Three Smart Ways To Bring More Customers Into Your Restaurant

As a restaurant owner, you are probably already employing popular marketing strategies like utilizing social media and the local newspapers to help promote business. You likely have an attractive sign that calls attention to your business, and maybe you even advertise on local TV. But what do you do when these marketing strategies are no longer bringing you enough business? Perhaps it is time to take your advertising and marketing campaign to the next level with one of these smart strategies.

Advertise in "race packets" for local road races.

With their large appetites, runners are some of the best customers you can have, especially when they're feeling especially ravenous after a hard race. Most local road races distribute what is know as "race packets" to runners after the race. These packets have advertisements and coupons for local businesses, along with other goodies like Band Aids and candy. Getting your advertisements into these race packets is a good way to spread the word about your restaurant and attract new customers. Runners who are looking for somewhere to enjoy a meal after the race may scan the materials in the race packet and stumble upon your restaurant, or they may set the materials aside and reference them later when they're looking for new places to eat.

Look up road races in your area, and start contacting the race directors about advertising. When you find one who agrees to include your materials in the race packet, make up a paper ad with a coupon. Buy one get one half off deals are favorites among customers. Offering a free appetizer with the purchase or an entree is another good choice. Make sure you include your restaurant's location, website and social media info, and a synopsis of the menu on the ad.

Advertise at local team sporting events.

While advertising at major national sporting events may be outside of your budget, there is some good news. Marketing experts have found that advertising at smaller sporting events like Minor League Baseball games and local recreational league games is likely even more effective. Contact your local hockey rink, basketball stadium, or all-purpose arena, and speak with them about adding an advertising sign to the wall of the arena or even to the hallway where attendees stand before entering the stadium.

Most arenas regularly work with local businesses and will have established protocols for those looking to advertise. Make sure you keep your advertisement simple. Your restaurant's name, location, website information, and phone number are sufficient. Any more information than this may overwhelm viewers and cause them to look past your sign. Otherwise, as people watch games, your sign will be in their line or sight for an hour or more, and they just might decide to come order a bite when their stomachs start rumbling.

Participate in local fairs and food festivals.

Does your area have any outdoor food festivals and tasting events? Contact the directors and ask about becoming involved. Set up a stand at some of these festivals and sell small portions of some of your most popular dishes to attendees. Not only will you draw in a little extra cash from the sales, but you'll be advertising to future customers who may want to come sample foods from your restaurant in the near future. When serving food at these events, make sure your restaurant's name is prominently displayed and that you give each customer a card with your business information on it. You may also wish to pass out some coupons for a small discount to encourage new customers to come in.

If you're struggling to market your restaurant, it's a good idea to work with a marketing agency. They can help you utilize strategies like the ones above to attract more customers and grow your business or to be a part of one of the Voted Best of America.