The restaurant business can be challenging, and marketing is key to success. The more you can engage with your customers, the more likely they are to return.
One good way to do this is with appreciation gifts for restaurant customers. Instead of trying to find new customers, reward the ones you already have.
Here are five ways you can show your restaurant customers your appreciation.
1. Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays are one of the most common reasons to go out to eat. Capitalize on this by offering a birthday treat. Even a free birthday dessert or birthday drink is enough to bring more people through your doors.
If you have an email list, use it to track upcoming birthdays and send a "warm wishes" email. This will put your restaurant at the top of people's minds for where to celebrate.
2. Customer Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs make restaurant customers feel special and recognized and can improve customer relationships. A punch pass is a simple yet effective customer loyalty program. Offer the 10th drink for free or a discounted meal after a certain number of meals.
Be sure to tailor your loyalty program to fit your brand and reputation. For example, high-end restaurants might want to offer differing loyalty levels, like gold members, platinum members, etc. Mom and Pop shops might take a more laid-back approach.
3. Referral Programs
Generating positive word of mouth is still one of the best advertising strategies. Offer discounts for each person a customer brings to the restaurant. Use social media for referral awards as well.
If someone posts about your business, reward them with a coupon or gift card. If you're getting overwhelming numbers of posts, create a randomized raffle and reward only a few social media posts.
4. Customer of the Month
Using your customer loyalty program as a database, total up the money spent at the end of each month. Send a personalized email or letter to the person who spent the most and thank them with a discount, gift card, or free meal.
You can post their photo in the restaurant and turn it into a friendly competition between your regular customers.
5. Community Outreach
Community involvement is good for businesses and those you serve. The restaurant can sponsor a local sports team, donate food to a food bank, or donate a meal for a local charity raffle. Giving back to the community is the ultimate customer appreciation gift.
The Importance of Appreciation Gifts for Restaurant Customers
Customers have so many options when it comes to eating out. If you want to show your regular customers you're grateful for their business, try using appreciation gifts for restaurant customers. You can offer birthday, loyalty, and referral rewards, incentivize a customer of the month and get involved in your community.
Contact the Restaurant Owners Marketing Academy for more restaurant marketing tips and tricks.
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