Written in 2020 during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Much of the practical advice on takeaway, online ordering and staying visible has outlasted the circumstances. The restaurant, cafe, and catering sector faced some of the most challenging conditions of any industry during the coronavirus pandemic. Many businesses quickly pivoted to online ordering and delivery — but there were many more strategies available to those willing to think creatively.
The goal right now is twofold: survive the restricted trading period, and position yourself to thrive when things return to normal. As the saying goes: out-think your competitors now with the aim of thriving later.
12 Marketing Ideas for Restaurants and Cafes
Here are twelve practical strategies to adapt your business during the crisis:
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Delivery and Online Orders — Establish or enhance your digital ordering systems. Customers still want great food; you just need a new way to get it to them.
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Food Boxes — Offer fresh produce or pantry staple box deliveries. These were hugely popular during lockdowns and tap into a customer desire to support local.
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Frozen Meals or Meal Kits — Create ready-to-cook meal kits or frozen meals. Lower the barrier for customers who want restaurant-quality food at home.
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Direct Outreach — Contact your existing customers directly about your new services. A personal phone call or email goes a long way.
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Manage Your Reviews — Actively encourage feedback on Facebook and TripAdvisor. Now is the time to build your reputation for when dining returns.
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Update Your Website — Review and refresh your site content for improved search visibility. Make sure your new services, hours, and contact details are front and centre.
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Invest in SEO — Search engine optimisation takes approximately three months to show results, so starting now means you’ll be ahead when restrictions ease.
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Publish a Cookbook — Self-publish branded recipes to keep your restaurant top of mind and build a deeper connection with your audience.
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Create a Meal Plan Blog — Write helpful content showing customers how to use staple pantry ingredients. Position your team as culinary experts.
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Develop New Recipes — Use the downtime to test new dishes or even develop branded product lines you could sell retail.
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Start a Kitchen Garden — Grow herbs or vegetables and document the process for social media. It’s authentic, interesting, and on-trend.
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Share Your Expertise — Build an influencer presence by sharing your culinary knowledge. Cooking demonstrations, tips, and behind-the-scenes content perform well on social platforms.
A Local Success Story
One Thai takeaway owner invested in leaflet distribution across nearby suburbs during the crisis. The result? A 33.3% increase on normal takings over the weekend — driven entirely by increased takeaway volume. Simple, targeted outreach still works.
The Takeaway
The businesses that will emerge strongest from this crisis are those that adapt quickly, stay connected with their customers, and make smart use of the time available to them. Even one or two of these strategies, executed well, can make a real difference to your bottom line.
If you’d like help with your digital strategy, website updates, or online ordering setup, get in touch with the Blue Platypus team.
