How to Beat your F&B Competition

 The F&B industry is an ever-changing landscape with new ideas and trends coming and going faster than it’s possible to keep track of. However, there are a few things you can do so that your business remains competitive, always. These tips will ensure that your rivals don’t get too large a slice of the market so that you can enjoy success even if you haven’t caught up on all the industry trends yet.

1.Digital Footprint

Get your restaurant listed on as many digital sites as possible. We’re talking everything from Yelp to Google Plus. If there is a local site that’s popular in your region, get listed on that, too. Ensure your information is always up-to-date and that you maintain an active presence. Create social media platforms on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and more. These can be key in creating viral content that gets your business noticed to give you a leg up on the competition. 

2.Local Tastes

Know your customers. Talk and engage with people frequently and find out what types of food they’re interested in. Keep abreast of the latest food crazes and capitalize on them (if they fit the theme of your business). Knowing just who you’re targeting and what type of food they want-be it something flashy for Instagram or something green for their health-you should have enough options to be as competitive as possible. 

3.Advertise

While investing in traditional signage could certainly net you customers, its reach is simply no match for digital adverts. Find blogs, popular websites and social media platforms to start putting out adverts. They can often be inexpensive while yielding great gains. Another great way to advertise is to partner with popular delivery companies. Getting listed on their website will allow customers to find you easily and may increase your competitive edge.

4.Bring Your products to the People

You know your business sells the best of the best. Go out to popular spots and offer small samples for free. Pair that with discounts for new customers and you might be surprised with how much buzz you can generate. 

5.Assess the Competition

If there is a business near you that consistently pulls in more customers than you, take the time to study the competition. What are they doing that you aren’t? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your competition and what can you realistically do better. Shaking things up is not always a bad thing. However, it’s important not to lose the soul of your business in the pursuit of pleasing others. Keep your vision in mind and add elements of what’s popular as necessary.