Marketing is key to food truck success. Here’s what food truck operators need to be focusing on in 2022.
Dining standards evolved at a slow pace for many years until the pandemic upended the industry and ushered in a new era for foodservice and hospitality.
The big picture for food truck operators and restaurants in 2022 shows operators adapting to challenges like supply chain issues and the looming labor shortage. We also see a shift in perspective beginning to take hold. The idea that food trucks must pivot to weather the storm is evolving into the drive to take unexpected changes and redefine them in a way that meshes with everyday operations.
As the industry grapples with pandemic challenges, many new forms of food truck marketing are emerging to attract customers. We’ve created a list of some of the top marketing trends that can help food truck operators attract customers in 2022.
Tik Tok & video
Although restaurant social media marketing is nothing new, the social media platform TikTok has exploded in popularity recently, leading many food trucks to explore the platform as a way of advertising their business. Posting videos of your menu, food preparation, and venue attracts the attention of young consumers and creates brand recognition.
Due to its ease of adoption and the potential to create a viral hit, the use of TikTok and other forms of video marketing is expected to be a major restaurant marketing trend in 2022.
Loyalty programs
As consumers shy away from public places, rewards from loyalty programs can be a great way to engage with customers and incentivize eating out. Loyalty programs and exclusive rewards are also a great way for a food truck to remain fresh in the mind of consumers, allowing for continuous engagement. Look out for a variety of loyalty programs in 2022, as restaurants try to remain engaged with customers and increase the amount of dine-in customers to pre-pandemic levels.
Social responsibility
Food truck operators have begun embracing aspects of social responsibility, and the trend is expected to continue in 2022. Many establishments are taking it upon themselves to explore options on how to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their negative impact on the environment. Foodservice providers are also engaging in other aspects of social responsibility such as donating a portion of proceeds to charity and hosting local fundraising events. In the next year, look for food truck operators to continue to engage in social responsibility, giving back to local communities, and establishing themselves as community leaders.
Limited menus
Smaller menus and fewer choices have advantages that go beyond the obvious benefits to a short-staffed food truck.
Dining behavior is leaning toward quality over quantity, and guests will be looking for a small selection of the food truck’s signature dishes instead of a large menu. We also foresee kitchens relying on staple ingredients and practicing a “do more with less” strategy as a result of supply chain shortages.
Richard Traylor graduated from Temple University in the winter of 2014 with a degree in Strategic Communications. After graduating, he taught English in South Korea for two years, during which he was fortunate enough to travel and see the world. In October 2016, he returned home and started to work in SEO Content at Webstaurant Store. This blog previously ran on Webstaurant Store.
Source: https://www.foodtruckoperator.com/blogs/top-2022-foodservice-trends-marketing/
