Strategies for the restaurant sector: How to attract new customers
16 de April, 2022
The restaurant sector is very competitive. Whether you’ve just opened your own restaurant or want to grow an existing business, you’re probably constantly thinking of ways to bring more customers into your establishment. Customers dictate the success of any business and the restaurant industry is no different. So join us to discover some strategies for attracting more customers to your restaurant!
1 – Campaigns and discounts
It sounds like a basic strategy, but the truth is that it works. Most consumers are looking for good deals and, in this case, many may decide to go to your restaurant for the first time because they have a certain discount. You can offer a percentage off the meal, do a 2×1 (buy one meal or product, get another) or offer a drink or coffee with the purchase of a menu, for example.
2 – Have a solid digital presence
Nowadays, many consumers make their purchasing decisions based on what they see online. This is also the case when looking for a restaurant. Potential customers want to know what your restaurant has to offer before they decide to visit (they like to know what the food is like, the atmosphere, what the prices are, etc). That’s why it’s essential that you promote your offer on digital channels, especially two: your website and social media. Use your website as an online showcase for your restaurant and post all the relevant information (photos of the space and the food, menu, customer reviews and practical information such as opening hours, address and contact details). When it comes to social media, consider having a profile on the most popular ones in Portugal, Facebook and Instagram. And take advantage of these channels to share good photos of your food that will make your followers want to visit your establishment and try it. In parallel, you could consider working with bloggers or influencers who recommend your restaurant and reach more people.
3 – Advertise your restaurant on digital platforms
In recent years, there has been a huge growth in digital booking and home delivery platforms. The latter, in particular, grew even more during the pandemic, at a time when people couldn’t leave the house to go to restaurants, but could order their meals online. Being present on these platforms represents an extra opportunity to attract new customers who might not know about your restaurant, but find it on one of these apps. Therefore, consider promoting your establishment on online booking platforms – such as TheFork, Zomato or Mygon, for example – or on home delivery apps – such as Zomato Delivery, Uber Eats or Bolt Food. Other examples of digital platforms include Too Good To Go (an app where you can buy surplus food from restaurants, cafés and supermarkets at more affordable prices, thus combating food waste) or the mobile apps of companies that issue social meal vouchers, such as MyEdenred.
4 – Take over your business on Google My Business
Google My Business is a profile of your business that appears on the search engine results page when people search directly for the name of your restaurant or for related terms (for example, “restaurants near me”). Google generates this information organically, but business owners can claim their profile and manage the information that appears on it. This is very important because in this way you can enter restaurant details such as the address, opening hours or contact details (in addition to the menu and photos). With this information, people can call you directly to book a table or even get directions to your place.
5 – Organize events
Events are another way of attracting new customers to your restaurant. New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day parties, stand-up comedy nights, karaoke or live music nights, theme nights, special initiatives when there are soccer matches or other sporting events… The possibilities are endless. If you have a large venue, you can also use it for family events or other group events.
What do you think of these strategies for attracting new customers? Is there one or more that you already implement in your restaurant? Or do you have other strategies that weren’t mentioned? Tell us all about it!