How Word-of-Mouth Can Drive Your Restaurant's Success

Many small restaurant owners understand the importance of using popular marketing strategies to grow their business, such as:

• Updating their website
• Leveraging social media
• Launching email campaigns
• Developing progressive web apps

The challenge often lies in the budget needed to implement these ideas. It can feel frustrating or discouraging when your competitors roll out new mobile apps or eye-catching marketing campaigns, leaving you feeling left behind.

But don’t worry!

There’s an affordable and highly effective option available to you: Word-of-Mouth (WOM) marketing.

While WOM is nothing new, today’s version extends beyond face-to-face conversations. It thrives online, through social media and review platforms.

How Does Word-of-Mouth Marketing Work?

To get the full benefit of WOM marketing, you need customers who are not just satisfied, but genuinely excited about their dining experience. This means focusing on two key elements: a streamlined menu and top-notch customer service. When you get these right, positive online reviews will follow, and word will spread.

Word-of-Mouth marketing happens in two ways:

1. In conversations: When happy customers naturally tell their friends about your restaurant.
2. In reviews: When they share their experience on platforms like Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

These are some of the most cost-effective ways to market your restaurant and compete with larger establishments. While you can talk about how great your restaurant is, the impact is far greater when your customers do it for you. This kind of social proof can significantly boost your business.

Building a Foundation for Word-of-Mouth Success

As the owner or manager, it’s crucial to stay in tune with the experiences your diners are having. When you interact with customers, keep the goal of encouraging WOM and positive reviews in mind.

• If a customer tells you they loved their meal, don’t hesitate to ask them to spread the word or leave a review.
• If a customer had an issue, take the opportunity to address it immediately. Listen carefully, solve the problem, and you may even turn that customer into an advocate who shares their positive resolution.

Remember, it’s not realistic to expect someone with a negative experience to promote your restaurant. That’s why fixing any underlying service or product issues is essential for this marketing strategy to work.

Conclusion

When done right, Word-of-Mouth marketing gives you the power to compete with much larger competitors. It’s a foundational marketing strategy for small restaurants looking to grow.