by ILoveAFreebie

Created on: March 30, 2007   Last Updated: May 06, 2007

Get The Word Out!
Aside from ads in the local paper, radio and TV, where else can a neighborhood restaurant effectively advertise?

Web site
As Web site for a restaurant is like an ATM for a bank in that it is another way for customers to use your service and perform a transaction. Your Web site should have the same look and feel as your restaurant, and list not only the menu but updated daily information regarding specials and events. Always list your contact information and give users a way to order using your Web site, even if it is just listing your phone number.

Offer coupons exclusive to Internet users, but don't give it away! Ask customers to enter their email address and answer a few questions to access the valuable coupon.

Give customers another reason to visit your Web site, or create a situation for new customers to stumble upon it. You can do this by creating a directory of events for your locality. Encourage local organizations to list their farmer's markets, street festivals, concerts, plays, comedy events, flea markets, auctions and other special events on your Web site, or gather the information independently.

Add Web content that regularly uses the name of your city or town plus "guide", "calendar of events" and "things to do" so it will show up in search engine results for those search phrases. When visitors click on your site to access local events, they will also be introduced to your company as the sponsor of the site. In a primary spot on the page, have your banner ad which shouts out "click here for coupons!"

Neighborhood Guide
Millions of people use the Internet for specific information searches and the same is true for your neighborhood. Is there a guide that informs residents about area restaurants, clubs, shopping opportunities, recreation, antique stores, resale shops, events and the history of the area? If not create one. If so, create a better one!

There are three ways you can go about this. First, you can obtain the addresses of local businesses and send a postcard requesting they list their company for free at the Web site. Second, you can ask residents to visit the site and submit reviews of local businesses, or third, and this would be the most appealing, hire a team of creative local writers (you can hire interns for free) to
write reviews about local businesses and research local history and trivia. Make sure the reviews are entertaining and never negative.

Don't forget to sell banner advertising and online coupon promotion to other

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