How to Market a Restaurant

The restaurant industry today is more than just good food and location. In a crowded industry, you need a solid restaurant marketing plan to stand out, attract new customers and get repeat business.

In this guide we’ll discuss the best restaurant marketing ideas, and provide advice to help owners implement restaurant marketing strategies both online and offline

Professional Guidance

For restaurant owners looking to elevate their marketing efforts, partnering with a digital marketing professional like Aperture Comms can provide invaluable professional guidance.

Experts in digital marketing, such as those at Aperture Comms, bring strategic insights tailored to the restaurant industry, helping owners navigate complex marketing channels, optimize their online presence, and craft a targeted approach to reach the ideal audience. From social media strategy to search engine optimisation, partnering with professionals ensures that every marketing initiative is aligned with the restaurant’s unique brand identity and goals.

Top Restaurant Marketing Tips

1. Your Restaurant’s Brand Identity

Your restaurant’s brand identity is the foundation of any restaurant marketing strategy. Think about your target market, the vibe of your restaurant and what sets you apart.

Once you have your brand voice established make sure it’s consistent across all your restaurant marketing channels from social media posts to your restaurant website.

2. Your Restaurant Marketing Plan

A restaurant marketing plan should outline specific marketing strategies for your target market. Start by setting clear marketing goals, such as increasing brand awareness or local customers.

Mix digital and physical marketing and determine your marketing budget to stay within.

3. Use Social Media Platforms to Engage and Attract Customers

Social media is one of the best marketing channels for restaurants. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok allow you to post food photos, interact with customers and promote restaurant events. A Facebook business page can help with local restaurant searches and Instagram Stories is a fun way to post daily specials or new menu items.

• Restaurant Marketing Tip: Post delicious food photos and behind the scenes content to build excitement and attract potential customers. Respond to comments and messages to build loyal customers and your restaurant’s brand.

4. Get Optimised for Google Local Search

More people are searching for local restaurants on Google so your Google Business Profile is crucial. This listing will increase visibility in local restaurant searches and attract customers in your area. Make sure your profile is updated with your address, phone number, business hours, online menu and high quality images.

• Pro Tip: Ask happy customers to leave reviews as they will help your reputation and your Google ranking.

5. Use Paid Media to Reach a Wider Audience

Paid media like Google Ads and social media ads is a great way to reach your target market. With Google Ads you can put your restaurant at the top of search results for keywords like “best restaurant near me”. Social media ads on Facebook and Instagram allow you to target customers based on location, interests and demographics.

6. Use User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is a low cost marketing tactic that builds brand credibility and trust. Ask customers to post photos and reviews of their dining experience and consider re-sharing these posts on your social media accounts. This will help build your restaurant’s online community and show potential customers what it’s really like.

7. Get Involved in the Local Community

Getting involved in the local community is an offline marketing strategy that is often overlooked. Partner with other local businesses for joint promotions, participate in community events, and sponsor local sports teams or charity events.

This will get you media coverage and build goodwill with local customers and make your restaurant the go-to spot in the area.

8. Run Tactical Restaurant Promotions and Events

Restaurant promotion ideas like happy hour deals, themed nights or limited time offers can drive foot traffic and attract customers. Promote these events through your social media, email marketing and even local media.

• Marketing Strategy: Promote events well in advance and offer exclusive deals to loyal customers to encourage repeat visits.

9. Get Your Digital House in Order with a Restaurant Website

A user friendly and attractive website is essential for any restaurant marketing plan. Include essential info like your menu, contact details, location and reservation options. Optimize your site for SEO to attract local customers and increase online visibility.

• Marketing Strategy: Adding online ordering and delivery options will attract customers who prefer to eat at home, while clear high quality images and simple navigation will improve the online user experience.

10. Use SMS and Email to Build Repeat Business

SMS and email marketing is great for staying in touch with customers. Send updates on new menu items, promotions and events to keep your restaurant top of mind. Make sure to personalise messages to make customers feel special.

• Top Restaurant Marketing Ideas: Offer exclusive deals or loyalty rewards to email subscribers or SMS members to encourage repeat visits.

11. Monitor Online Reviews and Customer Feedback

Google Business, Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews are crucial to a restaurant’s reputation. Respond to reviews, good and bad, in a friendly and professional manner. Show you value feedback by implementing changes based on feedback from your loyal customers.

12. Try Food Delivery Apps to Reach a Wider Audience

Food delivery apps are a great way to boost sales and reach more customers. Especially useful for restaurants looking to attract customers outside their immediate area. Food delivery apps also promote top rated restaurants which can increase brand awareness.

13. Offline Marketing: Don’t Forget Physical Marketing

Physical marketing like restaurant signage, branded menus and flyers in nearby suburbs are still relevant. A well designed sign will attract by passers, while a printed menu will allow customers to see all options at a glance.

14. Budget Your Marketing

Having a clear budget for marketing will ensure you use your resources well. Allocate across different marketing channels and focus on the tactics that give the highest return on investment like social media and SEO.

Conclusion

A successful restaurant marketing strategy is a multi channel approach that uses digital marketing tools, local community and consistent branding.

By mixing your restaurant marketing with the right balance of online and offline strategies you can increase brand awareness, attract more customers and build a loyal following that will keep coming back for more.