7 Food Truck Advertising Strategies To Win Over The Market

The food truck industry’s 10.9 percent annual growth rate in the last five years, summing up nearly 60,000 businesses in the United States, is a question of how you will outdo them all. 

The simple answer is good and effective food truck advertising strategies.

It may sound huge and intimidating with billboards and paid ads, but creative, simple, and cost-effective strategies that leverage technology will do its best.

You can start with social media campaigns, partnerships with other local businesses, and an online ordering system management that advertises your business directly to your customers when they dine in. 

It does not cost much, but it guarantees results. It's a perfect stepping stone as a starter.

Who is the food truck market? 

IBIS World reported that around 40 percent of monthly food truck spending is attributed to individuals aged 25 to 44, with an additional 20 percent coming from those under 25. 

This means that your primary market consists of middle-class millennials, particularly students and young professionals. 

Additionally, Statista cited the National Restaurant Association statement saying consumers aged 18 to 34 were most likely to purchase a meal from a food truck, followed by those aged 35 to 44. 

These demographics, according to AG & Natural Resources College, are drawn to food trucks due to their convenience, unique culinary offerings, and support for local businesses. 

They also prefer to experience novel dining, making food trucks an appealing choice. 

5 reasons why millennials and Gen Zs love food trucks

• Desired for quality and speed

A survey indicated that 26 percent of respondents ages 27 and below are compelled by higher-quality of food items for them to eat out more. While 61 percent of guests ages  44 and plus encouraged on affordable options.

Additionally, Piper Sandler’s investigation found that 95 percent of customer satisfaction comes from fast food services.

With this data, the food truck’s nature of operation has brought both quality yet affordable food and simultaneously speedy serving.

• Openness to new culinary experience 

Millennials and Gen Zs are up for trying out different dining experiences. 

The Journal of Food Service Business Research stated that millennials desire to try new things, particularly in food and culture. 

Food trucks are perfect starters as they can intuitively feature various cuisines on the roads.

• Preference for fast-casual dining

Due to the balance of affordability, quality, and convenience, many millennials and Gen Zs have a strong preference for fast-casual dining. 

Unlike traditional fast food,  fast-casual establishments like food trucks offer fresher ingredients, customizable options, and unique menu items that appeal to the younger consumers’ desire for variety and healthier choices. 

• Emphasis on sustainability 

These demographics have an increased focus on sustainability and often choose brands and food establishments that reflect their environmental values.

Approximately 33 percent of Gen Z consumers prioritize sustainability when making food and beverage choices, reflecting a strong desire to support businesses with ethical practices.

• Influence of social media

Social media is a game-changer.

These younger generations are highly active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, where they can share experiences, discover new trends, and engage with visually appealing content..

Food trucks, with their unique and photogenic offerings, naturally lend themselves to social media exposure. 

Young demographic trust organic, user -generated content more than traditional advertisements, which means a food truck’s presence on social media can be a powerful marketing tool. 

Effective food truck advertising strategies you should start implementing

Here are tested strategies you can apply without turning your pockets upside down:

Install a striking vehicle wrap

Your food truck is the perfect place to carry your food advertisements and marketing tactics. So, it’s best to plan out what it should look like in public.

Invest in a custom vehicle wrap that aligns with your overall business concept.

Here are things you need to remember when designing one: 

• Prioritize your branding

Position your logo prominently on all visible sides—front, back, and sides. Use brand colors to ensure consistency with your overall identity.

• Make key information clear 

Feature your best dishes or specialties with high-quality images or illustrations. Include your contact details, including your website, phone number, social media handles, and a QR code menu for easy access. 

Make mention of your schedules or areas where you frequently visit. 

• Ensure readability

Remember that size matters when displaying information in public. Make use of the large text and bold graphics that can be read from afar or while your truck is moving.

• Leverage the whole truck

Prepare a 360-degree design that covers up the whole truck to make it more engaging, as this potential food truck advertising spaces. 

Add graphics to the roof if you park in areas where people might see it from above. 

Additionally, don’t forget to use doors, windows, and serving hatches as part of the design for dynamic, interactive feel. 

Curate your social media marketing campaigns

The Social Media Marketing Industry Report showed that 86 percent of marketers vouched that their social media marketing increased their businesses' exposure, 76 percent found increased traffic,  64 percent generated leads, 56 percent developed loyal patrons, and 55 percent said that it improved their sales. 

Indeed, social media is an effective tool for marketing—but only when it’s done right.

What’s common among the marketers in the said report is that they were able to target the appropriate audience in their campaigns.

To do that, you must define your ideal customer through demographics, interests, behaviors, and needs. 

Once you have gathered them, create tailored content that resonates with their interests, addresses their pain points, and highlights your brand's unique value.

Use interactive visuals, compelling storytelling, and relevant hashtags to maximize reach and engagement.

Integrate QR code menu ordering technology

One of the most important food truck ideas to pay attention to is the technologies you will incorporate. 

Remember that you’re operating in limited spaces. Think of optimizing some areas for smoother operations. 

For instance, you can take orders by setting up QR codes on table tents so your customers can easily access them through their phones.

This way, they don’t have to wait for staff assistance when ordering and paying for their meals.

This innovative approach speaks volumes and benefits your customers directly, turning first-timers into regulars. 

Set up loyalty programs and incentives 

Maintaining and bettering your service counts, but rewarding your customers for their loyalty is another. 

Set a loyalty program by identifying what motivates your audience most. It could be discounts, freebies, or exclusive perks.

Choose a format that suits your business, like points-based systems, tiered rewards, or a punch card for repeat purchases.

Communicate the benefits clearly to your customers through in-store signage, email campaigns, and social media. 

Tip: Make use of various restaurant marketing tools to help you in setting an automated system for a smoother implementation of your reward program. 

Seek partnerships with local events and businesses as part of your food truck advertising

One of the challenges for food truck operators is to have consistent customers in their designated locations. 

However, it’s not always the same, especially if you’re still starting out. 

Exploring partnerships is a strategic move to maintain revenue flow and extend your visibility to a wider audience.

Look for businesses that align with your brand values and share the same target audience.

Then, approach them with mutually beneficial food truck marketing ideas or proposals, such as cross-promotions, joint events, or co-branding products.

Participate in local markets, sponsor events, or collaborate on exclusive offers to increase visibility. 

Use these to extend your network, share resources, and attract new customers. 

You can also discuss with them various food truck menu ideas to align with the event or business you’re collaborating with. 

Establish content marketing

This type of media marketing takes your advertising to the next level. 

Content Marketing Institute (CMI) revealed that 73 percent of business-to-business marketers and 70 percent of business-to-customer marketers use content marketing as part of their overall marketing strategy. 

Ninety-seven percent of the respondents surveyed achieved a success rate with their content marketing. 

Creating high-quality, valuable content that addresses your customers' needs, like blog posts, videos, infographics, podcasts, or simple social media updates, is a game-changer. 

This will help you build brand awareness, driving better engagement performances that turn into sales. 

Tip: Consistency is the key to this type of marketing. So, develop a calendar to track and align topics with trends or seasonal interests you want to focus on in your advertisements.

Engage in your community and do an outreach

Engage with your community through outreach to strengthen your food truck’s local presence and foster customer loyalty.

You can start participating in community events like farmers’ markets, festivals,  or charity fundraisers. 

Offer sponsorships to local schools, sports teams, or non-profits to demonstrate your commitment to the community.  

You can also organize giveaways, cooking demos, or food drives to create positive engagements. 

Being an active and supportive community member can turn your food truck into a local favorite.

How to use a smart QR code menu ordering system as an advertising tool  

Adding to the list of strategies for advertising your food truck, using digital tools like this comes with a great deal. 

Not only is it cheaper, but it guarantees you a wide-reach audience. 

Tools like MENU TIGER food menu QR code ordering software are known for providing top-tiered solutions with advertising and your overall food truck functions. 

Take a look at how you can maximize the use of this technology:

• Highlights special offers and promotions

Using QR codes, you can effortlessly link your exclusive deals, happy hour menus, and seasonal promotions instead of printing materials that can add up to your overhead costs.

You can rotate these codes with your other tools, like a self-service kiosk, to create a sense of urgency that can encourage repeat visits. 

Expert’s note: Implementing digital techs like this may be unfamiliar to other customers, especially those who are elderly, which may lead to confusion. 

To prevent this, include simple steps on how to scan a menu QR code using their mobile phones effectively.

• Provides interactive advertising

Getting customer feedback made it easier and hassle-free than ever if you use QR codes. 

This way, they won’t feel pressured or intimidated when giving their reviews online, and they will provide you with more authentic and honest responses that will help your business improve. 

You can also set up incentives like discounts directly onto the digital menu once the QR code is scanned.

• Promotes upcoming events or new items

With its customizable function, customers are directed to your website once the QR code is accessed.

Here, you can set up your announcements and even link your social media handles, which will direct customers to your various advertising materials.

• Offer personalized advertising

Use this restaurant technology to push for personalized offers to customers based on their past purchases. 

There’s also an available section for add-ons that you can use to upsell and cross-sell products for better revenues. 

These can help increase engagement and sales as customers mix and match their orders. 

Hit the road with the best food truck marketing strategies and drive sales

The food truck business is tricky to market since it embodies the on-the-go concept.

This is because you don’t actually operate in one location but eye for places where your target audience is. 

But, with the right food truck advertising plan coupled with technologies like MENU TIGER online ordering system software, it prepares you for getting into the industry.

From strategic marketing campaigns to exceptional services, it aims to benefit your business the most as you serve your customers.

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