Boosting Your Restaurant Business During the Pandemic

Delivery and DIY

Given that many are not yet comfortable dining out, restaurant businesses are struggling to make ends meet. But, some owners have used this adversity as an opportunity to innovate and find alternative ways to keep their businesses running. COVID-19, in that regard, has definitely changed the future of restaurants.

If you have not put in a takeout or delivery program, it's not too late.  If you do not have sufficient staff to deliver food, then you can partner with a third-party food delivery service. Fine-dining restaurants are often famous for their chef’s signature dishes. They can maintain their premium status and still earn extra income by offering DIY meal kits of their signature dishes.

Such kits often come with certain ingredients and detailed step-by-step instructions on how to prepare it at home. This way, your customers can satiate their cravings for your specialty meals from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, you will still have loyal customers who love your meals and can’t wait to come back and have it in your restaurant when the pandemic is over. 

Rewards and Offers

If your restaurant is open for dine-in services, then you can lure your loyal customers using promotional offers. Many restaurants have lists of their existing customers who filled out feedback forms or who signed up for a loyalty program. You can leverage that contact list to reach out to your customers with special discounts and offers. The more you personalize such offers, the more special your customers will feel and miss dining at your restaurant.

Also, people who are regulars at your restaurant are more likely to trust that you will maintain high hygiene standards. So, it is easier to get your existing customers to come back rather than trying to bring in new customers. If you don’t already have one, you can also start a loyalty and rewards program for your regular customers where each visit will unlock better deals.

 COVID-19 Hygiene Measures

It's necessary to keep your customers informed about your hygiene and safety measures. This will help to assure them that it is safe to eat at your restaurant. 

If you have listed your restaurant on local food directories or apps, then make sure that you mention these details there. You should also provide clear and detailed information  on your website and social media profiles.

You can even create content for marketing that focuses on safety and hygiene more than anything else. 

Stay Connected on Social Media

Organic social media marketing requires hardly any investment and can help you achieve a lot of marketing goals. All you need to do is post regularly and consistently on social media to build an audience. Use your social media profiles to keep your customers informed about new offers, current restaurant opening hours, hygiene and safety policies, happy hour, and more.

Social media is a great way to stay in touch with your customers and nurture those relationships you have built over the years. It should never be an “out of sight, out of mind” kind of a scenario. Keep your customers engaged on social media and try to bring them in by providing relevant information.

Take the time to show your appreciation and thank your loyal customers who support your business.