11 Marketing Strategies That Work For a Food Brand

Have a food business? Here are 11 marketing strategies designed specifically for a food brand based on my own experience.

My love for food enticed me to start a food business a few years back. Though my expertise was in Japanese cuisine, especially Sushi and Haka noodles, I faced a serious setback. Since the inception of my business, my prior focus was on the quality of food. 

I never wondered about the marketing strategies that my food businesses needed. After consulting a few experts, I have learned that food businesses require some unique marketing strategies that boost the business from the beginning. 

Today, I am going to share these food-related marketing strategies with you. These strategies are: 

1. Creating A Distinctive Identity 

If you are starting a fast-food restaurant, why people will invest in your new service when they have other reliable options in the area? 

Answer to this question is vital to grab new clients. Let people know how you differ from others. The difference can be in pricing, quality, innovation, taste, etc. For instance, I have announced a flat 50% discount on the first sushi delivery. 

This thing has let the potential clients take the risk of my trying out my sushi, and then the taste of the food keeps them coming back. I also announced further deals on family meals that were a price-friendly option. People tried out my food, and many of them are now my regular clients. 

2. Focusing on Presentation 

Just like a book is judged by its cover, a food-product is judged by its appearance. People look at the food before eating. This is where five-star restaurants keep their focus. They give utmost attention to the presentation. They make even simple ice cream looks tempting by drizzling delectable chocolate sauce and crushed nuts on top. 

Similarly, if we look into the food-delivery options, packaging plays an imperative role. Every food can be delivered in a plastic wrap or simple foil boxes. Then why are brands focusing on the packaging? 

From logo and design to food box and material, everything leaves an impact on your customer. So, try to impress your clients with a sophisticated packaging and inspiring design. 

3. Maintaining a Food Blog 

Whether you are a renowned food chain or a new startup, setting up a food blog is mandatory. Wrap your blog with an alluring design and fill it with tempting recipes, videos of your recent additions, and clips of customer reviews. 

Since food looks best when it is fresh, you need to showcase your hot-piping dishes to the prospective clients. Not only is this, but people are also concerned about ambiance and customer service. Cover everything in your food blog and try maintaining a relationship with your viewers. 

4. Engaging Clients Via E-mail 

E-mail marketing is effective in 2020. The tradition of letting your clients know about the recent deals, discount coupons, events, and offers are still alive. However, do not bombard the inboxes with e-mails. Take a balanced approach and opt for a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly email to keep your brand stay alive in the minds of customers. 

5. Being A Social Media King 

Do you know the secret behind Hardy’s and Burger King’s success? It’s their smart social media tactics. They have been active on every social media platform since the beginning. Pinterest is full of mouth-watering food pictures, and so is Instagram. Facebook helps in getting reviews of your food, while Twitter is also essential for some official announcements. So make sure you have a strong social media presence. 

6. Arrange Events 

How is your food business celebrating the upcoming New Year? What are the plans for Valentine’s Day? Set up a theme and let couples have a good time at your restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Give special discounts and offers. This also helps in gaining the power of word of mouth. 

7. Being Present on Food Websites 

When your rivals are present on Food panda and Zoomato, what are you waiting for? Staying acting on all online directories and food website is a great marketing tactic. Get hang-on various smartphone apps through which you can directly sell your food items. 

Example: 

Let me share the example of Dominos, which is exclusively present on every food website and app. The brand captured different cultures, used the power of social media, discount offers, unique identity, and customization to become an ideal pizza brand. 

8. Seasonal Offers 

Restaurants often create a spike in demand by announcing seasonal offers. For instance, free soup with a family meal in winter is a great idea. Similarly, complimentary fresh lime with a deal in summers will surely attract potential clients. 

9. Partnering With Other Brands

Partnerships and affiliations increase the trust of prospects in trying out your brand. The example of Coca-Cola can be seen globally. Tons of food brands associate themselves with the Coca-Cola drinks. McDonald’s often gives a free coke with several deals, and so is KFC. Apart from it, some restaurants associate themselves with a particular brand of spices or rice. Partnerships are usually a win-win strategy for both brands besides being beneficial for the consumers. 

10. Sampling 

Many restaurants, bars, and cafes give free samples of their products. A soft launch is also a wonderful idea to let people try out the taste of your food. In this competitive market, people cannot easily be convinced to try your food product until they get it for free. Give something to the clients to get something in return. A little investment, in the beginning, can let you make loyal clients in the long run. 

11. Influencer Marketing 

Getting the best chefs involved in your food campaigns can reap great benefits. Most chefs, food critics, or food bloggers have a considerable following on social media. You can ask these influencers to become part of your marketing campaign. 

You may directly ask influencers to market your product, invite them to your events or use their reviews on your food website. Influencer marketing is excellent for food businesses. Clients rely on the food brands backed by the positive reviews of their favorite chefs, dietician, and nutritionists. 

Conclusion 

Just like me, you can also take your food business to the next level by implementing these marketing strategies. Just be sure to show consistency in your efforts. Within a few months, you will notice a positive change. 

Let us know what difference have you observed in your food brand with these strategies. Do you have any other marketing tactics that worked well? Share with us!