COVID-19 has had a major effect on the entire planet. The impact on our collective physical and mental health has been staggering, not to mention the unparalleled economic impact of the self-quarantine measures taken to control the spread of the virus. One industry that has been hit the hardest is the restaurant industry. Restaurants depend on customers stopping by and grabbing a drink, appetizer, or a meal, and without a steady stream of customers, many restaurants that were thriving only a few short months ago have been forced to close temporarily.
The COVID-19 crisis has made effective marketing even more essential for restaurant owners. Without the possibility of luring in people who walk by, restaurants have been forced to get creative. Below we list the 5 best restaurant marketing tips during COVID-19.
1. Clearly Communicate What You Are Offering
The crisis has changed the menu of many restaurants, and if your restaurant has a new or limited menu for this time, it’s important to communicate that to your customers. Make sure to change the menu listed on your website, social media, and other platforms, as well as print out a few copies of your updated menu. We recommend laminating these new menus for easy disinfection. You can also print “throwaway” menus in small or large quantities.
2. Print Big, Bold Outdoor Signage
You want to make sure everybody knows your restaurant is still open for business during COVID-19, and the best way to do so is by printing a large and easy to read outdoor sign. Your banner should clearly communicate your new hours, takeout or delivery options, and any exciting deals you may be offering.
3. Make It Clear You Are Following COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
When people walk into your restaurant to pick up their meal, they want to feel confident that you are following all safety rules and guidelines. There should be no ambiguity about the safety of their food. Therefore, you should consider printing indoor signage that explains your disinfecting protocols and safety guidelines, allowing customers to feel like they are safe inside your restaurant.
4. Have Clear Signage to Explain Your Pick-Up Protocol
Social distancing has made it a necessity to have some kind of food pickup protocol to ensure people do not get too close to other customers or the staff. Make sure you have clear signage that explains this protocol, including floor graphics to distinguish the 6 feet needed for social distancing or specific signs for the Order and Pick Up areas.
5. Offer Meal Kits and Family Kits
A meal kit or family kit is a great way to convince new potential customers to stop by your restaurant for dinner. Feeding a family or large group can get very pricey fast, but family meal kits offer a large amount of food at an affordable price. These meal kits are a great way to bring in new customers and generate some good buzz for your restaurant.
Print Menus, Signage and More at L+L Printers in San Diego
At L+L Printers in San Diego, we specialize in creating marketing materials for restaurants, as well as a variety of other businesses. If you are interested in learning more or would like to request a quote on the cost of printing restaurant marketing materials, contact L+L Printers today by calling (858) 859-9044 for our San Diego office or (760) 477-0321 for our Carlsbad office.
