Featured Image Source: Combination of KamranAydinov & Wesley Tingey
S
o, you’ve handled the nitty-gritty details of setting up your food business: getting your ABN, securing the perfect location, and maybe even assembling a killer menu. But now, it’s time to go external and make sure your business grabs attention. How do you get the word out and attract those all-important customers?
We’ve compiled a list of promotional opportunities that’ll help you do just that—each one a golden chance to showcase your brand’s personality.
Oh, and don’t forget—whatever promotional items you choose, make sure your branding is consistent across the board. From colours and logos to the way you speak to your audience, it all needs to tie in seamlessly with what they’ll find inside your restaurant, café, or food truck.
Now, let’s get into some promotional ideas that could help your food business shine.
Promo Banners
Banners are an excellent way to make your presence known, especially for new businesses. Whether you’re at a local market or simply want to draw more eyes to your storefront, a large, eye-catching banner can do wonders.
Opportunities:
- Highlight your logo.
- Showcase your latest promotion.
- Share your business’s tagline in a highly visible format.
- They’re reusable and versatile—win-win!
Investment:
For a small to medium business in Australia, investing in a decent banner could cost anywhere from AU$250 to AU$600, depending on the size and material. Not a bad deal for something that will keep bringing in foot traffic day after day.
Vehicle Wrap
If you’ve got a delivery van or a food truck, why not turn it into a moving billboard? Wrapping your vehicle with your brand’s colours, logo, and key messaging is a fun way to advertise as you move around town.
Opportunities:
- Every time you hit the road, you’re reaching potential new customers.
- Whether you’re making deliveries or just driving to the supplier, people will start to recognise your brand.
Investment:
Vehicle wraps in Australia can cost around AU$2,500 to AU$4,500 depending on the size of your vehicle and the complexity of the design. But considering how long they last, it’s a worthy investment.
Give Away Branded Merch
Who doesn’t love a good freebie? Giving away branded merchandise, like t-shirts, tote bags, or water bottles, is a great way to build brand loyalty and get your name out there. We made a list of some of the types of branded merchandise in this article.
Opportunities:
- Free walking advertisements.
- Leave customers with something tangible to remember you by.
- You can offer them as prizes in social media contests, or hand them out at events or when a customer places a large order.
Investment:
For a small to medium business, branded merch in Australia typically costs around AU$5 to AU$25 per item, depending on what you choose and how many you order.
Product Packaging
Packaging is a silent but powerful promoter.
See how the humble cereal box still works well to this day. Your food packaging is often the last thing customers see before they dive into your delicious creations—so why not make it memorable?
Opportunities:
Branded boxes, cups, and bags not only look professional but also create a cohesive experience that reinforces your brand’s identity. Think of it as an extension of your customer service.
Investment:
Custom takeaway boxes or packaging can cost about AU$0.20 to AU$0.80 each when ordered in bulk, and they can add that special touch to your takeaway game.
Promo Products: Measuring Cups, Wooden Spoons, and More
Everyone loves a practical item—especially one they can use at home. Why not take advantage of that by offering branded measuring cups, aprons, or wooden spoons?
Opportunities:
- Small, functional items can keep your brand top of mind even when your customers aren’t in your shop.
- A quirky, creative item like a branded bottle opener or spice jar could work wonders in creating a positive association with your brand.
Investment:
Depending on the type of item and the quantity, you could spend anywhere from AU$2 to AU$20 per item, making it an affordable yet impactful choice.
Menus – Takeaway and Otherwise
Your menu is your number one sales tool, but it can also serve as a promotional piece. Takeaway menus not only provide customers with a convenient way to order again, but they also act as reminders of your business. Why not slip a few menus into delivery bags or offer them to customers in-store? You could also consider designing a digital version to share on your website and social media.
Opportunities:
- Provide customers with a convenient way to order again.
- Act as reminders of your business.
- Easily slipped into delivery bags or offered to customers in-store.
- Also, consider designing a digital version to share on your website and social media.
Investment:
Custom takeaway boxes or packaging can cost about AU$0.20 to AU$0.80 each when ordered in bulk, and they can add that special touch to your takeaway game.
Social Media Cards
One often overlooked promo item is a simple social media card. These small, business card-sized handouts can be placed in takeaway bags or given with every order. They include your social media handles and a call-to-action, encouraging customers to follow and engage with you online.
Opportunities:
- In place of takeaway menus.
- Encourage customers to engage with you online.
Investment:
The cost is minimal, around AU$0.10 to AU$0.20 per card, but the return on investment can be huge, especially if customers start sharing their own food photos and tagging your business.
A Note About Digital Marketing
While we’ve been talking about physical promotional items, don’t forget about the power of digital marketing. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to promote your food business in today’s world.
Make sure you’re on key platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo to capture the delivery market.
Social media is non-negotiable—sponsored posts on Instagram or Facebook can go a long way in targeting the right customers.
For a relatively low investment, you can increase visibility and even engage directly with your audience.
Another idea? Don’t shy away from Google My Business—this free tool helps you show up on local searches and maps, which is crucial for foot traffic.
Promoting your food business doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and consistency in your branding, these promotional items can boost your visibility and leave a lasting impression on your customers. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call at Visual Targets. We’d love to help you design the perfect promotional materials to suit your brand!
Creative genius, talented wordsmith and all-rounder copywriter up for the grabs! If you can’t stand the look of your copy right now, she’ll shape your rambles into the most compelling words.
Marie Rene | LinkedIn
