10 Proven Restaurant Marketing Strategies to Attract More Customers
- Alex
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
In today’s competitive restaurant industry, getting customers through the door (or placing online orders) requires more than just great food. To stand out, you need effective restaurant marketing strategies that increase visibility and drive sales.
Whether you’re a new restaurant or an established brand, these 10 proven marketing tactics will help you attract more customers and grow your business.
1. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO
Most customers search “restaurants near me” before deciding where to eat. To ensure your restaurant appears in those searches, you need local SEO.
Steps to Improve Local SEO:
✅ Claim & Optimize Your Google Business Profile – Add photos, menus, and business details.
✅ Use Location-Based Keywords – Example: “Best Italian restaurant in [city]”
✅ Get More Online Reviews – Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews.
Pro Tip: Google prioritizes restaurants with regularly updated profiles, so post new photos and promotions often!
2. Leverage Social Media to Engage & Convert
Social media isn’t just for branding—it’s a powerful sales tool. Use Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your menu, share promotions, and build relationships with customers.
📱 Instagram & TikTok Reels – Short, engaging food videos attract more views.
📱 Facebook Events – Promote upcoming specials or live music nights.
📱 Influencer Marketing – Partner with local food bloggers for increased exposure.
Pro Tip: Use Instagram’s “Order Food” button to make ordering easier for customers.
3. Build an Email & SMS Marketing List
Email and SMS marketing help you stay connected with customers and drive repeat business.
✉️ Email Marketing: Send promotions, new menu updates, and loyalty rewards.
📲 SMS Marketing: Text customers with exclusive deals and last-minute offers.
Example: “Get a free appetizer with any entrée! Use code EATFREE. Valid today only.”
4. Invest in Online Advertising (Google & Facebook Ads)
Want immediate results? Running Google Ads and Facebook/Instagram Ads can put your restaurant in front of potential customers instantly.
🔥 Google Ads: Target search terms like “best sushi delivery near me”.
🔥 Facebook & Instagram Ads: Use eye-catching images and videos to attract diners.
🔥 Retargeting Ads: Show ads to people who visited your website but didn’t place an order.
5. Create a Loyalty Program to Encourage Repeat Customers
A well-designed loyalty program increases customer retention and revenue.
🎟️ Offer a Rewards System – Example: Earn 1 point per $1 spent. Get $10 off at 100 points.
📱 Use Digital Loyalty Apps – Platforms like Toast, Square, or FiveStars make it easy.
🎁 Surprise Customers with Exclusive Perks – Give VIP customers a free birthday meal!
6. Offer Online Ordering & Delivery Through Your Own Website
Relying on third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats cuts into your profits. Instead, drive customers to order directly from your website to save on fees and build a direct relationship.
How to Promote Direct Orders:
✅ Offer Website-Only Discounts – Example: 10% off for first-time direct orders.
✅ Promote on Social Media & In-Store – Use signs and table tents to inform customers.
✅ Retarget Customers with Ads – Run Facebook & Google Ads for online orders.
Pro Tip: Many restaurants add a QR code on receipts that links to their ordering page!
7. Use Google Maps Marketing to Appear in Local Searches
When customers search for restaurants nearby, Google Maps is often their first stop. To appear higher in local searches:
📍 Ensure Your Google Business Profile is Complete & Updated
📍 Add High-Quality Photos – Restaurants with photos get 42% more requests for directions.
📍 Encourage More Customer Reviews – More positive reviews = better ranking.
8. Partner with Local Businesses & Events
Building relationships with local businesses, offices, and event organizers can drive large catering and group orders.
🤝 Offer Catering Discounts for Local Offices
🤝 Collaborate with Local Breweries or Wineries
🤝 Sponsor Community Events for More Exposure
Pro Tip: Offer exclusive corporate meal plans to businesses near you.
9. Run Limited-Time Promotions to Create Urgency
Scarcity and urgency encourage quick decisions. Run limited-time offers to boost sales.
🔥 Examples of Time-Sensitive Deals:
“Buy one, get one free burgers – Today only!”
“Happy Hour: 50% off appetizers from 4-6 PM.”
“Flash Sale: Get a free dessert with any entrée – Ends Sunday!”
Pro Tip: Promote limited-time deals using Instagram Stories for real-time engagement.
10. Improve Your Online Reputation & Reviews
Customer reviews directly impact your restaurant’s success. 90% of diners check online reviews before choosing where to eat.
⭐ How to Get More Positive Reviews:
✔️ Ask Satisfied Customers to Leave a Review (Send an automated follow-up email or text.)
✔️ Respond to All Reviews (Both Positive & Negative) – Show customers you care.
✔️ Incentivize Reviews – Offer a small discount or free appetizer for leaving feedback.
Pro Tip: The more 4 & 5-star reviews you have, the higher you rank on Google and Yelp!
Take Action with These Restaurant Marketing Strategies & Grow Your Restaurant Today!
Successful restaurant marketing is about consistency and creativity. By implementing these 10 strategies, you’ll attract more customers, boost online orders, and increase revenue.
Need expert help? ONE AM specializes in restaurant marketing—let’s grow your business!
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