New Marketing Strategies and Ideas for Restaurants

Your restaurant is probably cute, and your food, hopefully, is fire. 

But is it really killing it on social media? Is it the kind of place people are dying to post about?

If not, it’s time to level up. 

See, marketing doesn’t have to be boring. You can make your restaurant a vibe that screams “Insta-worthy”, turn your staff into mini-influencers, and make your customers feel like VIPs.

All you need? Some good marketing strategies and ideas for your restaurant.

Wanna learn how to stop being basic and start being bold? 

Keep on reading, then!

Turn Your Restaurant into a Social Media Goldmine

Humans like to show off amazing things. 

Whether it’s a killer vacation pic, a mouthwatering meal, or a hot outfit, we can’t resist sharing our lives with the world. 

Restaurants, too, are the perfect stage for this kind of digital bragging (read: free advertising for your restaurant).

What we’re saying is: turn your restaurant into the backdrop for countless Instagram stories, TikTok reels, and even Pinterest boards. Create an environment that screams, “Share me!”

One thing you could do is start with a menu that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Think vibrant colors, exciting presentations, and dishes that look good enough to eat twice (once with your eyes, once with your fork!).

Another thing you could do is design a photo op corner of your restaurant that’s like an Instagrammer’s paradise. 

A little greenery, some trendy decor, and perfect lighting can do wonders for plain space by transforming it into an overnight selfie sensation.

And of course, after you’ve set the scene, encourage your guests to shine. When they do, be sure to repost this UGC content on your own social media platforms so that everybody and everybody’s friends’ friends can see it!

You’re welcome.

Let Your Employees Take the Center Stage

Humans connect with humans. It’s a simple truth. 

So why not let your amazing staff shine? 

They’re the heart and soul of your restaurant, the people who make your guests feel welcome and loved, so we suggest you turn them into bona fide social media stars!

Show the behind-the-scenes glimpses of your bartenders shaking up some mean cocktails. Show off your chefs making a restaurant’s signature dish. Brag about your cleaning crew, who work hard to keep things sparkling clean and welcoming for every guest.

Not only does this human touch make your restaurant more relatable, but these authentic, personal videos are also great for building a stronger connection with your audience and increasing your engagement on social media.

So, grab your phone, hit record, and let your employees be your brand’s ambassadors.

P.S. Want more tips on running a successful restaurant? Check out OysterLink.com for expert advice and resources.

Give Your Customers a Behind-the-Scenes Peek

You know what else people love?

They love getting an exclusive look at what’s happening backstage. The behind-the-scenes—or, even more popular now, the behind-the-biz content.

So give your customers a glimpse into the chaos and fun of running the show. Take your followers on a day-in-the-life journey as a restaurant owner.

Create step-by-step videos of your chefs cooking up their favorite dishes, and let them in on your little secrets regarding the ingredients or culinary techniques that make your food so special.

This kind of content not only satisfies people’s curiosity but also builds trust with your brand. It’s a chance to show your human side and let your personality shine through. 

How does that sound?

Become Your Community’s Favorite Hangout

Besides being a place to eat, your restaurant can also become the heart of your community. 

Hosting events is a fantastic way to bring people together, create unforgettable experiences, and boost your social media presence.

For instance, you could host a sip-and-paint night at your restaurant and turn it into an art studio for a night. Find a service provider of such events nearby, one that has a large social following, and offer them the space to host in exchange for promoting your restaurant on their social media channels.

You could do the same with live music performances, comedy shows (who doesn’t love a good stand-up evening?), or even book clubs. Whichever works best for your target audience!

Collabs are the way to go in 2024/2025. (Just don’t forget to film heaps of content around them!)

Reward Your Loyal Customers

In marketing, everyone always talks about client acquisition, but rarely does anyone talk about the importance of retention.

But guess what? It’s actually cheaper and more effective to keep existing customers happy than to constantly chase new ones.

Take Chipotle, for example. 

Their rewards program, Chipotle Rewards, is a great example of how to do it right. They’ve managed to create a loyal following by offering rewards, personalized offers, and even exclusive menu items. 

They’ve made their customers feel valued, which has in turn built them a community of superfans who can’t get enough of their burritos.

You, too, can implement a similar program at your restaurant. Offer rewards like free appetizers, discounts on birthdays, or exclusive access to new menu items. 

The key is to make your customers feel special and appreciated.

Conclusion

Congratulations! Now you know how to make people want to talk about you. 

You know how to make them crave your food so bad they’ll post about it before they even get there. 

Just keep this in mind and you’ll be good to go: You’re not just selling food. You’re selling an experience – and a damn good one.

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