Having a website doesn't maxmize your visibility.

Over the years, restaurants believe(d) that having a website built for them meant they were done but the reality is, a website is like a social network. You have to continually drive traffic (like invites to join) to your website. Would you open your restaurant without any signage and just unlock the door? That is what happens when you build a website without using other websites to drive traffic to it. Back-links are good but listings in other websites is better. The more the better.

I know this concept seems like duplication of effort but there is a great article the articulates my point even better: If You Build It, Can They Find It?

I leave with a question: Why do Delta Airlines, American Airlines and many other subscribe to Travelocity, Expedia, etc? (Hint: They have websites....)

Easy Menu Distribution

I know this is not a new or revolutionary idea but it's amazing how you think you have all your bases covered, when you don't. They next menu print run you do or perhaps you have a ton laying around, box'em up and jump in the car. Take these menus to every motel and hotel within 25-50 miles of your restaurant. When people travel, they don't want to jump through hoops to find a restaurant. When a hotel or motel agree to hold or distribute your menus, be sure to create a route list and check on them every few weeks. If they're out, you need to get them more as that means business. If they're still there, have a conversation as to why. Open communication and partnerships with complementary businesses is key to success. We of all people know this fact.

Growth and new customer is key

It has been over two years since my last post. Shame on me but I'm committed to you - the restaurant community. I'll write more if you'll do the same!

Growth and new customer is key in the current economy. We hear questions about "when" the economy will return to normal or why isn't the economy turning around but the realization is that perhaps this is the "new normal". Spikes and dips usually reflect results that cannot be sustained and therefore we all need to operate in the middle of the road. What does this mean? It means you can't freeze up but you can't go on a spending freeze either.

We speak with restaurant owners all the time. Is business good? The answer is somewhat inconsequential as everyone's answer should be the same; Business could be better.

Here are some quick and inexpensive ways to drive traffic into your business now:

Offer all customers something (a free drink, a free dessert, a sample of something you want to put on your menu, etc. Use your lowest food cost items to entice frequent visits.

Drive new customer's in with an introductory price. Entree for 1/2 when they sign up as a new customer (obtain name, address, email, phone, etc.) so that you can market to them at a later date.

Plan a monthly event. Think Cinco De Mayo but you create it. Use your imagination.

Lastly, find new ways to get your name out there. Free websites are great but sometimes paying a little can go a long way. As the owner of MenuSearch.Net, I know free is enticing but if you can drive 2, 3, 4, 10 times the traffic customer's into your restaurant for a few dollars, do it!

Too many great restaurants are going out of business like Tavern on the Green and that is not what any of us want.

MenuSearch.Net offers restaurants free advertising in tough economy

Tampa, FL– As restaurants struggle in today’s economy, restaurant website MenuSearch.Net is offering help in the form of free advertising.

MenuSearch.Net is offering independent restaurant owners their most basic listing, to post their menus on the website, at no charge. This is a limited time offer and is designed to keep the independent restaurant in business through the current recession. The offer does not apply to chain or franchised restaurants.

MenuSearch.Net is an easy-to-use free service to visitors and locals that allows them to visit menus of restaurants in many cities and states but will have representation in all 50 states by the end of 2009. Visitors can simply choose by cuisine or location to decide upon restaurants in their area from which to order. The website also offers quick links to popular searches like “Las Vegas Chinese Restaurants” or “Tampa Thai Restaurants”.

This is one website that users have already declared a great tool and a long overdue idea to make dining out a breeze. Many restaurants have their own websites but you have to know the name of the restaurant or website to find it but MenuSearch.Net give you a one-stop shop. Over the next several months, MenuSearch.Net continue adding many more restaurants to its database. MenuSearch.net can be visited 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the following

http://www.menusearch.net.

Menusearch.Net is a restaurant database company based in Hudson, FL which specializes in advertising and marketing it’s useful website to local restaurants. Please contact: Pat Foubert at info at menusearch.net or call 727-207-0371.

Menus Online - Survey

Quick note:

A recent survey was done on YumSugar.com asking the question of restaurant customers: Does it annoy you when a restaurant's menu in not online?

At the time of this post, 553 people had answered the question and 517 said YES - that's 93% of the total. Check out the survey: http://www.yumsugar.com/3015523

This is just some of the valuable data we have to share with you.

Now's the time

As I travel the U.S. and speak with restaurant owners and general manager, they've been telling me they're waiting for the economy to turn around. I've let it stew for a few weeks and I'd like to share a thought.

When you think about challenges in your personal life, the only one that can make the improvements is you. I believe the same goes for business.

The economy will turn around when you get involved with improving it. People aren't eating out as often. This is true BUT what is their incentive to do so. Are you offering a special menu that will be less expensive or equal to a meal prepared at home?

If you aren't, come up with one. If you are, have you told the world? If you haven't, start. Print off 1000's of fliers and bring them to church groups, schools, colleges, office buildings, etc. PS. I know of a few printers that will do 1k fliers for under $100. That type of investment is worth the increase in traffic.

Invest in the restaurant economy. People WANT to eat out! Give them a reason to support your business.

Focus Group Results

MenuSearch recently conducted a focus group. Let's review who we spoke with

6 males: ages 18, 24, 32, 40, 47, 59 and 6 females: ages 19, 22, 28, 35, 47, 59. Salaries ranged from $18k - $150k. They were representative of the following states: MA, CT, NY, CA, NV, FL, SC, TX, WA, OH, ID and GA.
Our focus groups have told us the following:

• Users want as much information in one location.
• Users want a website to load fast.
• Users will wait up to 30 seconds for a menu to open.
• Users search for things like Tampa Restaurant Menus rather than a restaurant name.
• Users like to see photos, hours, prices and what’s on the menu
• Users like a directory that has the menus – not just name, address and phone.
• Users like options for dine in, take-out and delivery
• Users are warming to the idea of online ordering but it will take some time before they’re 100% comfortable with it.
• Many don’t know the name of every restaurant in a city. Many Users have difficulty with spelling or just don’t remember a restaurant name.
• Users don’t like to bounce from website to website
• Users don’t like pop-ups
• Users don’t like ads
• Users don’t like to “get lost” from the original website from which they started.
• Users believe good reviews or ratings are put up by the owners or managers
• Users believe bad reviews and ratings are valid. (Many are put up by competitors)

Much of this information continues to match our original focus group from October 2005 - when we were determining our database development. We're also developing a survey about more specific wants/desires and likes/dislikes of users. We'll be happy to share the specifics soon.

Please feel free to let us know if you find this information useful.