26 Proven Ways to Market Your Restaurant Online and Increase Bookings

Nowadays, running a successful restaurant takes more than great food and good service. With 90% of diners checking a restaurant online before visiting, you also need a strong online presence to attract and boost reservations. 

To do so, you must have an optimized website and engaging social media profiles.

Let’s explore 26 proven online marketing strategies to help your restaurant thrive. From improving your Google listing to leveraging customer reviews, these tips will show you how to boost your visibility and drive more traffic to your restaurant.

In this article:

1. Build a mobile-friendly restaurant website 

2. Target location-specific searches for more visibility

3. Claim and optimize your restaurant’s Google Business Profile

4. Use email newsletters in marketing your restaurant

5. Showcase your restaurant’s best dishes on Instagram

6. Collaborate with influencers

7. Blog about food to boost your restaurant’s online visibility

8. Leverage online reviews for restaurant marketing

9. Run ads to market special offers

10. Create video content to attract new customers

11. Launch a digital loyalty program 

12. Offer virtual tours for marketing

13. Use social media to highlight daily specials

14. Promote limited-time menus and seasonal dishes online

15. Create digital gift cards and vouchers

16. Use Instagram polls to tune into customer sentiment

17. Offer reservation options for your restaurant online

18. Repost user-generated content

19. Develop a chatbot to assist with online bookings

20. Set up automated emails for marketing

21. Collaborate with food delivery platforms 

22. Develop a bunch of series for fresh and relevant content

23. Create a “secret menu”

24. Launch a “mystery dish” night

25. Promote an “order-to-table” service

26. Retarget website visitors

1. Build a mobile-friendly restaurant website 

In 2024, roughly around 63% of all web traffic came from mobile devices. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you could be losing out on potential customers.

Google has also prioritized mobile-friendly websites in its rankings, so a responsive site improves user experience and also helps you rank higher in local search results.

A mobile-responsive website adjusts its layout based on the user’s screen size automatically, making it easy for customers to navigate on any device. If a customer visits your site and finds it hard to read or navigate, they’ll likely leave and look for a competitor. A smooth mobile experience keeps people engaged and leads to more online bookings.

Optimize your site for mobile users by choosing website builders that have responsive templates, like WordPress and Wix. This way, you won’t need to code your site from scratch.

Next, optimize the loading speed of your website by compressing images, minimizing redirects, and using browser caching. A site that loads elements as quickly as one second is five times more likely to convert than a website that loads in 10 seconds.

2. Target location-specific searches for more visibility

The ultimate goal of your online marketing campaigns should be to bring in local customers to your restaurant. Local SEO strategies, like targeting location-specific searches, will help your site show up when people look for nearby dining options on search engines.

For example, instead of just writing “best pizza,” use “best pizza in [your city].” This tells search engines that your restaurant is relevant to local diners searching in your area. Make sure these keywords are included in your meta titles, descriptions, headers, and image alt text for better results.

You can also reach out to other local businesses or organizations to provide further context to search engines about your restaurant’s location. Collaborate with nearby businesses for events or promotions, and ask them to include a link to your website on their site.

Another way to get local backlinks is from local news articles, food bloggers, or restaurant directories to boost your visibility in search results.

3. Claim and optimize your restaurant’s Google Business Profile

The Google Business Profile is a simple yet powerful tool restaurant marketing strategy that can significantly drive more foot traffic and increase bookings.

Claiming and optimizing your profile makes sure that your restaurant information is displayed accurately across all Google platforms, like Google Maps and the local 3-pack, which shows the top three results on Google searches.

Make sure to add high-quality photos of your food, interior, and staff. Google found that businesses with photos receive 42% more location requests and 35% more clicks to their website. Photos of your menu items, ambiance, and even happy customers will give potential guests a glimpse of the dining experience you offer.

Remember that your Google Business profile isn't just a static listing. It's an active marketing tool. Use it to share updates, special events, or new menu items.

Your posts can serve as mini-ads for your restaurant, and they appear when customers search for your business. For example, you can promote your seasonal dishes or happy hour specials. 

4. Use email newsletters in marketing your restaurant

Email marketing is one of the most effective restaurant marketing strategies for driving engagement and increasing reservations. When done right, it helps keep your restaurant at the top of customers' minds, encourages repeat visits, and promotes special events or menu items.

Create engaging email newsletters that have a clear purpose, such as promoting an event, offering a discount, or sharing a seasonal menu. Keep the design simple, use high-quality images of your food, and include strong calls to action (like “Book a Table” or “Order Now”).

Personalization is also key in email marketing, increasing click-through rates by 48.2%. Lean on your customer data for insights and send personalized emails. 

For instance, you can send birthday discounts or reminders about upcoming events that they’ve joined in the past.

Combine personalization with segmentation, which involves targeting different groups of customers with specific messages. You can send special offers to repeat diners, while promoting delivery options to those who have used your online ordering system.

Segmenting your email list is essential for sending targeted offers. Use data from your POS system, online ordering platform, or loyalty program to divide your customers based on factors like their dining frequency, preferences, or location.

To build a strong email list, start by collecting customer emails both online and in person. You can offer a small incentive, such as a free appetizer, in exchange for their email when they sign up on your website or in the restaurant. 

Make sure to add a clear sign-up form to your website and promote it on your social media channels.

5. Showcase your restaurant’s best dishes on Instagram

Instagram is one of the top platforms for restaurant marketing because it’s highly visual, making it the perfect place to showcase your food. 40% of customers younger than 18 use Instagram to discover new places to eat, and posts featuring food often get higher engagement.

The most important aspect of Instagram marketing is showcasing your food in the best light. Make sure to use natural lighting, take photos and videos of your signature dishes, and include a variety of angles.

You can also take behind-the-scenes shots of your kitchen to create a personal connection with your followers. Great visual content will stop people from scrolling and get them interested in your restaurant.

Leverage hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Use location-based hashtags (e.g., #NYCfood), dish-specific ones (#pizza), and trending hashtags to reach a wider audience. You can also create your own hashtag and encourage customers to use it.

6. Collaborate with influencers

Collaborating with influencers and food bloggers can significantly boost your restaurant's visibility and attract new customers. These social media personalities have loyal followers who trust the restaurants they suggest.

Identify local influencers or food bloggers who align with your restaurant's brand and values. You can invite them to dine at your restaurant and ask them to share their experience on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

If budget is your concern, you can opt for micro-influencers, or influencers who have at least 1,000 followers. Often, these micro-influencers have a better engagement rate, meaning their followers actively comment, like, and share their content.

By partnering with the right influencers, you can promote your restaurant to a larger, more targeted audience. It helps you reach potential diners who may not have found your restaurant otherwise.

7. Blog about food to boost your restaurant’s online visibility

Don’t waste your website’s potential by just posting your menu or event updates. Create a food blog to improve your restaurant's online presence.

A well-maintained blog can increase your visibility in online search results, making it easier for potential customers to discover your restaurant. 90% of consumers research restaurants online before dining, with a significant number of them turning to social media and blogs for discovery and “decision-making.”

Google loves fresh, relevant content, so publishing regular blog posts gives you more chances to rank higher in search results, leading to more traffic and, ultimately, more bookings.

For example, if you own a farm-to-table restaurant, you could write blog posts about seasonal ingredients and how your menu adapts to them. Include keywords related to your restaurant and location so that people find your content when searching for places to eat in your area.

Blogging is an effective way to market your restaurant. In fact, companies that blog receive 55% more website visitors than those that don’t. For your restaurant, this means more exposure, more reservations, and more customers coming through your doors.

8. Leverage online reviews for restaurant marketing

Reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google can significantly influence how potential customers view your restaurant. Online reviews influence 57% of millennials’ restaurant choices, which is why it's crucial to actively manage your online reputation.

Claim your restaurant’s profile on major review platforms. Once you’ve done this, ensure that all the information on your profile is accurate to build trust.

Responding to reviews is equally important. Thank your customers for positive reviews. For negative reviews, reply politely and offer solutions. Don’t forget to offer incentives to encourage customers to give their feedback.

9. Run ads to market special offers

If you want relatively quick results, targeted ads are the way to go. With platforms like Google Ads and social media (Facebook, Instagram), you can instantly promote special offers to a specific audience by showing up at the top of their feeds and search results.

Start by setting up a clear goal for your ad campaign. For example, if you want to fill more seats on slow nights, run an ad that promotes a special offer like a "2-for-1 Tuesday" or a "Weekend Dinner Special." Use tools like Google Ads location targeting to focus on customers near your restaurant.

The success of your ads depends largely on the quality of your ad copy. Your ad copy should be clear, engaging, and highlight the value of the promotion. 

For instance, if you're advertising a limited-time offer, emphasize urgency by using phrases like "Only available this week" or "Book now before we sell out."

Visuals are also crucial, especially on sponsored posts on social media. High-quality photos of your best dishes, combined with compelling copy, can attract customers to click and book.

Posts with images get 150% higher engagement compared to those without visuals. Experiment with different ad formats, targeting options, and messaging to find what resonates best with your audience. 

10. Create video content to attract new customers

Video content is a powerful tool in restaurant marketing, and platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made it easier than ever to reach customers. With the right approach, video can help your restaurant stand out and drive more traffic.

Focus on creating content that’s visually appealing and authentic. For instance, you can record a video of a chef preparing a popular dish or show the plating process in the kitchen.

If you’re targeting younger customers, you’ll want to post video content on TikTok, with two-thirds falling between 18 and 34 years old. You should note that 60% of TikTok users want funny content. Creative and relaxing content comes second and third.

Meanwhile, Instagram users also visit the platform for entertainment, with 64.8% of users engaging with funny or entertaining content.

As mentioned, you can share behind-the-scenes glimpses, highlight signature dishes, or even feature your team members. Make sure to add a touch of personality and creativity to make your videos stand out. Leverage popular trends and challenges on these platforms to boost engagement.

Plus, you don’t need professional equipment. Most smartphones can produce high-quality videos that look great on social media. 

11. Launch a digital loyalty program

A digital loyalty program is one of the top restaurant marketing ideas that keep customers coming back, with 96% saying it helps them get more value for their money. By rewarding repeat visits and engagement, you can build lasting relationships with your customers.

For example, offer points for every meal, where a certain number of points leads to discounts, free dishes, or exclusive offers. To make your loyalty program more efficient and engaging, go digital.

Mobile apps like Grubhub or specific restaurant loyalty apps allow customers to track points, redeem rewards, and receive personalized offers directly through their phones.

Use your restaurant's online platforms, such as email newsletters and social media, to promote your loyalty program. Share success stories of loyal customers enjoying rewards or showcase upcoming promotions as well to keep your audience excited about participating.

You can also use push notifications or SMS to remind customers when they’re close to earning a reward, keeping them motivated to return.

12. Offer virtual tours for marketing

A 360-degree virtual tour is a powerful online marketing tool for showcasing your restaurant’s ambiance, layout, and seating options.

With this marketing technique, potential customers can explore your restaurant before ever stepping inside. This is especially important for restaurants with unique designs, outdoor dining areas, or event spaces that people want to see before making reservations.

You do need to set a budget for this campaign. Hire a professional photographer who specializes in 360-degree photography to capture every detail of your restaurant’s best features. You can then publish these tours on your website, Google Maps, and even on social media to give customers a virtual look at your establishment.

13. Use social media to highlight daily specials

Time-sensitive deals, such as limited-time menu items or happy hours, work best when promoted through stories on social media. When doing restaurant social media marketing, you should identify the right channels to use.

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to share real-time content with your followers, which creates a sense of urgency that encourages customers to act quickly.

The temporary nature of Facebook’s My Day feature or Instagram Stories evokes a greater incentive for customers to visit your restaurant if they know the offer is only available for a limited time. Use countdown stickers on Instagram to let your followers know when the deal is ending, pushing them to make a reservation before they miss out.

Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and attract new followers who might be looking for a place to hangout. Tag your location and encourage your customers to share the deal with their friends by adding a “Share this post” CTA to get even more eyes on your offer.

14. Promote limited-time menus and seasonal dishes online

Speaking of creating urgency, seasonal specials and limited-time menus are excellent restaurant marketing tools for attracting attention. Feature photos of seasonal dishes with enticing descriptions to drive customer interest and encourage them to visit your restaurant and try new menu items.

Promote your seasonal specials on your website as well as social media. You can also offer exclusive online promotions, such as "Book now and enjoy 10% off our seasonal menu,” through email newsletters and online ads.

Another way to leverage limited-time offerings is by creating a sense of exclusivity. Announce a "Chef's Table" experience featuring a multi-course seasonal menu, and make it available for a limited number of reservations.

This creates a feeling of scarcity and encourages customers to book quickly before the opportunity passes. 

15. Create digital gift cards and vouchers

Digital gift cards are also a great way to drive bookings and generate revenue, especially during holiday seasons or special occasions. Offer vouchers that customers can purchase and send electronically to friends and family.

It’s a win-win situation since you’re making it easy for your current customers to enjoy the same food and dining experience at your restaurant. 42% of Americans bought a gift card from a restaurant that they knew the recipient liked.

Email newsletters are the best tools for promoting digital gift cards. Send out emails to your customers offering limited-time promotions, like “Save 10% when you purchase a gift card this weekend.”

Segment your email list based on previous orders to personalize the message—for example, send dining-specific offers to people who frequently visit your restaurant for special occasions.

16. Use Instagram polls to tune into customer sentiment

Instagram polls are a simple yet powerful tool for restaurant marketing that allows you to engage with your customers and gather instant feedback. Create interactive polls on Instagram Stories to quickly understand what your audience prefers, whether it's menu items, events, or even new promotions.

These polls don’t have to be grand. Asking simple questions like, "Do you prefer our spicy or sweet dishes?" or "Would you come to a live music night at our restaurant?" can provide valuable insights for improving the dishes and dining experience you offer.

You can also use polls to help you market upcoming menu items, events, or promotions. For example, if you’re debating between launching two new dishes, run a poll asking, “Which seasonal dish should we add to the menu permanently?”

This way, you not only involve your customers in your decision-making but also create anticipation for the new item, increasing the chances of more reservations once it’s launched.

Polls are a low-cost way to get real-time feedback without extensive surveys. People are more likely to participate in quick polls than longer forms of feedback, helping you tune in to what they love about your restaurant.

17. Offer reservation options for your restaurant online

One of the best ways to improve restaurant bookings is to reduce friction in the reservation process. Implementing an online reservation system like SevenRooms is a game-changer for restaurant operators.

These systems allow customers to secure a table with just a few clicks, making it easy to book a reservation at their convenience. On your end, you can make sure you’re not overbooked or understaffed for the expected volume.

Online reservation tools also provide restaurants with valuable data on customer preferences, dining habits, and no-show rates. You can use these to optimize staffing and inventory.

Another creative digital marketing idea for restaurants is to take reservations from your Google Business profile, reducing friction even more by having customers book directly after their search. Restaurants with Google booking links enjoy a 20% increase in bookings as more people prefer the convenience of reserving tables from their phones or laptops.

18. Repost user-generated content 

In restaurant marketing, social proof remains one of the most powerful drivers of new business. Encourage customers to share their dining experiences on social media to boost your visibility and add a personal touch to your online presence.

User-generated content (UGC), like customers posting photos of their meals on Instagram, is considered 9.8 times more impactful than influencer content.

Offer small incentives, such as a chance to win a gift card or a free dessert, for those who tag your restaurant or use a designated hashtag.

For example, a simple caption like, "Show us your favorite dish at [your restaurant name] and tag us for a chance to win a free dessert!" will prompt customers to participate.

Reposting UGC is also an easy and effective way to keep your restaurant's social media fresh and engaging. When a customer shares a beautiful photo of their meal, repost it with a heartfelt thank-you message.

It shows your appreciation and encourages others to share their own experiences. Be sure to always ask for permission before reposting someone’s photo.

19. Develop a chatbot to assist with online bookings

Chatbots are making it easier for customers to inquire about availability and make reservations instantly. Integrate them into your website to offer 24/7 assistance, even when your staff is unavailable. 33% of customers also prefer using these digital assistants to make restaurant reservations.

A well-programmed chatbot can handle common questions such as, "What are your opening hours?" or "Do you have outdoor seating?" It can also guide people through the reservation process, making it fast and hassle-free.

Having a chatbot gives customers immediate access to answers and makes the booking process easier. You can set chatbots to collect customer data such as party size, preferred dining times, and contact information. Then, link this data to your reservation system to automatically reserve tables. The chatbot can also upsell by suggesting menu items or promotions.

Additionally, chatbots can provide more personalized assistance, such as offering recommendations based on previous visits or sending reminders about upcoming reservations. This type of personalized service encourages loyalty and keeps customers coming back.

20. Set up automated emails for marketing

Automated emails allow you to engage with customers at the right time, even after work hours. By setting up automated emails for special events like birthdays or holidays, you can create personalized offers that encourage customers to visit your restaurant.

For example, a birthday email offering a free dessert or a discount can make a customer feel valued and increase the likelihood of them booking a table.

Email marketing tools like Mailchimp are some of the top restaurant marketing tools you should invest in. These allow you to schedule automated emails. 

First, collect customer data, such as birthdays or favorite menu items, either through sign-up forms on your restaurant’s website or at your restaurant.

Then, create different email campaigns based on the information you have. For instance, you can set up an email to automatically send a birthday offer a week before a customer's birthday, giving them time to plan a visit.

You can also send a "welcome back" email to customers who haven't visited in a while, offering a special incentive to return. Automated emails help you stay top-of-mind and build stronger relationships with your customer base without requiring constant manual effort. 

21. Collaborate with food delivery platforms

Partnering with popular food delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and GrubHub can significantly increase your restaurant’s visibility. These platforms expose your restaurant to a wider audience, including those who may not have discovered your restaurant.

70% of consumers order food delivery at least once a week, and with more people turning to online options, being present on these platforms is crucial for growth.

Many restaurants see a boost in orders by promoting exclusive deals or discounts through these platforms. You can develop special promos exclusively for customers on these apps. Make sure you consider the fees associated with these partnerships, as they can impact your profit margins.

Offering time-sensitive promotions, like “20% off first order,” creates urgency and encourages customers to try your restaurant. You can also participate in platform-wide events like “Free Delivery Day” to further promote your restaurant and increase orders.

Consider running targeted promotions during peak meal times, such as dinner, when people are most likely to order. Highlighting special offers in your restaurant’s description can help grab attention and drive more orders.

Additionally, ensure your menu items travel well and are suitable for delivery. Collaborating with these platforms can expand your customer base and drive more sales, but it's crucial to find the right balance between the benefits and costs.

22. Develop a bunch of series for fresh and relevant content

A content series can help you produce fresh and relevant content consistently for your restaurant's social media channels. Two effective series to consider are featuring customer favorites and sharing cooking tips from your chef.

The customer favorites series highlights your most popular menu items, featuring real customers sharing why they love these dishes. Use quotes or mini-stories from your regulars to show the personal connections people have with your food.

For example, you could post a picture of your best-selling burger with a customer’s story about why it’s their go-to meal. It’s even better if you can show a photo or video posted by the customer on their profile.

Doing so creates social proof, making other diners more likely to try your top dishes. Plus, it helps build a sense of community around your restaurant.

Another series to consider is having your chef take the spotlight and share quick tips, tricks, and how-tos that people can use at home. Whether it’s how to cook a perfect steak or pair wine with a meal, these tips position your restaurant as a culinary expert.

Offering helpful advice keeps your audience engaged and also encourages them to visit your restaurant for a more in-depth culinary experience. For example, a short video on making the perfect fluffy pancakes might inspire someone to come in and try your weekend brunch special.

Creating a series of content like this helps build anticipation and keeps your audience coming back for more. Consistency is key, so aim to post new installments on a regular schedule, whether that's weekly or monthly.

23. Create a “secret menu”

A "secret menu" is a fun and exclusive way to engage your customers and boost bookings. By offering a special menu that’s only available to those who follow you on social media or sign up for your email list, you create a sense of mystery and excitement.

Promoting the secret menu online makes it easy for people to find out about it. You can create posts on Instagram, Facebook, or your website, letting people know how they can access the menu. 

You can also send out exclusive email invitations to your subscribers, giving them access to special items that aren’t on your regular menu.

This strategy builds hype around your restaurant and encourages people to take action—whether that’s following your accounts, signing up for your newsletter, or making a reservation. Plus, offering limited-time secret menus keeps customers coming back, eager to see what you’ll offer next.

24. Launch a “mystery dish” night

Just like the secret menu tactic, a mystery dish night is a fun way to add excitement to your restaurant's dining experience. Guests can book a table and be surprised by a secret chef’s creation.

To keep the experience exclusive, promote the event as an online-only reservation opportunity, which will encourage people to book their tables in advance. The event could be themed around different types of cuisine, seasonal ingredients, or even chef's choice, giving customers something new and unexpected to enjoy each time.

By limiting the event to online reservations, you create an exclusive experience that drives urgency. Guests feel like they’re part of a special group, and knowing there’s only a limited number of tables available can prompt quicker bookings.

25. Promote an “order-to-table” service

Offering an “order-to-table” service lets customers book a table and place their order before arriving. It makes the dining experience faster and smoother, as their meal is prepared and ready to serve when they sit down. 

When promoting this feature, you can position it as a more convenient option, reducing wait times and contact with others during busy hours.

It also helps your team by giving them a better idea of what to prepare, reducing food waste, and speeding up table turnover. Promote the service on your website, social media, and in your restaurant.

The best way to use this feature is through a restaurant app, where customers can easily browse your menu, place orders, and reserve tables. Consider developing an app for your business to attract diners looking for a hassle-free dining experience.

26. Retarget website visitors 

Retargeting lets you re-engage with visitors who have already shown interest in your restaurant. These potential customers may have looked at your menu or checked out your booking page but didn’t complete a reservation.

Retargeting reminds them of what they missed and brings them back, increasing the likelihood that they will book a table or place an order. You can use dynamic ads to promote your special offers or popular dishes.

This type of ad allows you to personalize the content shown to each customer based on their interaction with your website. 

For instance, if someone looked at your pizza or dessert menu, you can retarget them with an ad that highlights these items along with a limited-time discount. With this personalized approach, you can grab their attention again and entice them to complete their order or reservation.

Set up dynamic retargeting through platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads Manager. These tools can automatically tailor ads based on customer behavior, displaying menu items or upcoming promotions to those who visit your restaurant’s website.

Make sure your ads feature clear calls-to-action like “Book Now” or “Order Today” to capture high-intent diners.

Turn more clicks to customers

Online marketing can help you reach your target audience and boost bookings. With these strategies, you can turn more website visitors into paying customers. Consistency and relevance are key to standing out in the competitive restaurant industry. 

Finally, don’t forget to be creative and create content that’s unique to your brand!

Make sure nothing falls through the cracks and reach more customers through consistent online marketing!