In contemporary restaurant advertising, it is well known that online opinions are one of the key factors, given the influence they exert on customers’ purchasing decisions. It seems consumers trust digital word of mouth more than the advertising itself. Online opinions are therefore a priority for any catering establishment.
Do you take into account the opinions left by customers on your digital channels ? Do you know their impact on your establishment? If they don’t make you hot or cold, take a look at their effects so you can get to work as soon as possible.
Opinions: the restaurant’s first impression
Millions of Internet users learn about restaurants on the Internet before going there. However, these are the comments they consult most often: it is by reading them that customers get their first idea of your establishment. And we know how important a first impression is! For this reason, it is essential to receive positive opinions, especially the very first ones, because they are the first filter that will make the Internet user want or not to book in your establishment. Think for a moment … Do you doubt that a prospect hesitates to go to your restaurant after reading such a glowing comment ?:
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Is there a more direct advertisement than a photo accompanied by a commentary on a dish offered by a restaurant? Think about the impact on your prospects, who are looking for good reasons to choose your restaurant, and find them thanks to the opinions of other customers who provide them for you. It is a free method of selling your gastronomic offer and the strengths of your service. On the other hand, if it is a negative comment, it will have the opposite effect, as visitors may immediately turn away from your restaurant. It is therefore fundamental to deal with all opinions, especially negative ones. Find out how to do this here.
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Online reviews promote your best products
Some opinions not only give general indications about the restaurant, but also include descriptions of the most delicious dishes on the menu. It is a direct customer-to-customer sale. If you see your diners taking photos of their dishes, invite them to post them on portals such as TheFork and TripAdvisor and describe their menu. You will earn many points!
Word of mouth promotes loyalty
Online reviews help attract new customers, but can also influence the retention of customers who have visited you before. Indeed, some customers consult the opinions on a restaurant that they have already tried , especially if a significant amount of time has passed since their last visit, because they want to know if the experience is still successful or if the restaurant offers novelties. When you respond to comments, take the opportunity to promote what’s new in your establishment to attract these repeat customers.
Comments: an opportunity to get to know your establishment better
Another advantage of online reviews is that they help restaurants determine what is working well and what is not , and therefore improve or change those aspects. It’s a golden opportunity that allows the whole team to work on the details that negatively impact sales and those that need to be highlighted.
When you understand the importance of opinions in restaurant advertising, remember that you can organize actions to get your customers to rate your establishment and post their opinions on your digital channels. And of course, do not forget to take care of the quality of the gastronomic experience that you offer, because it is this that will push your customers to take the time to publish a positive opinion which, subsequently, will turn into new ones. profits.