Running a restaurant means you’re constantly looking for ways to fill more seats and keep customers coming back. With so much competition out there, smart marketing can make the difference between growth and stagnation.
The good news is that you don’t need a massive budget to see real results. Learn how to increase your customer base while keeping current patrons happy and engaged with these restaurant marketing ideas.
Partner With Local Businesses for Cross-promotion
Your neighborhood is full of potential marketing partners, and cross-promotion creates win-win situations for everyone involved. Think about the businesses your customers frequent, including gyms, salons, retail stores, or service providers. When you partner with these businesses, you can offer their customers special discounts while they do the same for yours.
This strategy works exceptionally well because it introduces your restaurant to people who are already spending money locally and likely live or work nearby. You might offer a discount to members of the local gym after their workout, or partner with a nearby bookstore to provide coffee and pastries for their book club events. These partnerships can drive significant new traffic to your restaurant while strengthening your connection to the local community.
Optimize Your Website for Search Engines
When people search for restaurants in your area, you want your website to appear at the top of those results. Search engine optimization might sound technical, but it’s an incredibly effective restaurant marketing strategy that can increase your customer base and help you grow your business.
Start by making sure your website includes your location, cuisine type, and key phrases people might search for. Your menu, hours, and contact information should be easy to find and up to date. Customer reviews and photos of your food help search engines understand what your restaurant offers. Many potential customers decide where to eat based on what they find online, so investing time in your website’s search visibility pays dividends every single day.
Be Smart With Outdoor Advertising
Strategic outdoor advertising puts your restaurant’s name in front of people exactly when and where they’re making dining decisions. Use outdoor banners to your advantage by focusing on high-traffic areas where your potential customers already spend time. Consider placing signs near busy intersections during lunch hours, or partnering with local events to sponsor banners or booths.
Food trucks and delivery vehicles can also become mobile advertisements when you add your restaurant’s branding. Even something as simple as eye-catching sidewalk signs can draw foot traffic from people walking by who didn’t know your restaurant existed. The goal is reaching people when they’re already out and about, looking for somewhere to eat.
