These days it is more important than ever to market your restaurant online. With smartphones and social media, people turn to these for food purchases. You need to take advantage of these opportunities so people can find you. Whether it is to book a table in your restaurant or to order takeaway, online marketing is important.
Here are some things to consider when to help market your restaurant online.
Online ordering is essential
Whether offering takeaway food options or are only a takeout food operation, online ordering is essential. This has the potential to boost sales, especially if you also offer a delivery service.
People love the convenience of online ordering as they can do it from home or while on the road. It is easy and convenient with electronic payment. Statistics Whether offering takeaway food options or are only a takeout food operation, online ordering is essential. This has the potential to boost sales, especially if you also offer a delivery service.
People love the convenience of online ordering as they can do it from home or while on the road. It is easy and convenient with electronic payment.
The demand is there. Online ordering websites and apps are here to stay. People want ease of use and instant gratification. It makes good business sense to enable online ordering to boost food sales.
Online reservation tool
An online restaurant reservation capability is essential in today's market. Making reservations is something people do every day online. From doctor’s appointments to hair appointments, it is easy without the need to make a phone call.
Restaurants with online bookings make it easier for customers to make a booking. It is convenient and saves time. Most people like to book in advance at their favourite restaurant to ensure they do not miss out on a table or have to wait for one to become free. They can even book ahead for special occasions and make special requests.
Online reservations help a restaurant to run an efficient business when you know what to expect ahead of time. You can plan to maximise your available space and to have the staff in place needed during each service. This makes it easier to deliver the very best service to every customer.
An online booking system also frees up staff time. No more will staff have to spend a lot of time on the phone or will you miss a call when the phone line is busy or you are closed. Replace this type of hassle with online reservations. Send an automatic email or SMS to confirm each booking. Then you know at a glance what to expect each night.
Create a database of customers from their booking history. This gives you the ability to offer personalised service in the future. You can also keep them informed of special events, promotions and menu changes. Keeping in touch with customers is good promotion and keeps them interested in your restaurant.
This information flow is useful for both the owner and manager as it allows for better table management. It also improves the customer experience so they will leave positive feedback and promote the restaurant by word of mouth. Can you live without an online reservation system?
Optimise your website for local searches
There is no point having a website unless people can find you. It is important you have your website optimised for local searches. Your business needs to climb to the top of search engine results so local people can find you. Often people use keywords to search the internet for the type of food and service they want. Rarely do people go past page two of search engine results if they cannot see what they are looking for. So, it is important you appear on those first two pages.
Make sure your website mentions your location, type of food and service, as well as the business name. You may need help with local web optimisation if you do not understand what to do. This does not have to be expensive with a good return on investment.
Publish content that changes regularly
Publishing content on your website establishes you as an authority in your industry. By sharing your expertise to your target audience, they will take notice. The better the content the more it will help you rise through Google’s search engine ranks for relevant keywords. When your content has true value, your audience will share it on social media and keep them coming back for more relevant insights. Even share your latest blog on your business social media pages.
Get started straight away with helpful food and restaurant tips. It will take a while for Google to index these pages, so the sooner you get started the better.
Now you have a good understanding of how to market your restaurant online, it is time to get started to boost sales.
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