Each week, with only one exception so far ;), we compile six intriguing things going on in the world of restaurant marketing. Occasionally we sprinkle in a completely fresh idea as well.
This week, we REALLY like the lineup we’ve custom-built for you. I mean, yes, we’re biased, of course we like it. But it’s not like we’re simply ripping the same old headlines from the same old sources you’re accustomed to combing through.
Plus, you get insight and commentary from us.
Finally, this week we’re cleaning up the way we present these for you, so they’re more easily scanned and digested. Bullet-points are great, but really good restaurant marketing content can still get a bit lost.
So let’s dive right in…
1. Visiting A Restaurant? There’s A Good Chance It’s Googling You
Provocative title. But I’m guessing if you’re like most restaurant owners reading this YOU don’t have the time or inclination to Google your guests. But some do. From the article: “Perhaps most importantly for this restaurant that values a personalized experience as much as its etiquette, maître d’ Justin Roller googles every single patron that visits Eleven Madison Park. He looks for anything that can help make a customer feel special and at home.”
The reality is, if you’re already working with a company like Venga, Swipely, or Privy, you don’t HAVE to do searches on these guests. You can already know them a bit, at least how they’ve interacted with your brand.
2. Apps Solidify Leadership Six Years into the Mobile Revolution
This article points out that an overwhelming amount of time is spent by consumers in mobile apps, and NOT on the mobile web. This should be obvious, first of all, when you simply look at a typical smartphone screen. It’s built to want you to select an app and go from there, not to search the web.
But don’t be fooled: the conversation about whether you should have a mobile website or a mobile app often takes the form of an either/or. It shouldn’t be that way. They solve different problems. A mobile website, with strong mobile SEO built-in, helps you get found by those searching. A mobile app gives you a chance to brand your interactions with guests.
3. The Biggest Mistakes Companies Make With Their Customers
“One-quarter of customers would switch to a different provider on the basis of a single negative experience.” That’s the first takeaway from a recent study. And how about this one: “45% would definitely or consider changing a provider as a result of receiving communications they consider an invasion of their privacy.”
I’m all in favor of restaurants turning-on to CRM, but be careful with how you use that information…
4. Instagram Now Tops Twitter, Facebook as Teens’ Most Important Social Network
Sticking with MarketingCharts.com for another article, how about that headline? I’m not surprised. Teens have exactly what they need in Instagram. Social + Private communications. Video. Photo. Comments. It’s the perfect social network. It doesn’t demand much information. You don’t HAVE to share. It’s brilliant.
But, as the article points out, “It’s worth noting that Instagram’s status as teens’ ‘most important’ social network doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the platform with the widest reach.” Facebook Brand Pages continues to reach teens. That’s important to note.
5. How I Work: Tips from a Deals Sales Executive
Really interesting read. Put yourself in the shoes of the daily deals salesperson calling on you. Or at least THIS one from the article. He represents a local publisher, not one of the giants.
From the article: “I try to identify how much a new customer is worth to the merchant and what they are currently spending to acquire new customers through other marketing. I can then show them how our program can build overall top-of-mind awareness while bringing in new customers for a lower cost…”
It’s a great idea for you to think through the types of questions salespeople offering restaurant marketing services are going to ask, like this.
6. A Starter Guide to Building & Managing Your Twitter Community
We just published our quick starter guide on Pinterest for restaurants. Well, Sprout has published an outstanding guide on building and managing your presence on Twitter. It’s free, just give them your email address in exchange.
A couple great reminders from the guide include the key that Twitter is a real-time network, and users there expect quick responses from the brands they follow; the importance of sharing interesting content, not just your OWN content; and how crucial it is to maintain a consistent voice.
Hey!
Like the new format better? Give us the straight skinny. Got some news you want to share? Ping us on Twitter or in the comments we’re happy to link with you.
