Is your restaurant ready for the big yellow ball in the sky to make an appearance and warm the thermometer?
Got all your summer money-making promotions ready to go?
I know summer can be a slower time of the year for some restaurant owners. Your customers are out doing many different activities, enjoying the outdoors, and are busier than usual. It can be a challenge for restaurants to stay top of mind.
Disclaimer: Now if you are in a tourist area or an area that thrives during this time of year that’s not an issue, but you might have other times throughout the year that tend to be a bit slower.
And you know when these times occur if you have a track record of sales. So, what should you do to combat these slower times throughout the year?
That’s why I love marketing and promoting…I look at marketing like a faucet that you can turn on when you need to make sales and turn off when you are naturally busy.
Now there are things you should be doing consistently each and every month to build your restaurant image and be consistent, so you stay top of mind with your customers.
Important: You need to have a monthly marketing calendar and schedule of what you are doing. I know this sounds like a lot of work, but it should be something simple and not complicated. You can use a Google calendar, Outlook calendar or a good old paper desk calendar that works just fine. Anything that is easy and convenient for you.
FREE Resource: Because you are on our list you have access to our FREE Monthly Marketing promotional calendar and planner if you are a DFY Restaurant Revolution Member. It’s free to join and chuck full of new, tested and proven restaurant promotions updated each month.
And a really cool marketing promotional calendar. And the best part IT’S FREE!
No Credit Card Required
Every Month Marketing
Things you should be doing on a monthly basis to keep your relationship strong with your existing customers and to attract new customers are:
- Weekly Email (minimum)
- Social Media Posting (3 to 4 a week)
- Answer Your Reviews (Google #1, TripAdvisor, Yelp, FB etc.)
- Updates To Your Website
- Don’t forget to A.B.B.Y.L (Always Be Building Your List) capture names, emails, addresses, birthdays, anniversaries what ever you can get!
Secret Ninja Money-Making Marketing Technique: A Print Newsletter!
No Slow Season Marketing
DON’T Do This: When you know you are going to have a slower month DON’T wait till the last minute and then pull the trigger on shotgun marketing that you hope will work and bring in sales.
Do This: Dig the well before you thirst. Plan two months out at least. Three is better. Review your sales for the next three months and if you know there is going to be a rough month coming up plan now.
Some great direct response marketing ideas you can do to help combat the slower times to pump up sales on demand are:
- Red Envelope Xmas In July Promotion (my personal favorite)
- Postcard Featuring a Slip Stream Promotional Idea
- Scratch Off Promotion- Dog Days Of Summer (another DFY Money Maker)
- Have an Event- Brews And Blues, Hawaiian Luau, Theme Festival
- Birthday Party for You or Your Business (Nobody knows the date have it during your slow month)
- Contest with a Big Prize for Your Customers- Customer of the Year, Menu naming contest, Spin the wheel contest, Horseshoe contest in your parking lot, Trivia
These are just a few ideas to help you combat those slower months in your business. If you are looking for something more customized simply go to our website and click on the FREE Strategy Session button fill out the form and we can jump on a quick call to see what can be done to turn your next slow month into the busiest for your business.
Enjoy the warm weather!
Michael
Michael Thibault
Known as “The Done For You Marketing Guy for Restaurants.” International Speaker on Restaurant Marketing. Published contributing author of 4 Marketing Books. Industry expert on Google Searches and Review Sites. Recovering Independent Restaurant Owner and Caterer of over 21 years. And, all-around good guy.
