You don’t want to have the best restaurant that no one has ever heard of…

Social media grows every day, the one thing we have noticed in the marketing world is restaurant owners and chefs are growing just as fast. Creativity is key for both social media and restaurants! So what’s the catch you ask?  Social media will always top you. It is just a matter pairing the two together like an epic meal! 

Think back, when is the last time you typed in www. anything aside from Google. It is almost like direct traffic no longer exists! Direct Traffic is internet traffic from people typing in the URL or an email campaign. Now email campaigns are very effective; but really who types out URL’s anymore? It’s all about convenience and even one more extra letter is an inconvenience.  

Social media is a fast paced environment that can spread your brand with just a click. Photos are able to be linked to other people’s profiles and even other social websites. Regardless your type of restaurant it is important that chefs now create photogenic meals to build an even better following. Hashtags provide a quick and easy way to be found on the internet with just a basic search. The ever so creepy invention is actually quite genius. These little pound signs are now used internationally on all social media sites as a basic search engine. This capability is a great way promote events, share photos, spark conversation, start a contest, really just about anything. The bigger you think the bigger the trend. 

At this point in society being a business and being on social media is crucial to build your brand. Your customers are sharing your awesome meals and drinks and specials on sites like Google+, Twitter and Facebook. There could be a whole world and following of people who just may be obsessed with you and waiting for your next big thing! Let us help open your eyes to this world. Market with us and learn more!

Are You Ready For The New Year?

It's a New Year, Get A New Look!

You not only want to keep your already established clientele, but gain new clientele that will in turn be your new base clients later on.  You have to cater to both markets!  This can be tricky but with the proper marketing tools, your goal of keeping and gaining clientele through your online presence can be accomplished.  Some tips to consider when looking to make a major change in your website’s appearance.

Navigation

How easy is your site to navigate? Play around on your site and see if everything is easily accessible.  Think like a customer searching and finding your site for the first time.  Make sure everything you want them to see is right up front. If you are finding that you have to make too many steps in order to get to places on your site such as phone numbers, menus and directions, it may deter your customers from further exploring your site, which in turn will not make them return.

Too Many Missing Factors

Not having enough information is another factor that will drive your clients away. Consumers want everything to be all in one place. Think about how frustrating it is when you go to look up a menu and/or place an online order only to find that the page is under construction or doesn’t exist at all. Make sure that you have all the information about your restaurant readily available.

OutdatedYou have been hearing “Well, I don’t see why you don’t have Item A. It’s on your website.”  That is another sign it is time for an update. If you have revamped your menu, no longer have certain specials or your site is running a theme that no longer represents your business, it is time to seriously consider a website overhaul.

Why it’s all important: Keeping your site well-maintained shows that your business is organized. It shows that you’re taking an interest in the needs and wants of your clientele by showcasing your restaurants strong points on a virtual platform.

Written By: Tanya Tabinsky

6 Ways to Get Ahead This Holiday Season

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  There are many ways to help you with increasing traffic to your establishment!

Promotional Drinks and Dinners

If you have a great bar scene, promote drink specials that revolve around weekend shopping hours and specialty drinks that reflect the time of year. Another great way to spread some cheer and involve your guests is to have a holiday dinner party. Choose a night where guests could come for something like a prix fixe meal with a holiday theme. Your guests will feel appreciated and you will gain new clients who may become your new regulars! It's a great way to cater to their needs while still remaining profitable.

E-Mails

E-mail blasts are a great way to spread holiday cheer from your businesses family to their family at home without having to do the tedious task of individualized e-mails. When designing your holiday e-mail, stick to one theme and offer something to your guests. Tell them about the Ugly Sweater Party you're hosting or this week's upcoming Holiday Wine Tasting. Don't want to try out a new concept? Jazz up something you already have. Make your gift cards or regular Sunday Brunch Special different by mixing in holiday terminology. This is also a great way to take your existing promotions and specials and drive them up even further.  As your marketing professionals we can help you from concept to execution!

 

Give Back

This time of year, guests are less likely to be spending as much as they would in the off-season. Offering any type of charitable deal no matter how big or small shows that your business is compassionate.  A little goes a long way. It could be as simple as getting $5 back on a $25 dollar gift card or as large as a raffle to win a dinner for two with the proceeds going to charity.

Show Some Spirit

Don't be the restaurant that isn't decorated for the holidays! No one wants to be drab this time of year, and your establishment shouldn't reflect it either! Hang some lights outside, decorate the interior. Go all out or have a few trinkets strategically placed. Have a staff decorating party. Getting your staff involved; this makes for a more cheerful and spirited work place. Plus, it looks great and appealing to your guests!

 

Update Your Website

Maintaining your site is just as important as promotions, e-mails and decorations. Give your site a holiday make-over. Put any promotional deals or specials you may have up front. Make sure your Catering Menu, Gift Cards, and Events are easily found as well.  It may not seem like a big change, but it plants the idea of holiday spending in someone's head when they visit your site. Many people look to give gift cards, host parties, or have great night out this time of year

Catering

Catering can really reel in some great clients. Whether you cater off-premises or on-premises, catering can help drive up your overall sales when regular dining hours may be lacking. Be sure to include a holiday theme and promote your establishment's strong points. This can be done through e-mail, social media or both! Give guests holiday menu options in addition to your traditional menu. It will give them the opportunity to try something different and choose you over a competitor who may not offer anything different during the holiday season.

 

Written By: Tanya Tabinsky