The food truck industry is growing exponentially and shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. According to IBIS World, the industry is expected to be worth $803.8 million by the end of this year. Not bad if you’re considering joining the ranks.
But, in order to attain success in such an oversaturated industry, you must be willing to go the extra mile to make your food truck stand out and attract customers. Engaging with customers on social media and encouraging them to promote your food truck through Tweets and status updates is only one part of the equation. Here are some additional technological tools to help boost exposure:
- Truckily
This marketing software allows you to take your fans everywhere you go. Not only can you plan out your calendar for weeks or even months ahead of time, but you also can set up a push alert to notify existing customers when you’re in their area. And, there’s no need to spend time updating all your social media platforms with your whereabouts each time you relocate; Truckily does the work for you. Best of all, a free monthly plan is available.
- Geofencing
Also known as location-based marketing, geofencing technology allows you to reach customers once they venture within close proximity of your food truck. So, if the GPS indicates a potential patron is a mile away, you'll be able to ping their smartphone with a special offer, increasing the likelihood of them giving your food truck a try.
- Foursquare
Foursquare takes geofencing to another level. Currently used by 50 million individuals nationwide, it enables your customers to check in to receive a freebie or discount. You can tailor your listing by adding a photograph, hours of operation and other useful links as well. Other unique features include:
- Free exposure through local searches simply by registering your food truck
- Designated titles for loyal customers
- Access to analytics to give you an in-depth understanding of sales trends
- The ability to create customized offers as a way of saying thank you to frequent patrons
All of these benefits are available to you free of charge, unless, of course, you choose to select a customized promotional package.
- Mobile Application
If your food truck has ventured beyond the startup phase, it’s time to step it up a notch by launching your own interactive mobile application through a service like App Makr. It should enable customers to peruse your menu, place an order and remit payment. This will eliminate the time spent processing orders and allow you to focus on what you do best: whipping up tasty masterpieces in the kitchen. Also, consider integrating coupons into the app and retrieving customer email addresses at the completion of each purchase for weekly or monthly email blasts.
- Quick Response (QR) Codes
Using Kaywa or a similar website, you can generate a QR code to offer customers a free add-on or discount when scanned with their smartphone. If you’re unable to extend a promotional offer or would rather do so using another platform, link the QR code to one of your social media pages or newsletter so they can become a fan or subscriber.
By incorporating one or more of these technological tools, your food truck will be well on its way to garnering the attention it deserves.
