As the coronavirus pandemic has forced many restaurants to shut their doors, it has left an opportunity for many to offer a takeaway service, where they haven’t done before. If this applies to you or is something you are thinking about, then the critical thing to do is to market this new side of your business well. If you are offering delivery or take out service, then add a little extra – it could be a treat that’s not on the menu or some merchandise like business logo key chains or pens. Doing this will help you to stand out and give people something to smile about during this challenging time.
Alternatively, if you aren’t able to offer a takeaway service, you must keep on top of your restaurant’s marketing so that when the doors open again, you are at the forefront of people’s minds, and they can’t wait back to your restaurant. So, how can you do this?
Create Compelling Content
Creating unique content regularly is a great way to boost your brand and keep your customers’ attention, even while you’re not open. This kind of content is really easy to create, as you can just use your smartphone. Tell the story of how you got started in the restaurant business, what your inspiration behind starting your restaurant was and why you became a restaurant owner. Get the rest of your staff involved, too, and interview them online about what they love about your restaurant and what it’s like being a part of your team.
Share How You’re Coping
It’s also a good idea to let people know how you’re dealing with this pandemic and coping with this tough time. For example, if you’re taking extra measures to support your staff, you can share that on your website, on social media, or via a newsletter. Or if you’re helping out vulnerable and needy people in the community, then make sure to shout about it.
Share Recipes, Tutorials, and Live Cooking Shows
People have loads of time at home now, and many are looking for stuff to do, so why not give them a cooking class? You could do an online cooking class, or simply publish some recipes with stunning images of them being prepared, step by step. You could even go live on Facebook or Instagram once a week with a cooking show that engages that whole family.
You don’t have to give away all your secret ingredients, but just by letting people in that little bit, you will make them feel more connected to your brand. It’s unlikely that they’ll be able to make the dish as good as yours, so if they mess it up, they’ll be eager to get back into your restaurant for the real thing. And, if they do make the dish well, it’s still no competition for you, so where’s the harm in letting people in. Ask people to share their creations with you on social media and build up a fun community to keep you all entertained through this tough time.
