How do some restaurants stay packed on weekdays, while others struggle to break even—even with great food?
It’s not just about taste anymore.
Today, diners are making decisions with their thumbs first. From local SEO to user-generated content, from loyalty programs to Google Map ads; the rules of restaurant marketing have shifted.
Yet, many restaurant owners are still stuck using outdated tactics that no longer bring visitors.
Here’s what the numbers are telling us:
- 69% of restaurant operators now have a website
- 72% are active on Facebook
- 63% run loyalty programs
But still, most owners tell us: “We’ve tried everything—and it’s not working.”
This guide is written for restaurant owners who’ve tested coupons, boosted posts, even joined directories… and are still not seeing any increase in orders or diners.
Inside, we’ve broken down 31 restaurant marketing ideas that are working right now in 2025. These aren’t random tips: they’re real, tested strategies we’ve implemented for our clients at Forki, the digital agency built specifically for restaurants.
This guide is your answer to:
✅ Getting more online orders
✅ Filling more seats during off-peak hours
✅ Standing out from local competitors
✅ Marketing smarter without overspending
Whether you’re running a family-style diner or a trending fast-casual concept, these ideas are built to help you grow—without the guesswork.
Let’s get started!
Restaurant Marketing Essentials
Before getting into advanced strategies or the latest trends and tricks, it’s important to get the basics right.
Most restaurants that struggle with marketing generally skip the foundation and jump straight to trends.
But in our experience with restaurants at Forki, who see consistent growth in online orders and foot traffic are the ones that master these core areas first.
This section as your restaurant’s marketing starting point—without it, everything else becomes harder to scale or even measure.
1. Unique Branding
Branding isn’t just your logo or your menu font.
It’s how people feel when they see, hear, or experience anything related to your restaurant.
In a crowded market, especially in 2025 where consumer attention is thinner than ever, having a unique brand identity will be the deciding factor for whether someone chooses your place over the one down the street.
Here’s how we approach branding for our clients at Forki—and what you can try:
Create a Signature Brand Voice:
Whether your restaurant is fun and quirky or warm and family-focused, your tone needs to match across everything—social posts, emails, website content, and even how your staff interacts with guests.
Visual Identity That Matches Your Vibe:
Consistency in your visuals—colors, logo, photography style—builds recognition. We often audit a restaurant’s online presence and find mismatched colors and pixelated logos. That’s an instant red flag to customers.
Brand Story That Connects:
Why did you start your restaurant? What inspires your menu? Use that story in your ‘About’ page, on social media bios, and even inside your menu. When it feels human, it becomes memorable.
Brand Elements in Unexpected Places:
Napkins with quotes, playlist that matches your concept, menu design that tells a story—small touches reinforce your uniqueness without saying a word.
From what we’ve seen, restaurants that clearly define and stick to their brand identity get more shares on social media, higher return visits, and stronger word-of-mouth buzz.
Too many restaurants blend into the background simply because their branding feels generic. If your space, your story, or your menu has a soul—let it shine in how you market it.
Feeling like your brand doesn’t reflect who you really are anymore?
Sometimes all it takes is a fresh eye and a little strategic direction.
👉 Explore how Forki refines restaurant branding and helps it connect better with today’s diners.
Or better—get on our email list to receive branding tips that actually work (we update them every 90 days based on what’s trending).
2. Storytelling
Today’s diners want more than just a meal; they want meaning. Storytelling brings your restaurant to life by turning everyday operations into engaging narratives.
We’ve found that even simple stories—like how a dish came to life, a team member’s journey, or behind-the-scenes kitchen prep—build emotional connection and trust.
Use Instagram captions, email intros, or even your menu to tell these micro-stories.
They don’t have to be long: just real.
A good story sticks. A real one brings them back.
3. SWOT Analysis
Before pouring energy (and budget) into new marketing efforts, it’s smart to take a step back and assess where your restaurant currently stands.
A simple SWOT analysis; Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, can give you a clear understanding of what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where you can grow.
We often use this while onboarding new clients at Forki. It reveals blind spots and helps prioritize actions based on your unique position, not generic advice.
Here’s how we break it down:
- Strengths: What are you doing better than nearby competitors? Maybe it’s your customer service, your online reviews, or that secret sauce no one else has.
- Weaknesses: Are there recurring complaints in your Google reviews? Is your website slow or hard to navigate? Acknowledging these helps you fix the cracks before scaling.
- Opportunities: Could you introduce a brunch menu on weekends? Is your competitor inactive on social media? These are low-hanging fruits that can bring quick wins.
- Threats: New restaurants opening nearby? Delivery platforms raising fees? These are external challenges that need a strategy—not panic.
What we’ve learned? The restaurants that revisit their SWOT quarterly stay nimble and ahead of the game.
If you’re unsure where to start or feel stuck doing “a bit of everything”—a simple SWOT can give you clarity in minutes.
4. Rooted in Purpose: Your Mission, Values & Community Impact
A clear mission and set of core values do more than look good on your website. They guide decisions, shape culture, and build loyalty among diners who care about why you do what you do.
In 2025, more diners are supporting restaurants that stand for something. Whether it’s sustainability, supporting local farms, or hiring from within the neighborhood—your why is part of your marketing story.
Here’s how we approach this for restaurants we work with at Forki:
- Mission Statement That Feels Human: Avoid buzzwords. Speak from the heart. A mission like “bringing people together over food that feels like home” is far more relatable than “delivering exceptional culinary experiences.”
- Defined Core Values: Values like “consistency,” “community,” or “authenticity” help set internal standards and build a strong brand identity diners align with.
- Community-Focused Actions: Partnering with local nonprofits, donating meals, hosting neighborhood events; these aren’t just feel-good activities. They get people talking, sharing, and coming back.
We’ve seen restaurants gain loyal followings just by being transparent about their values and consistently showing up for their communities.
Today’s diners want to support restaurants that support something more than just profit.
5. Build a Website That Works for You
In 2025, a website isn’t optional; it’s your digital storefront. Yet, 31% of restaurant operators still don’t have one.
And many of those who do?
Their sites load slowly, have outdated design, or lack key features & food images that entice diners to visit.
Treat restaurant websites as conversion points; not just fancy menus online.
Here’s what we focus on when building or refreshing a site for our clients:
- Mobile-First Design: Over 70% of restaurant website traffic comes from mobile. (Source: Statistia) Your site must look sharp and load fast on every device.
- Online Ordering Integration: If a visitor can’t place an order directly or get redirected to a clean, fast ordering experience, you’re losing money and a chance to build customer base.
- SEO Basics Done Right: Clear menu structure, location pages, and keyword-rich content help your restaurant show up when someone searches “best [food] near me.”
- Click-to-Action Functionality: Clear buttons for reservations, calls, and orders; no hunting around. It should feel effortless for the user.
- Real-Time Updates: Menus change. Hours shift. Events come and go. Build websites where you or your team easily make updates without needing to call a developer.
Our testing shows that a fast, user-friendly site with clear calls to action boost online orders by up to 23% in just the first month.
If your website isn’t easy to use, it’s easy to forget.
👉 Forki builds restaurant websites that improve conversions
Or join our mailing list to get quarterly checklists for website health and performance (especially before busy seasons).
6. Set Up Your Social Media Profiles
Social media is still one of the most powerful (and free) tools in your restaurant marketing strategy.
But here’s the thing: we come across dozens of restaurants with half-filled bios, outdated info, or blurry profile pictures. That’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s a red flag for first-time visitors.
72% of restaurateurs already use Facebook, and many rely on Instagram and TikTok for visual storytelling.
But success on these platforms starts with setting them up properly.
Here’s our setup checklist we use at Forki when launching a restaurant’s profiles:
- Consistent Handle & Name: Make it easy to find you. Keep your username and display name consistent across platforms.
- Profile Picture = Your Logo: Clean, high-resolution, and sized correctly. No filters, no text overlays.
- Bio That Tells & Sells: A one-liner that shares what you serve and what makes you different—plus a CTA like “Order online” or “Visit us in [city].”
- Contact & Location Info: Double check that phone numbers, hours, and address are accurate. Link to your website or ordering page.
- Story Highlights (Instagram): Use this space to showcase your menu, reviews, behind-the-scenes, and events.
Think of your profile as your digital first impression. It should feel intentional, updated, and easy to navigate.
If someone stumbles on your Instagram but can’t find your hours or order link, chances are they’ll bounce—and go elsewhere.
7. Get Listed on Restaurant Directories
When someone searches for “best pizza near me” or “dine-in sushi in Kissimmee,” it’s not just Google doing the work—restaurant directories play a big part in what shows up.
Yet, many restaurants still aren’t listed or have outdated info on key platforms.
We’ve seen visibility and foot traffic jump simply by claiming and optimizing listings across high-impact directories. It’s one of the easiest, lowest-cost wins in restaurant marketing.
Here’s where to start:
- Yelp – Love it or hate it, diners still check it. Claim your page, respond to reviews, and add current offers.
- TripAdvisor – Especially useful if your location attracts tourists or weekend travelers.
- OpenTable / Resy – If you take reservations, these platforms help you reach diners actively planning a visit.
- Local Food Directories – Many cities have local food blogs, apps, or news platforms with high traffic. A listing there gives you both SEO juice and community trust.
We’ve found that when listings are fully optimized—with keywords, photos, and accurate info—restaurants see a direct increase in calls, directions requests, and online orders.
Don’t let your competition win by showing up simply because you didn’t.
8. Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing diners see when searching for food nearby.
Yet many restaurants either haven’t claimed it or don’t keep it updated—which can cost you traffic, orders, and trust.
It needs to be active, accurate, and optimized.
Here’s what we usually set up for our clients:
- Correct business name, address, and hours
- Up-to-date menu link and online ordering options
- High-quality photos (food, interior, exterior)
- Categories that match what you actually serve
- Weekly posts for offers, events, or specials
- Quick responses to reviews—good or bad
Google favors active profiles—and so do diners.
9. Get Found on Popular Online Maps
When diners are hungry and searching nearby, maps are the first thing they rely on.
Whether they’re using Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze; your restaurant needs to show up accurately and prominently.
We make sure our clients are listed and fully optimized across all major map platforms.
It’s one of those small steps that quietly drives real results, especially for walk-ins and tourists.
Key actions we take:
- Claim & Verify Listings on Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Bing Maps
- Ensure NAP Consistency (Name, Address, Phone number) across all platforms
- Add Categories & Attributes like “Outdoor Seating” or “Vegetarian Friendly”
- Upload Real Photos that show your vibe—exterior shots help people find you easily
- Enable Directions & Call Actions so users can reach or contact you in one tap
We’ve seen up to a 40% spike in direction requests just by going live on these listings.
If your location isn’t mapped correctly, you’re invisible—no matter how great your food is.
10. PDF and Interactive Menu
Your menu isn’t just a list of dishes; it’s a key selling tool. But here’s the catch: many restaurants still use outdated or hard-to-read PDF menus, while others skip uploading a menu altogether. That’s a big miss.
Based on our work, offering both PDF and interactive menus gives diners flexibility and improves user experience across devices.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Mobile-Friendly PDF: Make sure your downloadable menu is clear, up-to-date, and doesn’t require zooming or endless scrolling.
- Interactive Menu on Website: Let users click through categories (starters, mains, desserts), filter for dietary preferences, or view photos and prices easily.
- Consistent Updates: Menus should reflect real-time availability. Outdated items frustrate users and hurt trust.
- Link Menus Everywhere: Add them to your Google Business Profile, social bios, reservation platforms, and directories.
Testing shows restaurants with a clear, mobile-optimized menu see longer time spent on site and higher conversion to online orders.
When customers can’t find your menu—or can’t read it—they’re far more likely to close the tab and move on.
Industry Expert Suggested Strategies & Ideas
Once your foundation is solid, it’s time to tap into strategies that are driving growth right now.
Stay ahead by testing new ideas, finalized by analyzing performance data, and learning from what’s actually working in the field; not just what’s trending online.
This section covers hand-picked, expert-backed marketing tactics that are designed for 2025’s digital-first diners.
Each idea below isn’t just a suggestion—it’s something we’ve either implemented for our clients or observed producing real, trackable results.
Let’s dig into the most effective ones:
11. Offer Food Reviews to Social Influencers
Today one reel can drive a weekend rush, so, leveraging micro and local influencers is one of the smartest plays.
But it has to be done right.
Gone are the days of blanket giveaways and hoping for a shoutout—diners trust real reviews from real people with relatable followings.
What we’ve found works:
- Invite influencers for a dine-in experience, not just a takeaway. The vibe of your space matters.
- Let them try your signature dishes and encourage honest reviews—not forced promotions.
- Set basic expectations (tag your location, mention a dish, or post within a specific timeframe), but don’t script their experience.
- Focus on micro-influencers (3K–25K followers). Their engagement is higher, and their followers often live nearby.
We’ve seen client restaurants fill tables for at least two weeks after just one well-shot, authentic Instagram reel by a local food creator.
12. Be the Status Quo Place on Instagram
Instagram is the go-to app for food discovery in all social platforms; especially for younger diners.
But here’s the key: go viral and be the place to be.
We help restaurants create a consistent, buzz-worthy visual presence that makes people want to visit just to say they did.
Here’s what we focus on:
- Aesthetic shots of the food + interior that match the restaurant’s vibe (natural lighting, no heavy filters)
- Create “Instagrammable moments” like a neon sign, signature drink, or plate presentation that people want to photograph
- Location tagging and geo hashtags so your content is discoverable to locals and tourists alike
- Short-form video strategy (reels/stories) with trending sounds or diner POVs—these often outperform still posts
Restaurants that invest in creating social moments become destinations—without spending on ads.
13. Show Setup and Food-Making on TikTok
TikTok is no longer just for viral dances—it’s now a mature platform where people love watching behind-the-scenes content and real-time restaurant discoveries.
In fact, many diners use TikTok as a search engine to find their next meal spot.
For our clients, showing the setup process—table prep, plating, ambiance lighting—paired with food-making clips builds curiosity and trust.
Here’s what works best:
- Use trending sounds or national trends to increase discoverability
- Keep clips raw and real; don’t over-polish; people love authenticity
- Show the process from raw ingredients to final plating
- Include short captions or text overlays that highlight ingredients or fun facts
We’ve seen restaurants double their followers and get 100K+ views within days just by showcasing a single dish from prep to serve.
If people can watch the experience before visiting, they’re more likely to show up in person.
14. X for Personal Branding of Chefs
Your chef isn’t just behind the scenes—they can be the brand.
X is where thought leadership, personality, and quick updates shine. It’s the perfect place for chefs to connect with diners, foodies, and even the media.
What we’ve seen work:
- Share opinions on food trends, techniques, or ingredients
- Behind-the-scenes thoughts or prep-day posts (“Today’s special: locally sourced duck confit. Prepping at 7AM 🧑🍳”)
- Engage with other local chefs, creators, and food critics
- Comment on culinary events or industry news to build authority
Forki facilitates restaurant owners and executive chefs to gain local attention, media interviews, and even collab invites just by positioning them as industry voices on X.
A personal tweet from the chef is often more engaging than any ad you could run.
15. YouTube Shorts: Food-Making with Storytelling
YouTube Shorts combines the reach of YouTube with the impact of short-form storytelling.
It’s an untapped goldmine for restaurants wanting to grow an audience beyond their zip code.
Here’s how we help clients make the most of it:
- Create 30–60 second food-making videos with a personal or emotional hook
- Add voice overs or text to tell the backstory of the dish, a memory behind it, or why it’s a favorite
- Use consistent branding—same intro, style, or music to build recognition
- Include soft CTAs with FOMO like “Come try this next weekend” or “Available for a limited time”
The combo of motion, music, and meaning makes Shorts memorable—and highly shareable.
People don’t just want to see the dish—they want to know the story behind it.
16. Unique Ways to Get More Reviews
Positive reviews aren’t just social proof; they directly influence whether a potential diner clicks “order” or keeps scrolling. But asking for reviews the same way everyone else does (via a receipt or sign on the door) rarely works.
Reviews help with SEO, social proofing, and conversion, and build a strong highlight opportunity in business profile.
We use creative, low-friction methods to help clients consistently collect fresh, honest reviews:
- QR Code Cards on Tables or Takeout Bags: “Enjoyed your meal? Tell us in 20 seconds 📲”
- Post-Meal Text Follow-Ups: With a gentle, friendly ask—timed just right
- ‘Review to Win’ Giveaways: Monthly prize draws for those who leave feedback (no need for 5 stars—just honest input)
- Capture Moments: When diners compliment the food in-person, that’s the time to politely nudge them toward leaving a review
People trust recent reviews more than perfect ones. A steady stream of feedback builds long-term credibility.
17. Email Marketing Focused on Discounts and Offers
Despite newer channels, email remains the #1 way diners prefer to hear from restaurants. But only when it’s done right—short, timely, and packed with value.
Forki email strategy for clients centers around offers that move the needle, like:
- Exclusive discount codes for subscribers
- Limited-time offers during slow days (e.g., “Wednesday Warm-Up: Free appetizer with any entrée!”)
- Birthday & anniversary rewards to personalize the experience
- Early access to new menu items or events
Design emails to match the vibe of the brand—with mouthwatering visuals and one-tap order links.
The inbox isn’t just for reminders—it’s a way to make diners feel special.
18. Accept Orders on Your Site (Avoid OLO Fees)
Third-party online ordering (OLO) platforms like DoorDash or UberEats can bring in orders—but at a steep cost.
Many restaurants lose 20–30% per order in commission fees. Long-term, it’s just not sustainable and you don’t have any control on your customer base.
That’s why we always encourage clients to build and promote their own direct ordering systems on their website.
Here’s what we set up:
- Integrated ordering system with zero commission and full menu control
- Seamless mobile experience that’s fast and frustration-free
- Promos only available on direct orders (e.g., “Free dessert on orders from our site!”)
- Retargeting with email or SMS when someone abandons their cart
With the right setup, diners prefer ordering directly—especially when there’s an added perk or smoother experience.
Own your traffic. Own your profits. Don’t let third-party apps eat your margins.
19. Interact with Customers on Social Channels
Social media is no about posting pictures—it’s about starting conversations.
When diners comment, tag, or message your restaurant, timely responses build trust and increase repeat visits.
Treat social channels as real-time customer service and branding tools.
Here’s what works best:
- Reply to comment or tag; even a simple “Thanks!” goes a long way
- Run fun polls or Q&As in stories to increase engagement
- Share user-generated content (with credit) to build community
- Jump into local discussions and trending food topics to stay visible
Active pages feel human—and diners remember brands that make them feel seen.
20. Loyalty Programs (Best for Family Restaurants)
Families love routines, and restaurants that reward them for it.
Loyalty programs are a most powerful tools for increasing repeat visits, especially for casual or family-friendly spots.
From our client campaigns, here’s what makes a loyalty program click:
- Simple point systems (“Earn 1 point per $1. Get $10 off at 100 points.”)
- Digital punch cards via email or app—no more lost paper cards
- Surprise bonuses for birthdays, holidays, or every fifth visit
- Exclusive offers for members only (“Free kids’ meal this Saturday!”)
Family diners especially respond to consistency, value, and thoughtful extras.
A good loyalty program doesn’t just keep customers—it turns them into advocates.
21. Local SEO: Show Up Where It Matters
You don’t need to rank nationally; but you absolutely must dominate locally.
Local SEO ensures your restaurant shows up when people nearby search for “pancakes near me” or “best brunch in Las Vegas.”
Here’s how Forki boosts local search presence:
- Optimize Google Business Profile with keywords, photos, and posts
- Add local schema markup to your website
- Use city-specific keywords across your site and menu pages
- Earn local backlinks from directories, blogs, and media mentions
We’ve helped clients 2x their web traffic from search without running a single ad; just through solid SEO strategy and frameworks.
If you’re not showing up in the top 3, your competitors are taking your traffic.
👉 Forki restaurant SEO services
22. Google Ads (Focus on Search Only)
Google Ads will deliver real results—if you focus your budget where intent is high. Display ads often get scrolled past.
But search ads? That’s where hungry diners are actively looking for where to eat.
What we recommend:
- Target “near me” and cuisine-specific searches (e.g., “best brunch in Austin”)
- Use ad extensions like call buttons, location links, and offer snippets
- Run ads around peak hours and local events for higher relevance
- Exclude irrelevant keywords to save budget (e.g., recipe, franchise, questions, etc.)
We’ve seen ROI increase by 3x simply by shifting ad spend from broad display to tight, local-focused search ads.
Get in front of the right person at the right time—when they’re ready to order.
👉 Forki crafts high-converting, low-waste Google Ads for Restaurants
23. YouTube Shorts Ads: Bite-Sized Branding
YouTube Shorts is rising fast and placing ads here offers a fresh, budget-friendly way to reach diners while they scroll.
These short ads work especially well when paired with storytelling and a quick call to action.
How we approach Shorts ads for clients:
- Keep it under 30 seconds with high-impact visuals (food prep, reactions, behind the scenes)
- Include branding and your location early
- Use music and captions to hook viewers fast
- End with a visual CTA (“Visit us this weekend,” “Order from our site”)
Perfect for promoting limited-time offers or showcasing your bestsellers.
One 15-second video could be the reason someone walks in on Saturday night.
24. Google Map Ads: Get Picked First
When someone opens Google Maps to find food nearby, the top listings with ads are what they see first; and often what they choose (depending on Ads quality and reviews).
That’s why we use Google Map Ads as a direct path to drive walk-ins and calls.
How to optimize ads:
- Geo-targeted radius ads (only show up within a few miles)
- Promoting location-specific deals (“Lunch combo available today!”)
- Driving “Get Directions” actions with quick tap links
- Optimizing the Google Business Profile first, so your ad leads to a winning page
Restaurants who run map ads see higher call volumes and walk-in spikes—especially during peak meal times.
Hungry people don’t scroll—they choose what’s close and appealing.
25. Build a News & Blog Section to Provide Value
Your website shouldn’t just be static; it should evolve. A blog or news section helps you share updates, highlight specials, and improve SEO. Most importantly, it builds a deeper connection with your diners and caught media attention.
Here’s how to make blog actually work:
- Write short, value-driven posts (e.g., “5 Hidden Ingredients in Our Famous Burger”)
- Share seasonal menu updates, staff stories, or behind-the-scenes content
- Highlight community involvement or events
- Repurpose content from blog → email → social → Google posts
Restaurants with active blogs see better search rankings and more engaged website visitors.
Show your diners there’s a story behind the plate—and they’ll keep coming back.
26. Add Food Photos on All Customer Visit Points
High-quality food photography at every customer touchpoint influences decision-making and drives cravings.
Make sure to use visuals to their full advantage across:
- Google Business Profile – Upload fresh, appetizing photos regularly
- Online menus – Pair each dish with a clear, mouthwatering image
- Third-party directories – Don’t rely on user-uploaded photos
- In-house digital screens or QR menus – Visuals guide better upsells
- Social DMs – Responding with a dish photo when someone asks “what’s your best seller?” works 70% of time
Diners eat with their eyes first—so don’t make them imagine the experience.
27. Offer Gift Cards
Gift cards aren’t just thoughtful—they’re profitable. They boost cash flow, bring in new diners, and usually result in spend above the card’s value.
We help restaurants maximize gift card sales by:
- Offering both digital and physical options; easy to buy, easy to gift
- Promoting around key dates; holidays, birthdays, graduations
- Running BOGO promos; “Buy a $49 card, get a $10 bonus for you”
- Highlighting in-store and online—many diners simply forget they’re available
Especially effective during the holidays or slow seasons when upfront revenue can give a much-needed cushion.
Every gift card is a reason for someone new to try your food—with no discount needed.
28. Holiday Packages
Special occasions call for stress-free dining—and that’s where holiday bundles shine. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day dinners, Thanksgiving takeout packs, or New Year’s Eve platters, pre-set packages make it easy for customers to say yes.
For clients, we build holiday campaigns with:
- Pre-fixed menus that are easy to prep, price, and promote
- Early bird bonuses (“Order before Dec 10 and get a free dessert”)
- Clear online ordering and pickup instructions
- Beautiful packaging and branding to elevate the experience
Diners love having one less thing to plan. You get predictable orders and bigger baskets.
Holidays bring decision fatigue. Ready-to-order bundles solve that problem fast.
29. Outreach to Food Bloggers with a Strong Demographic Match
Getting featured by the right food blogger will flood your restaurant with new attention—but only if they speak to your ideal audience.
Random outreach rarely delivers.
Our team carefully matches restaurants with influencers who target your demography, cuisine, and vibe, then helps build win-win campaigns:
- Complimentary tastings or behind-the-scenes invites
- Instagram Reels or blog features with geo-tagged shoutouts
- Giveaway collabs to drive engagement and follower growth
- Ambassador programs for longer-term partnerships
We vet every influencer’s audience metrics to ensure they aren’t just posting—they’re influencing.
Don’t chase likes—target real diners who can walk through your door.
30. Off-Page SEO for Brand Building
Most agencies stop at on-page SEO or just offer generic link building. But real authority and long-term rankings come from strategic off-page SEO—where your brand is talked about across the web.
This is where Forki shines.
We execute brand-building SEO campaigns by:
- Securing placements on food blogs, review sites, and local publications
- Building backlinks from high-trust domains that boost your organic visibility
- Creating guest content with value-driven articles tied to your restaurant niche
- Earning local PR coverage through story-driven outreach
It’s not just about being found; it’s about being seen as the best option from each perspective.
When other trusted sites talk about your restaurant, Google listens—and diners follow.
31. Promote and Encourage UGC Content
User-Generated Content (UGC) is one of the most authentic and cost-effective ways to boost your restaurant’s reach.
When real diners post about your food, share their experience, or tag your location; it builds trust faster than any paid ad.
Design systems that spark and spread UGC consistently, not just by chance:
- Create photo-worthy spots inside your restaurant (neon signs, aesthetic plates, or creative walls)
- Run hashtag campaigns and display them on-site (“Tag us @yourrestaurant and use #YourCityEats”)
- Feature customer posts on your own feed or stories—people love being reposted
- Offer small rewards like free drinks or dessert upgrades for tagged content
- Encourage check-ins with signage that says “📍Snap. Tag. Enjoy.”
The beauty of UGC?
It’s content you didn’t have to create, but it still builds your brand, attracts more locals, and deepens customer loyalty.
Your diners are already storytellers—give them a reason to post about you.
Final Thoughts on Restaurant Marketing Ideas
Marketing your restaurant in 2025 is no longer about just being “present” online. It’s about being purposeful, strategic, and community-centered. From mastering your digital foundation to tapping into influencer power, restaurant SEO, and customer content, every tactic you implement should bring measurable results.
At Forki, these aren’t just ideas; they’re the same strategies we actively test, optimize, and scale for restaurants across the country.
Whether you’re trying to fill more tables or increase online orders, there’s always a next step to grow smarter—not harder.
Want more ideas like these?
📩 Join our free newsletter to get updated restaurant marketing strategies every 90 days—straight from the field, no fluff, only what works.
Let’s help your restaurant stay full, seen, and ahead of the curve.
Quick Takeaways
- Start by defining your unique brand identity and storytelling to build emotional connection.
- Use a SWOT analysis to identify where you stand and uncover hidden growth opportunities.
- Build a professional, mobile-optimized website with clear menus and ordering paths.
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile to rank in local searches.
- Get listed on popular restaurant directories and online maps to increase discovery.
- Set up interactive, updated menus—PDFs are not enough in 2025.
- Offer exclusive food reviews to local influencers to spark UGC and social buzz.
- Post behind-the-scenes content on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Twitter to humanize your brand.
- Leverage email marketing with a focus on deals, holidays, and loyalty perks.
- Accept online orders through your own site to avoid 3rd-party commission traps.
- Run search-based Google Ads and YouTube Shorts ads for high-intent targeting.
- Launch family-friendly loyalty programs to encourage repeat visits.
- Use off-page SEO and blogger outreach to boost your brand authority and visibility.
- Promote gift cards and holiday bundles to drive seasonal revenue and new customer flow.
- Encourage user-generated content (UGC) to build social proof and organic reach.
