Social Media on the Menu?
Social Media on the Menu?
Social Media on the Menu?
At my latest presentation, a few members in the audience were from the
restaurant business and made me think about the many implications of social
media in this market. While great food can make a restaurant successful, it
isnt the only ingredient in the recipe for success. The restaurant and
food industry are prime subjects for utilizing this inexpensive marketing
tool-social media. Here is a list of the basics for restaurant owners to
implement in their marketing plan.
1. Create a unique Facebook page
This might be one of the easiest ways for restaurants to connect with people.
Putting a link on your website is the easiest way for you to drive traffic
to your Facebook page and have your fans/customers like you. The
Facebook page is a great way to share your story, share pictures and share
news with your fans. Just today, I received a message from Sitwells Coffee
House sharing with me a holiday event being held all along the street with
other local businesses. Whats great about this is that its not
directly promoting itself Buy me! Buy me! No one buys into that-
its promoting a community of businesses as well as its own. The Facebook
page is a great way for your patrons to interact with your brand and attract
new customers.
2. Tweet about your specials!
This network allows you to spread real time messages and real time responses
as well! Being able to interact with your followers in this way is great
because it gives them immediate news and updates about whats going on at
your restaurant. You could tweet about your special of the day or whos
performing tonight at your happy hour. Tweet about happy hour specials or
other special offers! Twitter can especially be a great tool for restaurants
that have a high number of reservations to announce when a reservation
canceled. This is a way to get the message out to your customers who are
looking for that last minute reservation with the immediacy of this social
network.
3. Create Event Invitations
Just this morning, I received 3 event invitations from Sitwells Coffee House
inviting me to attend their weekly live music sessions with said musical
band/musician. This is a great way to generate traffic, not only to your
restaurant, but also your Facebook page. Those invited can send the
invitation to other users if a band they like is playing or if this event is
something their friends might take interest. This is just another simple way
for you to engage with your fans.
4. Tweet or post special offers/Incentives
Give your fans special treatment for liking you or being one of your
followers. Attach a special coupon for a discounted lunch or free
appetizer just for being a part of your social media network. This is a
great way to get more traffic to your page as well. Advertise this in your
facility or post on your website so that viewers have some incentive to
engaging with your page. Another option could be to reward those who recruit
more fans do your page or make positive contributions to your page. This
will give your fans just another reason to spread the word about your
restaurant!
5. How do you know if its working?
Part of my presentation talks about how to monitor your pages. This is the
easiest way to tell if your social networking strategy is effectively
engaging your audience. Monitor your fan count. Read the comments.
Listening is the best way to judge what the buzz is about your restaurant.
By listening and responding to your fans, it shows that you are interested in
what is being said and are continually looking for ways to improve the way
your restaurant is running.
How is your restaurant using social media?
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