Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the effective ways of promoting any brand, including restaurant chains. Most people consider the advice of their friends or family members when trying new food or places. This is why, as a food brand, you must be on top of your marketing game to get more recognition. In this post, as part of our food marketing tips, we’ll delve into the benefits of word-of-mouth marketing as a food brand.
When it comes to word-of-mouth marketing, the 3Es are very important: engage, equip, and empower. A single fine dining experience of a customer can help restaurants attract new customers. Read on to find out how you can use this marketing to your benefit:
1. Engage
The first step to developing a successful word-of-mouth marketing is to engage your customers. Let your customers know that their opinions matter and that they are being heard and seen. One of the best ways is to create an emotional connection with your customer base. Make their experience beautiful and capture attention the first time so they keep coming back with more people. Here are a few ways to engage your customers and make them feel valued:
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Create a Memorable First Dining Experience
While the saying “first impression is the last” may not always be true, it is somewhat true when people are trying new food brands and cuisines. Aim to impress your customers by offering them more than just mouthwatering food. You can always give them personalized thank-you cards with a token of gratitude in the shape of a gift. Packing chocolates or cookies in customized Mylar bags is definitely going to leave a lasting impression on the customers—especially when paired with the perfect packaging to protect your product.
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Offer Them Regular Updates
Updating your customers about your restaurant is also another important tactic you can use to strengthen your food brand. Keep them posted about new additions in the menu, a special discount that’s happening or any new location. You can start a weekly or monthly newsletter or can keep them updated through your social media accounts.
2. Equip
This part is all about giving something to talk about, and this means more than just food. This is where you need to make them feel how you are different from all the other brands around you. Whether it’s excellent services, a visually appealing interior, or the complimentary gifts they receive, you need them to promote your food brand and recommend it to others. Here’s how you can make that happen:
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Be Creative with your Menu
Offering mouthwatering food is important, but what matters more is how you are presenting it, both on the menu and on the plate. While not all, some customers do pay special attention to the visuals for their social media accounts. Most customers bring kids with them, and you can surely make a home in their hearts by offering them visually appealing Mylar bags filled with sweet treats.
Watch this video to learn more about how to be creative with your menu:
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Provide an Aesthetically Pleasing Interior
Customers look for food brands that offer them a wholesome dining experience. While serving delicious food should be your number one priority, you must work on the interior decoration as well. Conduct surveys and take into consideration what customers have to say about the interior, and how you can make your restaurant feel more like home for them.
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Throw Special Events
There are tons of ways you can make your customers feel special and foster better relationships with them. For example, throwing special events with discounted offers and freebies will surely make your restaurant one of their favorite places. Research to see the trendy ideas customers are loving and give them a spin of your own to gather attention. Host special date nights, concerts, or even a themed party to make them feel worthy and special.
3. Empower
By now, you have given them plenty of reasons to feel special and foster a deep connection. It’s time to make them feel like they are an integral part of this restaurant. Think of different ideas that can help you make this place their second home, a place they’ll always want to go to. There are many ways you can empower your customers and give them reasons to ring more people. Let’s have a look at the two options:
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Value Their Feedback
Most restaurants take feedback, but do not work on those to improve the customer experience. But if you want to get more customers and retain the old ones, you need to make sure their opinions are being implemented. Ask their opinion about the food, service, and even the interior of the restaurant, and then make it known that these changes are implemented. They will surely bring more people next time to the place that values their feedback.
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Go for Referral Programs
Customers will feel empowered when they get something in return for dining at your restaurant. You can do so by offering them several referral programs. Ask them to bring people with them to avail of a discount on their next order. Or you can also offer them gift cards in exchange for bringing more people. You can also create exciting marketing campaigns and ask your customers to have their friends sign up in exchange for a gift or a discount.
Watch this video to learn more about referral marketing:
Use Word-of-Mouth Marketing Effectively
Success is earned through hard work and lots of effort. This is what your food brand needs to ensure when marketing. Keeping customers at the center, you can benefit from the word-of-mouth marketing and promote your business without having to spend a lot of money. Incorporating these points can help you offer a holistic dining experience and foster better relationships with your customers. One important thing to remember is that this process may be time-consuming, and won’t guarantee results within days. Be patient and continue improving your services to be the talk of the town.
Anthony is a passionate food enthusiast living in the bustling food scene of New York City. With an insatiable curiosity for culinary exploration, he loves exploring the city’s diverse eateries, seeking out unique flavors and sharing his gastronomic adventures with fellow food lovers.
