Many local food businesses have moved with the times and are utilising online content marketing to keep their customers happy.
Asian caterers have experienced a slump in sales of as much as 52.3% due to the COVID pandemic, according to Channel News Asia. Strict social gathering rules, local outbreaks, and cautious customers are all having a significant impact on the Asian catering industry. But many local food businesses have moved with the times and are utilising online content marketing to keep their customers happy.
Create handy videos
The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in consumers ranking hygiene and cleanliness as two of the most important things retailers and caterers can provide. With this in mind, catering businesses must demonstrate how they’ve enhanced their cleaning practices. Creating and posting videos online of your cleaning protocol is an ideal way to do this and will reassure customers that your business is taking the pandemic seriously. Consider what customers will want to see the most, such as the location of your hand cleaning stations, sanitising of regular touchpoints, staff wearing PPE, and disinfecting food prep areas.
Offer multiple online services
Demand for food delivery in some parts of Asia almost tripled in 2020, according to The Lowdown. Consumers have still got a taste for ‘sofa ordering’, so catering businesses must continue to market themselves online to thrive. Setting up an online food ordering platform is a must. This should allow consumers to quickly and easily browse menus, order food, and pay. By making the most of the latest food ordering technology, your business will stay ahead of your competitors. Other online services that can also be offered include ingredient boxes, menu cards, and cook along.
Connect with other brands
At the start of the year, Foodpanda Hong Kong joined forces with multiple other food establishments. They aimed to provide customers wishing to place large orders with a simple ordering platform where they could browse and buy from a variety of food company’s menus. This type of setup works well for catering businesses as it promises a decent income due to the bulky orders required. It also provides good exposure as people who typically order from other eateries are introduced to new brands and new menus.
Sell gift cards online
Asians are a nation of gift-givers, with there being up to 70 gifted events annually in some countries, such as Japan. An effective way for catering businesses to increase their revenue instantly is to offer gift cards online. When these are gifted to others, they’ll visit your website and check out your menu and other services. This is what makes gift cards a great cost-effective marketing tool. Plus, when the gift card receiver uses their gift voucher with you, there’s a good chance they’ll spend more than its value, which means more money in your pocket.
Catering businesses have adapted significantly since the COVID-10 pandemic hit. But as consumer eating habits have changed during this time, food establishments must keep marketing themselves and their services in fresh and exciting ways online.
