Marketing Your Local Restaurant & Bar
A family enjoys a meal at Black Marlin Bayside Grill with water views of Broad Creek in Hilton Head Island, SC
Digital Marketing in Hilton Head Island, SC
Marketing your local restaurant and bar requires a multifaceted approach that combines digital marketing strategies, local partnerships, and a commitment to providing an authentic experience. In a highly competitive small market like Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, South Carolina, it is particularly important to differentiate yourself and stand out.
By embracing the island's unique charm, understanding your audience, and utilizing local marketing services, you cannot only attract more patrons but also build lasting relationships that ensure the long-term success of your establishment.
Carolina Crab Company promotes their private-label beer and seafood bucket, both popular choices for visitors to the Lowcountry.
Top 10 Recommended Local Restaurant Digital Marketing Strategies
Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, SC stand as a popular destination known for its pristine beaches, seafood, golf courses, and vibrant Lowcountry culture. For local restaurant and bar owners, this presents a unique opportunity to capture the attention of both tourists and residents alike.
1. Highlight Cuisine and Unique Features
One of the distinctive aspects of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton is its local coastal and Lowcountry vibe. Where possible, consider incorporating the island's unique culture, history, and ambiance. Promote locally sourced ingredients, show off your unique features, and create an atmosphere that creates a memorable experience for your customers. Some features worth noting may include:
Waterfront Views
Award-Winning Chef
Outdoor seating
Kid-Friendly Menu
Pet-Friendly Dining
Live Entertainment
Specialty Drinks or Cocktails
Vegetarian or Vegan Options
Private Event Spaces
2. Customer Targeting
We suggest getting to know your audience which includes visitors and residents. Paying attention to travel and lodging behavior (like common check-in times and length of stay) allows for better targeting of area hotels, inns, resorts, vacation rentals, timeshares, and Airbnb accommodations.
Special consideration should also be given to our visiting transient boaters presenting opportunities to get your message into pre/post-arrival marketing correspondence. When it comes to locals, do not forget about targeting organizations and groups as well as those faithful regulars and early birds.
Scrolling Watusi Cafe’s website in Hilton Head Island.
3. Captivating Website
Ensure that your restaurant has a user-friendly and visually appealing website. Include high-quality images of your dishes, detailed menus, and contact information. Implement online reservations and take advantage of food delivery platforms to reach a broader audience. Creating blog articles on a variety of topics related to the area gives your business a bigger voice of authority by sharing meaningful content while passively promoting your restaurant.
4. Online Business Listings
Establish accurate online data through Google Business listings and updated listings on TripAdvisor (SinglePlatform), Yelp, and OpenTable as applicable. By setting up a GMB profile, small businesses can increase their visibility on Google's search engine results pages (SERPs) and map listings. This makes it easier for potential customers to find you when searching for local dining.
5. Local Dining Guides and Magazines
Integrating print media into your marketing strategy for your restaurant can offer unique advantages and possess a sense of permanence where digital marketing falls short. Participation in local dining guides and restaurant magazines complements digital efforts, ensuring that your establishment remains a focal point for both tourists and locals, leaving a lasting impression that goes beyond the seasonal influx of visitors.
6. Engage in Email Marketing
Build a mailing list of loyal customers and potential patrons by implementing an email marketing strategy. Send out regular newsletters with updates on menu changes, special promotions, and upcoming events. Offering exclusive discounts or promotions to subscribers can incentivize people to sign up and keep them interested in your restaurant year-round.
7. Facebook and Instagram
Utilize Facebook and Instagram as platforms for regular posts and reels, featuring captivating photos and videos that showcase the restaurant's atmosphere and culinary offerings. Develop creative content that accentuates the premium quality of ingredients, captures aesthetically pleasing food shots, highlights exceptional service, and showcases any outdoor spaces or waterfront views.
8. Influencer Marketing
Consider incorporating Influencer Marketing as a valuable strategy to promote your restaurant. Collaborate with reputable third parties, such as travel bloggers and prominent local visitor social media fan pages like "Hilton Head Stay and Play" and similar platforms, to leverage their credibility and reach in endorsing your establishment.
9. Social Media Remarketing
“Social media remarketing” can turn website visitors into reservations by using targeted Facebook ads. After visiting the website, individuals will encounter ads on their Facebook feed for a specified number of days, effectively channeling their initial interest into a confirmed reservation.
10. Community Involvement
Demonstrate your commitment to the local community by engaging in outreach activities. Sponsor local events, sports teams, or charitable causes. This not only enhances your brand's reputation but also creates a positive image among residents and visitors. You may also consider participating in local food festivals or collaborating with other establishments for special tasting events.
Signing up to participate in local “best of” contests is also a great (and free) way to get your business in front of a captive, community-minded audience. During the nomination and voting rounds, the business listing is visible to thousands of people browsing through the voting site and social media.
Marketing and Advertising for My Local Restaurant
Tucker Marketing Group has implemented successful marketing and advertising programs for local restaurants and can do the same for you. Our digital marketing not only helps small businesses in the Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort areas, but can be applied to any location.
Contact our office at 843-681-7827 or reach us online to schedule a brief consultation. Let's work together to enhance your restaurant's visibility and local-driven success.
