Attracting new guests to your restaurant is highly necessary to survive, and during the current Corona pandemic it can be harder than ever. But there are strategies and methods that work for most restaurants. It's just a matter of thinking smart – and right!
An important first aspect to keep in mind is to inform your customers, both digitally and in the restaurant, about how you work to protect guests and staff against COVID-19.
If you have a clear concept, it is easier to succeed in attracting guests. If your concept is French bistro, it is important that the venue, staff and food match the concept. The restaurant industry is one of the few industries left that can offer unique and memorable real-life experiences and that's exactly what today's consumers are looking for when choosing a restaurant.
Identify your target group and work from there. Try to find out what is unique about your target group and think about how you can attract them to your restaurant. Are families your primary target group? Arrange family evenings or activities for the children. Are career people your target group? Arrange after work events or offer quick lunches to streamline their visit. How about young people? Make sure you are on the right digital platforms and it’s only positive to let them use technology when they order and pay.
Are there nearby target groups you could have as guests? Is your venue empty during the daytime? Many people have flexible workplaces and are happy to work from a restaurant if it is possible to charge their computer. Here you can serve simpler meal- and snack concepts or have lunch to-go for everyone who works at home and are tired of eating leftovers from yesterday's dinner. Think outside the box and make sure you communicate to the right visitors about your restaurant.
Read our best tips here on how to reach your customers today!
Companies that are aware of current commercial trends are often at the forefront and can benefit from movements that are taking place in society at large. Here are five trends you should keep an eye on.
If you are not online in today’s society, you do not exist. Make sure to be visible digitally with your own website and preferably also through social media accounts such as Facebook and Instagram. These platforms already have millions of daily users and provide a great opportunity for you to be seen by new potential customers. Read more about our best Instagram tips here!
Working with communication and marketing for your restaurant is something you should never leave to chance – it requires a clear strategy and plan. Having inactive accounts on Facebook and Instagram is as bad as having nothing at all. Having a clear plan and strategy with your social media accounts is worth the time and will lead to better results.
The very best marketing, and what probably gets most of your visitors to visit you, are recommendations. Creating good customer contacts and taking care of your visitors in the best way possible is usually highly effective. It doesn’t matter how cool your restaurant is or how well you market yourself if you do not take care of your guests and make sure to provide them with good food and service. Recommendations from friends and family are often a strong influence that is perceived as credible, but other consumers are also perceived as more credible than if you as the owner or staff of the restaurant would describe how good you are. Third-party apps like The Fork and TripAdvisor attract millions of visitors and provide a great opportunity for your restaurant to attract customers. Thanks to reviews and ratings, visitors can quickly form an idea of whether your restaurant is worth a visit or not. Remember to respond to both good and bad reviews to show that you care about your guests. Remember to see criticism and reviews as an aid for what can be improved.
Do you want to read more about how to work smart in today's restaurant industry? Download our guide on how to work smarter and more digital.