With the U.S. Food and Beverage industry expecting a 10% bump in business for the coming year, there’s never been a better time to jump-start your restaurant’s marketing game. Customers — tired of staying and cooking at home — are hungry for fun, shared experiences. That’s why choosing a great set of marketing tools you can rely on is more important than ever. 

But with so many new tools entering the market each day, where should you start? And how can you give your marketing a boost without forking out an arm and a leg? 

We’ve gathered a list of 3 beginner-friendly marketing tools that can help you tell your story, establish your brand, and collect a consistent and eager following on social media. The best part is that each service offers a free version so you can try them all out, risk-free. 

If you’re ready to freshen up your menus, signage, and social media efforts, check out these three free marketing tools to try this year! 

When they book a hotel reservation, people look forward to numerous amenities, but many prioritize the property’s in-house dining experience. An on-site restaurant makes things easy when guests are away from home and may even become a favorite venue for locals. 

People traveling for work or on a holiday have different preferences -, couples on holidays may prefer to dine in a more romantic or intimate setting whereas those traveling for work may require a more business-like atmosphere, or even sometimes opt for food-to-go. 

Find out how to cater to all your guest’s needs in this blog post by guest blogger Cora Gold.

The coronavirus outbreak has been tough on the hospitality industry, from Alpha to Beta and Gamma to Delta… now there’s Omicron. Sure, it sounds more like something from a Transformers movie but Omicron is here and hospitality is once again feeling the pinch from the ongoing shutdowns, re-introduction to restrictions, and guests opting to stay at home in general.

It’s easy to break back into feeling down that COVID is reinventing itself and challenging us in different ways, but we’re here to help you and your team get back to doing what they do best, creating memorable experiences for all of your guests (while keeping safe of course!).

In this article, we’ll explain some trends we’ve seen popping up in hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes around the globe that are helping to engage guests, keep doors open (when possible), offer a sense of hope, and keep a smile on everyone’s face.

For many people, their pets are a part of the family. Some travelers wouldn’t dare to leave home without bringing their four-legged friend along. As a result, more hotels across the country are becoming pet-friendly. 

Having amenities for pets is a great way to attract more guests to your establishment. They don’t have to worry about boarding their animal somewhere, and they can enjoy themselves more knowing their furry friend is nearby. Post a few cat-or-dog-friendly perks about your hotel on social media as part of your marketing strategy, and you might be surprised by how quickly the reservations come in!

But, before you decide if allowing pets in your hotel is right for you, it’s important to implement a pet policy. Unruly animals can become a liability. You might have messes to deal with that you didn’t expect. Other guests don’t want to hear a barking dog at all hours of the night. 

Those are just a few things to keep in mind as you create a policy for pet owners. Let’s dive a little deeper with guest blogger Adrian Johansen, into what your pet policy should include making everyone happy and comfortable – including the animals!

The hospitality industry is a busy place, which thrives on innovation and building a reputation. Whilst you might keep a regular rotation of locals visiting your restaurant or hotel again and again, plenty of your customers will be new.

Your new clients will be searching for you online, checking reviews, and much more. That’s why it’s important to have a strong digital presence online so your guests can find your website, connect with it, and ultimately book with your venue.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to make the best use of your digital marketing time and budget. Pair these tips from guest blogger Naomi Dawson with good service and a welcoming atmosphere and you’ll soon be on the pathway to success.