Case Study #7
Basil & Olive
Client Overview
Basil & Olive in Belleville, New Jersey, is a Mediterranean restaurant that brings the rich flavors of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine to the community. Their menu features fresh, high-quality ingredients with a mix of traditional recipes and modern touches, from gyros and souvlaki to seafood and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and focus on creating a dining experience that feels both authentic and welcoming. To expand their reach and stand out in a competitive dining market, Basil & Olive partnered with our agency to strengthen their online presence and connect with a broader audience.
Services Provided:
- Social Media Management
- SEO
- E-Mail Marketing
- Online Reputation Management
- Content Marketing
Challenges
Basil & Olive faced several marketing hurdles that were limiting their growth and online visibility.
Limited Brand Awareness
As a restaurant relying heavily on online orders and digital discovery, Basil & Olive needed to establish a strong presence in a competitive market. Many potential customers in Belleville and surrounding areas were unaware of the restaurant or what made it unique. Without effective branding and marketing, their high-quality Mediterranean menu was not reaching the audience it deserved.
Underutilized Digital Channels
Although Basil & Olive offered fresh and customizable meal options, their social media channels were underdeveloped and inconsistent. Posts lacked strategy and engagement opportunities, making it difficult to attract followers and convert them into loyal customers. The restaurant needed a way to connect with potential diners through storytelling, visually appealing content, and interactive campaigns that reflected the brand’s identity.
Online Ordering Barrier
While the restaurant provided convenient online ordering, there was no strategic promotion driving consistent traffic to the platform. Potential customers often did not know about the ease of ordering online, and without effective campaigns or targeted messaging, the restaurant was missing out on significant revenue opportunities from digital orders.
Underserved Local SEO
Local search visibility was another challenge. Basil & Olive was not fully optimized for local searches, meaning potential customers searching for healthy Mediterranean options or nearby meal delivery were not finding the restaurant. Without optimized listings, targeted keywords, and strong local SEO practices, the restaurant was losing out on valuable foot traffic and online orders in its immediate area.
By addressing these challenges, our agency aimed to create a comprehensive marketing strategy that would boost visibility, engagement, and sales while positioning Basil & Olive as a leading Mediterranean dining option in Belleville.
Work
To address the challenges faced by Basil & Olive and help them grow their sales, our agency implemented a multi-faceted digital marketing strategy tailored to their brand and audience.
Social Media Management
We developed a structured social media strategy to build engagement and brand awareness. High-quality photos and videos of signature dishes, customizable bowls, and Mediterranean classics were shared consistently across platforms. Posts highlighted the freshness of ingredients, the variety of menu options, and the restaurant’s welcoming vibe. We also incorporated interactive content such as polls, contests, and customer spotlights to create stronger connections with the audience and encourage engagement.
Targeted Advertising Campaigns
To increase local visibility and attract new customers, we ran geo-targeted ad campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These campaigns focused on users in Belleville and surrounding towns who were interested in healthy dining and Mediterranean cuisine. We tested different ad creatives and messaging to determine which drove the most engagement and conversions.
Email Marketing
We implemented an email marketing strategy to engage both existing and potential customers. Regular newsletters highlighted new menu items, promotions, seasonal offerings, and special deals for online orders. Emails emphasized convenience and freshness, encouraging repeat purchases and increasing customer loyalty.
Local SEO Optimization
We optimized Basil & Olive’s online presence for local searches to ensure they were easily discoverable by potential customers. Google Business Profile optimization, keyword targeting, and location-specific content made it easier for people searching for Mediterranean meals, healthy options, or online ordering in Belleville to find the restaurant. This effort improved both organic search rankings and visibility in map searches.
Online Reputation Management
We actively monitored and managed online reviews on platforms such as Google and Yelp. By promptly responding to customer feedback and highlighting positive experiences on social media, we helped build trust and credibility. We also encouraged satisfied customers to leave reviews, amplifying the restaurant’s reputation and attracting new diners.
Content Marketing and Storytelling
We created content that told the story of Basil & Olive, focusing on their mission to provide fresh, flavorful, and healthy Mediterranean meals. Blog posts, social media updates, and website content highlighted ingredient sourcing, customizable options, and the dining experience. This storytelling approach helped humanize the brand, foster engagement, and connect with customers on a deeper level.
Results
By promoting online ordering through targeted campaigns and engaging content, Basil & Olive experienced a 70 percent increase in online orders within the first three months. Customers responded positively to the convenient ordering process combined with appealing visuals of menu items.
Consistent social media posting, interactive content, and customer highlights led to an 86 percent growth in engagement across platforms. Followers increased by over 50 percent, with customers liking, sharing, and commenting on posts featuring signature dishes, special offers, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Website optimization and promotional content increased conversion rates by 35 percent, with more visitors completing online orders.
Optimized SEO and compelling digital campaigns resulted in an 90 percent increase in website traffic, with a notable rise in visits to the online ordering page. Users were spending more time exploring menu items and promotions, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.
