5 ways tech can fuel target marketing

Recent signs point to a tilt in consumer preference toward independent restaurants over chains. All generations indicate increased visits to local independents in search of unique offerings, according to Technomic’s second-quarter Consumer Update, with all groups except Gen X hitting indies at least 10% more. “Growth in patronage of independent restaurants, retailers and c-stores presents a threat to chain restaurants,” the report says. “Exceeding consumers’ expectations will help chains maintain relevance.”

To do so, some chains are going beyond the traditional tailored marketing efforts of partnering with local celebrities or charities or hosting in-store events, and are using technology to execute hyperlocal strategies and compete against indies and others on their own turf.

Knowing that most of its customers live or work near a store, Snap Kitchen recently began using locally targeted social media ads, specifically around lunchtime, in order to drive more awareness to a new line of salads, says Kyle Hoedl, director of marketing and communications. “The ad is tightly targeted around each store with a locally relevant message,” he says. Along with a photo, the ad for Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, for example, suggests, “First, a quick City Gallery tour. Then, salad. Lunch is served. Right around the corner.” 

Most chains are just starting to test beacon technology, if they have it at all. As part of its mobile strategy, Just Salad uses geolocation promotions to rope in nearby potential diners. Tracked by in-store beacons, close-by consumers with the restaurant’s app open receive information about deals and new menu items to draw them in. 

To better understand how its customers are using digital ad campaigns, Snap Kitchen is testing tracking users’ experiences with its hypertargeted mobile campaigns, from when they first view and interact with the ad to when they make an in-store purchase.

As more chains ink deals with third-party delivery services, Snap Kitchen is partnering with those services to do local in-app promotions targeting stores within specific delivery zones. In Austin, for example, the chain did a one-day free-delivery promotion with UberEats that drove a 400% increase in sales through the delivery service that day, says Hoedl. 

Every Uno Pizzeria & Grill has a designated “local brand marketer” on the store level responsible for connecting with and reaching out to the community—and that includes through social media. Instead of having someone at corporate post to Twitter all the time, the designated employee tweets locally specific messaging, often tied to product launches and other events.