Food trucks are all the rage right now — and for good reason. It’s an excellent mobile business that allows you to find high-traffic locations where you can sell to as many customers as possible. Most importantly, food trucks can offer customers quick, casual dining options in a way that most traditional restaurants just can’t compete with. With the following savvy marketing strategies, food truck owners can generate buzz, cultivate loyal followings, and thrive in what has now become a very lucrative industry.
1. Build a Loyalty Rewards Program
One of the most effective food truck marketing strategies is creating a loyalty rewards program. This allows you to build a group of regular buyers and collect valuable customer data for future marketing efforts. A basic rewards program could give customers a free item after they purchase a certain number of meals. You can also offer tiered rewards, such as discounts or exclusive deals, for frequent customers. Make sure to collect names and contact info when customers sign up.
2. Leverage Social Media
Social media is a must for any food truck marketing strategy. Create Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok accounts to share your menu, location, and specials. Post engaging content like photos of your food or behind-the-scenes looks at food prep. Run contests and giveaways on social media to boost engagement and encourage customers to tag your business in their posts. Social platforms are also great for answering customer questions and addressing issues in real time.
3. Send Regular Email Updates
Collect email addresses from your loyalty program or sign-up sheet. Then, send out a weekly or monthly email newsletter with your schedule, new menu items, and other announcements. Email is one of the best ways to reach customers directly and remind them about your business between in-person visits. Include a call-to-action, like a discount code, to encourage them to make a purchase.
4. Create Branded Videos
Video content is hugely popular across social platforms. Produce short videos showcasing your food being made, interviews with your staff, or a tour of your truck’s custom-fitted kitchen. Post these videos on your social pages and website. You can also create video ads for Facebook and Instagram. Well-made videos help customers visualize your business and learn more about your brand. As you get in the groove of posting consistent content, it may be worth investing in a high-quality video camera to up your production value — although this isn’t a requirement.
5. Offer Online Ordering
Giving customers the option to order ahead from your website or a separate mobile app saves them time and helps them skip the line. It also allows you to plan food prep better and reduce waste. Popular ordering platforms for food trucks include BentoBox, ChowNow, and Toast. You can also try partnering with delivery services like Doordash or Uber Eats to expand your reach. Be sure to promote all your online ordering options across all marketing channels.
6. Build a Memorable Brand
Develop a unique brand identity, logo, and color scheme that customers will recognize. Consider fun names, creative menu categories, and an eye-catching truck design to leave a good impression. Your brand should reflect your personality, values, and the type of food you serve — this helps you stand out from competitors.
7. Partner with Local Businesses
Reach out to gyms, office parks, or entertainment venues near your usual spots. See if they will promote your schedule in their communications. You can also offer to cater small company events or meetings. Partnering is a win-win; it brings you new customers and supports other local businesses.
Bring Your Food Truck To Life With Legion
Ready to bring your food truck to life? At Legion, we offer custom-built food trucks for prospective owners. We’ll help you get your business off the ground by helping you through the entire process, from a custom design and build to a marketing and branding strategy. Reach out to us to learn more and start your food truck journey!
