Fishbowl vs. Ocean: Rethinking Restaurant Marketing Strategy

In the next episode of the Restaurant & Bar Marketing podcast, Erik Shellenberger discusses a key concept from his first book: the Fishbowl vs. the Ocean. Erik explains why relying solely on social media and existing databases (the "fishbowl") isn't enough to drive new business. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of targeting all potential customers (the "ocean") using Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. Drawing from his years of experience in restaurant marketing, Erik shares insights on why social media often fails to bring in new traffic and how data-driven strategies can better position restaurants for success. Learn why focusing on the "ocean" of undecided consumers can help your restaurant grow beyond its regular customers. Key Takeaways: Fishbowl vs. Ocean: What it means for your restaurant’s marketing strategy Why social media isn’t enough to bring in new customers The importance of Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor in restaurant visibility How to optimize marketing for tourists and new customers