Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

Why not do some kind of giveaway? You could give away one of your special cakes to a lucky mom. Maybe a "why I love my mom" contest for customers. You might also think about an essay contest with local schools where the winner gets a free lunch for the child and mom and runners-up get a cake or a free dessert. The essay part has educational potential and your name gets to go home with each child. You could even do coupons of some kind if you wanted to. This sounds like fun. Good luck!

I like prhyatt's idea about the contest. I'd definitely implement that one - namely because it's a great way to get WOM about your event. Plus, it can be done as inexpensively as you want...handouts, advertisements within the restaurant prior to the event, co-promote it with another local business (art gallery, specialty shop, coffee shop, etc.) and advertise within their business...etc.

Does this place have an established mailing list? If so, I would send out special invitations to those on the list promoting the event. Either via email (free!), with a postcard (about $0.65/per) or with an actual invitation. This creates interest and momentum around the event. People love to feel like they are apart of an elite group of customers/guests, and will typically respond well to a personal invitation.

BTW - variable data printing can be done on just about anything , which is simply a personalized digital printing system. Great way to customize your marketing.

What about handing out mini-versions of the cakes to passers-by, or guests within the restaurant, promoting the upcoming event?

Just some thoughts.

Good luck & have fun!

Hi everyone, thanks for the responses!

The thing is whatever we do, we must adhere to the company image. Thus, we can't really do coupons or stuff like that.

prhyatt's ideas are not too bad, this i can propose to the management.

Any other ideas?

Loves Mom. Loves Mom Not?

prhyatt's idea sounds good. Its about probing the customers' about their hardcore love towards their mom.

Proceedings of the sale, a small % can go to charity /old ladies....

Do PR on the activity.

Merchandise to be planned - I love mom cups, t shirts, greeting cards etc

Create intrigue about these cakes. Talk non stop about the love mom shares on the daughter. and claim that 'though this cake hasn't got all the qualities your mom has, this is the closest in taste'. Can also create the stroy behind these cakes. 'The cakes were specially created by the shop owner's daughter for her mother...after tasting it she decided that it is too bad if she keeps such a loving gift to herself...her mother allowed her to share good things in life...so she is doing this...proceedings goes to charity etc (SORRY MOM...your son still is working in Advertising...)

How about something like "Calling all Moms"
where drops off Mom's name, address number as well as their info and promote that you'll be calling number of Moms in for a free package with additional guests paying?

Winners get a certain package including a red rose or mother's day pin or something like that.