We just started an independent in London, Uk, and I need to find better ways to promote my restaurant online. So far, I joined TopTable (it's a must in the UK) but results are mixed, I'm not sure I get a return on the investment.

Do you have any recommendations where to promote?

Thanks, Mike

Hello Mike,

While not answering your direct question, here's some comments.

A couple things come to mind this early.  Who is your potential market?  Are there businesses nearby that you are targeting?  If so, I'd make some carry out, and regular in-house menus for them if they differ.  If the businesses have secretarys/receptionists visible, I'd also drop off a small tray of some of your items.  These people talk and others talk/meet them.

Do you have a sidewalk outside?  The ever-popular sandwich board still works wonders when done nicely.  You can have one that displays your menu and hours and use chalkboard paint to hand write specials, promotions, etc.

Be sure to include your website - you do have one, right - on your carry out menus, signage, etc.

Others will jump in soon as we're just waking up out here in the colonies.

Welcome aboard and ciao,

Hi Mike,

My recommendation is: Spread the word!

Make a deal with these websites that offer booking online service. They will take care of the rest :).

Most of them offer promotion via all types of social media.

Here are few that I would recommend:

witU Restaurant Bookings

Top Table

OpenTable

... That would bring you some results already.

Have a look and I hope this helps!

Cheers!

Mark

Thanks for your suggestions, Steve. I really really don't want to sound pretentious, but I think my crew is already doing an ok job in offline marketing. I'm looking for more tips on online marketing as I think this is becoming more and more important especially in a venue that is trying to become established in finer dining.

I can track around 25 diners per month from TopTable. Considering the cost, if that number is correct, it's not a very good value for the money.

I'm thinking about joining a booking partner that charges per booking instead. Any experience with that?

Also - any other tips to promote online? Twitter, Facebook - do anyone use these successfully?

Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike, and welcome!  :)

I think the most effective marketing is the online word of mouth you get from online dining sites and other user-created content.  It looks like Yelp and UrbanSpoon also have UK components, and, most of our British visitors post their reviews on Trip Advisor.  Usually you can assume control of your listing so you can keep the listing up to date.

It takes time, but, in my opinion, a diner who's going to go to the internet to make their decision is more likely to use one of these sites, than the ones you pay for.  If you'd like, you can visit our press page: ww.ethosvegankitchen.com/press.html and take a look at some of the websites we're on.  You may be able to look for UK equivalents for some.  (Scroll down to Online DIning Guides).

Best wishes for success with your new venture!

Hi Mike,

Here's a recent thread concerning the Twitter/Facebook thing:  

http://forums.foodservice.com/index.cfm?FSF_action=view_thread&FSF_UI_tab=forum&FSF_ID=18098

might be something there that helps.

Ray

http://www.dallasfamouschicken.com/

Very interesting, thanks guys.

The point Laina mentions I find very interesting: Maybe people actually rely more on review sites than actually on booking sites!

I've been contacted by one of the sites (witu) and they proposed a marketing package that involves both signing on for their site and a Google advertising campaign for a small price. I'll try that out as I think we will have potential with searchers (ie who searches for "spanish restaurant" and the area in London we are in).

Again thanks for your help and I'll keep an eye on the other threads.

Mike