In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, we explore a crucial question: How can businesses stay top of mind in local markets? Erin Levzow, a marketing veteran with over 20 years of experience across brands like Museum of Ice Cream, Freebirds, and Wingstop, shares her insights. From digital strategies to community partnerships, Erin unpacks the essential tactics for dominating your local market and driving growth.Key topics discussed in the episode:Effectively use digital marketing channels for local businessesUnderstanding your local audience and marketEngaging content that resonates with local customersLeveraging partnerships with local organizationsData integration in enhancing customer communicationResourcesConnect with Erin Levzow on LinkedIn.Learn more about Museum of Ice Cream.Follow Rev Ciancio for other content around restaurant marketing.Other shout-outsKendra Scott for a great partnership with Museum of Ice Cream.Book It program with Pizza Hut — excellent example of local marketing.Raising Canes for their field and local marketing team.

Are you leaving money on the table by overlooking catering opportunities? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Kelly Grogan, co-founder of Crumbs, shares invaluable local catering strategies to grow your restaurant. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Kelly unveils how catering can be a game-changer for local businesses, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and personalized marketing approaches.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around local catering strategies:Create an effective catering menu that’s distinct from your regular offeringsPackaging and presenting catering orders to maximize impactLeveraging existing customers to grow your catering businessBuilding personal relationships with potential catering clientsUse your restaurant’s physical space to promote catering servicesResourcesConnect with Kelly Grogan on LinkedIn.Learn more about Crumbs.Other shout-outsGeoff Alexander and Gregg Majewski for examples on how to do catering right.McAllister’s Deli for their catering services and packaging.Sabrina Jenkins at PDQ Chicken for their catering services.Troy Hooper for hosting a pickleball tournament at Restaurant Leadership Conference.

Are you ready to become the “mayor of the mile” in your local market? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Sam Stanovich, Senior VP of Development and Alliances at Big Chicken, shares his recipe for dominating your local market. With over 25 years of hospitality experience, Sam dishes out practical strategies to transform your business into a community cornerstone.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around being the mayor of the mile:Effective community engagementHow to collaborate with local businesses for mutual benefitLeveraging chamber of commerce membershipsThe value of supporting local causes and charitiesCreate impactful content without a big budgetResourcesConnect with Sam Stanovich on LinkedIn.Find a Big Chicken location near you.Learn more about the ServSafe Alchohol program.Watch Tim Sweetman’s episode on the Local Marketing Lab.Check out RIP Medical Debt.Other shout-outsCJ from Dog Haus for fun competition of hot dogs vs chicken.Firehouse Subs for their great involvement in the community.Jeff Mauro, the Sandwich King, for advice on persistence when it comes to video content.Zack Oates from Ovation for sponsoring the dog vs chicken showdown.Shawn Walchef for encouraging video content on social.

How can local businesses effectively manage their online and offline reputation? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Shereen Qumsieh, co-founder and CEO of Akira, shares her insights on mastering reputation management for local businesses. With over 20 years of experience in the tech space, Shereen dives into the critical aspects of turning data into actionable insights, responding to customer feedback, and maintaining accurate business listings.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around mastering your online and offline reputation:Present data as actionable insights rather than overwhelming numbersResponding to both positive and negative online reviewsSoliciting direct customer feedback before it becomes an online reviewThe “Goldilocks zone” for Google reviews and why it mattersAccurate business listings in online reputationResourcesConnect with Shereen Qumsieh on LinkedIn.Learn more about Akira.Other shout-outsMichael Beck from Popcorn GTM.

What makes a restaurant (or business) unforgettable? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Christian Fischer, a seasoned chef and hospitality expert with over 35 years of experience, shares insights on how to improve customer experience with authentic hospitality. From his journey as a French-trained chef to becoming a consultant and author, Christian unveils the secrets behind creating memorable dining experiences that keep customers coming back.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around how to improve customer experience with authentic hospitality:Create authentic dining experiences that resonate with customersImportance of specialization in menu design and restaurant conceptTurning culinary skills into diverse business opportunitiesThe value of staying true to your roots and background in businessAdapt to changing customer expectations in the hospitality industryResourcesConnect with Christian Fischer on LinkedIn or on his website.Check out the Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur Podcast.Listen to the episode with Chef Adam Lamb.Learn more about the Culinary Executive Mastermind.If you want to write a book, take Christian’s course.Other shout-outsJason Berkowitz for hilarious and amazing stories.

Are you struggling to balance value offerings with premium items in your restaurant? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Rev Ciancio, a 20-year veteran of the restaurant industry and head of revenue marketing at Branded Strategic Hospitality, reveals the power of the barbell marketing strategy for restaurant growth. Rev shares invaluable insights on leveraging technology, enhancing customer experience, and implementing innovative marketing tactics to drive revenue in today’s competitive landscape.Here are some topics discussed in the episode:Implementation of a successful barbell marketing strategyEffective use of gated WiFi for customer data acquisitionComprehensive restaurant techPersonalization in customer interactionsTips for increasing customer lifetime value (LTV) and average order value (AOV)ResourcesConnect with Rev Ciancio on LinkedIn.Check out Rev’s restaurant, Handcraft Burgers and Bew.Learn more about Branded Hospitality Ventures and Yeah! Management.Sign up for Rev’s weekly newsletter.Other shout-outsGregg Majewski for his marketing expertise.Condado Tacos for their marketing targeting.Ferazzoli’s Italian Kitchen for excellent customer experience.Restaurant techVivaSpot – gated WifiToast – POS (Point of Sale)MailChimp – email and CRMBikky – CDP (Customer Data Platform)Marqii – online listings and reputation managementOvation – guest feedbackSpendgo – customer loyaltyGuru Club – reward customers for posting on InstagramByte – ordering kiosks

Are you struggling to stand out on social media amidst the constant noise and competition? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Jonny Fowler, VP of Business Development at American Financial Network, shares his proven strategies to master social media through organic growth and powerful local impact.Jonny, a 25-year veteran in the mortgage industry, has cracked the code on leveraging social platforms to build an engaged following and drive real business results. In this value-packed conversation, he reveals the secrets to creating content that the algorithms love, building meaningful connections within your local community, and overcoming common fears that hold people back from social media success.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around how to master social media:How to create compelling, organic social media contentLeveraging local businesses in your marketing effortsImportance of consistency in social media postingOvercoming fear and self-doubt in content creationPower of short-form video contentResourcesConnect with Jonny Fowler on LinkedIn.Learn more about American Financial Network.Follow Gary Vaynerchuk for expert social media tips.Other shout-outsListen to Get involved. Engage locally. Be the Mayor. with Eric Knott, COO at PDQ Restaurants.Frank Gray and Brian Stevens for teaching Jonny how to “do video”.Tony Robbins for pushing others to overcome their fears.Dan Habib for excellent video content around real estate, mortgage, and crypto.

In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, we explore the powerful connection between effective training, exceptional hospitality, and repeat customers with Jason Berkowitz, a hospitality veteran and founder of Arrow Up Training. With over two decades of experience spanning more than 50 restaurant openings, Jason shares invaluable insights on how businesses can boost repeat customers with training and create memorable guest experiences. His unique blend of psychology-backed management techniques and creative problem-solving offers a fresh perspective on cultivating customer loyalty in the hospitality industry and beyond.Here are some topics discussed in the episode:The difference between service and hospitalityStrategies for implementing effective training programsTips for improving order accuracy in takeout and deliveryMethods to enhance employee retention and satisfactionBuilding strong relationships with guestsResourcesConnect with Jason Berkowitz on LinkedIn.Learn more about Arrow Up Training.Other shout-outsFollow Shawn Walchef and Troy Hooper on LinkedIn for tips on digital hospitality.Check out Tocaya Organica, modern Mexican food with locations in Arizona and California.Ronan for excellent marketing, training, and hospitality.

Can you transform your local business in 90 days or less? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Amber Martinez, Brand President and Operating Partner at JEM Wellness Brands, reveals how she’s done just that throughout her 25-year career in the fitness-wellness industry. She unpacks powerful strategies to transform your local business through grassroots marketing, community engagement, and innovative partnerships.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around transforming your local business:Consistent messaging across multiple marketing channelsHumanizing your brand through social media and community engagementLow-cost, high-impact local marketing tactics for immediate implementationTurn existing customers into powerful brand advocatesTechniques for building strategic local business partnershipsResourcesConnect with Amber Martinez on LinkedIn.Learn more about JEM Wellness Brands.Find a Crunch fitness location near you.Watch the episode with Allison Rand from YouFit Gyms.Other shout-outsJamie Esslinger and Emily Gentry on the JEM Wellness marketing team.Whole Foods for great community involvement and local partnership.

Are you tired of lackluster loyalty programs that fail to boost customer spending? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Matt Smolin, co-founder and CEO of Hang, reveals how next-gen loyalty programs are revolutionizing customer engagement. With a background in finance and a passion for problem-solving, Matt shares groundbreaking insights on creating loyalty experiences that drive real results, including the potential for 3X higher customer spend.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around next-gen loyalty programs:The limitations of traditional, points-based loyalty programsHow to create engaging, gamified loyalty experiencesThe importance of personalizationStrategies for connecting loyalty across multiple channelsUsing machine learning to optimize rewards and offersResourcesConnect with Matt Smolin on LinkedIn.Learn more about Hang, a brand loyalty and membership platform.Other shout-outsBoba Guys, Roam Burgers, and Ulta Beauty for their successful loyalty programs.