Cheap ways to promote a restaurant?
- Thread starter gibby
- Start date
Word of mouth.
Voucher for selves and one for friends when they leave the restaurant.
Get them to leave email addresses/business cards and email them with offers/new dishes
Voucher in local paper.
Networking locally.
Run a charity evening - if someone can fill your restuarant you give some of the takings to their charity - been to a couple of these and very entertaining evenings as you know everyone.
Make sure to checkout local competition - are you competitive and as attractive?
Make sure you are listed with the local tourist board.
Do something every day to fill a table.
Voucher for selves and one for friends when they leave the restaurant.
Get them to leave email addresses/business cards and email them with offers/new dishes
Voucher in local paper.
Networking locally.
Run a charity evening - if someone can fill your restuarant you give some of the takings to their charity - been to a couple of these and very entertaining evenings as you know everyone.
Make sure to checkout local competition - are you competitive and as attractive?
Make sure you are listed with the local tourist board.
Do something every day to fill a table.
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E
Esk247
Don't do Groupon 
As above, networking evenings and business lunches/breakfasts for local business groups.
Does the restaurant have a theme? is it obvious what style of food is sold from the outside?
If you look at a lot of restaurants and cafes it is clear what they do and sell just by looking quickly at the front of the shop.
As above, networking evenings and business lunches/breakfasts for local business groups.
Does the restaurant have a theme? is it obvious what style of food is sold from the outside?
If you look at a lot of restaurants and cafes it is clear what they do and sell just by looking quickly at the front of the shop.
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There was a new small restaurant opened in a town where I live.
It was quiet and nobody new about it. And there was a guy who came out on the street and approached strangers asking if they new about this place, and welcomed them to visit... maybe just for a cup of tea. He told people genuine stories about himself and his business. He was very genuine and amicable, he asked people simple questions: what they do/are doing, what they like etc. He was so nice you just could not just walk away without looking at his place. It was not a low paid guy in a silly costume but a restaurant owner/manager.
I envied his conversion rate
It was quiet and nobody new about it. And there was a guy who came out on the street and approached strangers asking if they new about this place, and welcomed them to visit... maybe just for a cup of tea. He told people genuine stories about himself and his business. He was very genuine and amicable, he asked people simple questions: what they do/are doing, what they like etc. He was so nice you just could not just walk away without looking at his place. It was not a low paid guy in a silly costume but a restaurant owner/manager.
I envied his conversion rate
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Don't discount Groupon - if you can get the deal right and even if you only break even if the customer gets good food and service some will come back.
What about offering something completely free, no strings attached to get people in? Maybe just a free drink, or piece of cake. Put this offer on a flyer and distribute it locally.
What about offering something completely free, no strings attached to get people in? Maybe just a free drink, or piece of cake. Put this offer on a flyer and distribute it locally.
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W
webstore
Not sure if this will help but last year I went into a restaurant in Santa Barbara, California and was told that if the waiter could see me making a positive entry on my Facebook page about the restaurant using my iPhone that I would get 10% off my bill. At the time I did not have a FaceBook page but all the same that could be a good idea to try.
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I would find 50-100 names from either the neighborhood or an upscale neiborhood - then I would send them a 3 tier letter inviting them to come and enjoy a free dinner, as a loss leader.
If the service, the food and the enviroment are more than awesome, those who respond will come back. I would also capture their names, e-mails and mobile numbers and e-mail them, send them an offer by text every month.
Your friends need to calculate the life time value of a customer, that is, how many times a customer spends there and for how long. If 10 people from the mailing come back, and become customers, then these customers worth an X amount of money tothe restaurant.
All you need is just 100 people to send to - your friends will find out that not all 100 people will respond, unless the neighborhood is not a good one.
In my opinion, Groupon can only be used IF you have set up correctly back end mechanisms to leverage the people who come - from mobile marketing to gift vouchers and e-mail newsletters.
Hope that helps!
If the service, the food and the enviroment are more than awesome, those who respond will come back. I would also capture their names, e-mails and mobile numbers and e-mail them, send them an offer by text every month.
Your friends need to calculate the life time value of a customer, that is, how many times a customer spends there and for how long. If 10 people from the mailing come back, and become customers, then these customers worth an X amount of money tothe restaurant.
All you need is just 100 people to send to - your friends will find out that not all 100 people will respond, unless the neighborhood is not a good one.
In my opinion, Groupon can only be used IF you have set up correctly back end mechanisms to leverage the people who come - from mobile marketing to gift vouchers and e-mail newsletters.
Hope that helps!
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R
restaurantWeb
A free way to help promote a restaurant is to submit the restaurant to Google Local.
This will then create a page to promote the restaurant allowing you to list important details like a description of the restaurant, opening hours, photos, and any discount vouchers you want to offer.
The restaurant's details will then hopefully occasionally appear on the front page of Google when a potential customer searches for something like, 'Restaurant in Your Town'.
I made a short guide a while ago which is intended to help you optimise the submission, unfortunately I can't submit a link to the article as I'm new to the forum, but you should find it if you Google "how to list your restaurant on Google maps"
Does the restaurant have a website or a Facebook page?
This will then create a page to promote the restaurant allowing you to list important details like a description of the restaurant, opening hours, photos, and any discount vouchers you want to offer.
The restaurant's details will then hopefully occasionally appear on the front page of Google when a potential customer searches for something like, 'Restaurant in Your Town'.
I made a short guide a while ago which is intended to help you optimise the submission, unfortunately I can't submit a link to the article as I'm new to the forum, but you should find it if you Google "how to list your restaurant on Google maps"
Does the restaurant have a website or a Facebook page?
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T
TheOnlineConnection
Hi Gibby,
Here's a link to a great article I shared on my client's Facebook page recently:
http://www.allfacebook.com/facebook-local-restaurant-2010-10
Well worth a read!
Hope things look up for your friends...
Elaine
Here's a link to a great article I shared on my client's Facebook page recently:
http://www.allfacebook.com/facebook-local-restaurant-2010-10
Well worth a read!
Hope things look up for your friends...
Elaine
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Liam B
i believe we have the perfect answer for you. i work for a company who are one of the UK's only owner of transactional data. what this means in light of your enquiry, we can provide data of people who dine out 2 or more times a month and add an average spend on this as well within the local area. please feel free to contact me on 0845 459 0253.
thanks again,
Liam
thanks again,
Liam
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Root 66 Woodshop
Hi Gibby.
Why not stick an advertisement in the local paper, the first 5 people get a meal with 75% discount, next 5 get 50% discount next 5 get a 25% discount.
(I'm assuming everything is made fresh here, as if it's bought in rubbish then there will be a loss here ... if made from fresh, the loss isn't as hefty).
Make sure that you put a starting time on there, something like 5pm or something?
Even if you get say 50 people trying to get through the door, it's 50 people that have prossibly never bothered with the place before, if the prices are right they'll stay for a nosey, perhaps offer them a complimentary drink at 50% off for at least turning up?
If anything it'll be 15 people through the door, if they like what they see and get, imagine how many people those 15 people could inform of such a fantastic meal?
They could also possibly get in touch with one of the bestof websites, let them do the advertising for you, it's not massively expensive.
Why not stick an advertisement in the local paper, the first 5 people get a meal with 75% discount, next 5 get 50% discount next 5 get a 25% discount.
(I'm assuming everything is made fresh here, as if it's bought in rubbish then there will be a loss here
... if made from fresh, the loss isn't as hefty).Make sure that you put a starting time on there, something like 5pm or something?
Even if you get say 50 people trying to get through the door, it's 50 people that have prossibly never bothered with the place before, if the prices are right they'll stay for a nosey, perhaps offer them a complimentary drink at 50% off for at least turning up?
If anything it'll be 15 people through the door, if they like what they see and get, imagine how many people those 15 people could inform of such a fantastic meal?
They could also possibly get in touch with one of the bestof websites, let them do the advertising for you, it's not massively expensive.
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D
davezzr
If its very quiet then there is usually reasons for it. How long has your friend been running the restaurant? what menu do they offer? do they have regulars or passing trade? has the restaurant had a facelift since your friend took over?
If nothing about the restaurant has changed other than ownership then most of the issues with being quiet could stem from the reputation of the previous owner. Just to say its a bit quiet barely scratches the surface and maybe a rethink is in order as to how the business should be perceived.What are their plans for the christmass trade,if any? im sure there could be an opening to exploit 'firms do'
If nothing about the restaurant has changed other than ownership then most of the issues with being quiet could stem from the reputation of the previous owner. Just to say its a bit quiet barely scratches the surface and maybe a rethink is in order as to how the business should be perceived.What are their plans for the christmass trade,if any? im sure there could be an opening to exploit 'firms do'
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ruspieter
try a leaflet drop or add yourself to that taste card thing in regards to groupon yes they ask you to drop your prices there business is about deals but you will still make a profit on the food plus your make a profit on the drinks which people forget . your letting people know your there if that means making a smaller profit over a week or 2 but your business is recognised then the job is done after all you said no one knew you were there if you want awareness use them do good food and people come and we all know word of mouth is the best form of marketing the people that come and have a meal from a groupon deal will recommend if the food is good plus they will talk to their friends in work the next day ( i went to that resturant (your name) last nite) and so on groupon may ask you to cut your prices abit but as long as you do a good job it works out much better in the long run.
p.s I dont work for groupon i run a distribution company.
p.s I dont work for groupon i run a distribution company.
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ruspieter
Do you think that is a fair comment? You make a judgement because someone is struggling with marketing others have better skills. how do you know they can't cook or run a business. at least he has made an attempt.
when i can't find an energy salesman i'll give you a call
Easy to pass judgement over a website isn't it.
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When I was managing a hotel and restaurant we ran a "wine festival" over a couple of weeks. The festival promoted wine from particular regions on different days with a 50% discount (on the wine). This meant we were making normal profit on the food and about £1 profit of the selected bottles of wine. By advertising in our local newspaper the days that each region were being promoted, we got potential customers to really thing about which day they were going to come to the restaurant, rather that would they come to the restaurant. This is a big distinction and it changes the customers thinking from if to when.
The wine festival ended up a really huge success and even if it had not, the total loss would have been limited to £220 to cover local newspaper adverts as wine was got from supplier on a special sale or return deal. They agreed to this deal just for the period of the wine festival.
The wine festival ended up a really huge success and even if it had not, the total loss would have been limited to £220 to cover local newspaper adverts as wine was got from supplier on a special sale or return deal. They agreed to this deal just for the period of the wine festival.
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Hi guys
just been reading this thread with great interest. the restaurant game is a fast moving environment and needs a lot of promotion.
If as a restaurant owner you could get email campaigns sent out to the public in your area a one page website with your menu on so people could order takeaway food and also you could promote your nights/offers on that page.
Also get your graphic design work done at a lower cost and kitchen wear I.E chefs tops aprons etc at low prices .....
would this be of interest to you ?
Maybe my business can help
Regards, scott
just been reading this thread with great interest. the restaurant game is a fast moving environment and needs a lot of promotion.
If as a restaurant owner you could get email campaigns sent out to the public in your area a one page website with your menu on so people could order takeaway food and also you could promote your nights/offers on that page.
Also get your graphic design work done at a lower cost and kitchen wear I.E chefs tops aprons etc at low prices .....
would this be of interest to you ?
Maybe my business can help
Regards, scott
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As mentioned, avoid Groupon. If it is used, be careful. A good way to use it is to take down customer email addresses when they hand in the coupon. That way you can turn them into regular visitors by offering them special deals. The problem with Groupon is that businesses put an offer on there and forget that a very large % of customers buying the Groupon deals will only be going there as a one off.
Social media is another way of building up familiarity in your local area. Again, offers can be promoted there along with any quizzes, live music or whatever.
Social media is another way of building up familiarity in your local area. Again, offers can be promoted there along with any quizzes, live music or whatever.
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restaurantWeb
Another idea is to use text message marketing to send out offers to get the regulars in on a quiet night.
It has a very quick effect and takes minimal time to get your message out.
A simple text along the lines of "Dine at restaurant before the end of November and receive 20% off by showing this text to your waiter"
I've used a company called TextMarketer to send SMS messages for some of my clients and been happy with the results.
You can gather customer mobile numbers by handing out little survey cards for customers to fill out their details when you hand over the bill. Or collect customer info on the restaurants website. Perhaps they could be enticed to provide details by offering a competition prize something like a £50 dinner voucher.
It has a very quick effect and takes minimal time to get your message out.
A simple text along the lines of "Dine at restaurant before the end of November and receive 20% off by showing this text to your waiter"
I've used a company called TextMarketer to send SMS messages for some of my clients and been happy with the results.
You can gather customer mobile numbers by handing out little survey cards for customers to fill out their details when you hand over the bill. Or collect customer info on the restaurants website. Perhaps they could be enticed to provide details by offering a competition prize something like a £50 dinner voucher.
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Invite your local newspaper editor and a few of the papers journalists over for an evening meal and review of the restaurant, many local papers advertise for local and neighbourhood stories, and review local restaurants and then offer vouchers printed in the paper for a free starter or drink, etc. Looks good for both partys then.
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Get a face book page and twitter account. Encourage people to 'like' or follow you by simply asking them to and let them know you offer vouchers and update them on the weekly specials.
Man, there's lots of ideas for your friends here. IF they can't get people through the door then it's back to the chopping board and make sure the food is right.
Man, there's lots of ideas for your friends here. IF they can't get people through the door then it's back to the chopping board and make sure the food is right.
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Buy some fixed video Camera's and place them around the working area and place a large monitor in the restaurant so they can see how clean and well cooked your meal is
Now pay for a whole page advert in the local paper just for you and convince people that clenliness and hygene are your most important features along with quality food.
Show a portion of the menu in the add
Before the first person arrives make sure the toilets , Kitchens, restaurant and staff are spotless especially the ladies toilets
Free deserts for first month with quality deserts would also go down well with the ladies
Now pay for a whole page advert in the local paper just for you and convince people that clenliness and hygene are your most important features along with quality food.
Show a portion of the menu in the add
Before the first person arrives make sure the toilets , Kitchens, restaurant and staff are spotless especially the ladies toilets
Free deserts for first month with quality deserts would also go down well with the ladies
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Here is one way for you.
There is an online booking platform called Smart Diner. Basically they only charge 1 pound every diner we bring to you. No contract,no catches, no surprises and no hidden costs. Just need to join the free membership, and they also provide each restaurant with a FREE one-page website and mobile site with an booking facility(if you don't have one).
If they bring nothing to you, you pay nothing.
Just drop me a mail for further info.
There is an online booking platform called Smart Diner. Basically they only charge 1 pound every diner we bring to you. No contract,no catches, no surprises and no hidden costs. Just need to join the free membership, and they also provide each restaurant with a FREE one-page website and mobile site with an booking facility(if you don't have one).
If they bring nothing to you, you pay nothing.
Just drop me a mail for further info.
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Do you know the reputation of the place prior to them taking over
Maybe a new name will show its under new management and worth a try
Place a new menu in the local paper and get rid of the five year old menu outside the front door
Try a few new items from different countries in the new menu and also something for vegitarians that is different
Find the best butcher and chef in town and use both in you place
Maybe a new name will show its under new management and worth a try
Place a new menu in the local paper and get rid of the five year old menu outside the front door
Try a few new items from different countries in the new menu and also something for vegitarians that is different
Find the best butcher and chef in town and use both in you place
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naxtech
I could not agree more. But for any type of offer you can try EveryDayOffers.co.uk which is actually more like and ad and it's free completely.
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integrity Rules
edited
One off ( Groupon )clients ( 85 -90%) are hugely loss making for most service businesses.
Socai Media is not easy , takes time, imagination, ingenuity - but its something that builds traction, unlike Groupon which give s you illusion of forward momentum, but after the deal is over proves to be a mirage, pure and simple.
One off ( Groupon )clients ( 85 -90%) are hugely loss making for most service businesses.
Socai Media is not easy , takes time, imagination, ingenuity - but its something that builds traction, unlike Groupon which give s you illusion of forward momentum, but after the deal is over proves to be a mirage, pure and simple.
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I
integrity Rules
Edited
These are good ideas adaptable to other service businesses
- Text messages ( possibly use TextMarketer to send SMS messages)
- Competition prize can be adapted to capture new client details too! People love vouchers.
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integrity Rules
However , good idea though it might be, the search boxes on the site don't work. It comes back with "no results ". Also from my perspective , the site has branding issues. The deals on offer seem poorly defined.
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Offers/Vouchers is good, but do it privately/semi-private don't use sites like groupon.
Local SEO - Rank for terms like "Restaurants in ...." "Italian restaurants in....."
Tripadvisor - This one is a bit more difficult as you can't do it yourself, but try and get as many family and friends to give you positive reviews on tripadvisor, this will increase your rating on tripadvisor.
Offer deals to local business staff - For example 10/20% off for lunch for the local businesses in your area. This attracts the staff and staff's friends.
If your budget is a bit bigger you can go adventurous, with billboards, signs etc to get exposure and a better brand image.
Local SEO - Rank for terms like "Restaurants in ...." "Italian restaurants in....."
Tripadvisor - This one is a bit more difficult as you can't do it yourself, but try and get as many family and friends to give you positive reviews on tripadvisor, this will increase your rating on tripadvisor.
Offer deals to local business staff - For example 10/20% off for lunch for the local businesses in your area. This attracts the staff and staff's friends.
If your budget is a bit bigger you can go adventurous, with billboards, signs etc to get exposure and a better brand image.
Upvote
0
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