Have a new business? Not sure how to fill the seats? Here is a basic marketing plan and some ideas to think about to get people in your new restaurant, new venue, or signed up for your service!
Social Media - Facebook and Twitter
The purpose of using social media will be to communicate consistently with current customers by posting new content and to encourage non-customers to sign-up. Additionally, current customers will get incentives for sharing content, referring customers, and showcasing how they have engaged with your business.
Marketing and Recruitment Ideas (Please check individual social media sites for specific advertising guidelines)
- Contests
- "Like this post" or "Retweet XYZ" for a chance at 3 free classes.
- Photo caption contests
- Photo of you at location for prizes
- Share the page for deals!
Increasing Awareness of the Site/Brand
- Show a company representative that you Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook when you get to class and get half off!
- Share Your Success Story or a Testimonial for a chance to win!
- Learn about the business, the services, view photos.
PR Release and Distribution
Create a professional press release to be distributed to various mediums. The release should be concise but still manage to describe the founders, the purpose of the company, the benefits of membership, and how to join.
*Possible "limited time promotion" code for viewing the press release and signing up at a discount.
- Press Release Distribution List
- Local Newspaper
- Online
- On the actual site (your blog or news section)
Email Marketing
The purpose of email marketing will be for current subscribers and to maintain high retention rates. Additionally, new content will be featured, new features will be added, and current promotions/referral deals will be showcased. At the bare minimum, it will remind less active users that "we exist," but with much higher aspirations of engaging them in your services or product offerings.
Guerilla Street Marketing
Flyers, brochures, business cards, etc - Marketing Collateral
Depending on how "street" you want to go, you can litter surrounding parking lots, Whole Foods, etc with these. If you ask permission of local managers, you can put them in local shops around the area. Technically, you are responsible for any sort of marketing collateral that ends up as "litter" or "trash." It rarely happens, but it is a consideration and you should check with your local government, etc.
Grand Opening
Have a tour and an introductory tour, class, or something free, depending on your new business. Follow the event with complimentary gift bags, food, drinks, and most importantly - information. Make sure to have sign-up sheets to get people signed-up for your email campaign and people to stay following your business on social media.
- DJ or Music
- Food, Drink
- Party favors, giftbags
- Magnets, Fridge Hangars, Brochures, Flyers - Materials with Class Schedules
- Coupons for Next Visit
- Refer a Friend Discounts
Search Engine Optimization - Organic Listings
Research and identify keywords and keyword search phrases to implement in tags, posts, body content, body text, and throughout the site. These terms should accurately describe Cookin Skinny, what content it has, and the purpose of the site.
Evaluate the search terms and their competitiveness. Their competitiveness will be determined by how many other sites currently have these phrases implemented VS. how many searches are performed for these terms each month.
These are just some ideas to get you started on your marketing journey. Be on the lookout for more posts!
