How To Use Direct Mail For Restaurant Marketing

You would think that restaurants advertise themselves merely by their presence on the street. But the fact is, people eat out all the time. And because there are so many choices available, you have to do something extra to convince potential customers to eat at your restaurant. Direct mail marketing does this quite effectively. Statistics show that over 40 million people move each year in North America. Once they move, trying out a new restaurant is one of the first things they do in the area (especially if they haven’t filled their refrigerator yet).

Why Direct Mail Marketing?
Direct mail marketing is a popular strategy among restaurant owners because it consistently yields good results. Direct mail marketing puts your restaurant at the top of the customer’s mind when they consider where they would like to eat. It helps in customer retention and puts you ahead of the competition.

Strategies You Can Employ
Direct mailing involves specific strategies to attract and retain the customer. The first thing you should do is provide some kind of incentive for them to eat at your restaurant. This could be a coupon for a discounted meal as well as a menu. Use imagery rather than just wording to describe your food.

Target Your Clientele
Be clear about who you are targeting. If you are targeting families, then mail to houses most importantly. If you are targeting corporate workers, then mail to business addresses. Because it’s harder to get specific names, you can create an additional incentive by offering a free meal to the person who responds to your mail directly.

Utilize Social Media
Social media is an effective way of boosting your direct mail campaign. Place a link to your Twitter or Facebook page in your mail, and on those pages you can advertise specials on various days. If the prospect is not a follower, then offer a discount to people who like or join your Facebook page or group.

Direct mail marketing is one of the best ways to nab new customers before the competition gets them. Be specific about your target market and have clear incentives. Once you establish some sort of relationship with them, you will have long-term customers. If you are looking to begin a direct mail campaign for your restaurant but don’t know where to start, contact us today to help you create a direct mailing strategy.