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People are fascinated by the daily life of a restaurant, cafe or bar, so why not share a few secrets?
It only takes 5 minutes to create an online diary or scrapbook and you can update it with photos from your PC or mobile phone. Add pictures, not paragraphs, and suddenly people feel like they've got the 'inside story' - now we're talking loyalty!
Here are two very easy options to do this for free: choose your own design, title etc and post words, pictures, comments etc. Put a link to the diary (blog) from your website so it's easy to find. Let's get started:
- Method #1 (very, very easy): use Posterous - all you have to do is email a photo from your PC. Or snap a picture with your mobile or iPhone and send it to the email they provide. It recognises your email address and drops it into the diary.
Here's how I use it for sharing photos. If you've been wondering about Twitter, it will automatically send each new post to your Twitter a/c. Nothing to do except snap, email and that's it - now you're blogging and twittering. Posterous has a very easy and helpful setup page on their site. Update: here's another one from Nick at Cafe Bido.
- Method #2 (very easy): use the free Blogger service. Set-up takes 2 minutes and a photo you want to share. Start here and click through, choosing a name and design. Write your first post with a comment on a photo that shows something about your business (examples below). Check a few bloggers: Pilu Restaurant (great work just using photos), Freestyle (photos and stories) and The Local Taphouse (they like to talk). See below* for an excellent 2 minute video that shows how to set up Blogger.
Now give it 5 minutes each week: you already use email, and snap photos with your phone, plus you have a ton of photos on the PC. Just share them on your new blog, and invite staff to contribute.
- Topics to photograph and post: a new dish, the new wine choices, happy customers, Halloween photos, staff at work, something you like in your street or town. Other information to blog: announce local events, your weekly music list (if that's your thing), menu ideas, seasonal produce update, staff favourites etc.
- But how do I find the time? Will this really take time away from your other marketing work - or is that neglected anyway? If your time-management is shot, avoiding this 5 minute project won't fix things! It's a bigger issue (and it's important) but not a reason to ignore something so effective and simple. If you want to make more time, buying another clock won't do it!
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More resources to make this easy:
Best Cafe and Restaurant Blogs - the list is constantly updated with great examples
65 Interesting Topics for your Email Newsletter or Blog - tons of inspiration to get you started
50+ Ways to Use Photos for Business Building & Promotion - if you can take a photo, you're almost there
How to Make Your Business Interesting to Journalists - media interest is aroused by something new and fresh...like a diary!
Smart Marketing with Profitable Hospitality Resources:
Smart Online Marketing starts with the Sales & Marketing Resources and a wide range of easy how-to guides in Online Marketing Dept. 1st Class Members have support and practical resources in every area - it's an investment with a fast return - Join Online Now or by Fax or Invoice.
Check margins with Profitable Recipe Manager. On CD or instant download - accurate recipe costing is another essential 'business basic'.
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2009 Training & Events Calendar
href="http://www.profitablehospitality.com/public/360.cf m" target="_new">Online Marketing Workshop
Twitter and Facebook for Marketing and Networking - Sydney: 10 or 17 November (one evening)
Starting a Cafe or Restaurant Workshop 7 November or 5 December in Sydney
Sydney Food & Beverage Tweetup Thurs 5 November at Surry Hills
With warm regards -
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Connect with Ken on Twitter!
*Video: How to Set Up a Blog in 2 Minutes
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