It’s no good having the best restaurant in town, a winning menu and great staff if you’re not getting people in through the doors.
Timing is everything
Schedule your tweets and posts to coincide with lunch breaks or dinner, when people are thinking of eating.
Online Menu
Consumer research shows that the vast majority of people will at least try to view a restaurant’s menu before they visit or make a booking. An easily found and readable menu on your website and Facebook page could be all you need to get their mouths watering.
Set up a Google alert and Google+ Account
An email will be sent, along with a link, every time something is posted on the internet about you. This is a great way of keeping on top of reviews and other online mentions. A Google+ account is also really important as Google’s search engine draws on this information when people type your name into it.
Make Yelp Work For You
This is really important to note; even if you’ve never set-up an account or used Yelp, diners can still post reviews about you. Diners that haven’t been to the restaurant are likely to check this site, so be sure to take the time to set up a proper account. Fill it out with as much detail and information as you can; photos, menus, opening times, facilities (wi-fi, baby chairs, family friendly etc). When responding to negative reviews be professional and courteous. Always thank the reviewer for their feedback and ask for more information that the issue can be addressed. Offer to “make it right” and win them over.
Instagram It
Use Instragram regularly to promote your newest or most popular dishes. It doesn’t have to just be food either of course. Photos of satisfied diners (with their permission) and happy members of staff can create a really appealing picture of your restaurant.
Send Out a Newsletter
Try to email your customer base once a month (no need to do it any more regular than that) with special offers and new menus. You can run competitions and announce winners this way too.
These low cost or no cost tips are a great way to start driving more bookings now. But if you’re looking at putting a serious budget behind building your restaurant’s brand, contact Linked Finance today to talk about securing a business loan.
We’ve already helped lots of great Irish restaurants and food businesses. Download the Cornucopia case study now to learn more…
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