Promoting your restaurant is an ongoing process, if you stand still for too long, youll lose customers to other establishments in your local area. Most restaurant owners we work with tend to think that the only thing that reflects how busy their restaurant is, is how good their food is. Take it from us, this is not the case at all. Location, competition, local business and others all play a part in how busy your restaurant is. So, if you are serious about making a success of your restaurant business, then please take the time to read the article below.

Here are 5 top tips for marketing your restaurant and increasing your bookings;

1. Look after your existing customers and communicate with them through email marketing, discount cards with their bill and getting to know them on first name terms. Too many restaurants focus their efforts on winning new customers rather than repeat business.

2. Work closely with local businesses to generate more bookings. If you have a cinema, bowling alley or hotel near your restaurant then speak to their marketing people to see if you can offer a joint promotion.

3. Work out what makes your restaurant different and advertise it. With so many national chains around, you need to think about what makes your restaurant unique and communicate this to your customers. Give your restaurant a personality and people will come back time and time again.

4. Offer discounts in your off-peak periods. Getting diners through your doors at times when youre normally quiet will not only boost your takings but will also lead to repeat custom and great word of mouth advertising if your promotions are good enough.

5. A professional website is a must. A virtual shop window created to a high standard will enable prospective customers to view your restaurant, read your testimonials and encourage them to visit your restaurant or sign up for regular newsletters/offers. All types of media promotions including offline flyers etc should direct people to your website.

To promote business growth in both the short and long term it is important to get into a routine with your marketing and never forget that no matter how little time you feel you have to devote to your marketing, continuity is crucial.