What are the new ways to market a cafe/restaurant?

Question

I am running a small cafe and always looking for new ideas beyond search ads and social media posts—what are some newer marketing strategies like digital loyalty cards or UGC content that actually bring in some traffic?

Answer 1

A great way to market your café or restaurant is to find local real estate agents and partner with them. They are always looking for great ways to get their names out to locals and you are as well, so team up! You can do a promotion together where the agent can pay for a certain amount of appetizers or drinks for a certain amount of customers that come in. When those customers come in you give the free appetizers and say it's on the agent and hand them the agents card. In return the agent not only is paying for the appetizers, but they can promote your business by doing a write up or review on it in their monthly newsletter. They could write up a post with pictures on their different social media platforms. They could even send out text blasts to their leads shouting out your business. All this in exchange for you either handing out their cards to customers or posting their flyer in a spot in your café or restaurant.

Answer 2

Depending on where your business is located and the type of food and price points, I would partner with a non-competitive complimentary business that would also appeal to your customers. Then do a reciprocal marketing campaign with no out of pocket cost for either business.

If you have a lot of foot traffic in the area, I would recommend a visual sign on the sidewalk.

If you are a destination, then I am happy to work with you on how to target your customers in creative ways.

Have you done facebook local advertising?

Make sure you are listed on sites like Yelp and all of your information is up to date on Google.

Host an event at your location and invite all family/friends and ask them to bring someone with them. Serve appetizers for free and have live music.