How to Market a Pizza Restaurant

Pizza restaurants are typically a welcome addition to any neighborhood; however, just because a new pizza restaurant opens, it does not mean that it will enjoy a rush of new customers. Pizza restaurants need to be marketed to a target audience. Effective marketing does not need to be expensive. In fact there are many low cost steps you can take to market your pizza restaurant.

1. Distribute flyers. Distribution of flyers within a five mile radius of your pizza restaurant will garner you new customers. Typically, the bulk of your customers will be located close to your restaurant, so it might not be cost effective to distribute flyers further away.

2. Include an offer. Every piece of your marketing material should contain an offer. Include a "Buy 1, Get 1" offer, or even a free offer. Also, include an expiration date to all your coupons and offers. Expiration dates typically add a sense of urgency to your offer and will encourage your potential customers to act right away instead of putting your offer away in a drawer.

3. Get the word out to schools. Your neighborhood schools are great places to market your pizza restaurant. Since schools frequently host sporting events and banquets, they are in constant need of good food and especially pizza. Talk to the athletic directors and ask them if you can send them a menu for inclusion in their food ordering rotation roster.

4. Use pictures. Your promotional materials should contain color pictures of your pizzas. Although your marketing copy is important, nothing sells food better, or markets your pizza restaurant more effectively than delicious looking images.

5. Send out postcards. Marketing postcards are a cost effective means of getting the word out about your pizza restaurant. You can save on postage by sending out your postcards via bulk mail. One drawback with bulk mail is that it takes longer for your customer to receive it. Whether you choose bulk or first class mail, make sure your postcards answer the "5 W's" of who, what, when, where and why. The "why" is especially important, as it tells your customers what's in it for them.

6. Give great customer service. There's no better advertising or marketing for your pizza restaurant than offering your customers impeccable service. By making your customer feel important, they're likely to return to your pizza restaurant, and tell their friends as well.