Restaurant videos work marketing magic

A new online restaurant showcase concept has successfully introduced a fun yet cost-effective way for F&B outlets to reach consumers.

dineoutemirates.com is the region’s first online video directory of restaurants, designed to make dining-out choices in Dubai and the UAE easier for the consumer.

Viewers can browse through its video directory, pick a restaurant, learn about the cuisine, interiors, best-selling dishes — and even meet the chef.

George Jacob, managing director of MovieMedia, the film and video production house which has launched dineoutemirates.com, pointed out: “There are so many food and beverage options here that even for the residents it is a challenge to choose from the wide range available, let alone a tourist visiting the region for the first time.

“That is where dineoutemirates.com makes its mark; you are given a virtual view of the whole restaurant — its ambience, the décor, the kitchen, the staff, even samples of the food they serve.

“It is the ultimate validation, next to being there in person. That’s why movies are so popular — they take you there.”

However Jacob was quick to point out that the site is also a winning concept for outlet operators.

“Research shows that more than 70% of the up-market buying public check the internet before making a purchase decision and more than 60% of internet traffic today is video-driven,” he continued.

“So for hoteliers and restaurant owners, this is the ideal opportunity to reach out is a new way to their target group.”

Jacob added that online video marketing was also an extremely cost-effective marketing option.

“The cost of distribution is hardly anything, almost free. Up until a few years ago, even if you had a video, getting it into situation where it is seen by your target audience was cumbersome and expensive. 

“But today, no other medium can compare with this in combining motion pictures, sounds, animations, music and effects to give such a great sensory experience, so cost-effectively.”

The dineoutemirates.com site also gives outlets the opportunity to build loyalty programmes — and according to Jacob there are more big plans for the site in future.

“Right now, besides videos on restaurants, we have competitions and prizes, a ‘Tips and Tricks’ page with videos on interesting topics, games and so on,” he explained.

“Everyone likes the concept and the feedback has been really very good. The viewers response is reflected in the growing click rates and page-hits.

“But we certainly are looking at branching out across the region in future,” he revealed. “Not only in the Middle East, either — we are exploring possibilities of franchising the concept to other parts of the world.

“We might be starting in India then Philippines and other great culinary hubs where we think this is the best way to reach more clients and more customers.”
 

For more information, please visit: www.dineoutemirates.com