SEO and Digital Activations for HoReCa Entities

December 20, 2024

If you are the owner of horeca chain or a single store or the franchise of any brand as part of horeca outlet, what should be the digital activation strategy for the same.

Lets start with an example.

Suppose you have a Tea café which is local and you have these constraint’s:

1. Need low cost materials like tea or coffee – you need private label support
2. You have to keep the product cost competitive since local business
3. Product innovation is another challenge specially for one man army like you
4. You have to to drive traffic to the cafe digitally or via some mainline ad campaigns
5. Resources will be another challenge

As an agency we understand these challenges since we have also faced similar kind of hurdles in our early days. But we can assist you in the following:

1. Complete digital activation and promotion locally
2. Get some connection with the tea and snacks brand for low cost procurement
3. Product innovation ideas
4. Some cool promotion locally, event ideas

1. Digital Activation and Promotion Locally

Strategies:

  • Google My Business (GMB) Optimization:
    • Ensure your café is listed with accurate details, working hours, photos, and customer reviews.
    • Regularly post updates like “Today’s Special” or local events happening at your café.
  • Local SEO:
    • Target keywords like “Best tea café near me” or “Affordable tea café in Mumbai.”
    • Add your café to local directories for increased visibility.
  • Social Media Campaigns:
    • Focus on Facebook and Instagram for local targeting.
    • Use engaging formats like:
      • Stories: Showcase live tea preparation or customer testimonials.
      • Reels: Share unique tea recipes or quirky café moments.
      • Polls and Contests: For example, “Guess our secret ingredient and win a free tea!”
  • Geo-targeted Ads:
    • Run low-budget Facebook and Instagram ads targeting users within a 5-10 km radius of your café.
    • Highlight USPs like “Freshly brewed tea,” “Pocket-friendly snacks,” or “Cozy ambiance.”
  • WhatsApp Marketing:
    • Build a local customer database to share daily deals, discounts, or new product launches.

2. Procurement Connections with Tea & Snack Brands

Approach:

  • Private Label Brands:
    • Connect with local or regional suppliers for private-label tea and snacks at lower costs.
    • Partner with tea plantations or wholesalers for exclusive deals.
  • Barter Collaborations:
    • Offer free branding in-store (like wall posters or tea coasters) for discounted supplies from snack brands.

3. Product Innovation Ideas

Cost-Effective Suggestions:

  • Fusion Beverages:
    • Introduce unique blends like “Lemon Basil Iced Tea” or “Masala Chai Latte.”
    • Keep the innovation subtle to avoid overcomplication.
  • Snacks Pairing:
    • Pair tea with affordable, innovative snacks like “Spiced Jhal Muri” or “Mini Veg Rolls.”
  • Seasonal Specials:
    • Introduce limited-edition items (e.g., “Winter Special Ginger Chai”).
  • DIY Tea Kits:
    • Offer customers DIY kits for making tea at home—this creates an additional revenue stream.