants performance

In the competitive world of restaurants, innovative marketing strategies are essential to attract and retain customers. Here are three powerful marketing hacks that can significantly boost your restaurant’s visibility and customer engagement, supported by data and empirical evidence.

1. Utilize Customer Databases from Reservation Systems

Reservation systems like OpenTable and Resy are treasure troves of customer data. Effectively leveraging this data can enhance your marketing efforts.

  • Download Contacts Regularly Regularly downloading customer contacts ensures you have the most up-to-date information. This practice allows you to keep track of new customers and update information for existing ones, ensuring that your marketing campaigns are reaching the right audience.
  • Send an Introductory Email with Easy Opt-Out Upon gathering customer contacts, send an introductory email to welcome them to your mailing list. This email should include an easy opt-out option to comply with data protection regulations and maintain customer trust. Studies show that welcome emails generate 320% more revenue on a per-email basis than other promotional emails.
  • Email at Least 3 to 4 Times per Month Maintaining consistent communication is crucial. Emailing your customers 3 to 4 times per month keeps your restaurant at the forefront of their minds. According to a survey by Campaign Monitor, businesses that send regular emails experience a 29% higher unique open rate and a 100% higher click-through rate compared to those that do not.

2. Social Media Videos: 5x the Reach Compared to Static Images

Social media is a powerful platform for restaurant marketing, and video content significantly outperforms static images.

  • Candid Videos from Your Kitchen, Bar, and Events Candid, behind-the-scenes videos resonate well with audiences. They provide an authentic glimpse into your restaurant’s atmosphere and operations. According to a study by Animoto, videos on social media generate 1,200% more shares than text and images combined. Additionally, videos increase the likelihood of purchasing by 64% among viewers. Showcasing your kitchen staff preparing dishes, bartenders crafting cocktails, or events like live music can humanize your brand and build a stronger connection with your audience.
  • Enhanced Engagement and Reach Data from Facebook shows that video posts have an organic reach that is 135% greater than photo posts. This means that incorporating videos into your social media strategy can significantly increase your restaurant’s visibility and engagement.

3. Use SMS Marketing for Your Best Discounts and Offers

SMS marketing is a direct and highly effective way to communicate with your customers.

  • Convert Your Email Database into SMS Opt-Ins Encourage your email subscribers to opt-in for SMS updates. This can be done by offering exclusive discounts or promotions that are only available via SMS. According to Mobile Marketing Watch, SMS marketing boasts an open rate of 98%, compared to just 20% for email.
  • Use In-Store QR Codes to Drive SMS Opt-In Programs In-store QR codes provide an easy way for customers to join your SMS list. Place QR codes on tables, menus, and receipts. When scanned, these codes can direct customers to a sign-up page. A report by Juniper Research found that the redemption rate for QR codes can reach up to 25%, significantly higher than traditional coupons.
  • Send Best Discounts and Offers via SMS Since SMS messages have a high open rate, they are perfect for sending out time-sensitive offers and discounts. A study by SMS Comparison revealed that 50% of consumers who receive an SMS marketing message go on to make a purchase. This makes SMS an incredibly effective channel for driving immediate action and increasing sales.

Conclusion

By leveraging customer data from reservation systems, utilizing social media videos, and implementing SMS marketing, restaurants can significantly enhance their marketing efforts. These strategies are not only supported by empirical data but also provide practical ways to connect with customers, increase engagement, and drive sales. Implement these hacks to ensure your restaurant stands out in a competitive market.

References

  1. Experian. (n.d.). Welcome emails generate 320% more revenue per email than other promotional emails.
  2. Campaign Monitor. (2019). The Ultimate Email Marketing Benchmarks for 2019.
  3. Animoto. (2020). The State of Social Video 2020: Marketing in a Video-First World.
  4. HubSpot. (2020). 64% of consumers are more likely to buy a product after watching a video about it.
  5. Facebook. (n.d.). Video Posts on Facebook.
  6. Mobile Marketing Watch. (n.d.). SMS marketing boasts an open rate of 98%.
  7. Juniper Research. (2018). QR Codes: The Opportunity for Marketers.
  8. SMS Comparison. (2018). 50% of consumers who receive an SMS marketing message go on to make a purchase.