4 Ways to Build Brand Loyalty During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If there has been one lesson to learn from 2020 so far, it’s that the only way to survive in the business world is to adapt. For restaurants, evolving has been difficult, but those who are adapting are being rewarded for their efforts. For example, this includes adjusting delivery protocols, introducing new menus, and selling important ingredients to locals.
Unfortunately, several pubs, restaurants, and shops have been forced to close their doors during this difficult time. For us, we want to focus on the positive because you have an opportunity to boost brand loyalty. Customers are concerned, they feel a lack of security with the pandemic, but you can help them. It has never been more important to have an open and honest relationship with customers, and we have some strategies that can you can utilize in the coming weeks!
Offer Delivery to Customers
If you have the resources, it’s time to move into delivery so that the community can enjoy your food even if they don’t feel comfortable enough to sit in the restaurant itself. While everything seems to be going wrong around them, at least they can enjoy your tasty food (and have it delivered right to their door!).
For those without the resources to deliver, why not join one of the brilliant delivery services currently available? Whether you choose Deliveroo or Just Eat, it allows you to send food to customers. Although you’ll pay a small fee for this service, you’re getting revenue that otherwise would have gone to a competitor and you keep customers happy.
If you can offer your menu to people during this strange time, it will not go forgotten. They will stick with you now and come back to the restaurant for a meal once things return to normal.
Share Recipes
We know, these two words will probably lead to some big gasps from owners and head chefs around the country. But sharing recipes has several benefits:
- It makes customers happy as they attempt your famous dishes
- It shows that you care about customers and aren’t just chasing profits
- It can build a community around the brand and entice new customers in
Don’t worry, customers won’t stop visiting just because they have your recipe. Customers should visit your restaurant for the experience, the customer service, the premium quality, and other factors rather than just the recipe.
If you really want to build loyalty, follow in the footsteps of Wagamama and share your recipes through video tutorials. Of course, it could also make some customers want your service even more if their attempt at home goes horribly wrong.
Be Active on Social Media
As a restaurant, you should be on social media already. If you aren’t, get your accounts up and running on Facebook, Instagram, and potentially others too. Social media allows you to build a following, share content with the world, update customers of news, and gain authority in the market. During this difficult time, we recommend engaging with customers and being open with how the restaurant is doing, how the team is doing, and more. With live videos and behind-the-scenes tours, there’s full transparency and an ‘everyone’s in it together’ attitude.
Offer Special Deals and Promotions
To continue this attitude, we recommend offering special deals and promotions wherever possible. You may have struggled for business, but the people in your community will have been struggling to pay their bills and keep their heads above water too. While some workers have had hours reduced, others have been forced into redundancy or furlough. To help, and build brand loyalty, think about promotions.
For example, you could offer a discount to key workers as they battle on the front lines of this pandemic. This shows that you appreciate the hard work and determination through these turbulent times.
Summary
We’re certainly experiencing a tricky 2020, but there’s no reason why you can’t still grow brand loyalty!