A whopping 45% of all diners go out to eat multiple times a week, and another 20% go out to eat once a week. So attracting and retaining your current customers is definitely crucial for sustained success. But what about attracting new customers?  

This article will provide effective strategies and marketing tactics to help restaurant owners bring more new customers through their doors. With a focus on customer service and leveraging the power of delivery services like Shipday, we'll explore how to enhance the customer experience and build a loyal customer base.

Focus on customer service to attract new customers

Providing exceptional customer service is paramount when it comes to attracting new customers to your restaurant. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, you can create a positive dining experience that encourages repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations. 

In this section, we'll delve into the key elements of customer service and how they contribute to the growth of your restaurant.

1. Build a customer-centric culture

Creating a customer-centric culture within your restaurant is crucial for attracting new customers. By prioritizing their needs and ensuring exceptional service, you’ll not only increase restaurant sales, but you’ll also cultivate a positive reputation and build a loyal customer base. Foster a customer-centric culture by training your staff well, implementing effective communication strategies, and empowering employees to go above and beyond for customer satisfaction.

2. Prioritize customer loyalty  

Retaining existing customers is as important as attracting new ones. 

Implement a customer loyalty program that rewards frequent visits, referrals, or spending milestones. Offer special incentives, such as discounts or exclusive access to new menu items, to keep customers engaged and eager to return to your establishment.

Special promotions, such as happy hour discounts,  can entice customers to choose your restaurant over competitors. Additionally, offering gift cards and catering services can expand your customer base and increase revenue streams.

Organize special events to attract and keep new customers and create a buzz around your restaurant. Consider hosting themed nights, live music performances, or partnering with guest chefs to bring unique culinary experiences to your establishment. These events provide opportunities to showcase your restaurant's ambiance, excellent dishes, and beverage program, enticing customers to visit and return for future visits.

Steps to harnessing the power of online presence and marketing

In this section, we'll focus on the significance of establishing a strong online presence and implementing effective marketing strategies. With the advent of social media platforms and online marketing tools, restaurant owners have powerful resources at their disposal to attract and engage potential customers.

1. Implement an effective marketing plan

First, develop a comprehensive marketing plan that incorporates both online and offline strategies. Define your target audience, set clear goals, and outline the tactics you'll employ to reach potential customers. Allocate a budget for advertising, both online and offline, ensuring a well-rounded approach to reach different customer segments.

2. Engage and communicate with your customers

Regularly communicate with your customers through email newsletters or SMS marketing to keep them informed about upcoming events, promotions, and menu updates. Actively listen to customer feedback and respond promptly to any negative reviews or concerns to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and improvement.

3. Utilize online presence and reviews

In the digital age, establishing a strong online presence is vital for attracting customers. 

Start by optimizing your restaurant's website and content for local searches through search engine optimization (SEO). Focus on ranking high on search engines, especially for "near me" searches, which are popular among potential customers. 

Additionally, claim and optimize your business listing on Google Maps and your Google Business Profile to ensure the visibility and accuracy of your restaurant's information.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can significantly influence the decision-making process of potential customers and enhance your restaurant's reputation. Engage with customers on social media platforms to foster a strong online community and increase brand visibility.

4. Build an engaging social media presence

A strong social media presence can significantly impact your restaurant's visibility and attract new customers. Here are some tips on how your restaurant can keep up on social media:

• Create visually appealing content, including high-quality food photography and videos showcasing your signature dishes and chef in action. 
• Encourage user-generated content by hosting photo contests or encouraging customers to share their dining experiences using a dedicated hashtag.
• Collaborate with social media influencers or local food bloggers to extend your reach and tap into their followers' networks.
• Regularly update your social media platforms with relevant content, such as announcements about special promotions, new menu items, or upcoming events.

5. Create partnerships

Consider partnering with food delivery apps to expand your reach and offer convenient options to customers who prefer dining at home. Explore collaborations with local businesses, such as a nearby coffee shop, to cross-promote each other's offerings and attract a diverse customer base. 

Leveraging Shipday for enhanced customer experience

In today's digital age, food delivery services have become increasingly popular. Shipday, a leading delivery platform, offers an excellent opportunity for restaurants to reach potential customers beyond their physical locations. 

Some of Shipday’s benefits for restaurant customers:

• Increased convenience: Shipday enables restaurants to offer doorstep delivery, providing customers with the convenience of enjoying their favorite meals without leaving their homes. With just a few taps on their smartphones, customers can easily place orders and have their food delivered promptly. The seamless integration with Shipday allows restaurants to optimize their delivery operations, ensuring that the food arrives fresh and on time.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction: Efficient delivery operations are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. Shipday offers various features and strategies that help optimize the delivery process. Shipday's effective tracking systems provide transparency and real-time updates, allowing customers to track their orders and have peace of mind about the delivery progress.
• Customer retention: Shipday's seamless integration and exceptional delivery service contribute to customer satisfaction and loyalty. When customers have a positive experience with the delivery process, they are more likely to become repeat customers.

Repeat customers not only provide a steady revenue stream but also serve as brand advocates, recommending the restaurant to friends, family, and colleagues. The benefits of retaining customers, as opposed to constantly acquiring new ones, include reduced marketing costs and the opportunity for customer referrals.

Conclusion

Attracting new customers to your restaurant requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes customer service, embraces technology, and creates memorable experiences. By implementing effective marketing strategies, restaurants can attract more customers, build strong customer loyalty, and thrive in a competitive market. 

Embrace online platforms, leverage special events and promotions, and prioritize customer satisfaction to create a memorable dining experience that keeps customers coming back. Stay agile and adapt to emerging trends in the restaurant industry to remain ahead of the curve and maximize your restaurant's potential for success.

Shipday can help you keep new customers through its innovative delivery software platform that offers route optimization, seamless communication with customers during the delivery process, driver tracking, analytics, and more. Find out why Shipday is one of the best apps out there to organize and optimize restaurant delivery. 

Sign up and try Shipday for free today.