Restaurants are using social media to grow their brand. It is a way to make a closer connection with customers and gauge what works and what doesn’t work. In fact, the National Restaurant Association said, “The biggest trends to emerge from the National Restaurant Association’s 2011 industry forecast revolve around social media. And, a majority of social media savvy consumers dine out more frequently than the general public and consider restaurants to be an essential part of their lifestyle.”
The Internet offers small businesses a cheaper marketing platform with a reach to a larger target audience. Traditional advertising budgets are too expensive for small businesses. As a result, a small business cannot compete with the deep pockets of national corporations. Luckily, the Internet provides a way to equalize the market.
As a restaurant owner or manager are you taking advantage of all the opportunities offered up by the Internet or are you still counting on word of mouth and a traditional print marketing program to get diners filling your place? Are you even aware of what the Internet marketing can do for you? If you’re not you’re giving up business to your competition.
Reciprocal link exchange is when you place a link to the other website on your site, and in exchange, a link to your website will be featured on their web page.
If your read my previous post about the importance of establishing online presence you now understand that increasing your business visibility online can help your business grow. Your next step is to see where it fits into your business model, analyze your resources and competition.