As someone who has spent multiple years working as a graphic designer/marketing geek in both print and online media, combined with years of working in the restaurant industry, I find it shocking that most restaurant owners and managers refuse to welcome and understand the importance of online marketing and social media networking.  Anyone who has ever owned or operated a restaurant knows that advertising, marketing, and word-of-mouth communication are essential to the growth and success of their establishment. These factors are just as important, if not more important, than providing consistently great food and fabulous customer service.

When it comes to advertising and marketing a restaurant, costs and constraining budgets leave most restaurant accountants uneasy. Print media is expensive, quickly out-dated, and only reaches a small percentage of a “target” audience. Local papers and magazines charge an arm and a leg to advertise restaurant coupons and menus. These local print outlets generally reach local audiences who, obviously, already know that you exist and don’t reach out to the targeted audiences who don’t know who you are. So with this in  mind, why is it that most restauranteurs are still relying on this almost archaic and unaffordable strategy?

Unfortunately, print media is on it’s way out. I mention the word “unfortunately” because honestly, who doesn’t love flipping pages and having something tactile to read? But let’s face it, it is just too easy and fast to find out the information you need while on your iphone, your laptop, or while using your computer at work to research the best restaurant to take your new hot date to. Fortunately, marketing and advertising online is more affordable, more targeted, and easier to control than print. Plus, it’s way easier to keeo up-to-date.

With all of this in mind, restaurants should reconsider the importance of facebook, twitter, blogs, and online advertising with local sites. Facebook and twitter offer an intimate connection with your current and potential customers while also offering a free outlet to attract new patrons with seasonal promotions. Restaurant blogging a perfect way to offer the ever growing internet free press releases, news, incentives, and can act as a great forum for gathering feedback, reviews, and suggestions on menu changes, recipes, or whatever you want to share. Want to take it a step further and really help drive your bottom line? Try local online advertising, check out some of the ever-expanding social media outlets, and make yourself a little home in the social networking world!

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