How to create buzz for a restaurant before opening
Exciting celebration, a new restaurant opening. But great menus do not guarantee a successful launch. Anticipation and excitement before doors open is a great start towards a thriving business. Building momentum before your grand opening can make the difference between a slow start and a packed house from day one.
This guide dives into ways to create some excitement and have hungry customers falling through your doors on day one through effective restaurant marketing and advertising strategies.
Craft a compelling story
Every restaurant has a story. Whether it is the story behind the culture that inspired the food or the journey of the founders, telling this story almost always engages certain potential customers. A good story connects the customers to the restaurant in a more personal way. This can be distributed via the website, social media, and press releases. We want to build an identity that, within the community, can be recognized.
Leverage social media
Social media is an incredible way to connect with a larger audience. This makes it possible for customers to connect directly with possible consumers. Having profiles on popular channels and posting regularly helps maintain a high interest level. Tease some behind-the-scenes content, like how you built your restaurant or developed your concept or menu, to create buzz. Being responsive with those who comment, direct message, etc., can build a sort of community.
Host a preview event
A preview event is a great way to introduce restaurant life before the restaurant has officially opened its doors. Expand reach by inviting local influencers, bloggers, or media people. Now you can have all of your guests experience your food and atmosphere firsthand with a tasting event or a soft opening. This can encourage others to talk about it between them and can also lead to a review or feature in any relevant local publications.
Engage with local businesses
Working with brands locally can be a win-win situation. Partnerships can involve one-off promotions, such as some sort of discount or offer from neighboring shops to complement the new restaurant. Not only does this increase visibility, but it also builds community. The local community will support you if you build relationships with local business owners to refer clients directly to you.
Utilize email marketing
Having an email list is a direct pathway to potential customers. People can sign up on the restaurant website or social media pages and get updates on when they can go out and when they get special offers. They can include sneak peeks of the menu, targeted offers or special promotions, or even invitations to pre-opening events. According to the Small Business Administration, email marketing delivers an average ROI of $42 for every $1 spent, making it one of the most effective marketing channels for new businesses. Such personalized and engaging content can keep the subscribers engaged and excited about the restaurant’s opening.
Create a memorable visual identity
Visuals are essential in the way a restaurant is perceived. Professional branding matters in hospitality—an attractive logo, a pleasant color scheme, and a beautiful interior design will leave a lasting impact. Using these images online, in promotional materials, etc., helps to recognize it. Having a consistent brand identity will make it easier for the restaurant’s image to be distinguished from other places on various platforms.
Offer exclusive promotions
Even if the restaurant is not yet open, special promotions can bring potential customers through the door. This can include time-sensitive promotions or menu items not widely available. Promotions should be communicated using social media, email, or local carrier-based flyers. Scarcity drives people to be the first in line to enjoy the new restaurant.
Engage with the community
Involvement in community activities can drive up visibility. The restaurant can show its involvement with local communities by sponsoring festivals or taking part in charity events. This kind of engagement creates goodwill and can earn support from the townspeople. Connecting with local leaders and organizations can increase the restaurant’s influence and credibility as well.
Utilize press releases
A press release, when written well, is enough to help you attract eyeballs in media houses. A release including key information about your restaurant and what it’s all about, along with its opening date, might pique a journalist’s interest. Also, believe it or not, getting into local newspapers or magazines, or online platforms, would attract a lot of attention. Including quality images and quotes from the owners can help make the press release more attractive to editors.
Conclusion
Spreading the word before opening day is an integral part of a restaurant’s opening success. The restaurant can create buzz and excitement around the event by telling a strong story, utilizing social media, and connecting with the community. You can bring in eager patrons with events, special promotions, partnering with businesses, and simple marketing strategies. As long as it’s implemented with good structure, the restaurant could have a packed opening day and a lucrative life ahead.