Most restaurateurs understand the basics of marketing their businesses. Email marketing, local advertising, and websites are all part of the promotional mix. However, there are other methods of promoting your restaurant that grab attention and draw diners in. From offline installations like backlit awnings to online tactics like social media marketing, here are some of the top strategies for local restaurant owners to consider.

Creative How-Tos for Marketing Your Restaurant

1. Engage With Customers on Social Media

Using social media to spread the word about your restaurant is a must for any restaurateur who wants to be noticed. In addition to hosting content on Facebook and Instagram, encourage customers to share their dining experiences online. To give them a nudge, sponsor a photo contest or offer discounts to people who tag photos of your business online.

2. Court Local Influencers

Engaging with people in your community who have sizable followings among your target audience will drive diners to your door. Court food bloggers, popular business owners, and local celebrities. Sponsor social media posts with them, or host special events where they’re the guest of honor.

3. Get a Backlit Awning

To get new customers to try your restaurant, you must grab their attention as they walk or drive by. An awning in your signature colors that lights up with your logo will help your site stand out from other businesses nearby. When people notice your facade and outdoor seating, they’re more likely to stop in. Placing menus under an awning that attracts customers to your establishment with warm and inviting lighting will entice people to take a table, especially at night.

If you’re interested in adding a backlit awning to your restaurant, B&W Awning in Lexington, KY, will help. They fabricate and install awnings for both residential and commercial customers throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, southern Ohio, and southern Indiana. From fabric to sturdy aluminum, they’ll produce an awning made to your exact specifications. Visit the company’s website to learn more about backlit awnings. When you’re ready to discuss your needs with a team member, call (859) 254-0973.