In today’s competitive restaurant environment, how you market your business is almost as important as what’s on the menu. In a way, your marketing mix is almost like a recipe, and the secret ingredient that can help you attract more customers, keep them loyal, and earn repeat business is print! Even if you’re using tactics like social media and digital marketing, print can complement those efforts and help you get more out of your marketing. Here are our recommendations on what’s good.
People Still Want to See a Real Menu
Here’s one area where print rules: the menu. Almost universally, people dislike having to scan a QR code to see a menu. A real, “hold it in your hands,” printed menu is more conducive to meaningful interactions with staff, which means it’s easier for a waiter to provide high-touch, personalized service, talk about daily specials, and potentially upsell to customers.
Table Tents Keep Add-ons Top of Mind
Use these small, table-side signs to feature specials and highlight new items. Since it is placed on the table and stays throughout the meal, it can entice a customer to try new things (e.g., a signature drink or a dessert). Think of them as a less-annoying version of a pop-up ad that’s present throughout the dining experience. But unlike a digital ad, table toppers feature high-resolution images in mouth-watering color and detail.
Reach Hungry Diners at the Right Time with Direct Mail
Don’t write direct mail off as being “old-fashioned.” Or maybe it is, and that’s why it resonates so much with younger audiences. About 92% of Millennials say that direct mail influences their purchases (compared to 78% saying the same about email), and almost two-thirds of Gen Z report being excited to receive direct mail. Both groups report that email can feel impersonal and unimportant, so consider that when creating your mailer and offer.
Unique Packaging Makes a Lasting Impression
Branded, attractive packaging (i.e., wrappers, cups, to-go bags) can pay off for your restaurant in so many ways. Not only does it stay with your customers after they leave the restaurant, but a to-go bag or cup is a miniature walking billboard. Creative, beautiful to-go bags frequently find their way to social media – which can expose your establishment to an entirely new audience. Give restaurant-goers a nudge by including your social handles and a branded tagline on the packaging.
Say It Big with Storefront Signage
While it’s true that digital signage can make a significant impact, printed signs are still a cost-effective way to reach potential patrons. Printed signage lets your creativity shine through by allowing you to customize the size, shape, and even the finish. They’re substantially more cost-effective when compared to digital signs and don’t require any special programming or maintenance. The biggest reason print is such an effective marketing vehicle for restaurants: printed signs allow you to showcase beautiful images of food and the dining experience.
Print is Faster Than You Think
One of the questions we get all the time is, “If I have frequently-changing specials or time-sensitive offers, how can print keep up with me?” We have various ways that allow you to quickly personalize or swap out information on pieces like direct mailers, menus, and more. In addition to print-on-demand services, we can produce short runs that are still cost-effective. We have over 50 years of experience as full-service printers, and we can help you develop creative ways to harness the power of print. Contact our team today to see how we can help!
