Coming from a city consistently-ranked one of the best food cities in the United States, the digital marketing experts at Responsival have a knack for food. Whether we’re eating our way through the Steel City or using digital marketing strategies to boost ‘eatership’ at some of our favorite spots, we know what it takes to be at the top of our food game.

As a restaurant owner, however, it can be hard to know the exact course of action to take for your digital marketing efforts. Not only are you extremely busy running the day to day functions of your restaurants, but you’re consistently working on what makes your place one of the best in town: the delicious food. That’s why Responsival - the experts of digital marketing Pittsburgh - is here to break down the six most important aspects of your restaurant's digital marketing strategy. 

Responsive Web Design

The Online Practice at the Center of Digital Marketing for Restaurants

It’s a no-brainer that every business needs a website in the 21st century. However, in the restaurant industry, having a responsive website is even more important. Studies show that more than 90% of people research a restaurant before dining -- more than any other business type. These people are looking for easily accessible information about your restaurant like where you’re located, what your hours are, and what’s on the menu. Making this information as easy to find as possible not only helps get your name out there, but can make customers commit to coming in for a meal.

But you don’t just need any old website. You need a website that looks great on all devices - from desktops to smartphones - and is the one-stop-shop for anything a potential customer could need. According to the National Restaurant Association, 3 in 5 US restaurant diners order takeout at least once a week. With online ordering becoming more and more popular, it’s vital that your website is equipped with everything it needs to maximize your sales, including an online portal or partnerships with Postmates and other delivery services.

Luckily, the experts of digital marketing Pittsburgh at Responsival have experience in all aspects of making a restaurant’s website ready for sales at a price you can afford. For you, that means you always have someone on your side helping your business reach its full potential.

A Complete Google Business Listing

Allow Your Business to be Found with Ease

When someone Googles your business, the first thing they’re going to see is your Google Business Listing (GBL). GBL’s are the phone book listings of the 21st century that provides you quick information like hours, food type, and reviews. Since your GBL is often the first place - and sometimes the only place - that people gain information about your business, it’s key to make sure your GBL is complete.

Not only do people find your business and learn about you from your GBL, but your GBL is a place where people can easily gather reviews from Yelp, Zomato, and other review sites. Since 33% of people view reviews prior to eating at a new restaurant and more than 92% of people trust these reviews, it’s important to not only make this information accessible but to monitor it carefully. Responsival can not only help you get your GBL up and running but can assist you in Online Reputation Management for your restaurant to monitor your customers’ feedback.

Social Media Marketing

Unlocking a Visual Marketing Mecca through Digital Marketing Pittsburgh

Social media is an increasingly important aspect of any business’s marketing strategy. With 69% of adults using at least one social media platform and the average American having 7.1 social media accounts, social media is an obvious place to reach an engaged audience. Notably for restaurants, social media is a visual way to display images of your food, dining area, and more that attracts people to your restaurant in the first place.

Maintaining and growing interest in your restaurant on social media can be a time-consuming process. From responding to tweets sent to your business to editing Instagram posts and engaging with your customers on Facebook, it’s sometimes difficult for restaurant owners to use social media to the best of their abilities. Luckily, you can hand your social media over to the experts at Responsival to keep your social media active and running to its full potential.

Paid Ads

Expand your Digital Marketing Pittsburgh Reach with Social Media Ads

Advertising is the key to reaching new audiences and growing your business. However, times are changing and a billboard or newspaper ad is no longer the best way to reach new audiences. Where can you get the most bang for your buck for your advertising? Social media advertising, of course.

With high levels of engagement, low costs per impression, and granular targeting capabilities, running paid ads on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn is a great way to create buzz around your business and reach new audiences. While learning to use these marketing platforms can be difficult, Responsival can help increase awareness about your business and drive traffic into your restaurant, creating long-lasting regulars.

Email Marketing

Dispersing Information to Highly-Engaged Audiences for a High ROI

Email marketing is a great way to disperse information to your most highly-engaged audiences. Typical marketing campaigns via email send monthly newsletter, birthday discounts, and more. Email marketing allows you to easily inform your customers about promotions, new menu items, and (eventually) new locations that are opening at a relatively low cost. 

Your restaurant needs to be using email marketing primarily due to the 124% return on investment you can expect from a successful email marketing campaign. This ROI surpasses that of all other marketing techniques and is great for engaging your audience. Responsival can help you design email templates and carry out an intentional email campaign that maximizes sales and ROI.

Content Creation

Creating Web Content to Engage Your Audience and Drive SEO

When it comes to standing out as a business, the key is to hack the Google algorithm for search engine optimization (SEO).  While the algorithm is constantly changing, one thing stays pretty consistent: the value of keywords. These keywords - or the words that you use in written content that mirror what people look up on Google - help you rank in the top search results, making your business easier to find. The best way to tie a larger number of keywords to your site is to utilize blog content.

Not only does blog content help boost SEO through keywords, but blog content helps engage your audience. As a restaurant, you have a wide variety of possibilities for the type of content your write, ranging from ‘10 Best Italian Restaurants in Pittsburgh’ or ‘7 Best Date Ideas in Allegheny County.’ These topics help people learn about your business and gain an interest in what you have to offer.

There are a wide variety of ways your restaurant can take your digital marketing strategy to the next level. Get in touch with Responsival - the experts of digital marketing Pittsburgh - and see how we can create a custom marketing strategy for you today.