The same applies to online retailers. Regardless of the size and type of business, running a business is no easy feat. From helping customers solve their problems to maintaining inventory and promoting a business in the digital world, there are several things to consider for consistent business growth. So, what specific steps are you taking to grow your restaurant or retail business? Are those steps costing you more? Are those steps decreasing your profitability?
The Internet is no secret when it comes to discovering kuwait phone number search new restaurants, writing reviews, checking out menus, and making reservations. Today’s digital world makes it difficult for restaurants to market themselves effectively. Because there are so many marketing channels, and customer preferences keep evolving, too.
An average of 80% of restaurants close within the first five years of operation. Unexpectedly, the quality of the food or the decor won't affect the rating either. It's mostly their location that makes restaurants close. People won't come to a prime location if they don't know you're there, but it's quite expensive to stay there.
So, if you don’t have the best location, how can you make sure people know where you are? Yes, getting customers back to your restaurant and online store requires creative marketing ideas. In this case, cost-effective marketing ideas come to the rescue.
Low-Budget Marketing Ideas That Work for Restaurants and Online Retailers
Source: Marketing Graphics
The importance of restaurant marketing cannot be overstated. When you have limited resources, it can be difficult to find unique marketing ideas that work well for every type of business. Business owners with a limited or negligible marketing budget can use these new no-budget (or low-cost) marketing ideas to attract and engage their current customers. Let’s get started.
Pay attention to local SEO
Undoubtedly, the idea behind promoting your business on the Internet is to spread positive words about your products and services. But before going international, it is necessary to attract local customers. If your company's reputation is good in the local market, it will be easy to expand your business horizon without limits.
Local SEO is therefore important whether you run a restaurant business or an online store. You will have little chance of getting customers if you don’t appear in local searches. If a user searches for a keyword like “best pizza,” they should see your local pack, aka the top three locations on Google maps.
Because they are among the first results displayed, these top three restaurants are more likely to receive traffic from users. And users will find all the relevant information. If you offer an online ordering service, details related to delivery platforms such as website and app, customer reviews, etc. will also be reflected here.
So, start with a Google My Business listing because it will show your customers when you are open, photos shared by customers, a digital menu, and much more. And yes, this is completely free.
Word of mouth: let your customers promote you
Source: Business2Community
You will always have free advertising from your clients. Social media has made them more valuable than ever as a source of referrals through word of mouth.
Business owners should encourage their guests to post on Instagram and use hashtags to maximize customers’ social media accounts. For example, if you are busy with an online clothing store, you can allow your customers to post pictures of the clothes they ordered on Instagram with the hashtag that includes your brand name along with a discount or free entry.
This will encourage other customers to purchase your products and drive more traffic to your website and app.
Provide unique customer service
A strong customer base is the key to a successful business, but how do you build a strong customer base? The simple answer is customer service. According to Microsoft, 96% of customers admit that customer service is a major factor when deciding brand loyalty.
Word of mouth promotion is one of the oldest and most effective ways to promote a business at no cost! But it will only work when guests receive exceptional service and food. To get your guests to return to your restaurant and recommend it to their family and friends, you need to offer a healthy customer experience.
It costs nothing to impress customers with friendly staff, hygienic surroundings, and prompt service. If you have an online business, you can also take advantage of chatbots as they can assist customers round the clock and help you collect important customer data.
Promote curated content from customers
Sharing with your customers on social media is one of the best ways to build an online following. Don't fall into this outdated way of thinking; some restaurants discourage diners from using their phones while dining. Promote taking pictures of food, cocktails, or yourself in front of a fun statue at the bar by putting up posters.
Create opportunities for guests to share. Add word bubbles to the chalkboard wall as they enter. Incentivize shares by offering rewards. Let your guests know which social media channels your restaurant uses; give them a hashtag to use in their posts. Your hashtag should be included in a contest you run.
Getting exposure through your restaurant customers' posts on Instagram and other social media is free! Offer them something special for their amazing contributions by sharing their posts on your profiles.
A great way to get your restaurant more exposure is to encourage your customers to interact with your brand online. A viral approach can also boost your restaurant’s business as this method improves the likelihood of it going viral. Share your creativity online with your community. Get them excited about your fun tip jars , cozy atmosphere, and tasty meals.