Hi raquel,

I just went through the website that you posted (http://www.troimail.com) and it does sound encouraging adding to the fact that it worked for your friend too. There are lot many advantages of direct mail marketing.
This approach does have more of its upsides but I also want you to be aware of few of its minor downsides too (http://www.directmac.org/direct-mail) eg; recipients consider it as junkmail, people opting out due to its negative environmental impact with more people choosing for paperless stuff. I personally never looked at any direct mail letters, but that is just a personal preference as there may be people who prefer them when it is done in a neat and catchy way by QR codes, in some other decorative way, etc as mentioned here (http://www.troimail.com/services/why-choose-direct-mail-advertising/). With you having to mail coupon codes, offers to people I do not think nobody would deny these as that is what any person on this earth wants – something at a less price than its actual, more and more deals and offers. So direct marketing does look to be promising in that context.

Not sure about your location but also do take a look at this which may be of interest to you-
(all the below links are for the same website)

http://partners.restaurant.com/
http://partners.restaurant.com/how-it-works.aspx
http://partners.restaurant.com/faq.aspx
http://help.restaurant.com/what-is-restaurant-com/
https://www.restaurant.com/

Best Wishes for your business,
VJ

• This reply was modified 7 years, 4 months ago by VJ.
• This reply was modified 7 years, 4 months ago by VJ.

Hi Raquel – two of the most valuable sources of business are “repeat” and “referral”. I certainly wouldn’t rule out the direct mail approach to kick things off, but the most valuable marketing tools you have are the people seated at your restaurant tables right now. Don’t be afraid to head out there and introduce yourself, ask for feedback, ask if there is anything which might improve their experience. When people are happy, they talk. Social media let’s them reach way more people than ever before. It’s a balance obviously – you don’t want to be intrusive, but a “Hi – I’m Raquel the owner. I just wanted to check if you’re happy with everything here tonight. If people are responsive, then ask for feedback, input, suggestions “do you think that dish would work as well with chicken as with pork” makes people feel their opinions are valued, and it’s not just about their money. Then when they’re leaving, “thanks for coming here tonight – please let your friends know we’re here if you think they might enjoy us as well”. Then if the original people come back – “well HELLO! It’s so nice to see you again!! We have a special table for our regular customers…come on in!!!”

If you’ve been in restaurants before you probably think all this stuff is obvious, but people feel good to know they matter. There’s nothing better for them than saying to a friend “oh you should go to ****. I know the owner Raquel and she’s just lovely, and the food’s pretty good too.”

Anyway – just some input. Hope it helps, and good luck with your restaurant. 🙂

• This reply was modified 7 years, 4 months ago by Bev.

That will be a good idea..