We have all heard the saying all publicity is good publicity. Most of us are also well aware that there are countless blogs on the internet today, in our case thousands of food blogs. Yes, some bloggers may have started their social media platforms as a place to share their love of cooking and dining out but, with enough followers they are able to showcase and entice fellow consumers where to eat next.
Typically, bloggers with professional kitchen experience are those who started off cooking in restaurant kitchens, but started their food blog after leaving the industry. Some may be self taught home cooks that have a true love of food - recent studies show that about 41% of bloggers have a professional background in food or foodservice. Not bad considering these critics are starting to play a large role on consumer trends, you can sigh in relief knowing that the people influencing your current and potential customers have validity.
It is true that loving food is enough reason to start a blog, but it isn’t enough of a reason to start a restaurant. Hence the reasoning behind why many believe that both bloggers and restauranteurs should work harmoniously together to create a stellar restaurant that everyone wants to be at.
Using successful bloggers in your area as a platform to gain larger restaurant visibility in your surrounding community has its advantages. From opening day, to special occasions and promotions when done properly bloggers are able to influence your diners decisions, with tremendous force. As owners you are able to showcase bloggers how wonderful your establishment is and what you are able to offer.
The sheer momentum that bloggers have in today’s businesses is exponentially higher than it was, even five years ago. We highly recommend reaching out to local bloggers and see what they would be able to help you with. With a little research on who the proper bloggers would be in your area, the outcome from having them come in and try your restaurant could help turn a slow time of year into a profitable one, help sell out that wine dinner or even help gift card sales. True professional bloggers know will know how to captivate their audience and sell what it is your looking for them to showcase.
Because, many bloggers only write part time and do not get paid for what they do, we recommend send a gift card so the meal they purchase is either free or at a discounted rate. You can also do a blogging event, this allows you to entertain numbers local bloggers and be viewed by more potential clients.
Blogger events are usually held on slower evenings, you set aside a part of of a private room or the bar area. Typically, you send out a few appetizers and allow the guests one or two cocktails. They are able to get a feel for the venue and write about their experience. Remember, it takes money to make money!
