The idea of having a good client relationship is not new. Many restaurant owners direct their staff to get to know their loyal customers to deepen relationships. Most often, they rely on their memory or a pen and paper to keep notes of customers’ nicknames, food preferences, and even the days they usually dine in their restaurant.
These details contribute to customer satisfaction. However, there’s one important thing that smart business owners are doing to strengthen client relationships and bring in more sales…
It is building a customer list!
A customer list is a database that contains your customer’s names, emails, phone numbers, mailing addresses and anything else you can learn about them like their personal food preferences or even their birthdays or anniversary dates. You may be asking, “Why is it so important to get your customers information?” To put it simply, if you aren’t building your customer list, then you aren’t building your business.
If you have a customer list, you can communicate with your customers. In a moment’s notice, you can let them know if you are hosting a special event, sponsoring a fundraiser, making changes to your menu or promoting a special dish. The possibilities are endless if you have their information.
If you still need some convincing, then here are a few more good reasons to start building your customer list…
Why It’s Important to Build a Customer List?
Ease in Change of Ownership
Building a customer database increases the value of your business. What if you want to sell your restaurant and the new buyer asks, “Who are your customers?” If you have a database you will be able to show the new buyer all 10,000 customers you’ve had over the last couple of years.
The new buyer will have an idea about the kind of customers they will be expecting. The customer database isn’t just a list of customer information, it becomes a customer portfolio. By that, they will be able to understand the target market of the restaurant and make adjustments according to their age, gender, and preferences.
The new owner will also be able to contact them and let them know of the ownership change. They will be able to let them know there is a new chef, or a new menu, etc. and will be able to invite them back in to experience it. All these are important to restaurant digital marketing.
Disseminate Information Easily
What if you aren’t selling your restaurant, but are adding a new location or adding a catering business or offering another service to your restaurant? If you have your previous and existing customers’ contact information, then it would be easy to disseminate information.
Again, consider digital marketing at this age. Disseminating information no longer comes in the form of mailed letters. You need to inform people through email.
Build Customer Relationship
Another important aspect of a customer list is that it can build customer relationships. How do you do this? By sending them birthday discount coupons or other loyalty program promotions!
This ensures that customers feel valued and are encouraged to become loyal customers.
Take note of this digital marketing etiquette: Get your client’s permission first before you begin sending them emails or text messages.
Conclusion: A Customer List forms the basis of Client Relationship Management
A database is one of the leading assets in the restaurant world. It forms an integral part of managing your restaurant’s business interaction with previous clients. This is known as Client Relationship Management.
Statistically, it is six times easier to get an existing customer back into your restaurant than it is trying to find a new one. Having good food or whether your location is convenient are not reasons enough to keep a customer coming back. There will always be other restaurants with good food or ones that are convenient to patronize. So start building your customer list, if you don’t have one yet. Then, try using the power of digital marketing. You may be surprised at what happens.