Restaurant Blastoff

Hey, I’m Jeff Snyder. I’ve worked in hospitality — from wine bars to banquets — and ran promotions for professional baseball. Now I help bars and restaurants like yours create guest experiences that bring people back again and again. Contests and giveaways are powerful tools for generating buzz, attracting new customers, and boosting engagement. Studies show that contests and giveaways can increase social media followers by 34% on average. Let’s explore how to run successful promotions that drive results for your restaurant.

See the game we use to help you with this.

Setting clear objectives is crucial for ensuring your contest or giveaway aligns with your marketing goals.

• Increase Social Media Followers: Design your contest to encourage participants to follow your social media accounts. For example, ask them to like your page, follow your account, or tag friends in the comments. Increasing followers expands your reach and builds your online community.
• Drive Traffic: Create a contest that requires participants to visit your restaurant or website. Offer incentives for in-person participation, such as a free appetizer or drink. Driving traffic not only increases immediate sales but also introduces new customers to your restaurant.

Choosing the right prizes is essential for attracting a large number of participants and generating excitement.

• Enticing and Relevant: Select prizes that appeal to your target audience and align with your restaurant’s brand. Popular options include free meals, gift cards, exclusive menu items, or unique experiences. Enticing and relevant prizes encourage participation and create a buzz.
• High Perceived Value: Offer prizes that have a high perceived value, even if they don’t cost you much. For example, a “VIP dining experience” or “chef’s tasting menu” can generate significant interest. High perceived value prizes make your contest more attractive.

Promoting and managing your contest effectively is crucial for maximizing its impact.

• Utilize social media, email marketing, and in-house signage to promote your contest. Clearly communicate the rules, deadlines, and prize details. Consistent promotion ensures that your contest reaches the widest possible audience.

By implementing these strategies, you can run successful contests and giveaways that generate buzz, attract new customers, and boost your restaurant’s overall growth.