Online marketing for restaurants: 6 tips to do it right!

Keeping a successful restaurant going is as much about great food and service as it is about letting people know you are around. But in a more digital world, word-of-mouth or good old-fashioned advertising just don't work anymore. That's where online marketing for restaurants steps in.

What Is Online Marketing?

Online marketing is any method that utilizes the internet to market your business. This may involve creating a website, using social media, sending out email campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO), or paying for online advertising.

For restaurants, online marketing is more than just a buzzword - it's a way to build connection, credibility, and most importantly, a steady stream of customers. Whether you’re serving up artisan sandwiches or fine dining experiences, creating a robust online presence is key to success.

Now, let's move to the good stuff!

Online Marketing for Restaurants: 6 Tips to Do It Right

1. Build an Eye-Catching Website

Your site is your online storefront - it may be the first experience a prospective client has of your restaurant. But it doesn't stop at appearance; it must also perform well.

Here's what to concentrate on:

• User-Friendly Design: They should easily be able to locate your menu, address, and hours.
• Mobile Optimization: Research indicates that 77% of customers look up a restaurant's website on a smartphone before going. Ensure that your site is well-designed for any device.
• Online Reservations and Ordering: Incorporate technologies such as OpenTable or Toast for reservations, and Grubhub or DoorDash for online orders. Reducing friction enhances the likelihood of a booking or sale.
• Strong Branding: Use high-quality photos of your food, reflect your ambiance, and stick to consistent colors and fonts.

2. Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Profile

Want to be the first restaurant that pops up when someone Googles "best tacos near me"? Then make sure you’ve claimed and optimized your Google My Business (GMB) profile.

Here's how to ace your GMB profile:

• Maintain Details Correct: Add your address, phone number, website, and hours.
• Add Professional Photos: Upload clear photos of your menu offerings, inside, and outside. Companies with photos get 42% more directions requests.
• Promote Reviews: Positive reviews do not only create social proof, but they also optimize local SEO rankings. Don't ever neglect to reply to them—even the unfavorable ones—to demonstrate potential customers that you are concerned.
• Use Keywords Strategically: Add pertinent keywords such as "seafood restaurant in [city]" to your business description so that Google can see your niche.

3. Get Active on Social Media

Social media is a powerhouse tool for restaurants. Sites such as Instagram and TikTok, especially, are ideal for highlighting your food's visual attractiveness and generating buzz.

Here's what to highlight for a winning social media strategy:

• Food Photography + Instagram: Share drool-worthy pics of your dishes, desserts, and beverages. Tip: A touch of natural light makes a big difference in food photography!
• Followers' Engagement: Answer comments and DMs, and don't be afraid to jump into local hashtags for exposure (i.e., #NYCFoodie or #AustinEats).
• TikTok Trends: Create behind-the-scenes video clips, tutorials, or supper club events. TikTok is AMAZING for going viral!
• Post Consistently: Regular posting raises engagement and maintains your followers in the loop.

Social media isn't merely used for marketing - it's an immediate line of communication to develop brand loyalty, tell your tale, and develop relationships with your audience.

4. Use Email Marketing

Email marketing is underappreciated, yet for restaurants, it's a strong method to get repeat customers. If you're advertising an event, giving a discount, or simply wishing them a "Happy Friday," email keeps you front of mind with your customers.

How to create a successful email marketing plan:

• Get Emails: Utilize a sign-up form on your site, your restaurant's Wi-Fi, or your Instagram bio to get people to sign up.
• Segmentation of audience: Personalize emails according to customer tastes such as favorite orders or reservation histories.
• Value-Driven Email Sending:

v Promote monthly specials or seasonal offerings

v Communicate cooking secrets or recipes

v Exclusive subscriber offers with discounts

• Make It Look Good: Add powerful images and have a conspicuous call to action, such as "Reserve Your Table" or "Order Online Now."

5. Online Advertisement Investment

Need a guaranteed way to drive more customers to your business? Pay for online ads. Sites like Google Ads, Instagram, and Facebook let you reach particular audiences by where they are, what they are interested in, and what their demographics are.

Following are some restaurant advertising ideas:

• Google Ads for Local Traffic: Place bids on keywords such as "best vegan restaurant near me" or "Italian food delivery [city]."
• Instagram Sponsored Posts: Share your posts with new diners who are interested in food, eating out, or local attractions.
• Facebook Retargeting Ads: Employ retargeting ads to reappear before website visitors who didn't make a conversion.

Monitor click-through-rate (CTR) and return-on-ad-spend (ROAS) to confirm your campaigns are worthwhile.

6. Build a Sense of Community

Customers adore backing companies they feel a connection with. Make your restaurant more than a dining establishment by creating a community around it.

Here's how:

• Host Events: Plan trivia nights, wine tastings, or cooking classes.
• Showcase Locals: Collaborate with local makers or suppliers and tell their stories on social media.
• Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC):

v Set up a "photo opp" area in your restaurant to make guests want to take photos.

v Provide incentives, such as a complimentary dessert, for customers who tag and post you.

v Post UGC on your social channels to encourage engagement.

Feelings of community make customers evangelists, which gets you referrals that no commercial could purchase.

Conclusion

Having an online presence for your restaurant can seem like a daunting task, but through these six steps, you will gain new patrons, remain pertinent, and make meaningful connections with your audience.

If there is one thing the internet adores, it is good food - and with these tactics in place, your restaurant will be set to provide it beyond the four walls of your restaurant.

Now's the moment to begin - your future patrons are a click away! Make an investment in online marketing for restaurants today!

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