Marketing strategies for fast food can be tricky since there are many fast-food restaurants in the market. Having stated that, fast-food restaurants are trendy, and their popularity is on the rise as they can offer decent meals at affordable prices. It is often cheaper to get fast food than to prepare a meal.
Given below are marketing strategies that would help a fast-food restaurant stand out or how to build an effective food PR campaign.
Offer Loyalty Programs
Restaurants should always have loyalty programs. A reward system with points always keeps customers coming back. Customers can be offered digital cards so that they can use the points even if they are ordering online. They can also be informed about loyalty programs through email newsletters. Chipotle’s fully mobile Chipotle Rewards is a good example. Customers can get free Chipotle orders and even branded merchandise. Members of the program can also use the app to scan receipts. The core idea of collecting points and then exchanging them for free meals is always appealing.
Include a Kid’s Menu
A special kid’s menu with healthy eating options and food in different shapes is always a good idea. Kids would want to visit restaurants with a menu designed especially for them. Parents would also become loyal customers if they knew that they could get healthy food options that are relatively inexpensive. McDonald’s also offers toys with kids’ meals.
Do Not Overburden Menus
It is better to keep the menu simple. If a customer is faced with too many choices, they might not order anything at all. Environmental concerns have also led to clutter-free menus. When a restaurant focuses on the dishes that help it to reflect its vision, it also helps to define the brand. For instance, a burger joint does not need to serve fish tacos. A large menu also requires a larger staff to prepare and cook food. Fewer dishes would require less staff and this increases efficiency in general. This also makes integration with time-saving apps for delivery drivers more feasible.
Sponsor Community Events
To enhance the value of its business, a restaurant can go beyond offering meals at reasonable rates. A restaurant can get involved with its community and sponsor events. It can host a food drive or donate to a food bank. It can also design food programs for children in schools. Events, where food is donated to homeless people, can also go a long way in getting involved with the community.
Responsible Sourcing of Ingredients
Customers are concerned about the sustainable practices of fast-food restaurants. Sustainable food also results in a high-quality menu. If a restaurant shares its sustainability strategy with its customers, its customers will feel more compelled to become loyal customers. Customers regularly voice concerns about the sourcing of meat in fast food restaurants. Restaurants that collaborate with producers that farm ethically will always have the loyalty of their customers.
Dara Busch is co-CEO of 5WPR, a leading PR agency.
