Here are 10 tried-and-tested restaurant marketing ideas we’ve seen actually move the needle.

1. Get Your Google Business Profile in Shape

If someone’s searching for “best pizza near me” and your profile isn’t showing up, you’re already losing business.

A strong Google Business Profile helps you appear in local search results, map results, and that all-important “near me” crowd. Add up-to-date photos, double-check your opening hours, and make it easy for people to book or call. Then, encourage your regulars to leave a quick review — they can make a world of difference.

2. Run Paid Ads (But Make Them Count)

Google Ads and Meta (Instagram/Facebook) ads can be powerful when used properly, but don’t just “boost” a post and hope for the best.

The magic lies in targeting the right people with the right message. Targeted marketing campaigns can help attract more customers, especially when promoting specific offers or events. Want to fill up Tuesday nights? Promote a mid-week set menu to people who live within 3 miles. Want more private hire bookings? Show ads to people searching for event venues nearby. And most importantly: track bookings, not just clicks.

3. Make Your Website Actually Work for Your Restaurant Marketing

You’d be surprised how many restaurant websites look great but don’t do anything.

Your site should be fast, mobile-friendly, and make booking a table a total no-brainer. Menus should be easy to find (and read), photos should feel current, and everything should reflect what it’s actually like to dine with you.

Also, sort out your SEO basics so you can show up in Google search results, too.

4. Feed the Algorithm (and Your Audience)

Regular content isn’t just for influencers. Posting consistently — especially with video — helps keep your brand in people’s minds.

Think: behind-the-scenes prep, chef walk-throughs, staff moments, or customers reacting to your spiciest wings. You don’t need a production crew. Just decent lighting, a phone, and some personality.

5. Double Down on Local SEO

People love to eat local. And search locally.

Make sure your website mentions your neighbourhood, landmarks nearby, and the types of meals people search for (brunch, lunch, cocktails, etc). List your business on local directories, keep your details consistent, and get a few backlinks from local blogs, news sites, or by collaborating with local businesses if you can.

Research what other restaurants in your area are doing to stand out in the competitive restaurant industry, and use this insight to differentiate your own establishment. When creating website content, highlight your use of local ingredients to appeal to community-minded and eco-conscious customers.

6. Build an Email List — And Actually Use It

Unlike Instagram, your email list isn’t affected by algorithms or changing trends. It’s yours and remains one of the most effective marketing channels for direct communication with your customers.

Use it to shout about new menus, events, last-minute availability, or even birthday offers. You can also share engaging content like customer stories to build credibility and connect with your audience. Consider including highlights from your restaurant blog, such as behind-the-scenes updates or recipes, to keep your subscribers interested.

The key is to be helpful, not spammy. Think: “Here’s what’s happening this weekend” instead of “BOOK NOW!!!” every other day. Use customer data to personalize your email campaigns and improve engagement by tailoring offers and updates to your subscribers’ preferences.

7. Run Smart Offers (Not Just Discounts)

You don’t need to slash prices to get people through the door.

Instead, try limited-time perks like:

• Free dessert with two mains (Monday–Wednesday)
• £5 cocktails before 6 pm
• Bottomless brunch add-ons
• Free desserts as part of a social media contest

Creative restaurant promotions such as these, can help boost sales and encourage repeat business. A well-designed loyalty program increases customer loyalty and customer retention, making it more effective than simply offering discounts.

The best offers create urgency without hurting your margins.

8. Work with the Right Influencers

Not all influencers are worth the free meal.

The best ones? Local foodies and food bloggers with an engaged following who actually influence. Collaborating with food bloggers and inviting them to review your restaurant can generate valuable online reviews, social media content, and boost your restaurant's visibility. A few great photos and a short video walkthrough can do more for your brand than any flyer ever could — if you pick the right person. Do your homework and set clear expectations.

9. Show (and Share) Your Reviews

Reviews are the digital version of word of mouth. They build trust before a customer even checks your menu.

Make it easy for people to leave them, reply to every single one (even the dodgy ones), and repost the nice ones on social. Restaurant owners who respond to reviews are often viewed more favorably, which can lead to even more positive reviews and an improved public image. It shows you care — and that you’re proud of the experience you offer.

10. Track What’s Working — and What’s Not

You don’t need a full-blown data team. But if you’re spending time or money on marketing, you should know what’s driving actual bookings.

With the right setup (like Google Tag Manager and GA4), you can track which ads, pages, or posts are converting. Analyzing customer data can help refine your marketing tactics. Review the performance of different marketing channels and marketing materials to optimize your strategy. That way, you’re not guessing — you’re improving.

Final Thought

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to restaurant marketing. But these strategies work because they’re focused, trackable, and rooted in how people actually choose where to eat.

Pick one or two to start with, stay consistent, and build from there. The results don’t happen overnight, but the effort pays off.

Need a hand putting these ideas into action? We work with restaurants across the UK to boost bookings, sharpen strategy, and make marketing less of a headache. Chat with us, we’d love to help.

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