The restaurant is mere infrastructure if no customers are approaching it. The
restaurant industry is customer-centric, where the top priority is attaining
and retaining customers. So the main source of revenue for restaurants is
clearly increasing customer visits. So the main question that poses a
challenge for restaurants is how to generate more sales. Here’s a
comprehensive guide to increasing sales for your restaurant.
For any restaurant, there are two types of customers: existing and
new.
So to increase your sales, the first and foremost task is to retain your
existing customers. Here are some useful ways to retain existing customers and
increase your revenue.
1. Provide a cherishing experience and satisfaction
The most important element that attracts customers is the experience a
restaurant provides. Make sure that your product, service, hygiene, and
quality are up to the mark and deliver the utmost satisfaction to your
customers. If a customer has a good experience, he is more likely to revisit
your place and also do word-of-mouth publicity by attracting more customers.
2. Friendly approach
Train your staff in such a way that they politely and instantly approach the
customer as they visit. Reaching out to customers within a few seconds of
their arrival creates a sense of hospitality for customers, and they feel
welcome and have the assurance of receiving good and friendly service.
Moreover, ask your staff to follow up and see if the customer needs something
continuously.
3. Take feedback and resolve complaints
Feedback plays the most important role in improving customer satisfaction.
Train your staff to ask for feedback from customers politely. Also, make sure
to address any complaints or possibilities of dissatisfaction as soon as
possible. A study shows that resolving complaints within 5 minutes of approach
induces a sense of respect and renders satisfaction to the customers.
4. Cross-selling
Cross-selling is when you try to sell something complimentary to the food
ordered by the customers. For example, you can offer customers the option to
get soft drinks if they have ordered pizza. Cross-selling would increase sales
of the comparatively low-priced items on your menu and this would also benefit
in generating revenue for your restaurant.
5. Upselling
Upselling is the method in which you try to sell an expensive or a
high-profiting item to your customers. This would increase your sales revenue
and also your profit. For example, you can offer a premium limited edition
burger to a customer who orders a normal cheeseburger.
Adopting these ways would ensure a strong and loyal customer base which will
surely increase the revenue of your restaurant and also add a handsome sum to
your profit.
Once you have a strong base of loyal customers, the other task is to attract
and attain new customers. Here are some simple yet useful ways to increase
your sales by attracting new customers.
6. Convert your business online
The modern world is switching more towards the online mode of business
operation than the traditional form of business. To attract more customers,
convert your business online by partnering with food delivery apps like
Zomato, Swiggy, Ubereats, etc. These partnerships will help you get more
orders, expand your customer reach and, in turn, generate profitable
revenue.
7. Optimise menu
You may not notice, but the fact is that your menu impacts your customer
satisfaction ratio. A unique and appealing menu attracts customers and
instills curiosity in them, customers. Try inculcating interactive techniques
and tools in your menu to make it look more approachable and savory.
8. Optimize your website
Creating a website helps to enhance your online presence and provides a
platform for your customers to check out your restaurant before actually
visiting it. Optimize your website with real-time customer feedback and also
offer a virtual tour of your restaurant on your website. This will help to
engage with new customers and attract them. Also, try to establish a good
presence on a Google search by asking for Google reviews and optimization
through SEO keywords.
9. Social media marketing
Social media marketing is the form of marketing wherein you generate ad
campaigns and approach your customers through various social media platforms
like Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Social media marketing is the best
way to reach new customers in this age of digitalization. So make an efficient
strategy for social media marketing and run optimized campaigns to generate
sales.
10. Host events
Host events or workshops, such as art workshops, in your restaurant to attract
new people. This will increase visits and potentially convert them into
customers.
This guide helps you to successfully retain your existing customers and also
maintain a steady flow of new customers to generate more revenue and profit
for your restaurant. It will help transform your space into a thriving hub of
satisfied diners. Remember, a customer-centric approach is a key to success in
the restaurant industry and these tips will help you to boost your sales and
secure the future of your restaurant.
Proven Marketing Strategies for Restaurants and Retail Businesses
Discover tried-and-true ways to market your restaurant or retail business and
stand out in a competitive market.
1. Utilize Social Media
Visual Appeal – Jo dikhta hai, wo bikta hai
Share high-quality photos and videos of your food on platforms like Instagram
and Pinterest to enhance visual appeal. Food that looks good online can
attract customers to your restaurant. Create an online store for your business
to list all products and enhance your presence on search engines.
Engagement is King
Hear what your customer says, it’s equally important to improve services.
Engaging with your audience fosters repeat sales and proves loyalty.
Do Often Promotions and Contests
Hold giveaways, contests, and promotions that spread organically. Offer a free
meal to a lucky follower to boost your online presence, or offer birthday
offers to attract more crowds and ask them to post pictures on social media,
promoting organic reach.
Influencer Collaboration in Buzz
Partner with local influencers and food bloggers to reach a wider audience.
Influencers can attract customers with genuine reviews and a large follower
base, enhancing your business reputation.
2. Enhance Your Online Presence and Website
Make an Online Store for Restaurant or Retail
Building an online store is essential. It boosts brand value and business
growth.
SEO Optimization
Use relevant keywords and ensure your site loads quickly. Regularly update
your products to keep them informative.
Online Reservations
Allow customers to make reservations online for convenience and comfort.
Google My Business
Keep your Google My Business profile updated with your address, hours, menu,
and photos. This attracts new customers as 80% of people search for businesses
online to check reviews before visiting.
3. Leverage Email Marketing
Regular Newsletters
Send newsletters with updates, offers, and promotions. Highlight new menu
items, upcoming events, and behind-the-scenes stories for better engagement.
Personalization
Personalize emails with birthday wishes, anniversaries, and festivals.
Personalized emails can enhance customer loyalty by up to 90%.
Loyalty Programs
Implement a
loyalty program
and update customers on their points and rewards.
4. Focus on Local SEO
Local Listings
Ensure your restaurant is listed in local directories and on review platforms
like Swiggy, TripAdvisor, and Zomato.
Location-Specific Keywords
Use keywords like “best Italian restaurant in [City]” to attract local
customers.
Encourage Reviews
Give perks or offers to encourage satisfied customers to leave positive
reviews. Respond to all reviews to show you value customer feedback.
5. Organize Events and Special Offers
Themed Nights and Events
Plan events like wine tastings, cooking classes, or themed nights to generate
buzz and attract different customer segments.
Happy Hours
Offer discounted drinks and appetizers during off-peak hours to boost traffic
and sales.
Seasonal Promotions
Take advantage of holidays and seasons with special menus and offers.
6. Participate in Community Outreach
Community Involvement & Special Persona Offers
Offer discounts and coupons to students, corporate lunch groups, or kids.
These groups lead to larger orders and more value.
Charity Events
Organize fundraisers and collaborate with local nonprofits to position your
restaurant as a socially responsible business.
7. Use Analytics and Data
Customer Feedback
Gather feedback through surveys or comment cards to understand customer
preferences and areas for improvement.
Sales Data
Analyze sales data to identify trends, such as popular menu items or peak
dining times, to optimize staffing and menu offerings.
Social Media Analytics
Monitor social media performance to identify successful posts and campaigns.
Adjust your strategy based on these insights.
8. Offer Online Ordering and Delivery
Delivery Services
Partner with delivery platforms like Shadofax or Grab, or set up your own
delivery service to avoid high commissions from third-party platforms.
User-Friendly Interface
Ensure your online ordering platform provides a seamless and user-friendly
experience.
Conclusion
For restaurants and retail businesses to grow, a comprehensive marketing
strategy is essential. Posting on social media, enhancing your online
presence, using email marketing, and focusing on local SEO with Google My
Business are effective strategies. Additionally, organizing events,
participating in community outreach, and utilizing data and analytics can make
your business stand out.
How Waakif Helps?
-
Waakif helps set up your online store with product listings and SEO for
brand promotion. -
Waakif AI assists in forming restaurant and retail marketing strategies
using customer purchasing patterns. -
It collects feedback on every order and analyzes it to ensure minimal
negative impact on your business. -
Waakif also supports
WhatsApp marketing, email marketing, and SMS marketing to reach your audience and promote
offers and discounts.
FAQs
1. How do I increase food sales in a restaurant?
To sell more food, you can offer extra items that go well with what customers
already ordered. This is called cross-selling. Also, suggest more expensive
items for them to try, which is upselling. Make sure customers have a great
time and ask them what they think about your food.
2. How can I sell more in my restaurant?
To sell more, make your customers happy. Train your staff to be nice and
helpful. Fix any problems quickly. Ask customers what they liked or didn’t
like. Use online apps to deliver food, make your menu interesting, and tell
people about your restaurant on social media.
3. What attracts more customers to my restaurant?
To get more customers, make your restaurant clean and the food tasty. Have a
fun and different menu. Make a good website and be active on social media. You
can also have special events like art workshops to bring in new people.
4. How do restaurants increase profit?
Restaurants make more money by selling higher-priced items, improving their
menu and products, and being available on food delivery apps. Making customers
happy so they come back, having a good website, and using social media also
helps to increase profits.
5. How to increase sales revenue for my restaurant?
To make more money, keep your regular customers happy and attract new ones.
Use online delivery, social media, and hold special events. Try selling extra
items with orders (cross-selling) and more expensive items (upselling). Make
sure your menu and website are easy to use and interesting.