Even with the best food in your city, you won’t be able to do much if you don’t present your restaurant brand in the best possible way. The thing is, people have to know about your restaurant in the first place, and after that, to have an excellent reason to keep visiting your place. Branding is vital for these goals, and here are the five most important ways to build a winning restaurant brand strategy.
Find the best way to tell your story
Everyone likes to see a good story. Many potential customers will first go to your website before deciding to visit your restaurant. Therefore, it is essential to present your restaurant and brand in the best possible way – with a top-notch story. But, how to be original, unique, and attract attention? First of all, you should focus on those things which set your brand apart from the competition. It might be the story about your specialties, about some of your best employees, or about awards your restaurant got over the years. Also, you can talk about the history of your restaurant or some traditional recipes. Options are multiple, but the key is to stick to that information that is the most original and engaging.
Know your customers and their needs
The phrase “know your customer” goes a lot wider than basic information such as age, gender, or where they come from. You have to go deeper. It is crucial to understand their food habits and affinities, their budget, but also some other things they might love about your restaurant. Only that way, you will be able to create a well-targeted marketing strategy. For instance, if businesspeople tend to visit your restaurant often, you can focus on more expensive meals in your campaigns and write some interesting stories about them. On the other hand, if your restaurant attracts parents with kids, you should definitely consider implementing the playing area in your restaurants, as well as crayons.
Establish your brand identity
Establishing your brand identity is a thorough process that starts from the very beginning of your business. First of all, your brand name and logo have to be chosen wisely. Both of them are calling cards of your restaurant – something that sits in the mind of your customers. After that, you have to take care of the decor. Artwork, furniture, glasses, plates, etc. – all of these things have to be carefully designed. One of the best things you can do is to research online labels that will strengthen your brand identity and put them wherever you can. And finally, you have to choose the best staff that works in harmony. All employees should have the same attitude towards customers and present your restaurant as a pleasant place to spend time.
Loyalty programs
Loyalty programs are super useful and beneficial for restaurants. Even though there are many ways to create it, the most common is to offer, for instance, every fifth meal to be free. Every loyal customer will be attracted to such an option. However, there is a trap with loyalty programs which is related to competition. Logically, many of your competitors will try to do the same thing since it is super beneficial. Therefore, you have to find new, original ideas which will differentiate your restaurant from others. For example, you can add some specific programs for kids, or grant your customers some of your promotional products once they spend a certain amount of money. Options are multiple, but the point is to find the most original one in order to keep customers in your restaurant.
Work on your social media presence
Every modern business has to be present on social media, and restaurants are no exception. Be active on all essential platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) every day. Post engaging content, high-quality images, and try to engage your audience as much as possible. Also, you should always answer questions, especially if there is any problem. Finally, it is an excellent tactic to spend some money on advertising. Specifically, Facebook, Instagram, and Google ads.
Building, establishing, and growing a brand is essential for every restaurant. That’s why the quality of your food and the promotion of your restaurant are two equally crucial goals.