Would you survive without marketing?

[william]

We are in a location that isn't horrible but it's not on the main drag. Business has been less than stellar this year and I'm thinking I really need to up my marketing game. What works for you on a consistent basis to drive traffic? Is there a minimum spend amount that is needed to really be effective?

 

[Roy_R]

I wish I had the answer...I am on the main drag , 200 ft from a McDonalds and sales and margin struggling (doing 7.99 large pepperoni, it's what my market will bear),

I am researching last ditch efforts before I close or try to "fire sale" my 8 yrs in business pizzeria, can someone review this (below) and give me their experience / data based opinion ?

Do you have / know of an roi calculator for marketing ? I was looking to spend on google ads

I am trying to budget / invest in marketing, see below I pulled info in below from google ads site.

$12 daily average · $365 monthly max
Get an estimated 290-540 ad clicks each month

This is how I see it but not sure if correct:

if I convert 15% (seems high) to sales with $11 avg ticket
$495 from 45 orders say 20% (contribution margin)

= $100 minus $365

I'm in the hole $265 ? Thoughts?

PS I consider myself a 2% in regards to this forum, so no judgement, but seems that interest and participation has declined "alot" While "instagram" pizza stars are "killing it" or at least thats what they lead to believe....are there other forums or sharing sites anyone recommends? Thanks in Advance ...

 

[tkelly248]

My opinion always is that if your market only can bear a $7.99 large you need to change your market or it needs to change you. Anything about your pizza or food unique? If not it needs to be. Dominos and the other chains around you? Their pizza sells for more, why doesn’t yours? Someone told me years ago, don’t ever discount, give away product instead. If you discount 30% and your margin is 15%, then you’re dead in the water. Give away breadsticks. They cost 50¢. Print up business cards that offer free sticks with a large pie. Or free double pepperoni. I was in a center with a Kroger, I had my kids go pass these coupons to customers inside the store. But they gotta be killer sticks. Or the hot idea of pickle pizzas. Or we did Coney Dog pizzas, or do a gyro pizza. Be different and let people know you are.

 

[juanwitmore]

Marketing is super important, especially if your location isn’t in a high traffic area. Social media can be a game changer posting great photos of your food, running small ads and engaging with local followers can really help. Even $50-$100 a month on Facebook or Instagram ads targeted to your area can drive more traffic. Also, make sure your Google Business profile is up to date with good photos and reviews so people can find you easily. Hosting events like tastings or partnering with nearby businesses can also create a buzz and get more people in the door.