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Best Marketing Ideas for New Restaurants: Proven Strategies to Attract Customers

  • Writer: Alex
    Alex
  • Mar 11
  • 3 min read

Starting a new restaurant is exciting, but attracting customers and building a loyal base requires strategic marketing. In today’s digital world, having great food isn’t enough—you need a solid restaurant marketing plan to stand out from the competition.


Here are the best marketing ideas for new restaurants that will help you get noticed, increase traffic, and boost sales.



Best marketing ideas for new restaurants

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (Get Found on Google)

When people search for “restaurants near me,” you want your restaurant to appear at the top. Google Business Profile (GBP) helps your restaurant show up in local searches.


✅ How to optimize your GBP:


  • Add high-quality photos of your food, interior, and menu

  • Update your business hours and contact details

  • Encourage customers to leave positive reviews

  • Use Google Posts to promote specials and events


📌 Pro Tip: Restaurants with 50+ reviews rank higher in local search results! Ask satisfied customers to leave a review.


2. Leverage Instagram & TikTok for Viral Marketing

Social media is one of the best marketing tools for restaurants. With Instagram and TikTok, you can attract customers by showcasing appetizing food content and behind-the-scenes moments.


Winning Social Media Strategies for Restaurants:


✅ Post high-quality food photos & videos

✅ Use popular hashtags (e.g., #foodie, #restaurantname, #eatlocal)

✅ Run Instagram giveaways to engage potential customers

✅ Collaborate with local food influencers for reviews

✅ Share user-generated content (repost customers’ photos)


📌 Pro Tip: Short-form TikTok videos showing your restaurant’s food preparation can go viral and bring in new customers!


3. Run Local Ads on Facebook & Google

Paid advertising is an effective way to reach new customers quickly. Facebook and Google Ads let you target locals who are searching for dining options.


✅ Google Ads Strategy:

  • Run "Near Me" ads for keywords like “best restaurants near me”

  • Target people searching for food delivery or takeout

  • Optimize your landing page with an easy-to-navigate menu


✅ Facebook & Instagram Ads Strategy:

  • Run geo-targeted ads within 5-10 miles of your location

  • Promote special offers, happy hour deals, or grand openings

  • Use high-quality video ads showing food & ambiance


📌 Pro Tip: Retarget visitors who viewed your menu but didn’t order using Facebook Pixel!


4. Launch a Loyalty Program (Increase Repeat Customers)

Customer retention is key to long-term success. A restaurant loyalty program can boost repeat visits and customer engagement.


How to Start a Simple Loyalty Program:


✅ Offer points-based rewards (e.g., 10 points = free appetizer)

✅ Use apps like Square Loyalty, Toast Loyalty, or Punchh

✅ Give a free drink/dessert on their next visit if they sign up

✅ Run a birthday rewards program


📌 Pro Tip: Send personalized email offers to loyalty members to keep them engaged.


5. Partner with Local Businesses & Events

Build connections by partnering with local businesses, events, and influencers.


✅ How to Get More Exposure:

  • Offer exclusive deals to nearby office workers

  • Partner with gyms, hotels, or fitness studios for cross-promotions

  • Sponsor local events or food festivals

  • Run a pop-up event at a community gathering


📌 Pro Tip: Co-market with nearby businesses (e.g., coffee shops) by offering bundle discounts!


6. Build an Email & SMS Marketing List

Email and SMS marketing are highly effective for driving repeat business.


Collect customer emails and phone numbers to send targeted promotions.


How to Build Your Restaurant’s Email List:


✅ Use WiFi sign-ups (free internet in exchange for an email)

✅ Offer a discount on their next visit for joining your list

✅ Collect contacts via online orders or reservations

✅ Send weekly specials, promotions, and events


📌 Pro Tip: SMS marketing has a 98% open rate! Send flash deals via text messages to drive immediate visits.


7. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO

A fast, mobile-friendly website with SEO-optimized content will attract more organic traffic.


How to Optimize for Restaurant SEO:


✅ Use keywords like “best [cuisine] restaurant in [city]”

✅ Add an easy-to-read online menu

✅ Include customer reviews and testimonials

✅ Use Google Schema Markup for better search visibility


📌 Pro Tip: Add an FAQ section to answer common questions like “Do you offer delivery?” or “Is there parking available?”


8. Offer Online Ordering & Delivery

Many customers prefer ordering online. Ensure your restaurant offers seamless online ordering.


How to Set Up Online Ordering:


✅ Use platforms like Toast, Square, or ChowNow

✅ Promote direct ordering from your website (avoid third-party fees)

✅ Run ads targeting local delivery customers


📌 Pro Tip: Encourage pickup orders by offering a 10% discount on direct website orders!


Best Marketing Ideas For New Restaurants - Start Today!

Marketing a new restaurant requires a mix of digital and local strategies. By leveraging SEO, social media, paid ads, loyalty programs, and local partnerships, you can attract more customers and grow your restaurant’s success.


Want Help with Your Restaurant Marketing?

At ONE AM, we specialize in helping restaurants increase visibility, attract customers, and boost sales. 🚀

 
 
 

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