Are you struggling to improve your restaurant’s image? If so, today’s tips are for you. When it comes to your restaurant PR, Raleigh-NC-based establishments don’t have to jump through every hoop in the beginning. Today, we share the top five ways you can increase your reach and improve your image.
Create an online community.
Social media is huge in restaurant PR. It’s a powerful tool that allows you to connect with your customers and create an online following. By sharing engaging and creative content that showcases your unique menu, personality, and offerings, you’ll attract new customers. TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are three of the most popular social media sites to help you build your online empire.
Remember, your social media strategy should reflect your brand’s goals and personality. A few ideas here are to create behind-the-scenes videos, promote fun new menu items, and share events. You can also utilize promotions and giveaways to attract a following. What’s the secret behind a great social media campaign? Consistency and engagement.
Use influencers.
Influencers are a great way to help you reach a wider audience. Plus, when you partner with a local, credible mini-celebrity, you can use their authenticity and credibility to your own benefit. As part of your restaurant PR marketing strategies, reach out to local influencers that are known for their food reviews.
When it’s time to choose the influencers you want, look for those who closely align with your brand and I have a loyal and engaged following. Invite these folks to dine at your restaurant and share their experience on social media. And, yes, you can offer them a discount or a free meal or a future collaboration potential as payment for their services.
Partner with complementary businesses.
Partner with other local businesses, even restaurants, to further expand your reach and enhance your restaurant PR efforts. Are you a coffee shop? You might consider crossposting for a local brewery and offering a morning and night sip special.
Optimize your website.
What is website optimization? This simply means ensuring that your website (which is often your business’s first point of contact) so that it’s both findable and makes a great first impression. Your website should be clean, easy to read, and even easier to navigate and contain information, such as your menu, hours, and phone number.
Your website should also be optimized for search engines, which drives traffic to your site. Share lots of content with keywords relevant to your restaurant. You can create blog posts, recipe cards, and other content, which can also be shared on social media to improve engagement and drive more traffic to your website.
Be active on review platforms.
Online review sites, including Google, TripAdvisor, and others are important for your restaurant PR strategy. A bad review from a highly visible influencer can quickly reduce your walk-in and reservation traffic. Make a point to check reviews often, and respond to both positive and negative online feedback. The more you respond, the more credible you gain, and your customers will know that you’re willing to work through problems… this alone can go a long way toward giving you an excellent reputation.
When you run a restaurant in the Raleigh, NC, area, you’re in great company, but you’re also in the midst of lots of competition. To stand out, you need to stay on top of your PR strategies, and that includes everything from optimizing your website to managing your social media presence. If you still need help, contact McKeeman Communications today and let one of our restaurant PR experts put you on the right track.