The Best Restaurant Marketing Strategies to Attract Customers

Written by Beth Lucy

Are you struggling to attract new customers while simultaneously keeping regulars? 

Running a restaurant is tricky, particularly as there are so many competitors, and it can be difficult to make your business stand apart.

Now, more than ever, savvy marketing can help build your customer base. Here are some effective restaurant marketing strategies you should implement to ensure business success:

Create a winning restaurant marketing strategy

First and foremost, you need a plan of how you will market your restaurant to potential customers. Some key things to think about in your marketing plan include:

• Defining your target customer

• Research which platforms your target customer uses

• Set clear and measurable goals

• Plan your content

• Set a budget

Knowing your target audience is essential when thinking about which channels you will use to market your restaurant. For example, if you want to appeal to Gen Z adults then you will want to use platforms like TikTok or Instagram. When it comes to setting your goals, think about what you hope to achieve from your marketing. Do you want more online bookings or more delivery orders? Think about how you can best optimize your online presence to achieve this. You will also need to factor in a budget when it comes to your marketing plan, as you may want to run ads to ensure greater online exposure. 

Optimize your restaurant website for online visibility 

Your website and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) are key to your business success. Did you know that 89% of consumers switch businesses if they have poor user experience? Your website is so important because this is where your potential customers will learn about your restaurant, as well as see your menu and online booking form.

Make sure your website has a nice and professional design, high-quality photography of your food, and an easy online reservation system. You will also want to optimize SEO by including keywords on your website to reach your target audience in your specific location. Google Business is a great place to start to ensure your restaurant will show in searches and also on Google Maps. 

Build a strong brand identity

Build a strong restaurant brand by curating your visual identity. This not only applies to your logo and the appearance of your physical restaurant venue but also your online presence. Ensure your website and social media are consistent with this image when it comes to color schemes and highlighting core values, such as sustainability.

We recommend promoting your sustainability efforts on your social media and website to appeal to an eco-conscious audience. You could photograph compostable coffee cups with bamboo napkins to spread this message. 

It is crucial to be consistent with the identity of your brand, as this will ensure coherence across different channels and be easily recognizable. 

Define your unique selling proposition (USP)

What is your restaurant’s unique selling point? Whether it is your colorful interior, fancy drinks, or all-vegan dishes, make this the focus of your marketing. If your business is trying to become more sustainable with your food service to reduce waste, then it is important to showcase this. Take photos of your compostable cups or bamboo plates to spread the message about sustainable practices and appeal to a new audience.  This way, you are more likely to attract customers and get noticed on social media. 

Master social media marketing for restaurants

Arguably the most important marketing strategy, social media, is key to achieving business success in the food industry.

Nowadays, almost everyone is online so, social media marketing is increasingly powerful, connecting you with people from all over the world. This is crucial for restaurant businesses because you can reach a huge number of potential customers. A Go Tech report has found that 48% of consumers have used social media to find places to eat and drink, meaning it is key to advertise your business well. 

When it comes to social media, it is critical to be consistent and you will want to be posting once a day or at the very least, every few days. Although there are so many social media platforms to choose from, make sure to stick to the main ones that appeal to your target market and then post consistently. 

Consistent high-quality posting will gain you an organic community and engage your customers. Posting often will not only foster a community but will also help with your brand image and strengthen your online presence since high-quality images have the potential to perform well on social media. Social media apps are all about visually pleasing content, so be sure to post appealing food photography to attract those potential customers. 

Increasingly, short-form video content is attractive to social media users, and with the higher potential to go viral from TikTok and Instagram reels, it has never been more important to utilize this element of social media. Be sure to get creative when it comes to these videos by involving yourself in trends or sharing something interesting. Authentic content performs best, so you could share a video of you making one of your favorite recipes or post a behind-the-scenes shot in your kitchen taking the trash out in compostable bags.

If you are unsure how to create the content yourself, then you could partner with local influencers who will spread the word about your business on their own social media accounts. Make sure to choose influencers who align with your brand as their followers are more likely to be converted into your customers. Equally, most social media apps offer targeted ads that you could invest in to reach a relevant audience.  

Boost visibility with collaborations & partnerships

Following on from partnerships with influencers, you could also partner with a local business that aligns with your values. Partnerships could involve a fun event or social media campaign. This way, both businesses will mutually benefit from reaching a new audience of potential customers because the posts or reels can be shared on each account. Even if the content is not shared, just having your restaurant tagged in a post on another account can drive business awareness and exposure. 

Leverage online reviews & reputation management

Many people leave reviews when they try out new restaurants and tourists often head to these sites to consider if a restaurant is worth visiting. Getting positive reviews is important because they can then be used on your website and social media, attracting new customers.

If you’re finding it difficult to get reviews, post a QR code near the checkout area or on the receipt to direct customers to your website. To really ramp up the reviews, collect emails for online and takeout orders and set up automated emails requesting a review.

Increase customer engagement & loyalty

Finally, restaurants often chase new customers and lose sight of their current ones. Use the data you already have to attract existing customers. Personalized email marketing is an invaluable tool when it comes to spreading the news about exclusive offers and events. A loyalty program can also be a popular way to engage your existing customers. 

By following these marketing tips, you will not only improve your online presence and strengthen your brand image, but you will also reach your target audience, who will now be more inclined to give your restaurant a try. 

If you’re interested in your restaurant becoming more eco-friendly, check out all our sustainable supplies here.