SoLoMo. While this may sound like a word from a foreign language, it is actually an acronym for the latest trend in marketing. It stands for Social + Local + Mobile and when used correctly it can greatly benefit your bar or restaurant. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting new marketing trend in the bar and restaurant business.
Social
It is a well-known fact that restaurant customers are social. People like trying out new restaurants and bars because of positive reviews from their friends and posts on social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Additionally, according to entertainment service BuzztimeBusiness, people who have enjoyable experiences and eat delicious foods like to upload photos of these events and share their pictures on their own social media pages. In fact, a recent study from Empathica showed that three out of four, 72%, of consumers try out restaurants and bars based on the postings, pictures and comments from other Facebook members.
Local
Another recent study posted on Alphabet Soup: The ABCs of Social Media Marketing (mis) Communications, shows that one in three searches placed on the Internet has intent to find local businesses. This means that marketing and an online presence based on your business’s location is critical. To benefit from local searches, make sure you are utilizing SEO (search engine optimization), as well as resources like Google Maps. A tourist utilizing their smartphone and mapping system is much more likely to find your business if you include local marketing in your media strategy.
Mobile
Do you have a mobile device of some sort? Chances are you do, and so do your customers. In fact, a research study concluded by Go-Globe.com found that there were over 91.4 million Smartphone users in the United States in 2012. Additionally, over 50% of these owners use their phones to find restaurants and bars. Therefore, if you do not already have the technology for consumers to find your business on their mobile devices, find someone who can help you set up a mobile site.
Implementing the SoLoMo Effectively
Now that you know the basics of the SoLoMo marketing trend, keep reading to find out how to implement each of these into your own business.
1. Social Media Pages
The first thing you should do is create and update several social media pages. These pages allow you post photos, advertisements for special events, or even videos introducing your business and employees. The top four sites to use are Facebook, Yelp, Instagram, and Pinterest.
2. Reward Your Customers
Just like you, your customers have busy lives full of work, family priorities, and other events. Why not reward your customers for the time they take out of their own day to check your pages? This can be done by offering them a free dessert, drink, or appetizers after reviewing, liking, or checking in on any of your social media pages.
3. Go Mobile
With a world that revolves around updates right in the palm of your hand, investing in a mobile site for mobile devices can bring in extra business and boost your online presence as well. A traveler visiting town or even a local customer checking out your restaurant for the first time will find that utilizing a site on their mobile device is a fun, fast and easy way to learn about your business.
It is never too late to go SoLoMo! So start building your online and mobile presence today for increased business and happier customers.