While different businesses will have different objectives specific to their company, a common goal that’s always present is to communicate effectively with customers. To do that, a business must first know who their customers are.
This is especially important for businesses in the F&B industry, as connecting with customers is what sets a restaurant or other similar establishment apart from a fiercely competitive market.
The good news, however, is that this is also easy to do in this specific industry, as there are many ways a business owner can gain insight into their customers’ mindsets. Take a look at a few practical ways you can do so in the sections below.
Collect customer data as often as you can.
This one is particularly easy to pull off without seeming intrusive. Whenever a customer makes a reservation in your establishment, you will obviously need to collect their contact information so you can confirm and notify them of sudden changes.
Once they do come and order things from your menu, you also get information regarding their tastes and preferences. Finally, you can also ask them individually for any feedback once they’re done with their food and drinks.
All of this represents vital information regarding your market. When conducted on a large-enough scale, you get a good idea of who your customers are and what affects their buying decisions. There are lots of good platforms that help you aggregate data, including our personal favourite, Sprout Send.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you should start sending them unsolicited texts and emails, but you may certainly ask for their permission to send them regular updates concerning your business.
Respond to their feedback personally and online.
There are avenues in both the physical and digital worlds that let you directly engage with your customers. Take advantage of these so that you can know more about them and implement changes that they will appreciate.
Respond to the feedback they provide by letting them know that you appreciate their opinion. And then follow that up with a course of action you wish to take, regardless of their feedback being good or bad.
After all, your customers will be your biggest endorsers. Word of mouth gets around quickly on the Internet, and it’s one of the most powerful tools in getting your establishment’s name out there. You want to take the time needed to become familiar with your customers so that they, in turn, take the time to get to know your business.
Conclusion.
When it comes down to it, connecting with your customers is simply a matter of exerting effort and doing so consistently. You want to take every opportunity available to find out more about what your customers like and don’t like. This way, you can act on that information and start building relationships with your customers where they feel that they are valued.
Once you have this foundation in place, they’ll be much more receptive to any future messages you send them. Gradually, your marketing practices will become more effective, your customers will be served better, and your F&B business will continue to grow.
We are a marketing agency in the UK specialising in F&B businesses and restaurant digital marketing. If you need our help connecting with your customers, get in touch with us today!
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