6 Budget-Friendly Marketing Strategies for Independent Restaurants in 2024
Marketing can be daunting, especially when you're operating an independent or family-owned restaurant on a shoestring budget. But here's the thing: You don't need to break the bank to make waves. In today's post, we're diving into six budget-friendly restaurant marketing strategies that you absolutely should implement to skyrocket your success in 2024.
1. Add a Recommended Items Feature to Your Online Menu
We've touched on this before in our article about overlooked restaurant marketing ideas. If you train your waitstaff to upsell, why not let your online menu do the heavy lifting? You can add a feature that recommends items based on what the customer already has in their cart. This not only ups the order value but also enhances the customer experience by making smart suggestions.
💡 Money Saving Tip: No need to hire a developer. Most online POS systems like Toast allow you to easily add this feature.
2. Public Relations Outreach
Forget the misconception that PR is expensive. It costs absolutely nothing but your time to reach out to local publications. Whether you're trying to get featured in 'Top 10 Local Restaurants' lists or you have a unique family story behind your establishment, a little media exposure can go a long way.
💡 Time Saving Tip: Draft a compelling press release or story pitch template to reuse across multiple messages.
3. Email Marketing
Our clients see an average of $2,500 per month in sales driven directly through email marketing. With the cost of email platforms ranging from $0 to $20 per month, the ROI can be astronomical.
💡 Time Saving Tip: Use automated journeys to save time. Some POS providers even include email marketing tools that help you set automated emails for different types of customers.
4. Start a Blog
Don't underestimate the power of a blog in your restaurant marketing plan. Consistent, quality content can dramatically boost your website's SEO, making it easier for potential customers to find you online.
💡 Budget-Friendly Tip: Save on hiring a writer and write about what you know best—food. Share recipes, feature customer testimonials, or talk about upcoming events.
5. Reach Out to Influencers
A spot in an influential food blogger’s Instagram story or blog post can expose your restaurant to thousands of potential new customers.
💡 Budget-Friendly Tip: Some food bloggers will work for a free meal.
6. Turn Your Staff Into True Advocates
Your staff are often the first and last point of contact for your customers. Make sure they're well-versed in your menu and passionate about your brand. A happy, knowledgeable staff can turn into powerful brand advocates.
💡 Budget-Friendly Tip: Host occasional tastings for new menu items and new wait-staff. Organizing employee appreciation events can boost morale and help your staff buy in to your success.
Making Marketing Manageable and Profitable
Marketing doesn't have to break the bank, but it's not the only thing you've got on your plate. Restaurant owners like you are swamped and you may not have the time to become a marketing whiz.
That's exactly why we're here. Our affordable marketing packages are not just budget-friendly; they're also huge time-savers for busy restaurateurs like yourself. We take the guesswork out of the equation and handle everything for you—from strategy development to implementation. Plus, we provide monthly reports that show you just how well these strategies are performing, ensuring that you're not just spending money, but making it too.
Ready to take marketing off your endless to-do list? Check out our specially tailored packages and let us help you focus on what you do best—creating amazing dining experiences.
