Christmas Restaurant Marketing Idea too Late?
Are you a procrastinator? Do you operate by the seat of the pants? A Christmas restaurant marketing idea never came to you? For those who are planning for next year, take heed. For you who are scrambling to get attention, get ready.
If you are a last minute person, then you will only get a piece of the benefit from this because a good marketing campaign plan needs thought, coordination of resources, and people.
Two words: Christmas Lights. Bigger than anyone, Better than anyone. Be amazing. What I have loved about this time of year for the restaurant business is how many of the staff become involved. Get a team and buy the lights, reindeers, santas and make the outside of your business shine so special that people will say: "Hey, did you see that magnificent Christmas display at YOUR NAME"?
Here is a list of 54 websites for free press release distribution to announce what you have done and the purpose. (It better be good enough to announce!)
Once you get your restaurant looking amazing and people are making a special trip to view your business, contact the newspaper. Do a fundraiser. Support a local charity. Recognize your staff.
(The decorations could have been put up before Thanksgiving and taken down at New Years.)
Before you say... naw, thanks anyway, think about this:
- The zoo charges a fee to see the decorations / lights. People are standing in line.
- People are conversing about the best Christmas lights on Yelp.
- People will use Google, Yahoo and Bing to search for neighborhood Christmas lights, best Christmas lights, etc. Will your name come up?
- Christmas lights can be stored and used year after year.
- Planning for next year? Buy the store out when the 75% sale happens the day after Christmas.
- You don't have to install the lights yourself. Someone knocked on my door asking if I wanted this service.
- The landlords will have more flexibility during this time... it's Christmas.
- You can bring joy and smiles to the community each year.
- People will be taking photos of YOUR BUSINESS if you create awesomeness!
- You can advertise business for free on internet via free classified ads.
- Free press release distribution is available online.
If you did not have holiday marketing in your your restaurant marketing plan, it is time.
If you have procrastinated and are wondering how to make a big bang, you still can.
If you think: "I don't believe it", then visit the local area where there are Christmas lights this year and watch the number of people who visit. I personally know of dozens of restaurants who could use more traffic, more awareness, more eyeballs, and more people talking about them. Do you need more eyeballs looking your way?
Whether you are ahead of the game and want to re-think your strategy and turn up the visuals or behind with too much to do, tis the season. Otherwise wait until next year!
In the meantime, you are too busy to buy Christmas gifts for your staff. Just go to Amazon.com and buy a Christmas Present for Yourself and staff.
PS. After you have become the talk of the town with Christmas lights, what is your plan for April 2010? Now is the time to review your restaurant marketing plan and finalize preparations! (Don't forget to buy Christmas lights on 12/26.)
