Exploring the world of digital marketing for restaurants is like adding a cherry on top of a sundae - it instantly elevates the restaurant's online presence and helps engage customers.
In 2024, harnessing the power of digital marketing for restaurants will no longer be optional but rather a requirement. In this two-part series, we’ll dive deep into why restaurants need to invest in a digital marketing plan. We will then explore how to create the ultimate restaurant marketing plan that uses digital solutions to drive growth, engage customers, and increase revenue.
Why Restaurants Need Digital Marketing:
- Consumer Behavior Shift: According to a survey by Toast, 79% of diners agree that technology improves their guest experience at restaurants. This highlights the importance of adopting digital marketing strategies to meet evolving consumer preferences.
- Online Research: According to industry research, 60% of Americans who prefer eating out or ordering takeout food tend to check Yelp and/or Google reviews as one of their primary sources for deciding on a new restaurant. Additionally, 85% of people consider it essential to have easy access to reviews and information online when deciding on a restaurant. Therefore, a robust online presence, including a well-designed website and active social media profiles, can significantly influence a diner's decision to visit a restaurant.
- Mobile Adoption: According to Google, 61% of users who have difficulty accessing a mobile site are unlikely to return to it. Furthermore, 80% of customers prefer to order from a mobile-friendly website or a mobile food-ordering app. This highlights the importance of having mobile-friendly websites and executing targeted mobile advertising campaigns.
- Social Media Influence: It is estimated that by this year, there will be 5.17 billion social media users worldwide. On average, each person uses 6.7 different social networks each month. Additionally, social media platforms play a significant role in influencing people's dining choices. According to Sprout Social, 72% of diners have admitted to making restaurant decisions based on photos shared by others on social media. To attract more customers, restaurants can engage in social media marketing and take advantage of this trend.
- Revenue Impact: Digital marketing efforts directly contribute to revenue growth. According to a study by Deloitte, restaurants that invest in digital marketing experience an average revenue increase of 2.5 times faster than those that don't. This underscores the importance of digital marketing in driving tangible business outcomes.
- Customer Engagement: Digital marketing enables restaurants to engage with customers more personally. Data from HubSpot shows that personalized promotional emails have a 29% higher open rate and a 41% higher click-through rate than generic ones. By leveraging digital channels for personalized communication, restaurants can foster stronger customer relationships.
- Competitive Advantage: Staying ahead of the curve is essential in a competitive industry. According to a survey, an overwhelming majority of restaurant owners believe digital marketing is critical for their competitive advantage. Restaurants that embrace digital marketing strategies are better positioned to attract and retain customers in today's digital landscape.
Ready to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for 2024, which includes targeted digital communication like SMS, push notifications, and email campaigns? Contact our team to learn how to leverage Appfront for your business today.
