Over 100 days have passed since the UK went into lock down.
As if a global pandemic isn’t alarming enough, restaurant owners like you also have to worry about weathering the economic storm.
The good news is there are plenty of creative restaurant marketing strategies that can keep your business afloat. You may need to set your old marketing ideas aside (for now) and adjust to the “new normal” post-COVID. Getting a restaurant accountant can make all the difference.
Here’s our round-up of the best marketing strategies for restaurants.
Stay in Touch With Your Customers
The average Briton spends almost 3.5 hours on their smartphones daily—and that was before the lockdown. Take advantage of all that screen time by staying connected to your loyal customer base!
Post regular updates on your restaurant website about opening hours, new menu items, or special promotions. Stay active on social media channels by sharing unique, engaging content such as:
- Online cooking classes
- “Behind the scenes” stories about your restaurant
- Recipes for your most popular dishes
- Ways you’re giving back to your local community
If you’ve partnered with a delivery service, make sure to broadcast the news so your customers know where and how to order.
Offer Special Promotions & Gift Cards
Think of ways to help your customers recreate your restaurant’s dining experience at home. Could one of these restaurant marketing strategies work well for your business?
- Offer meal kits or family-sized carryout portions
- Sell staple pantry items or speciality food items
- Add beer or wine to your takeout menu
- Sell cocktail kits for your most popular drinks
Now is also the time to push those gift card sales. People love supporting their favourite local businesses, so encourage them to buy gift cards for themselves or to give as gifts. You could offer a free £10 gift card for every £50 they spend, or a similar structure that works for your price-point.
Give Back to Your Community
What better way to promote your restaurant than by giving back to your local community? Not only will you directly help those in need, but you’ll attract positive attention and recognition for your business.
Could you provide meals for the healthcare workers who are on the front lines of the pandemic? What about delivering meals or extra inventory to a local food bank or homeless shelter?
When you do find ways to get involved, be sure to record the journey and share it on your website and social media channels. You could even earn a news spot that would provide more free advertising for your restaurant.
Which Restaurant Marketing Strategies Will You Try?
We’re living in unprecedented times. Restaurant owners need to adopt COVID marketing strategies to ensure their future success.
Keep the lines of communication open with your customers via your website and social media channels. Partner with delivery services and encourage spending with special gift card offers.
Finally, look for ways to promote your restaurant by giving back to the community. It’s a win-win situation!
Get expert restaurant advisers to help you stay afloat
Are you struggling to manage your back office tasks while getting your business reopened? From payroll services to restaurant marketing strategies, we’re here to help.
We at KG Accountants, empower hospitality entrepreneurs to achieve their business ambitions. Free Initial Meeting.
Click here to learn more about our professional accounting services for bars and restaurants.
In general, changing over to a new restaurant or bar layout won’t cost much more than time and labour. In some instances, new costs will arise from storage or updates to ventilation systems.
The majority of the work in reopening will be to balance costs and revenue. Contact KG Accountants for assistance in mapping out a financial plan and exploring options.
Arrange a FREE initial consultation with a restaurant accountant specialist
0207 953 8913
How we can help
Call us today on 0207 953 8913 or complete our enquiry form in order to book a FREE initial consultation.
Categories: Restaurant and bars
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