I’ll take a caesar salad, filet mignon, lobster tail, and a whiskey on the rocks. And while you’re at it, give me a side of decadent social media. Thanks!
Now that I have placed my order, let’s get to the fun stuff…
Restaurant chains have become hip to new age marketing trends and many are dishing up amazing food combined with one heck of a social media experience. In 2011 and beyond, restaurant chains will find social media marketing more important than ever. Say goodbye to boring television commercials, print ads, and annoying direct mail marketing; social media is here to stay.
For restaurants to achieve their social marketing goals, they must do three key things:
- Communicate with past, present, and potential guests in an informative manner that is in no way self-serving.
- Solidify a social media voice and have diners respect the restaurant(s) for such. In essence, add a personal vibe to business communications that appeals to target markets.
- Identify, then connect, with local influencers to attract third party mentions on blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare and other social channels. The best, most compelling content is generated by third parties.
As many of you know, I’m hardly ever a party pooper, but I must poop this party. According to a variety of studies, less than 50% of restaurants actively engage customers via social mediums, which is very unfortunate. Why is this the case? Are restaurants afraid? Aren’t familiar with social media marketing? It’s important to find answers to these questions.
Moving forward, every restaurant chain must jump start a social media campaign to connect with customers before they walk in the door, and after they leave. It’s imperative. Failing to act today will harm restaurant chains tomorrow — mark my word.
Aaron Schoenberger
@TheSchoenberger
The Brainchild Group
Aaron Schoenberger is Founder of The Brainchild Group — a world-renowned Internet marketing agency that specializes in Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). He’s known for his work with celebrities, top restaurants, automotive manufacturers, professional athletes, educational institutions, luxury brands and Fortune 500 companies.