Have You Marketed Your Restaurant Online?

I feel as though a lot of restaurants (coffee shops excluded) have been more hesitant to leverage the power of social networking for marketing (i.e. the MySpace effect) than professionals in other sectors. Therefore, I wanted to list three sites which can be very helpful in terms of both driving traffic to your website and also helping people find you:


1. CRAIGSLIST - It might seem obvious, but many people don't use it. If you have a special to announce or want to introduce your restaurant to a local online community, create a free post. Be sure to include a link to your site if you have one.

2. MYLOCALSPOT - Like a MySpace for small businesses, the site is very easy to use and lets you create a free profile. Include pictures, a description of your restaurant, a link to your site, your menu and any current specials. Edit your profile at any time so you can keep customers up-to-date with what's happening with your restaurant.

3. BLOGGER - Easy to use site that let's you create a free blog about your restaurant. Use it to keep current customers up to date with the latest about your restaurant. Be sure to link to your site.

There ya go...embrace technology!

thanks, for the tips! dont forget myspace.

foodguru22,
Welcome to Roadfood.
I agree. The internet offers an inexpensive way to let folks know, and remind, the offerings of your establishment. Your suggested websites are very good.
Another thought.If an establishment offers daily specials,a varying menu in any way,or just a "Thank you friends" list, build an e-mail list to keep in touch. If you don't abuse this opportunity, you'll be surprised how welcome your personal messages are received. Simply place a signup sheet at the payout counter, use other methods as well, folks will sign up. I live in rural ranching country in southern New Mexico. One small restaurant is successfully using this communication method very well around here. Weekly we receive a message telling us about next week's specials. Its a 40 mile round trip to eat their grub, but I go.

You might also consider CitySearch, especially if you can get your loyal customers to help out. My brother's customers have written him rave reviews on his place in Chicago, and when you google his restaurant, their reviews are the second hit you see right after his official website.

yes...myspace is good.

check out my restaurant's myspace.

http://myspace.com/wienerandstillchampion

Citysearch is also good:

http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/35246137/evanston_il/wiener_still_champion.html?specialtyId=26&marqueeType=vote

I work as executive chef for Nordstrom. Apparently there is no need to market our cafe online, in the newspaper or any other publication. They do not advertise. We are jammed every day. It's amazing. Especially in Alaska!

Thanks for all the replies!

I like the idea of a sign-up sheet. My initial reaction was that sign-up sheets don't work, but if you have some good evidence to the contrary, why not try it?

FG22, I'm no expert in food service, but I am a consumer..
In my part of our great country, e-mail messages seem to work well. I suggest you send one every couple weeks, maybe weekly if you plan to do daily specials. Around here, we get to know one another in a personal way. Its always good to hear from our friends. Seems to work well here, perhaps not everywhere.
Hope I've been helpful.
Ole Rouxdog

I get email reminders from restaurants, too. Once in awhile, they'll throw in a free appetizer or something if you print out the email. The other thing that has really worked for my brother is that he has gotten ïnterviews" with various local online magazines and food sites who have given the opening of his new place a lot of good press. It helps to befriend those people, especially in a big city like Chicago.

Not sure if this is marketing, but I always look at Yelp.com for restaurant reviews. If you get your restaurant on there and solicit feedback it could be great marketing!

Just launched a new social networking site that is a little different...it's food oriented.  It's only for businesses that offer anything edible and those who enjoy them.  there are two types of profiles...one for businesses and one for customers.  the site is feature-rich and free to use.  You all are welcome to set up a page!  www.oyumo.com