Use Video In Your Restaurant Marketing
Are you using video? You Should be! The trend is video.
I am not talking about TV. I am talking about internet and email video. Finally the technology is at such a point that video is easy and affordable to the masses.
Why would you want to use video?
People can see your passion
They will be able to look you in the eyes
They feel more connected when they can see someone
It builds trust
It can be real fast and easy
Did I mention fun? It can be a real blast - Think of all the blooper reels you have seen.
Video is a medium that is as direct as print and catches more attention. If your company has something to say with video, that video should be on your Web site. I have played with it for a little while now, maybe 6 months goofing and the past 2 or 3 actually posting. Below, I will share some examples of my work (be nice I am no pro and the reality is you do not have to be).
It doesnt have to be complicated. It can be as simple as a slide show put to music. Check out my latest as an example http://blip.tv/file/1702477 . This is simply a slide show set to music. Once I loaded to Blip.tv it generates the code so I can stick in my website. Its really cool and simple, actually. The neat thing is it is streaming and when you get there you do not have to download it, it is there and ready. Since it is loaded with a company that does this, I do not have to store it on my server. Also did I mention it is FREE? Yes Blip.tv and others are FREE.
Why video and not just print or words?
I say use them all. In todays world different ages and different people take in information differently. I say give it all to them and let them sort it out. That is why I do not just rely on web and email I do a ton of direct mail as well. Even when I mail, I use different mailers not just flat mail but 3D with shape, or 4D- I will even throw something in to have a mailing make noise. That is why on the web I dont just have words I have pictures and video. Hit them with everything you have and it will increase response.
Keep it simple
If not a slide show put to life, it can be done with a simple camcorder and a little editing. I use the Flip Video Recorder because it plugs directly into a USB port on my computer and it is uploaded in just a minute or so. Once I have the video, I tweak it a little as needed, add some basic effects, maybe some music and I am done.
Where can you use video?
Use it to give a tour of your restaurant.
Use it as an automated response after people sign up for your club online.
Use it in your emails to your guests
Use it to give cooking demos/lessons
Use it to train your staff
Bio on you
Record Testimonials
Use it to give a tour of your restaurant - Check out a sample from one of my restaurants Video Tour or check it out on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCiBCXuqlQw . I did a little editing on this video. I also think it is important if the timing is right to have some guests in the restaurant. Just like pictures of your restaurant, ones with people in them are better than an empty restaurant. It can be simply you walking them through and showing them what they are in for. If you are recording it during off peak hours tell them that Hey I just wanted to give you a special personal tour as we get ready for a busy Friday night or this is a special behind the scenes tour before any quests get to see ________
See another example that is available on the blog http://www.restaurantsuccesssystem.com/blog/.
Use it as an automated response after people sign up for your club online. If you have an online club sign up, you may want to have a video response sent as an email or on the thank you page redirect (techi talk- ask your web person or email for a better understanding) instead of just a plain text email. This type of video use could be real impactful if you are attempting to connect to a younger generation. Your video use will let them know you are on the technology thing.
Use it in your emails to your guests - Same premise as above, but with a little twist. If you are emailing your guests regularly then this is a good way to spice it up. A change in format will keep people from thinking they know what you sent them. In some cases, that feeling of knowing what you have recorded already keeps them from opening your message. I say keep them guessingwhat will you do next? If you send an html formatted template, then once in a while send plain text. If you send html and plain text, throw in a video. Keep them intrigued and wanting more, video can easily help with that.
Use it to give cooking demos/lessons How about a quick cooking lesson that you can stick on your website. I suggest more of an assembly of ingredients than a full lesson. Keep it short and sweet and even give away the recipe as a download. It helps establish you prowess in the kitchen and build rapport with your guests. Yours can be much simpler, if you desire. Do note the back drop for Chef Pleau Fresh Veg and some color (kitchens can look a bit dark and boring you may want to bring in a couple lights when filming).
Use it to train your staff This could be the best application of all, especially as you are getting started with video. My point being I would rather get my kinks out in a video to my staff than the ones for the public. Training videos can be great for training you on recording. Also, think of all the time you spend teaching the same thing over and over again. What if they could get you in almost the same capacity but you actually arent even therevideo can accomplish that. You can video your next orientation and if a person is hired between your orientation days they can get it right from you the way you say it and deliver it, no need to tie up your manager on this day. Plus all the repetitive tasks can be videoed and watched e.g. Prep Videos, How To do _______, Cleaning, Dining Room set up, Sidework, Catering presentation, Catering Tray set-upyou name it and you can video it and have it for training.
Bio on you - Communicate to the world who you are and what you are all about. Just like in the book Good to Great communicate your core ideals 1. What you are Passionate about, 2. What you are best at, 3. What is your economic engine (hint on the last one your guests coming in time and time again let them know that). Dont be afraid to give them a glimpse of your personal life You Love your family, picture of the kids, maybe the kids can bust in during shooting to wrap it up.
Record Testimonials Think about this A guest grabs you and gives you rave reviews. You say hey can I write that down, of course you can they say. Do you do it? Probably not. Do they write it for you? Only if you make it easy. How about asking them if you can do a quick video? Most say yes because they love you and what you just did for them, so the euphoria helps. Grab your recorder, pull them aside and do a quick recording. Later you can edit it or transcribe it and use it in print also. Either way if 50% say yes you will have a powerful library of testimonials in no time.
by: Jmunsell
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