Gone are the days when glossy printed handouts would suffice in attracting customers to your restaurant. Today, in their quest to catch eyeballs, advertising agencies have created a nonstop marketplace that knows no limits.

Restaurant Advertising Gets Customers

Will Rogers, the late entertainer, once said, "All I know is just what I read in the papers". Restaurant advertising generates interest in the papers along with the news coverage. Although, people know them to be mere ads, they start believing in them when they encounter them again and again not only in the print media, but also on the radio and television.

So, if you want to promote your restaurant through advertising, keep these tips in mind:

* Before you embark upon advertising, strategize how you want to promote your restaurant. Is it a traditional place or a fast food joint? What kind of fare does it offer? Questions like these will help you ascertain your target audience and help you in evolving the kind of advertising or brand promotion most suitable for it.

* Generally, you'd need to hire an advertising agency to help in formulating the brand strategy, as also to suggest the media for advertising. The cost factor for print, TV, radio and the Web can vary greatly, so be careful in budgeting.

* The process of selecting the advertising campaign is the next important step. Although, your advertising agency will generally try to sell you their creations, you need to consider them from the potential customers' point of view. The ads should not only be attractive to catch eyeballs, but simple to understand too.

* How and where are they placed in the print media or which slots are they aired on radio or TV, has a bearing on the exposure of the ads. The rates, too, vary accordingly.

* The best course is to weigh your budget with the kind of exposure desired for the ads and their frequency. And here your negotiating skills will help, as there's a great scope for bargaining.

* Credibility of advertising is important, which only you can ensure. Your ad shouldn't claim what you don't or can't offer. Also don't attract people with disguised prices, as it may disappoint them. Be upfront in whatever is or isn't on your menu or in your restaurant.

It'll be difficult to catch the attention of the masses with minimal advertising. You'll have to bombard their senses with ads until they get tempted to pay you a visit!