Top 10 (and 1/2) List

1. Attitude

   There are a lot of things in life that you can not control - rude customers, the weather, the past, other people’s actions, traffic, and cats (Seriously. Have you ever tried to herd a bunch of cats?)

   👉 The one thing you CAN control is your own attitude. With a positive attitude, people will remember how you made them feel. That good feeling will translate into a good reputation - and hopefully more tips and returning customers!

2. Encourage customer reviews

   Good or bad, your customers tell the real story. If you’re really trying to do good and produce the best product, your customers will see it and report it.

   Reviews are a great way to gauge how you’re doing. They allow you to keep a close eye on your public image and make adjustments accordingly.

   Be proactive. Ask your customers questions on a regular basis. Hand out an index card with a questionnaire when they get their check. Make it something simple - checkboxes, a blank for suggestions, rating several things from 1 to 10, etc.

   Ask a lot of questions on social media. Print a QR code on their check that takes them directly to your website or an online review.

   👉 As a thank you for filling in a review, they can fill in their email address to be entered to win a prize at the end of each month (and/or added to your weekly newsletter list).

3. Online Presence

   Businesses are no longer just brick and mortar.

   You can do a lot of self-promotion by posting pictures and short videos of daily activities. Engage people. It builds a connection.

   What is your daily special? - What new beer is brewing? - Share your dad’s “almost-famous” homemade chili recipe.

   👉 Offer free wi-fi - how many people are constantly on their smartphones or tablets? Almost everyone.

4. Get emails

   Have people sign up for an email list. Send out a newsletter, special events, gigs, menu updates, or coupons privy to only those on the list. Have a monthly drawing for merchandise, discounts, or a VIP tour of the building.

   👉 By the way, a copywriter can take that email list and do wonders with it. Ask me!

5. Take advantage of holidays (even silly ones)

   There are websites that can let you know when all kinds of holidays and special events take place. The National Today website lists everything from Halloween and Christmas to Star Wars and Batman Day.

   👉 Create specials associated with those holidays - Make something up: Half off grape vodka to anyone wearing purple on Friday - 20% off if you wear our merchandise on Mondays - Celebrate Birthdays 🎂- Be creative!

6. Pull back the curtain

   This goes along with #3 - You can do this in person, on your website, via emails, or in newsletters.

   👉 Show us how your kitchen runs on a busy night - Share a “how-to” video of your chef preparing the perfect steak - Post pictures of a recent charity event you hosted - How does your brewmaster make your beer?

7. Include your customers - show them off

   Ask your customers to share photos and testimonials.

   👉 Have a customer of the month - Post pictures of people enjoying your establishment.

8. Community Events

   The hard part is getting people to walk through your door for the first time. Give them an extra incentive. Hosting an event is a great way to engage your community. Once people show up, it’s up to you to win them over.

   👉 Host a car show - Blood drive - Fundraiser for a local charity - Bike night - Sponsor a little league team - First responders night (kids get to sit in a police car, fire truck, or ambulance)

9. Motivational, inspirational, joke of the day, the tip of the day

   Create a positive atmosphere. Give them something to look forward to every day/week. It will keep them coming back.

   👉 When they see your name, it will make them feel good. - “Every time I go there, I have a great time!” - “That business always makes me smile.”

10. highlight your people

    Show off the people around you. Let everyone see why it’s a great place to work!

    👉 Brag about how well your staff does their jobs - Have an employee of the month - Post a short bio - Tell people about the person who makes your drinks - show off your chef

10 1/2. Hire a Copywriter

👉👉 Copywriters know how to tell your story. We specialize in everything listed above. We do research, strategically use SEO, post engaging copy, and connect people to you. We spread the word about you and your business while you take care of your customers and employees.

Smack the Action Word below to schedule a free consultation.