The pizza business is more competitive than ever. With so many pizzerias now open, smart marketing is one of the key differentiators that helps attract customers to your restaurant. According to the industry revenue of pizza restaurants in 2024 was $50.1 billion, which is about a 1.4% increase versus 2023. An effective marketing plan will help bring a greater number of new customers to a business as well as retain its loyal customers. Here are some creative pizza marketing ideas to increase your orders and the visibility of your brand.
Create A Custom Branded Website
Every business should have a professional-looking website, including the pizza business. A properly designed website is the virtual storefront for your pizzeria, where customers can learn about your offerings, check out your menu, and place orders.
Of course, the menu of your website is one of the most important elements. It should be simple to navigate, beautiful-looking, and feature pictures of mouth-watering pizzas. The optimized menu also must be mobile-friendly, as many orders will come from smartphones.
Also, be sure to put an online ordering button right there that allows them quick access to your ordering system. Do not forget to provide other essential information about your company, such as address, phone number, and work hours, to ensure that customers can find everything in one place.
Offer Pizza By Slice
Another effective way to get more customers is to sell pizza by the slice. This would increase foot traffic because most people want a cheap, quick meal. You can sell to impulse buyers who do not necessarily want a whole pizza but still crave the delicious slice.
Plus, offering more slices, such as pepperoni, vegetarian slices, or even specialty ones, can appeal to a range of tastes and choices, thus attracting a range of customers. This strategy works especially well during lunch or for busy office workers who want a quick bite. It also helps build repeat customers who can stop by for a quick meal when they’re on the go.
Special Deals For Groups
People like bargains. Group promotions are one good way to stimulate sales. Groups, such as family packages "Buy 2 Pizzas, Get 1 Free" or "Family Bundle – 3 Pizzas and Sides for $XX", are great options to offer customers value. These groups can appeal to any party or big group searching for a more affordable meal.
These deals create urgency and excitement for customers and give them a feeling of having more for their money, thereby increasing order sizes and satisfaction levels.
Provide Specialty Pizzas
Catering to dietary restrictions and food trends is increasingly important in today's food industry. Specialty pizzas, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, can attract customers with specific dietary needs. These options fulfill customer demands and show that your pizzeria is inclusive and responsive to evolving food trends.
It's as simple as offering a gluten-free crust or vegan cheese that appeals to a health-conscious audience or a food-sensitive population, while this might add choices that help your menu tap more possible markets.
Invest In Professional Photography
For any pizza business or restaurant, food photography stands at a must-quality bar. If someone looks around the web for dining orders or even on the menu of an offer, people prefer seeing an appealing meal on any of those mediums. Proper images can enhance how customers accept pizzas when shown online on websites or social media platforms to deliver them to end consumers.
Great pictures of delicious pizzas with great texture will make customers crave a slice. This insignificant investment can eventually provide enormous returns to attract more customers.
Complete Your Local Listing Profile
Completing your local business profiles on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and more, can improve your local SEO. These profiles ensure that your business appears in search results when people are looking for nearby pizza places. Moreover, they contribute to enhancing your online reputation and increasing visibility.
Ensure your profile is updated with accurate information, such as your address, hours of operation, and menu items. Adding photos and collecting customer reviews will increase your credibility, thereby encouraging more customers to opt for your pizzeria over the competition.
Reach New Audiences
The younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are mobile-first. They order food heavily through their phones. One of the best ways to target this audience is to create or partner with a mobile app for easy online ordering. Apps can help streamline the ordering process, provide special promotions, and create a seamless customer experience.
Social media sites like Instagram and TikTok can also be useful in reaching out to younger audiences and spreading the word about your pizzeria. Posting mouth-watering pizza pictures or fun behind-the-scenes content increases your online presence and builds loyal customers.
Increase Your Local Presence
Being an active member of your local community can positively affect your pizza brand. Sponsor local events, teach pizza-making classes, or partner with local businesses to cross-promote each other's businesses. These efforts can contribute to goodwill, exposure for your pizzeria, and lasting relationships with potential customers.
For instance, you may sponsor a local charity event, offer pizza at a community festival, or collaborate with nearby companies to offer exclusive deals. Engaging with your community is a great way to strengthen your brand image and encourage local commerce.
Sync Online Ordering And Marketing With Operations
Integrating online ordering systems with your restaurant's operating systems, such as inventory and delivery, is essential. This integration will avoid overselling, delivery delays, and poor customer experiences. Synchronizing the ordering platform with your restaurant's operations ensures smooth running from order placement to delivery.
This reduces the risk of human error and makes for a much smoother experience for your staff and customers. Keeping everything out of sync can streamline workflow, reduce stress, and improve customer satisfaction.
Use QR Code Menus
QR code menus are gaining popularity because they are convenient and minimize contact. Customers can easily scan a QR code at their table to get the menu on their phone, customize their order, and even get nutritional information. This enhances the dining experience and keeps your restaurant more hygienic. Using QR codes means customers can order and pay directly from their phones, thus reducing wait times and increasing efficiency.
Plan Themed Deals
Themed deals are fun ways to attract customers to your pizzeria. From "Taco Tuesday" pizza specials to "Meat Lover's Mondays," creating themed deals keeps your menu fresh and exciting. Promote them through social media and email marketing to reach your audience directly and encourage them to visit.
Regular themed promotions keep customers on their toes and eager for something new. The more creative and fun your deals are, the more likely they will share experiences with others, which can further attract business.
Expand Your Pizza Brand’s Digital Reach With Checkmate
A strong and multifaceted marketing strategy is imperative for standing out in a competitive industry such as pizza. You will increase awareness, attract new customers, and stimulate repeat business from your existing customer base. With Checkmate, you can sync the online ordering system with the marketing strategies and streamline operations to create an overall great customer experience. Explore how Checkmate can help you grow your pizza brand’s digital reach and increase your sales today.
