Restaurants know that great food simply doesn’t cut it.
While having the best good products will bring loyal customers back, it doesn’t always help promote your business to bring initial customers through the door.
Today I will walk you through 7 marketing strategies I suggest you try out, as these have worked for restaurant businesses I have personally worked with, and I am confident they can work for you.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us and we can see how our team can help you.
1) Google Search Advertising
The first marketing strategy I recommend you try out is Google Ads.
Google Ads is one the original ways to generate traffic for restaurants simply because you can promote yourself locally to users who want your type of food.
For example if you are a brand new sushi restaurant in Toronto, you have 2000-3000 users typing in ‘sushi toronto’ which makes it easy for you to promote yourself towards them.
Especially if these users are local too you, there’s a high chance they will visit your restaurant.
If you want to sign up visit Google Ads.
Pros & Cons
Faster Results
Faster Data Metrics
Pay Per Click
Can Waste Budget
2) SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
The second best strategy for a restaurant owner is SEO, also known as ‘Search Engine Optimization’.
The beauty of SEO is how similar it is to Google Ads, except you don’t have to pay per click.
Now this is not too say SEO is free as you will either need to pay an SEO Specialist or learn it yourself, your are investing a lot of time and resources to improve your websites ‘authority’ to show Google why you are the best site for their users.
Pros & Cons
Free Traffic
GMB Listing
Takes Time
Maintenance
3) Facebook & Instagram Advertising
Facebook & Instagram are both good options as a way to capture users who are not actively searching for your type of restaurant, but with the right coupon/discount code or advertising creative you might be able to hook them in for the future.
Actively displaying content of your chefs creating special dishes or doing funny food combinations might be able to grab the interest of your local customers.
Pros & Cons
Faster Results
Generate Followers
Pay / Click
Competition
4) TikTok Content
TikTok is an extremely powerful tool for new business owners. Its powerful algorithm and addictive interface grabs users globally, which makes it a great tool to promote your local restaurant especially if there is something innovative about it.
Pros & Cons
New Platform
Easy To Localize
Younger Crowd
Addictive
5) Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is not necessarily a new thing, but companies are starting to understand the impact a leader can have on their audience who they respect.
By working with an influencer who believes and uses your product can be an easy way to get them to promote your product to their audience.
This can be done through sponsorships, affiliate links, or revenue share.
Pros & Cons
Niche Focused
Great ROI
Costs A Bit
No Guarantee
6) Pinterest Content
Pinterest is a great way to promote high quality images of your food, restaurant, staff, customers and much more.
Take the time to hire a professional photographer and create a plate of each dish on your menu. From there you can use these images to promote on your Pinterest account, Google My Business listing and Instagram account.
Pros & Cons
Free Account
Advertising
Takes Time
Quality Content
7) Review & Directory Sites
Directory sites have been around since the internet was founded.
They provide as an aggregate for compiling categories and tags for different business information and reviews.
Purchase citations through directories using tools like BrightLocal or Yext to have your account created on 100’s of these directories to generate traffic and promote your business.
Pros & Cons
3rd-Party Traffic
Easy Signup
Competition
Membership
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For a new restaurant website it can take around 6 months to 1 year to see real results. However you can get results fairly quickly with your Google My Business listing.
