It's true, we're going mobile in all ways: more people every day are purchasing smartphones and their life advances with high speed internet in their pocket. This is actually a very transforming ability, because it changes the way we do almost everything, from what to wear to work in the morning to where to dine that evening.
In fact, Yelp reports that 59% of business searches are happening on mobile phones right now, generating over 200,000 calls and 250,000 sets of directions – a day. If by chance you happen to own a small local restaurant, then it should be obvious that mobile is probably your most important marketing tool right now. So how do you ensure your mobile marketing is effective? You have to put yourself in your hungry customer’s shoes.
Your Searcher is Hungry!
So, let’s make some assumptions: One, your restaurant is findable on mobile devices because you’ve done the basic SEO and marketing work of setting up local listing etc. Two, our imaginary patron is out for the night, it’s cold, they’re starving and in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Out comes their mobile phone, they find your listing: now, what is it that makes them call your restaurant instead of moving on to the next choice?
We Love Reservations
Patrons love reservations, because it's comforting to know that our walk to your restaurant is not going to be for nothing. Ensure that your mobile website is capable of handling reservations and your chances are high for interested consumers making a booking on the spur of the moment - great for those slow nights. There's a new service known as YelpSeatMe (www.seatme.yelp.com) that is an affordable option for handling your reservations.
Menus
The key to attracting business is being able to read an up-to-date menu which displays beautifully and properly in mobile displays. People want to know as much as they can about your restaurant, the menu, how extensive the wine list is, etc.. If they have any problems whatsoever with a poor display or lack of complete menu, they will just move on to the next search result.
Using Social Apps
There's a check-in app called Foursquare, and for a small fee your customers can use this service: what a great way to improve your mobile marketing. A small discount or free appetizer for a check-in will encourage them not only to book the table, but to share their check-in on social media platforms – which is free advertising, for everyone taking notes at home. Click here to find more about restaurant website hosting.
You Must Answer The Phone
This one sounds too simplistic, but, when your phone rings, make sure someone answers it. While many people will make a reservation through the Internet and be satisfied with the information on your mobile site, some folks still want the comfort of confirming everything with a human being. When calling a restaurant, and the phone rings and rings, the consumer becomes doubtful and unsure, and this alone could be enough for you to lose a customer. The old rule - 'when your phone rings, answer it' is very applicable here.
In the end, your mobile marketing isn’t a magic wand that will magically bring people to your door – but it can be a powerful tool that makes it easier for people to say yes to your place.
In fact, Yelp reports that 59% of business searches are happening on mobile phones right now, generating over 200,000 calls and 250,000 sets of directions – a day. If by chance you happen to own a small local restaurant, then it should be obvious that mobile is probably your most important marketing tool right now. So how do you ensure your mobile marketing is effective? You have to put yourself in your hungry customer’s shoes.
Your Searcher is Hungry!
So, let’s make some assumptions: One, your restaurant is findable on mobile devices because you’ve done the basic SEO and marketing work of setting up local listing etc. Two, our imaginary patron is out for the night, it’s cold, they’re starving and in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Out comes their mobile phone, they find your listing: now, what is it that makes them call your restaurant instead of moving on to the next choice?
We Love Reservations
Patrons love reservations, because it's comforting to know that our walk to your restaurant is not going to be for nothing. Ensure that your mobile website is capable of handling reservations and your chances are high for interested consumers making a booking on the spur of the moment - great for those slow nights. There's a new service known as YelpSeatMe (www.seatme.yelp.com) that is an affordable option for handling your reservations.
Menus
The key to attracting business is being able to read an up-to-date menu which displays beautifully and properly in mobile displays. People want to know as much as they can about your restaurant, the menu, how extensive the wine list is, etc.. If they have any problems whatsoever with a poor display or lack of complete menu, they will just move on to the next search result.
Using Social Apps
There's a check-in app called Foursquare, and for a small fee your customers can use this service: what a great way to improve your mobile marketing. A small discount or free appetizer for a check-in will encourage them not only to book the table, but to share their check-in on social media platforms – which is free advertising, for everyone taking notes at home. Click here to find more about restaurant website hosting.
You Must Answer The Phone
This one sounds too simplistic, but, when your phone rings, make sure someone answers it. While many people will make a reservation through the Internet and be satisfied with the information on your mobile site, some folks still want the comfort of confirming everything with a human being. When calling a restaurant, and the phone rings and rings, the consumer becomes doubtful and unsure, and this alone could be enough for you to lose a customer. The old rule - 'when your phone rings, answer it' is very applicable here.
In the end, your mobile marketing isn’t a magic wand that will magically bring people to your door – but it can be a powerful tool that makes it easier for people to say yes to your place.