Now IS the time!!

Over the past couple of months, we've talked to restaurants about joining MenuSearch and one of the common rejections is "Not at this time" or due to the economy "we're not spending any money on advertising or marketing".

WHAT?

Are you kidding?

Do you only advertise when business is "good"?

NOW IS THE TIME - more than ever.

Let me explain. When the economy is good, people will eat out breakfast, lunch and dinner. They'd rather pay for convenience as they have the funds. It makes sense.

When the economy is down-turning (like RIGHT NOW), people will still go out to eat, just not as often. They're still going to take their significant other out one or two nights a week. The difference will be that they'll be more selective in where they are going. That means if your name isn't out on the internet (in multiple places), your business is going to slow down.

People always try to tell me "I have a website. I don't need you."

That is when I begin my retort of "How do people know your name?" This isn't Cheers (Where everyone knows your name)!

People do searches online for Tampa Restaurants or Tampa Restaurant Menus. That is how they see "the list" of possibilities. If you're not there, we can help but I don't want to get off topic. Let me breakdown these searches really quick:

Tampa Restaurants: The person who types this is what I'd call a window shopper. They like to see the list and read reviews but they're not as likely to make a "buying" decision.

Tampa Restaurant Menus: (on the other hand) are true "buyers". Why? because they want to see the menu. They want to make choices before going or perhaps they're calling in a take-out or delivery order. These are the serious folks. Granted there are not as many as the "Tampa Restaurant" folks, but they are the most focused, decisive of the restaurant researchers (I like to call them the "eyes" of the industry).

There's plenty more where this comes from but the plain old fact is: In a down turning economy, you need to spend a bit more to bring the people into your restaurant. We understand the urge to "buckle down" to weather the storm but sometimes you have to do some "small" things to increase your chances of being open after the storm. Please forgive the metaphors but everyone I've talked to sounds like their preparing for a "business" hurricane.

Simply, my advice is research on your own and only spend where it's affordable. Try new things:

1. Try MenuSearch.Net
2. Try Pinellaslife.com
3. Try both (I have special pricing for you)

With these two products, you'll see a significant difference in traffic. Let us guide you through this storm! Even if it's not us, open your doors (and your wallets) to try new things but be sure you do your homework. Free is rarely "free"!