Free Restaurant Marketing, Advertising and Information

MenuSearch is an online community that not only gives you information about the restaurants, but shows you the restaurant menus themselves. Our main focus is on independently owned and operated restaurants. We fully believe in and support those restaurants that create dishes with passion and are there to make our experience great. Where available, we also provide links to discounts, coupons, and reservation services.

My Photo
Name:
Location: Las Vegas & Tampa, NV & FL, United States

Friday, December 19, 2008

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.

Labels:

Quality vs. Price

Many of the restaurant-goers that we've spoken with have made a very strong statement that we feel we must share with you.

The want quality food OVER low price. It sounds odd with today's economy but the fact remains they will choose quality over price. Considering that today's consumer hasn't stopped going out to eat or ordering takeout (they're just being more selective and reduce the frequency of visits), it's now time to focus on a quality product. This doesn't mean offer smoked provolone at $100 an ounce. It means offer a quality product at a fair price.

For example, we've got a customer that does a huge business selling pizza. His average price for a two topping pizza is $16. We all know that chain pizza delivery companies and some of the local pizza stands can beat this price but his customers are willing to pay the extra for the quality. We asked him about his pricing...originally it started at about $13 per pie but due to cost increases, he said he'd rather raise the price then sacrifice quality. We agree. His customers agree. And the consumers agree too.

As last snippet of wisdom: Always work to improve on quality and let your customers sample the item(s) and provide feedback. They'll let you know all you need to know if you ask!

Labels: , ,

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Restaurant Reviews

A potential client reminded us recently of why we don't do restaurant reviews. A local newspaper reviewed the restaurant, had some "criticisms" and published their article. About a week later, an advertising representative for the same newspaper tried to solicit them. It became a large issue in the local community.

This brings me to reiterate why we do NOT do reviews:

  1. My taste is different from yours, my family's, etc.
  2. Reviews are opinion and other than eating a lot, what makes them an expert.
  3. We don't want one unhappy customer (or competitor) to defame your business. This is the trend on the Internet.
  4. If we're paid to promote your business, we want to let the customers decide if they like your cuisine.

If you get a good review, we're happy to include it and, of course, assign credit to the reviewer. Showcase your menu, your specials or your signature dish. Help customers decide that you're worth a try.

Labels: , ,