Restaurant Marketing Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day offers restaurateurs amazing opportunities for promoting their restaurants, attracting new customers and selling additional products.

With that in mind, here are 9 simple ways to market your restaurant on Valentine’s Day.

1. Encourage reservations
One of the biggest drawbacks for restaurant owners is not knowing how many people are coming in. At the same time, customers want to know they don’t have to spend their Valentine’s Day waiting. Even if you do not normally do so, offer reservations. Make this a part of your marketing campaign.

2. Utilize email marketing
If you’ve collected the email addresses for your customers over the last year, now is the time to use them. Send a compelling message with stunning images of the dishes you’ll be serving on the big day. Be sure to send out this email at least a week in advance.

3. Tap the SMS message
If your business uses a smartphone application, encourage your customers to book a reservation using the app for the day. If they come in, you’ll give them some type of discount. Use the app to remind them the day before of their reservation time.

4. Use a banner outside your location
This is still one of the best ways to draw people in especially if your location is on a busy thoroughfare. Tell customers to visit your website to learn more about your menu specials or to get a coupon to save.

5. Visit local businesses to drop off flyers
Remember, those businesses near your restaurant have plenty of employees that could be your customers as well. Ask to hand out flyers to their customers. Or, if allowed, place flyers on vehicles in your shopping center. The key is to bring in your local customers.

6. Use your Facebook account to create some buzz
Don’t just use it to market a special menu. Instead, get people involved. Ask them to tell a story about their best Valentine’s Day meal. Or encourage them to share their worst experiences, perhaps to win a free meal.

7. Use a Twitter hashtag
Twitter is a fantastic way to get the attention of your younger Millennial customer. You’ll want to create a themed meal or a special offer. Then, promote it using a hashtag. Encourage others to share it. It’s sure to get attention.

8. Create a themed evening
Instead of just offering steak and lobster, host a themed event. For example, it could be a Renaissance theme or even something more playful, such as Harry Potter. Encourage guests to dress the part. And, give away a prize to those who do it the best.

9. Market to your customers the day before
Don’t assume that your customers will remember to book a reservation in advance. Most will be struggling the day before to find the perfect location. Utilize your social media, email marketing, and word of mouth advertising to bring people in.

Make the most of Valentine’s Day with these simple marketing tips. It’s sure to fill your dining room.