We all have our favorite restaurants, whether we eat in or get takeout and delivery. We have our favorite dishes, our second favorite and the ones we recommend to people who are trying it for the first time. However, one thing that frustrates consumers when it comes to their favorite spots is that they often do not get rewarded for their loyalty. Major chains offer loyalty points and other incentives including daily deals to get you back in the door as much as possible.
As a restaurant owner, you need to take a serious look at your marketing efforts and the data you have on your loyal customers. Do you have email addresses? Are they following you on social media and leaving you strong reviews online? If not, and you are not asking them for these things, you have created a major disconnect that will cost you customers in the long run.
You may have the ideal little spot that stays busy because the food is fantastic. But even the smallest restaurants can benefit from a little creative marketing and strong data management as well as usage. Focus on what your customers would want most and learn how to reach them when they are not at your business.
Consumer Data Works On Multiple Platforms
Imagine being able to post on social media for free and send out 10,000 emails to people who not only are familiar with your business, but love it. Now imagine offering them a 10% discount if they come in on Tuesday, which is your slowest day of the week. You barely had to spend a dime to market to your customers and now you’ve improved sales on one of your slowest days.
The ability to manage consumer data and reach them routinely helped so many restaurants and chains survive the pandemic. They utilized their data to stay in contact with customers, alert them to specials and even coach them on takeout and delivery options to stay safe. It literally kept businesses alive and now it’s helping those same businesses thrive.
Reward Your Regulars
One thing smart restaurants do is that they reward their regulars, especially when it comes to bringing people in and saving money. Give them reward points for the more they spend, encourage them to bring bigger parties with them or offer discounts on certain days of the week. Have sweepstakes and online competitions to build your data list and get more people in the building.
These strategies will not cost you tens of thousands of dollars, but if they are utilized the right way, along with your data, you will see an influx in customers and interest in your restaurant. Learn how to properly manage and utilize your data as well as other areas of IT management you may be overlooking.