All Restaurant Marketing is Local

Common wisdom in the restaurant industry says that 80% of a store’s business comes from a 3-5 mile radius.

Common wisdom in the restaurant industry says that 80% of a store’s business comes from a 3-5 mile radius. A second rule of thumb is that it is easier to increase business with existing customers than it is to win business from new ones. Current customers take less encouragement to come back than coaxing new customers from their favorite restaurant. Therefore, activities that get current customers to visit more often create a higher return on investment. 

What is local marketing?

Local store marketing is a plan to build sales in a small geographical area without using mass media. In order to be effective, your program must create a coordinated marketing plan that is specific, measurable, and consistently executed. The goal is to help you develop lasting relationships within your community in order to build your image and your sales. 

It is also critical to include a business-to-business program. At the heart of its success is a commitment to build relationships, give back to the community, and create a venue for social activity or entertainment that serves the needs of local customers. Whether you are part of a large chain or a single-store operator, a focus on local involvement in your small radius reinforces your best chance to build sales.

Some typical activities for a neighborhood-marketing plan are below. In addition, consider internal merchandizing such as signage and menu merchandizing. Never forget to include your employees in your programs, as many of them live locally and have friends and family in the vicinity.

Neighborhood Marketing Techniques

Business-to-Business
• Partner with other local retailers
• Send email notices about daily specials
• Sponsor a local school event
• Create frequent diner cards
• Give a matching donation to a local charity

Individual Customers
• Have a referral incentive program
• Participate in local athletic programs
• Offer gift cards
• Host a local wine or book club
• Have a birthday incentive

If you do not know how to design neighborhood-marketing programs, many restaurant consultant groups can assist you in creating effective programs. There is also a great deal of information available on the Internet and at industry trade shows. 

Word-of-mouth is the number one reason a new customer chooses a restaurant. I recommend eWordofMouth.com, an online lead referral program. Many programs generate email messages. eWordofMouth has a unique referral feature that rewards a person with free food if their friends sign up and visit. 

Finally, as Shakespeare said, imitation is the highest form of flattery. Notice what busy restaurants do to create traffic and model their ideas for your location, style, menu type, price point and budget.

Attract local customers with neighborhood marketing, and measure your results. This will create a steady stream of repeat customers and keep your restaurant as a “household” name in your community. 

Wishing you success in foodservice...