[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]In a perfect world, your customers are thinking about your restaurant at every meal, and in between meals, too, like a Pavlovian response. You’re on their mind every waking moment, excitedly telling their friends about you and the fantastic service they received.
Unfortunately, a lot of things are vying for people’s attention 100% of the time. Between phones, jobs, billboards, social media, friends, and other activities, we’re being bombarded by businesses looking for our attention, some loudly and extravagantly. Short of calling every one of your customers and speaking to them individually all day every day, how can you possibly keep them having a positive experience with your restaurant even when they’re not there?
First of all, get your brand online.
The more they see your brand, in passing on an ad, or as a suggested Google search because they had to look up your address for directions, the more they’ll think back to the most recent interaction they had with you. As long as it was positive, that’s what they’ll remember.
Be sure to include your menu, business hours, location, and pictures of your delicious food! According to research done by OpenTable, 93% of people look at a menu online before going out to eat. Make sure yours is there, available, and up-to-date. It’s the perfect time to let customers know if you offer vegan or gluten-free options. Your customers are already online, so you need to be there with them!
Second, be active on social media.
Post pictures and anecdotes online. Be courteous and approachable. Answer messages and interact with all of the people that contact you, regardless of whether they are happy or angry. They want to be heard and acknowledged.
The more active you are, the more likely your business is to pop up on customers’ (and potential customers’) feeds. That also makes it very easy for them to share your posts and do invaluable, free advertising on your behalf. It has been suggested that word of mouth can generate twice as many sales as traditional advertising.
In addition, social media is a great place for you to find new customers. According to a survey, 83% of Instagram users said they discovered new products or services on Instagram. It’s a great way to get noticed!
Third, don’t miss phone calls.
When people call your restaurant, they are making an active effort to interact with you. They want to offer you the chance to earn their business, and you cannot afford to waste it. Even during busy peak times, when your restaurant is already full and there is a line, you still need to make each potential customer feel important.
Reachify’s automated phone technologies can help you do this easily. Using your current business phone number, you can enable texting, self-serve menus with options for online ordering, call deflection, and more.
“But wait,” you cry, “is texting really that important?” 85% of American adults have a smartphone, so letting them text you, order online, and get important business information straight to their phone is more important than ever. Never miss out on those opportunities again! Learn more about Reachify’s many useful features here.
Finally, do what you do best with a smile.
According to a long-term study in Forbes, a good company culture increased revenue by an average of 682%. That’s the kind of growth you need! Enjoy making your dream a reality – your smile and attitude are infectious. Spread them to your employees and then subsequently to your customers, and let that positive enthusiasm – plus delightful food and equally delightful service – be what they remember about your business![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
