In the bustling and competitive world of restaurant marketing, standing out from the crowd can feel like a never-ending challenge. But what if you could turn the buzz of social media into a steady stream of customers walking through your doors? Social media contests and promotions have the power to do just that. 

In fact, studies show that more than half of consumers have visited a restaurant because of an online contest, and 63% of consumers are more likely to visit a restaurant if they receive exclusive offers on social media. But here’s the catch: while these contests can be incredibly affordable and effective for driving foot traffic, it’s important to think strategically to ensure they foster long-term loyalty, not just short-term spikes.

You don’t want to rely on constant promotions to keep your tables filled—that’s a quick way to exhaust your resources and potentially devalue your brand. Instead, by running contests that align with your brand and engage your audience meaningfully, you can build lasting relationships that keep customers coming back, even when there’s no prize on the line.

A Guide to Running Restaurant Contests on Social Media

At Olive + Leo, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-executed social media contest can transform a restaurant’s visibility and enhance customer loyalty. Here’s our guide to running contests that turn social media “likes” into lines out the door.

1. Define Clear Objectives and Align with Your Brand

Before launching any contest, start by asking yourself: What do I want to achieve? Whether it’s increasing foot traffic on slow nights, boosting your social media following, or promoting a new menu item, having clear objectives will shape your entire contest strategy. Make sure the contest aligns with your brand’s personality and values. 

For instance, if you’re known for your farm-to-table dishes, consider a contest that highlights your fresh ingredients or asks customers to share their family’s tried and true recipes. This not only attracts participants but also reinforces your brand identity.

2. Create a Contest that Engages and Excites

To drive social media engagement, your contest should be simple, fun, and rewarding. Think about what your audience loves—maybe it’s a chance to name a new dish, share their favorite dining memory at your restaurant, or post a creative photo featuring your food. 

User-generated content (UGC) is a fantastic way to get your customers involved while spreading the word about your brand. For example, ask participants to post a photo on Instagram with a unique hashtag you’ve created for the contest. The more participants share, the more buzz you create, turning their excitement into real-world visits.

3. Leverage Cross-Promotional Channels

While social media is the star of the show, don’t forget about the supporting cast. To maximize the reach and impact of your contest, promote it across all your channels—text messages, email newsletters, in-store signage, and even on your website. 

Cross-promotion increases participation while reinforcing your message across multiple touchpoints, making it hard for your audience to miss. For example, send a text blast to your loyal customers with a link to your contest post or include a call-to-action in an email newsletter encouraging subscribers to participate. 

4. Keep It Fresh: Adapt and Innovate

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and what worked for your last contest might not hit the mark today. Stay ahead of the curve by regularly reviewing and updating your contest strategies. Look at what’s trending in the industry, experiment with different contest formats, and listen to your audience’s feedback. 

Maybe your audience is more active on Instagram than on Facebook now, or perhaps video content is driving more engagement than static images. By staying flexible and creative, you’ll keep your contests exciting and relevant, ensuring they continue to drive results.

5. Measure Success and Build on It

Once your contest has wrapped up, the work isn’t over. Take the time to analyze the results—did you meet your objectives? Which aspects of the contest performed best? Use metrics like engagement rates, new followers, and in-store visits and sales to gauge the success of your contest. 

Measuring the effectiveness of your mobile marketing efforts is essential for planning future promotions and understanding what resonates with your audience. Don’t just look at the numbers; consider the long-term impact on customer loyalty. If a contest participant becomes a regular customer, that’s a win worth celebrating!

From Contests to Customer Loyalty: We’re Here to Help

Running a successful social media contest is more than just a quick way to boost your likes—it’s an opportunity to build meaningful connections with your patrons that translate into long-term customer loyalty and sustained business growth. By following these best practices, you can create contests that excite your audience, reinforce your brand, and keep your restaurant top of mind.

If you’re ready to take your digital marketing efforts to the next level or need help crafting the perfect social media strategy, Olive + Leo is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s turn those likes into lines at your door.

Every restaurant owner or manager knows that crafting the perfect menu is an art and a science. It’s all about finding the perfect combination of options and ingredients. Creating a killer marketing strategy for your restaurant is no different. Between social media, email, and loyalty programs, you’ve got a lot of ingredients to work with, but with so many options, it can be tough to know where to start.

At Olive + Leo, we love rolling up our sleeves to develop unique and effective marketing strategies that maximize your investment. In this post, we’re sharing some of our favorite affordable marketing ideas and tactics that can help you boost your restaurant’s visibility and keep your customers coming back for more—without breaking the bank.

The Best Cost-Effective Marketing Strategies for Local Restaurants

1. Design a loyalty program that is more than just points and free fries.

Loyalty programs are a must-have in today’s restaurant landscape, with studies showing that customers are 75% more likely to make another purchase after receiving an incentive. 

Most point-of-sale (POS) systems offer built-in loyalty programs, but it’s not as simple as “if you build it, they will come.” A well-thought-out strategy is essential.

Make sure your loyalty program is easy to understand and appealing to your target audience. Consider offering unique incentives like exclusive events, early access to new menu items, or even a “surprise and delight” element where you reward customers at random. 

2. Text your way to success. 

Text marketing has quickly become one of the most powerful tools in a restaurant’s marketing arsenal. It’s direct, it’s immediate, and it has an open rate of around 98%. When integrated with your loyalty program, text marketing can keep your restaurant top-of-mind while providing a direct line to your customers.

There are dozens of ways to utilize text marketing for your restaurant —  from sending out special offers and promoting last-minute deals to sending birthday promotions and inviting customers to exclusive events. 

3. Tap into the power of sharing with user-generated content.

Word of mouth has always been a powerful marketing tool, and in the digital age, it often takes the form of user-generated content (UGC). Encouraging your customers to share their experiences on social media can boost your restaurant’s visibility while building trust with potential diners. In fact, UGC is 85% more influential than brand-generated content.

You can also offer incentives like a free appetizer or dessert for customers who tag your restaurant in their posts. If you’re looking for a way to take this to the next level, consider running a monthly contest where the best photo wins a prize—this will keep your customers engaged and your restaurant’s name in their social feeds.

4. Cultivate local SEO and customer reviews.

If your restaurant isn’t optimized for local search, you’re missing out on a significant amount of potential business. Local SEO ensures that when someone searches for a place to eat in your area, your restaurant is one of the top results. Start by claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing, making sure all information is accurate and up-to-date.

Customer reviews are another critical component of local SEO. Think of creative ways to encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and other platforms. Responding to reviews—both positive and negative— also demonstrates that you care about your customers’ experiences and are committed to improving. Paying a little attention to these details can go a long way in driving foot traffic to your restaurant.

5. Turn followers into foodies through a strong social media presence.

Social media is a game-changer for restaurants, offering a level playing field where creativity and consistency can trump big budgets. The key is to know how to use each social media platform effectively. For example, Instagram is perfect for showcasing your dishes with mouth-watering photos, while Facebook is great for sharing events and updates.

Consistency is crucial—ensure that your content is optimized for each platform and that your brand’s voice and visuals are cohesive. That’s why it’s incredibly helpful to empower your staff to manage social media and maintain a steady flow of content that keeps your followers engaged and excited about what’s happening at your restaurant.

6. Craft emails that your customers can’t ignore. 

Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective strategies for reaching your customers. With every dollar spent on email marketing generating an average return of $42, it’s a no-brainer. Use your website and loyalty program to capture email addresses and share insider news with your most loyal customers.

When it comes to crafting a compelling email for your restaurant, be sure to segment your email list to tailor your messages to different customer groups, ensuring relevance and increasing the likelihood of engagement. Always be sure to include a clear call to action in the email, whether it’s to book a table, order online, or take advantage of a special offer.

7. Listen and learn by gathering customer feedback. 

Customer feedback is invaluable, but only if you act on it. Regularly ask for feedback through surveys, suggestion boxes, or online forms, and use this information to make meaningful improvements. Let your customers know you’ve heard them by addressing concerns directly and making visible changes where necessary. Being responsive shows that you value their input, which can strengthen their loyalty to your restaurant.

8. Embrace community over competition. 

Supporting local causes is a fantastic way to build goodwill with your customers and community. Whether it’s sponsoring a local sports team, hosting a charity event, or donating a portion of your sales to a local cause, these efforts can create a positive association with your brand and encourage customers to support your restaurant. Plus, it gives you another reason to engage with your community online and offline.

Coordinating Your Efforts is Key to a Winning Recipe

To make the most of your marketing budget, it’s essential to bring all your efforts together. Here are some best practices when it comes to creating a winning recipe:

• Consistent Branding: Make sure your message and look are consistent across all platforms.
• Cross-Promotion: Share your social media posts on your website and email newsletters.
• Integrated Messaging: Develop a clear and compelling message that runs through all your marketing materials.
• Track and Analyze: Keep an eye on your metrics to see what’s working and what’s not.

By following these tips and coordinating your efforts, you can maximize your marketing budget and achieve incredible results. 

Olive + Leo: Your Guide to Marketing Success

Maximizing your marketing budget doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means being smart about where and how you invest your resources. By implementing these cost-effective strategies, you can boost your restaurant’s visibility, drive customer engagement, and build lasting loyalty.

At Olive + Leo, we’re here to take the guesswork out of your marketing efforts. From strategy development to execution, we manage it all so you can focus on what you do best—serving great food to your customers. Ready to get started? Contact our team today to learn how we can help your restaurant thrive.

The restaurant industry is more competitive than ever. With countless dining options just a tap away, capturing and retaining customers is crucial. Restaurant managers recognize the growing importance of loyalty programs to keep customers coming back. 

According to a recent study, more than half of consumers use restaurant loyalty programs that influence where they choose to dine. But simply having a loyalty program isn’t a golden ticket to increased business. ​​The real magic lies in how you design and manage your customer loyalty program.

At Olive + Leo, we love nothing more than helping restaurants like yours develop unique and effective marketing strategies to cultivate lasting customer loyalty. From our years of experience and countless cups of coffee, we’ve picked up a few tricks of the trade. Here’s what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to creating a loyalty program that truly resonates with your customers in today’s digital age.

What Works for Restaurant Customer Loyalty Programs

Use the KISS Principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid)

A clear and simple reward structure is your golden ticket to program participation. Nobody wants to crack a code to earn a free appetizer. Make it easy to understand: “Earn 1 point for every dollar spent, and get a $10 discount after 100 points.” Every campaign or offer should be simple, effective, and easy to explain to your customers.

Open for Business

Your loyalty program should be accessible 24/7. Let customers join the party whenever and however they want – in-store, online, or through your app. The easier it is to sign up, the more likely they are to join.

Mix It Up

A one-size-fits-all reward strategy is as boring as plain pasta. Keep your customers engaged with a variety of rewards like discounts, freebies, exclusive events, or even limited-time offers. And remember, tiered rewards can encourage customers to spend more to reach those coveted VIP perks.

Let Your Customers Do the Talking

Social proof is powerful. Encourage customers to share their loyalty program experiences on social media. When others see diners raving about your program, it builds credibility and interest. Plus, a little healthy competition among friends can motivate even more participation. 

Coordinate Your Marketing Channels to Stay in Touch

Out of sight, out of mind. Keep your restaurant top-of-mind with regular communication. Send emails, texts, or app notifications about reward status, upcoming promotions, and personalized offers. It’s like staying in touch with an old friend – you want to make sure they know you care.

What Doesn’t Work for Restaurant Customer Loyalty Programs

The Blindfold Approach

Investing in a loyalty program without understanding your audience is like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. It rarely does. Understanding your customers is key to offering rewards they actually want. Don’t waste your time and money on rewards that fall flat.

“Thanks, But No Thanks” Rewards

If your rewards don’t excite your customers, they won’t participate. Offering discounts on unpopular menu items or rewards that feel unattainable will lead to low engagement. Remember, the goal is to offer something your customers value. This could be their favorite dishes, popular drink combinations, or even exclusive access to new menu items.

Living in the Stone Age

In an age where everything is digital, relying solely on physical punch cards or manual tracking methods is outdated. Customers expect convenience, and a mobile or digital solution offers just that. By integrating your loyalty program with an app or digital platform, you align with current consumer preferences and make participation easier, driving higher engagement.

Redemption Roadblocks

Nothing frustrates customers more than restrictive redemption rules. If your rewards are difficult to redeem—whether through limited timeframes or complicated processes—customers may lose interest. Flexibility in how and when customers can redeem their rewards is essential to maintaining their enthusiasm and loyalty.

Assuming Loyalty Equals Frequency

Sure, rewarding frequent visits is important, but it’s not the whole story. True loyalty is about building a deeper connection with your customers. Don’t overlook factors like customer values, preferences, and brand affinity. 

A program that focuses solely on frequency might yield short-term gains but won’t foster long-term loyalty. Instead, aim to create a program that resonates on a personal level, encouraging customers to not just visit often, but feel a genuine connection to your brand.

Is Your Restaurant’s Loyalty Program Working?

If you’re unsure, it might be time to assess your restaurant’s customer loyalty program and revamp your strategy. Remember, a successful loyalty program is an investment in your customers. By understanding what works and what doesn’t, you can create a program that not only rewards your loyal patrons but also attracts new ones.

And if you need help crafting the perfect loyalty program, Olive + Leo is here to lend a hand. We specialize in helping restaurants like yours create effective marketing strategies that drive loyalty and growth.

Text marketing is a powerful tool for restaurants looking to connect with customers and boost loyalty. But let’s face it: getting your texts noticed is easier said than done. Many restaurants are sending out messages, but few are seeing the desired results. According to Mobile Marketing Watch, SMS open rates are as high as 98%, yet response rates can be as low as 45%. 

Why is that? Well, there are a few common pitfalls that can lead to your texts getting lost in the digital noise.

Here at Olive + Leo, we’ve crafted digital marketing solutions to help restaurants capitalize on the power of text marketing with proven strategies customized for your unique audience. In this article, we’ll highlight some common text marketing pitfalls we’ve seen and offer practical alternative ideas to consider.

1. Text overload (or ghosting): Don’t be that annoying friend who won’t stop texting… or never texts at all. 

Sending too many texts can overwhelm customers and lead to opt-outs. When customers feel bombarded by constant messages, they’re more likely to unsubscribe or ignore future texts. On the flip side, infrequent messaging can make your texts seem out of the blue. If you only send a text every six months, customers might be caught off guard and ignore the message, not recognizing your brand or offer.

How to Turn It Around: Establish a consistent but moderate schedule for sending texts. For example, limit texts to 2-3 times per month, focusing on high-value content like exclusive offers, special events, or important updates.

2. Boring is boring: Spice up your texts with exciting content that makes customers crave more.

Sending bland mass messages that don’t resonate with your customers can lead to disinterest and disengagement. Customers want content that is relevant and adds value to their experience.

How to Turn It Around: Personalize your messages based on customer preferences and behaviors. Use segmentation to send targeted offers and updates that are relevant to individual groups of customers.

3. Hard-selling your way to empty tables is a recipe for disaster.

No one likes a hard sell. If your texts sound too promotional, customers will tune out.

How to Turn It Around: Craft text messages that feel personal and conversational. Focus on building a relationship with your customers by offering value, such as insider tips, exclusive content, or a simple thank you message.

4. Puzzling promotions: Keep it simple and avoid confusing your customers.

Customers appreciate simplicity and clarity in offers. That’s why deals or promotions that are too complex or have too many conditions can deter engagement. 

How to Turn It Around: Keep your offers straightforward and easy to understand. Make sure the terms and conditions are simple and the call-to-action is clear and direct.

5. Timing Faux Pas: Respect your customers’ time and avoid interrupting their meals.

Sending texts at the wrong time can irritate customers. No one wants to be interrupted during dinner or late at night.

How to Turn It Around: Schedule your messages for times when your audience is most likely to be receptive. Consider sending texts during lunch hours or in the late afternoon, when customers are more likely to check their phones.

6. Lost in the message: Give your customers a clear path to follow.

If your text doesn’t provide a clear next step or incentive, customers may not feel motivated to respond. A strong call-to-action is essential for driving engagement.

How to Turn It Around: Ensure every message includes a clear and compelling call to action. Whether it’s a link to a special offer, a reservation button, or an invitation to an event, it is essential to make it easy for customers to take the next step.

7. Who’s texting me?: Make sure your restaurant name is front and center.

If customers don’t recognize the sender, they might ignore the message.

How to Turn It Around: Make it clear who the message is from within the first few characters. For example, “Calling all [Restaurant Name] VIPs!” or “You’ve got a message from [Restaurant Name].”

Partner with Experts in Restaurant Marketing

Text marketing can be a game-changer for restaurants, but it’s essential to get it right. By avoiding these common pitfalls and focusing on providing value to your customers, you can increase engagement and build a loyal following.

Remember, text marketing is just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive digital marketing strategy is essential for long-term success. If you need help creating a strategy that works for your restaurant, contact Olive + Leo today.

When crafting the perfect recipe for restaurant customer loyalty, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere are the two most important ingredients. But in today’s competitive landscape, creating a pleasant dining experience is no longer enough to ensure customers keep coming back. Sure, a tasty meal might bring customers through the door, but creating that “this is one of my favorite spots” kind of loyalty requires more. 

Simply having a loyalty program isn’t enough. A recent study shows that the average person belongs to more than 14 loyalty programs. However, 65% of consumers engage with fewer than half of those programs. 

Here at Olive + Leo, we’ve witnessed the evolution of the restaurant industry and watched customer preferences change. We’ve also seen firsthand how the right marketing strategies can cultivate that coveted loyalty, turning first-time diners into regulars who rave about your establishment. So, ditch the secret menu—we’re about to share the real secret sauce to success.

7 Factors to Ignite Restaurant Customer Loyalty

 Here are seven key factors that restaurateurs can leverage to build and maintain customer loyalty.

1. Ditch the Pointless Punch Card: Craft a Loyalty Program Worth Craving

Loyalty programs shouldn’t feel like homework. If you’re thinking about launching or revamping your customer loyalty program, look for ways to create a program that’s easy to use. You want to make it easy for customers to sign up—whether it’s through your website, at the point of sale, or on their way out the door. 

2. Level Up Their Love: Make Your Customers Feel Like Rockstars

Loyalty is about more than points and discounts. It’s about creating an experience that makes your customers feel like rock stars. Discounts are great, but what about exclusive offers for your VIPs? We’ve found that early access to new menu items, free birthday treats, or double loyalty points on certain days just for being a VIP are great places to start. 

3. Surprise and Delight: The Secret Weapon of Happy Customers

Everyone loves a surprise, especially when it involves something delicious. One way to easily create affinity for your restaurant is to offer a little taste of loyalty love with a surprise discount or free appetizer upon signing up for your program. It’s a sweet (or savory!) way to show appreciation and create a positive association with your restaurant from the very beginning.

4. From Regular to Recognized: The Power of Personalization

Personalization is critical to building a memorable connection with your customers. The good news is that most POS systems like Toast and Clover make it easy for you to send personal offers or discounts based on this info. In your customer loyalty database, keep track of customer names, birthdays, anniversaries, and preferences (if possible). This small touch shows you care and makes them feel valued. 

5. Social Media Engagement: More Than Just Food Photos

Social media isn’t just a highlight reel for your latest creation (though those avocado toast masterpieces deserve their moment in the sun). This is your chance to show the human side of your brand. Be active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, incorporating your personality into every post. Share behind-the-scenes photos, highlight your team members, and showcase the stories behind your dishes. Find clever and creative ways to engage with your digital community, like running contests, polls, or sharing user-generated content. Engaging with your customers on social media keeps your restaurant at the forefront of their minds and builds a community around your brand.

6. Email Marketing: Building Relationships Beyond the Booth

Restaurant email marketing isn’t outdated; it’s just waiting to be delicious! Most restaurants have an email list that has untapped potential. Segmentation is the secret ingredient that can help transform your email marketing efforts. Craft emails that cater to specific customer preferences, highlighting menu items they love or upcoming events they might enjoy.

7. Feedback is the Gift You Can’t Refuse: Show You Care by Listening

Feedback is a gift, not a chore. Encourage restaurant reviews and actively seek customer input through surveys or social media. Responding promptly and professionally to positive and negative reviews shows you value their opinion. Taking action on constructive criticism demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement, proving to your fans that their voice matters.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Building a loyal customer base isn’t a microwave meal—it takes time and dedication. By incorporating these seven factors into your strategy, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a following of raving fans. Remember, loyalty is about creating positive experiences and showing your customers they’re valued.

Tired of Guessing What Works Best for Your Restaurant’s Loyalty Program?

Olive + Leo can help you cut through the noise and create a program that drives more customers through your doors. Let us handle the complexities of managing your various marketing tools while you focus on what you do best—serving amazing food. Ready to transform your restaurant’s loyalty program? Contact Olive + Leo today.