Every other day, you hear about another restaurant shutting down. Maybe it’s that cozy little spot you used to love or a new place that never got the chance to take off.
It’s tough out there; costs are going up, customers are harder to reach, and the pressure just doesn’t let up. But then, there are those restaurants that somehow have a full house every weekend, loyal regulars, and a buzz that keeps growing.
So you can’t help but wonder what they are doing differently. One major difference is smart, consistent social media marketing.
We’ve had the chance to work closely with several restaurants, and time and time again, we’ve seen how the right online strategy can completely turn things around.
In this guide, we’re sharing those proven tips for restaurant social media marketing that can help you attract new customers, build loyalty, and bring your brand to life online.
11 Tips for Restaurant Social Media Marketing
1. Showcase Mouth-Watering Photos
A good photo can say a thousand words, but it should make people crave your food. So all you need to do is share amazing close-up food photos to make people hungry.
To get amazing shots, try using natural light to show off your dishes. Show the crispy edges of a pizza, the colour of a salad or the texture of a dessert.
People connect with the details, like steam rising from a hot plate or the glaze on a pastry. Close-ups work wonders here. It’s about making the food look like it’s meant to be eaten right away, not just something on a plate.
Just look at Shake Shack’s Instagram profile. They really know how to make their food look good.
Their Instagram is full of close-up shots of burgers, fries and shakes that make you want to eat. Every time they post, it feels like you can almost taste it.
2. Run Giveaways and Contests
Your audience loves free food; it’s that simple. Hosting a giveaway is a great way to get people talking about your restaurant. Ask followers to tag friends, share your post or follow your page for a chance to win a free meal or discount. Make the prize worth the effort. A free burger, dessert or dinner for two can bring in new faces through your door.
3. Use Instagram Stories & Reels
Instagram Stories and Reels are where your restaurant’s personality can come into play. Stories can give followers a sneak peek behind the scenes, like a quick shot of your team plating food or the chaos of the kitchen during service.
It helps your customers feel part of your journey. Reels are where the fun happens. Whether it’s a quirky cooking demo or a staff challenge, these short, lively videos make your restaurant feel real and relatable.
Show the faces behind the food, and keep it light. Let your customers see your energy, and they’ll feel it, too.
For example, check out how Chipotle uses Reels. They often post quick, engaging videos showing staff creating bowls or having fun challenges around the restaurant.
These reels are energetic and give followers a peek into the fun atmosphere of their brand. It not only shows off the food but also brings the team and vibe to life, creating a sense of excitement and authenticity.
4. Partner with Influencers
Working with local food bloggers or social media influencers can really put your restaurant on the map.
When someone with a big following shares their experience at your place, it brings in new faces. But don’t just partner with anyone—find influencers whose audience is the kind of people you want to attract.
A real recommendation can get people through the door to try what you offer.
5. Talk to Your Followers
Social media is about socialising, so don’t just post and leave. Respond to comments and messages quickly. It shows your followers that you’re paying attention and value their input.
One way to engage people is to run polls, quizzes or simple “this or that” questions. These little interactions get people talking about your content.
The more you talk to them, the more they’ll feel connected to your restaurant and in turn become loyal customers.
6. Use User-Generated Content
Your customers are your best advocates. Encourage them to share their experiences and tag your restaurant in their posts.
When they do, share those posts on your account. It builds trust and shows potential customers what others love about your place.
You could even offer discounts or small giveaways to customers who tag you. This kind of content feels real and personal, so it’s more likely to influence others to come to your restaurant.
7. Promote Specials and Events
Nothing gets people excited like a special or event. Use your social media to promote limited-time offers, new events or seasonal dishes.
Create a sense of urgency with countdowns for new menu launches, holiday specials or big events. When people know something is only available for a short time they’ll act fast. Let your followers know what’s coming up and make them feel like they have to be part of it.
8. Share Customer Reviews
There’s nothing more powerful than a happy customer sharing their thoughts. When people love your food or service, share those reviews with your followers. It’s a great way to build trust and show others that people love what you do. And if you get a not-so-great review, don’t hide from it.
For example, check out this post from Landreman’s Family Restaurant! They reshared a glowing Google review from a customer named John, highlighting the “great customer service” and “fair pricing.”
9. Feature Your Staff
Every great meal has a great team. Share the stories of the people who make your restaurant happen, from your chefs to your servers and everyone in between.
Let your customers see the faces behind the food and share what makes each team member special.
For instance, consider creating posts where staff members pick their favourite dishes and share why they love them. Accompany these stories with photos of the staff enjoying their picks. This approach not only humanizes your brand but also builds a deeper relationship between your restaurant and its followers.
A great example of this is The Smokehouse on TikTok. Their video titled “Inside The Kitchen: A Day at The Smokehouse” gives a raw, behind-the-scenes look at their team in action.
Consider Reading: Top 10 ways to use TikTok marketing for restaurants.
10. Use Paid Ads
Sometimes, a little push is all you need. Running ads on Instagram or Facebook gets you in front of people who haven’t heard of you yet. You can target people nearby or those who love food and dining out.
Promote a lunch deal, weekend special or new menu item. The goal is simple—get more eyes on your food and more people walking in.
11. Post Consistently
Out of sight, out of mind. If you don’t post often, people forget. Keep your restaurant at the top of your mind with regular updates, photos, short videos, stories, and whatever shows what’s going on. You don’t have to post every day; just stay consistent.
If you’re too busy, use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to plan ahead. One good post can be the reason someone decides where to eat tonight.
Read Blog Posts:
- Instagram Marketing for Restaurants: How to Turn Followers into Diners
- How to Repurpose Content on Social Media?
FAQs
1. How to market a restaurant on social media?
Marketing a restaurant on social media is all about showing, not just telling. Think of it like inviting people into your vibe before they ever step foot inside.
Here’s how to do it:
- Share delicious photos of your best dishes—make people hungry just by scrolling!
- Go behind the scenes—show your chef at work, a server prepping tables, or how a dish is made. People love the human side.
- Use Reels and Stories—quick videos showing sizzling food, customer reactions, or a special event happening today.
- Respond to comments and messages—this makes your audience feel valued and builds trust.
- Team up with local influencers—a foodie tagging your place can bring in serious foot traffic.
Basically, social media becomes your digital storefront, storyboard, and community all in one.
2. What is the 5-5-5 social media strategy?
The 5-5-5 strategy is a simple and balanced way to keep your social content fresh and engaging.
Here’s how it works:
- 5 pieces of curated content (resharing relevant or trending posts from others—like a cool recipe or local event)
- 5 pieces of original content (your own food pics, videos, stories, team intros)
- 5 responses or interactions (commenting back, DMs, engaging with your followers or nearby businesses)
It keeps your feed from feeling like a nonstop ad, and instead builds a friendly, interactive presence. People want connection, not just promotion.
3. What are the 7 Ps of service marketing in restaurants?
This one’s a classic marketing framework—but let’s keep it chill and real:
Product – Not just your food, but the whole experience (taste, variety, presentation).
- Price – Fair and clear pricing that reflects your value.
- Place – Your restaurant location and also your online presence—where people find you.
- Promotion – Social media, deals, events, ads, word-of-mouth… how you’re getting noticed.
- People – Your staff! Smiles, service, and energy make the difference.
- Process – How smoothly things run—ordering, delivery, service flow.
- Physical Evidence – The ambience, decor, plating, menu design—even your Insta grid! It’s all part of the experience.
If all these Ps are on point, customers won’t just eat—they’ll remember and come back.
4. How effective is social media marketing for restaurants?
Super effective—when done right. Why? Because food is one of the most visual, shareable, and emotional topics online.
- A single viral food video can pack your restaurant for weeks.
- Reviews and check-ins from real customers boost trust fast.
- You can build a community—not just a customer base.
- Promotions, events, and new dishes reach people instantly.
It’s not just about selling a meal. It’s about creating a vibe, a memory, and a relationship. Social media turns your restaurant from “a place to eat” into “that spot everyone’s talking about.”
Final Thoughts
Having great food just isn’t enough—you need to show it, share it, and connect with people where they already are on social media. When done right, your online presence can be just as inviting as your restaurant’s front door.
Need help bringing all this to life?
Let Brand ClickX handle your restaurant’s social media like it’s our own kitchen. We’ll cook up the right strategy, plate your content to perfection, and serve it to the audience you need.
Ready to grow your restaurant online? Reach out to Brand Clicx today. Let’s make your brand the talk of the town.
