Event marketing: bringing customers to your pizza shop

Great food is just one ingredient in your recipe for pizzeria success. Event marketing can bring new customers through your pizza shop’s doors and keep regulars coming back for more. 

Let's dive into some tasty strategies to make your pizzeria the talk of the town.

Create a buzz with social media

Social media is your best friend when it comes to event promotion. Start by creating eye-catching visuals — think mouthwatering pizza shots or fun behind-the-scenes peeks at your kitchen. Use these to tease your upcoming event a few weeks in advance. 

Don't just post and run, though. Engage with your followers by asking questions, running polls, or encouraging them to share their favorite pizza memories. And don't forget to create a unique hashtag for your event. It's a great way to track engagement and build excitement.

Host pizza-centric events

Now, let's talk about the main course — the events themselves. As a pizzeria, you've got a built-in crowd-pleaser. Why not host pizza-making classes? It's a fun, interactive way for customers to learn about your craft and appreciate the work that goes into each pie.

Themed pizza nights are another hit. Maybe it's a "Tour of Italy" night featuring regional specialties, or a "Throwback Thursday" with retro favorites. These events give customers a reason to visit beyond their usual pizza night.

Here are some more pizza-centric event ideas to spice up your pizzeria's calendar:

• Pizza and movie nights: Screen classic films and serve themed pizzas

• Blind taste tests: Let customers sample different pizzas and guess the toppings

• Pizza eating contests: Host friendly competitions for the hungriest pizza lovers

• Pizza and wine (or beer) pairings: Collaborate with local wineries or breweries

• Create-your-own-pizza parties: Let customers get creative with toppings

• Pizza art competitions: Challenge customers to make pizza-themed masterpieces

• Seasonal ingredient showcases: Highlight local, seasonal toppings

• Pizza and game nights: Combine board games or trivia with pizza specials

These promotions not only draw crowds but also showcase your pizzeria's creativity and community spirit. They give customers unique experiences that go beyond just grabbing a quick slice, encouraging them to engage more deeply with your brand and keep coming back for more.

Collaborate with the community

Your pizzeria is part of the local fabric, so weave yourself into community events. Sponsor a little league team or participate in food festivals. It's a great way to get your name out there and show you're more than just another pizza shop.

Don't forget about major pizza days like Super Bowl Sunday — the biggest ordering day of the year for pizzerias. Plan ahead with special promotions to make the most of these busy times.

Leverage live updates and customer content

During your event, keep the excitement going with live updates. Share videos and photos on your social media stories. Encourage attendees to post their own content and repost the best shots. It's like free advertising and helps create a sense of community around your pizzeria.

After the event, keep the momentum going with thank you posts, highlighting memorable moments, and teasing your next event. This keeps your pizzeria top-of-mind and builds anticipation for what's coming next.

Make it a win-win with charity events

Hosting a charity event is a great way to give back to your community while attracting new customers. Partner with a local organization and donate a portion of your sales for the night. It's good for your community, good for your reputation, and good for business.

Optimize for local searches

While you're planning all these great events, don't forget about the power of local search. Make sure your Google My Business listing is up to date with your latest hours, menu, and photos. 

Use phrases like "best pizza near me" or "pizza events in [your city]" in your online content. This helps hungry customers find you when they're searching for a great slice or a fun night out.

For more tasty tips on how to make your pizzeria the hottest spot in town, check out our other posts on marketing and community engagement.