It is important to have enough customers when running a restaurant. It is important to have enough business in order to maintain profits and ensure your restaurant’s success over the long-term, particularly in these tough economic times.
You can do many things to increase the number of customers who come into your restaurant. Promos are a good way to get more business, because they give customers something different and exciting. It is not possible to offer constant discounts or promotions, however, a solid marketing strategy is essential to growing your business.
Buyer Behaviour
Special deals and happy hours can help you attract more customers during slower times, like mid-week. But buyer behaviour is difficult to change. People always prefer to eat out more on weekends. Concentrate your efforts on busy days and turn new customers into loyal ones.
Kitchen Equipment
Be sure to invest in reliable, efficient kitchen equipment before you think about marketing. A high-quality refrigerator with a glass door can make it easier to find and see food in a hot and busy kitchen. The right equipment can increase the speed of the cooking process, for example.
Consider staff training. Staff should also be friendly and presentable. They should know the menu, be well-versed in it, and be ready to answer questions from customers. Waiting for food is a common complaint from guests who feel disappointed when promises are not kept.
Communication
It is important that your staff knows what to say to customers and how to handle a problem if it arises.
Marketing Strategy
If the weekends are the busiest times for your restaurant, a good marketing strategy would be to try and fill it up at these times. The key to long-term success is to get new customers to return to your restaurant. Focus on branding first – good menus and websites – and then strategically use promotions, not just during the week. For assistance from a Brand Strategy Agency, consider a site like Really Helpful Marketing.
Giving away small extras, like a starter, side dish or a small dessert, is a good marketing strategy. Freebies are remembered by customers, even if they are small. This could be the difference in choosing your restaurant or bypassing it for another establishment. Focus your marketing efforts during busy times, when the majority of people will visit your restaurant.
