The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the Asian restaurant industry in countless ways. While a number of business sectors have adapted to a ‘new normal’ with relative ease, recovery does remain a challenge for many restaurants.
Although this won’t happen overnight, marketing teams have come up with out-of-the-box strategies to make the transition significantly easier. Apart from marketing a vision instead of a product and making the most of social distancing protocol, influencers can also be utilized to attract attention to a restaurant brand.
Market your vision
Creating effective marketing campaigns has become increasingly difficult in a world that is still adapting to a ‘new normal’. It has become very apparent that revised marketing strategies are required to pique the interest of potential patrons. Instead of marketing strategies being focused on the restaurant’s menu, as is often the case, new attention is being paid to a business’ mission and vision.
Diners need to be reminded of why they were originally attracted to an establishment, and what better way to do this than to share the history of the restaurant as well as plans for the future? A plethora of opportunities exist within the restaurant industry, with bold entrepreneurs leveraging current conditions to their advantage. These and other opportunities can also be highlighted as part of an impactful marketing campaign.
Creativity can negate many obstacles
One of the biggest obstacles of post-pandemic restaurant marketing stems from social distancing regulations. Although most restaurants were forced to tweak their operating strategies and marketing tactics, many have come up with very creative ways to ensure their patrons and staff are kept safe. A popular approach that has been used by restaurants from across the world involves placing mannequins in the seats where patrons are not allowed to be seated.
When implemented in a creative way, this can form the basis of a very successful marketing campaign. In the case of setting up new restaurants, entrepreneurs have had to put even more thought into their seating plans. While seating undoubtedly needs to look good, it also has to be practical and allow you to make the most of the available space. Reducing the tables and chairs in a restaurant and increasing the spaces between them is a very effective way to enforce social distancing between patrons.
Harness the power of influencers
Covid-19 has made it increasingly difficult to not only attract new restaurant patrons but to retain the existing ones as well. Collaborating with social media influencers has proven to be a powerful marketing tool over recent years. Now, in the wake of a global pandemic that has seen many establishments struggling to keep their doors open, influencer marketing yields even greater power.
Numerous online influencers have experienced a decline in sponsorship opportunities, thanks to cancelled events and travel restrictions, according to Business Insider. Due to this, many esteemed influencers are eager to establish relationships with new business partners. Enlisting the services of even just one influencer can boost a restaurant’s traditional marketing efforts considerably.
The global pandemic and subsequent health and safety regulations have impacted the restaurant industry in numerous ways. Thankfully, creative marketing efforts can go a long way to boost business during these turbulent times.
