Despite the digital world and the demand that it delivers, customers still want local restaurant and bar spaces to exist. They remain a crucial part of the tangible experiences we’re all after. It helps to foster community connection and also serves as a physical anchor for digital marketing.
With this guide, we’ll take a closer look at why physical spaces are essential and what a blended future looks like.
Why are physical spaces essential?
Local and restaurant bar spaces still matter in a digital-first world, and here’s why.
Experience and authenticity
Digital platforms can’t replicate the sensory experience that you get in the real-world. From the taste and smell, to the atmosphere. That experience and authenticity are something that really matters.
There are also many generations of restaurant & bar goers who don’t spend much time online and therefore appreciate the authentic experience on offer.
Community and belonging
Restaurants are like an extension of online groups. They offer the physical backdrop that many digital communities rely on. To form bonds and rituals, turning online connections into real-life friendships can be achieved for many who are looking to connect with like-minded individuals.
Anchor for technology
Many physical venues nowadays will integrate with digital tools to improve service and allow staff to focus on hospitality.
It’s not just about transactions but convenience that complements the in-person experience. You’ll likely find that many of your chain restaurants and bars, as well as those that are independent, will be using more and more technology to keep newer generations interested.
Digital-physical synergy
A strong and physical space helps to enhance the online presence of a restaurant or bar. Attracting customers who are drawn in by the social media buzz, such as viral dishes or experiences.
This converts those digital followers into more loyal patrons, driving both online and in-person engagement.
Brand identity
A well-designed physical space is one of the purest expressions of a brand. It helps foster a deeper relationship in a way that digital interactions cannot.
How to blend local restaurant and bar spaces with the digital world
Blending both local restaurant and bar spaces with the digital world is easy enough, so if you’re looking to do it for your business, then here are some handy tips.
Create a Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile is a good way to connect your business with the online world. Keep it updated so that the online world can stay connected with your physical space, too. From opening and closing hours to photos and menu options. Don’t forget to keep the reviews available online, too, and follow up on any negative ones with feedback.
Have a mobile-friendly website
A mobile-friendly website is something that’s a given for any digital presence online nowadays. It should be fast-loading with high-quality visuals and local keywords that mirror the ambience online.
Provide mobile ordering and payments
Making the customer experience easier is one that can really help when it comes to modernising any restaurant or bar, even one that’s been around for decades.
From apps to platforms for quick ordering and payment, this can only benefit your customers’ experience in-person.
Make use of QR codes
QR codes are fairly popular nowadays amongst many businesses, but in particular bars and restaurants. This increased significantly during the pandemic, when touchless services were more desired than in-person servers taking orders.
With these QR codes, you can link physical menus or tables to help with online ordering. It can also be used for in-person ordering at these venues.
Partner with local food bloggers and influencers
To help improve traffic to your digital door and in-person venues, partner with local food bloggers and influencers.
Local restaurants and bars still matter in a digital-first world, so continue to take advantage of what they have to offer.
Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash
