In a tier 1 city like Kolkata, running a restaurant business can be challenging. This is because the food and beverage industry is very competitive here. Moreover, the last few years have seen a considerable increase in the number of restaurants, cafes, and eateries, all spread across the City of Joy.
Thus, restaurants need to make sure their location, ambience, decoration, service, and most importantly, quality of food are nowhere short of immaculate.
However, with the stiff competition restaurant owners face, it can be hard to stand out to patrons, even if you have mastered the above factors.
So, how do you get that coveted sweet market spot in a city like Kolkata?
Say hello to digital marketing for restaurants.
Table of contents
2. What attracts customers to a restaurant?
3. How can restaurant owners use digital marketing to attract customers?
4. How to do digital marketing for food products?
5. 21 digital marketing strategies to attract more customers in a restaurant
What is Digital Marketing?
How many of you watch television these days? Or listen to the radio?
When was the last time you looked at a flyer or a billboard?
And, when was the last time you Googled something?
We live in the age of technology.
of the world’s population is on the Internet.
Thus, gone are the days of traditional marketing.
Digital marketing is the new era, the new marketing order.
Digital marketing means using digital or online channels like websites, search engines, email, social media, and even mobile apps to promote services or products.
With digital marketing, the world is your stage, and the internet is your loyal ally.
Some of the benefits of digital marketing are:
- It’s more cost-effective than other forms of marketing
- Reaches a large number of customers
- Has results you can measure
- Allows you to actually connect with your customers
And in today’s age, digital marketing isn’t an option. It’s a necessity.
What attracts customers to a restaurant?
You know you serve delicious food. But is that enough to attract customers?
It doesn’t matter whether you just started out in the restaurant business in Kolkata, or are a seasoned veteran, attracting customers can be tough.
This is exactly why you need a solid set of strategies in place that can outmanoeuvre your competition and propel you ahead in a cut-throat industry.
Below are some expert tips and restaurant marketing ideas that will allow you to do just that.
Top-tier service
Improve service standards to attract more customers: create a welcoming atmosphere, train confident and communicative staff, and prioritize attentive service like promptly refilling empty glasses. Encourage repeat visits by personalizing experiences, offering loyalty cards, and remembering customer preferences.
Unique menus
To keep customers coming back, focus on serving delicious food that surprises and delights them, even if you don’t have fancy gourmet dishes. Experiment with both food and drink offerings, using data from your POS system to optimize your menu. Also, make sure your restaurant has an inviting aroma that creates an appetizing atmosphere.
Live music
Many restaurants in Kolkata bring in customers by offering live music, either through an in-house band or various musical groups. Booking well-known musicians can attract a large crowd and introduce new customers to your establishment, but consider if your venue has enough space for performances. If you think your restaurant can regularly host live music events, it’s worth giving it a try.
Free WiFi
Free WiFi attracts customers to a restaurant. Restaurants can follow the example of cafes that create a welcoming environment for people to work on their laptops while enjoying food and drinks. Setting up a dedicated WiFi connection for customers is cost-effective, and the increased sales it generates should outweigh the monthly internet expenses.
Great marketing initiatives
Effective marketing is a sure-fire way of attracting customers to any restaurant. From creating a stunning website to social media marketing, email marketing, and running online ads and campaigns, digital marketing for restaurants is a tried and tested method for attracting patrons.
Read on to find out how owners can leverage a solid digital marketing strategy for restaurants to attract more customers.
How does Digital Marketing for Restaurants attract customers?
Restaurant owners can effectively use restaurant digital marketing strategies to attract customers by leveraging various online platforms.
1. Utilising social media
Restaurant owners can create compelling social media profiles on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They can share visually appealing photos and videos of their mouth-watering dishes, engage with customers through comments and messages, and promote special offers or events.
92% of patrons trust recommendations from family and friends.
2. Online advertisements
– Google Ads & social media advertising tools allow restaurant owners to tailor their ads. This can be done based on demographics, interests, and location. This enables them to showcase their unique offerings to people who are more likely to be interested in their cuisine.
3. Interactive website
– It’s crucial for restaurant owners need to have an up-to-date and user-friendly website. It should feature attractive visuals, an easy-to-navigate menu, and convenient online ordering options. Moreover, including customer reviews, testimonials, & contact information can build trust and encourage potential customers to visit the restaurant.
Although these are just umbrella strategies that are discussed in detail further down below, they help you develop robust restaurant digital marketing ideas.
Moving on, let’s look at some great food business promotion ideas through digital marketing.
How to do digital marketing for food products?
If you want to market food products through digital channels, it is important that you create enticing visuals that showcase your products in an appealing way. You can try sharing high-quality food photographs or videos on social media platforms like Instagram & Facebook to capture your audience’s attention.
of patrons watch restaurant food videos.
Engaging with the audience is crucial for building relationships and generating interest. Responding promptly to comments, messages, and reviews helps to establish a positive brand image and encourages customer interaction.
Moreover, you should try utilizing platforms like Google Ads, social media advertising, or sponsored content to effectively promote your food products. This is another great way to reach potential customers.
Finally, you need a well-designed website to provide detailed information about your food products.
By combining compelling visuals, active engagement, influencer collaborations, targeted advertising, & a user-friendly website, you can effectively use digital marketing to promote your restaurant.
Now, let’s take a look at some effective digital marketing strategies for restaurants in Kolkata.
21 digital marketing strategies to attract more customers in a restaurant
These 21 digital marketing strategies will ensure success for your restaurant business in Kolkata.
Moreover, you can also use a wide bunch of AI marketing tools (interlink with AI tool blog) to help you streamline most restaurant digital marketing strategies.
So, implement these tactics now and watch as both orders and footfall in your restaurant reaches a new high.
1. Create a user-friendly website
An appealing website will ensure more visits. Make sure your website showcases your menu, location, and contact information clearly.
2. Use social media effectively
Engage with your audience by posting enticing food photos, running contests, and responding to comments and messages.
3. Influencer collaborations
Partner with influential Kolkata food bloggers or other local influencers to promote your restaurant and reach a wider audience.
4. Run targeted online ads
Use platforms like Facebook Ads or Google Ads to target specific demographics and interests.
5. Offer online ordering
Make it convenient for customers to order food online through your website or mobile apps.
6. Utilise SEO
Optimize your website with relevant keywords to improve its visibility in search engine results.
7. Emailers and newsletters
Collect customer emails and send newsletters: Build an email list and keep customers updated on promotions, events, or new menu items.
8. Use user-generated content
Encourage customers to share their experiences and food photos on social media using branded hashtags.
9. Exclusive online discounts
Create special promotions or loyalty rewards for customers who order online or through your website.
10. Utilize online review platforms
Monitor and respond to customer reviews on platforms to build a positive reputation.
of customers read online reviews of restaurants
Reward repeat customers with discounts, special offers, or exclusive perks.
11. Partner with local businesses and events
Collaborate with nearby businesses or sponsor local events in Kolkata to increase visibility and attract new customers.
12. Create and share engaging video content
Produce short recipe videos, chef interviews, or behind-the-scenes glimpses to captivate your audience.
13. Optimize online listings
Ensure your restaurant information is accurate and up-to-date on platforms like Google My Business or other online directories.
Online reviews influence guest decisions
14. Utilize email marketing campaigns
Send targeted emails to customers based on their preferences or past orders. This drives repeat visits.
15. Offer online reservation options
Make it easy for customers to book a table through your website or popular reservation platforms.
16. Implement retargeting ads
Reach out to potential customers who have shown interest in your restaurant by displaying targeted ads.
17. Host virtual events or live streams
Engage with customers through live cooking demos, or interactive Q&A sessions.
18. Monitor and analyze data
Track the success of your digital marketing efforts using analytics tools to make informed decisions and optimize future campaigns.
19. Highlight your restaurant’s unique features
Promote any special amenities like outdoor seating, live music, or themed nights to attract specific customer segments.
20. Collaborate with food delivery platforms
Partner with popular food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato to expand your reach and offer delivery options to customers.
Final thoughts
Digital marketing has become an indispensable tool for restaurants in Kolkata looking to enhance their online presence.
When you implement the 21 restaurant digital marketing strategies outlined in this blog, you have the power to revolutionize your restaurant’s visibility, engage with a wider audience, & ultimately drive more customers through your doors.
Now, take your restaurant’s online presence to new heights with Nico Digital, your trusted partner in digital marketing. It’s time to take your restaurant’s growth to the next level.
