Once you’ve got your restaurant business off the ground and you’re finally making an impression on your customers, get them working for you. Existing satisfied customers can bring in repeat business and recommend your restaurant to their friends. Additionally, these customers can help you develop a name for yourself in the catering industry by spreading good words about your restaurant. That’s why it’s important to make your customers feel special each time they dine at your restaurant. Additionally, you should continuously monitor your marketing efforts to ensure your strategies are working for you. Here are five effective ways a restaurant can gain repeat business.
Run remarketing campaigns
Have you ever wondered how an ad for a brand you’ve looked up online recently appeared on your Facebook feed? This is an example of remarketing. Customers who have shown an interest in a brand are explicitly targeted to seal the deal or earn repeat business. This can be done using targeted advertising on Google, social media, or email marketing. Furthermore, email marketing is also effective for referral campaigns. For example, you can send an email to previous diners offering them a discount in exchange for recommending your restaurant to a friend. Using this technique can potentially help gain a new customer as well as repeat business.
Loyalty program
You could consider setting up a loyalty program to reward and incentivize repeat customers. For example, some restaurants use loyalty cards. Specifically, after a certain amount of visits, the customer will receive a free drink or meal. Alternatively, you could send out discount vouchers via email to your most loyal or influential customers. This should help to encourage repeat business from more profitable clients.
Social media
Ensure your brand is well established on social media and optimize your accounts. You can also get your previous customers working for you as brand ambassadors. Specifically, encourage them to share posts and reviews about your restaurant. You could offer discounts such as vouchers or promo codes in exchange for their reviews. It is important to always reply to your followers and maintain a good reputation on social media. For example, post engaging content about your restaurant, such as new food items you’ve released or special events you plan on doing it.
Data analytics
Monitor your marketing efforts by collecting customer data. This can include information about how they heard about your restaurant and what convinced them to try it. Collect customer feedback and look for areas for improvement. You can also send surveys to your customers asking about what they thought about your food or anything they disliked about your restaurant.
Consistent quality
As a restaurant owner, you need to strive to provide quality. This should be consistent in your menu and customer service. Regularly train your staff if necessary and review your operations to ensure you always offer friendly and efficient service. One of the most effective ways a restaurant can gain repeat business is to optimize the overall customer experience. Specifically, ensure your customers have nothing to complain about after leaving your restaurant. This should secure their return and ensure every customer who enters the restaurant has a reason to come back!
Final Thoughts
If you need an expert’s advice and consultation for your restaurant, you have come to the right place! All Pro Coaches can help you with staffing, training, and even coaching for your restaurant. To learn more about what we can do to take your restaurant to the next level, call us today at 352-988-7771.