We get it! Restaurant operators have a lot to manage…from employee scheduling, to inventory and food cost management, and everything in between. A blog might seem like the last thing an operator or manager needs to add to their to-do list, but we would like to offer a few reasons why a blog might not be such a bad idea, and offer a few ideas to help you get started. Many restaurants have already added this marketing tool to their belt as another way to reach their audience, and you might find it is not as off the wall of an idea or inconvenient as you previously imagined.
Customer Connection
If your blog offers valuable information, it could be a great way to attract customers. Customer’s enjoy hearing about how a business gives back to their community, how they are getting involved and what they have planned in the upcoming days and months. Most blogs have a section at the bottom for onlookers to engage with them. This is a great way to gain feedback from customers, or people who are wanting to try your restaurant for the first time. You can usually link your social media pages to your blog as well, allowing easy access for people to share that amazing recipe, or the good work you are doing in the community with friends. Social media is a great glimpse into who you are and what you offer, but a blog allows you to really showcase yourself.
Increase search engine visibility
This one is simple. The more content you publish translates to more opportunity for updates on your website, resulting in increased links leading people to your website.
Simple Blog Ideas
Writing page upon page is not necessary for a restaurant blog. Keep it short and sweet. – Share your chefs favorite recipes or highlight your employees and let them share a recipe they love.
– Share personal stories, like how your restaurant learned a few hard lessons before finding success, or stories about what makes your restaurant unique. This can be a great way to relate to your customers and give them more information about who you are.
– If you take part in community events or give to a certain charity, take a picture and add a short story about why your restaurant connects with that organization and why it’s important to you.
– Give your readers the scoop on what is happening at your restaurant each week. Share your happy hour menu and what you are featuring each day. Let the people know why they need to stop by each week!
Of course you only want to take this on if you have the time to keep it updated. Having a blog that hasn’t been touched in months could do more harm than good. Find a balance that works for your business. Maybe it’s posting a new blog twice a week or maybe twice a month! Remember, these don’t have to be complicated or lengthy. Have fun, keep it simple and see how a blog can benefit your restaurant.
