11 marketing tricks to attract more customers to your restaurant

11 Marketing Tips for Restaurants to Attract More Guests

Are you struggling to figure out how to bring more diners to your restaurant and keep them coming back for more? It's a common dilemma, and at TheFork, we hear you. That's why we're here to provide you with 11 essential marketing tips for restaurants that will help you not only fill your tables quickly but also build long-term loyalty.

1. Optimise Online Booking with TheFork Widget

One of the most impactful among these marketing tips for restaurants is to streamline your booking process. Make it easy for potential guests to reserve a table by integrating TheFork widget on your website and other online platforms. This not only ensures you never miss a potential diner but also enhances guest satisfaction and reduces barriers to dining at your establishment.

2. Forge Local Business Collaborations

Local partnerships can be a potent way to boost foot traffic. Team up with nearby businesses, such as farms, social enterprises, producers, and shops. This not only demonstrates your commitment to the community but also expands your reach and engages a diverse audience

3. Leverage TheFork for Promotions

TheFork offers a fantastic platform to run promotions when you need an extra influx of diners. Whether it's a seasonal menu, a holiday special, or discounted offerings on specific days and times, these promotions can entice guests to choose your restaurant for their next meal. TheFork's comprehensive dashboard helps you track the impact of your promotions instantly

4. Keep Your Menu Fresh and Exciting

Offering the same dishes repeatedly can become monotonous. Your kitchen is a canvas for experimentation. Keep guests coming back by regularly refreshing your menu, introducing new flavors, seasonal ingredients, and creative dishes. Once your new menu is ready, don't forget to announce it to your loyal patrons through email and social media.

5. Share Glowing Reviews on Social Media

Positive reviews are golden. Instead of just saying your food is great, let real guests do the talking. Share the rave reviews left by diners on platforms like TheFork on your social media channels. Highlight those glowing ratings in your Instagram stories to boost credibility and showcase the exceptional experiences others have had at your restaurant.

6. Run Engaging Contests

People love winning prizes! Regularly organise contests on your social media channels where diners can win exciting rewards, such as a romantic dinner for two. Encourage participants to follow your restaurant, tag friends, and participate actively. The more imaginative the contest, the greater the attention it'll garner and the more potential guests you can entice

7. Collaborate with Local Influencers

Influencers can significantly impact your restaurant's visibility. Invite local food and lifestyle influencers to experience your restaurant and share their authentic reviews with their followers. Ensure you choose influencers that align with your brand values and can genuinely help attract more diners.

8. Host Memorable Theme Nights

Add character to your restaurant by organising special theme nights regularly. Think about evenings with live music, wine and dine pairings, or culinary journeys to different cuisines. These unique dining experiences not only generate buzz but also create a sense of anticipation, giving diners a compelling reason to return

9. Encourage Word-of-Mouth Promotion

Word-of-mouth marketing remains one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Encourage satisfied guests to spread the word by offering them a business card that doubles as a voucher for a complimentary drink to share with friends. Guests who book through TheFork can also leave their reviews on the app and website.

10. Elevate Your Chef's Profile

Your chef can be the face of your restaurant. Put your kitchen maestro in the spotlight by featuring them more prominently on your digital channels. Have your chef explain dishes in videos, share recipes, stories, and interact with diners at their tables. A personal touch from the chef can bring smiles to your guests' faces.

11. Offer a Peek Behind the Scenes

To add authenticity and transparency to your brand, take your followers behind the scenes. Share photos and videos showcasing the daily hustle and bustle in your restaurant, from prep to service to after-hours. This helps diners connect with your brand on a deeper level.

Ready to Get Started?

By implementing these 11 marketing tips for restaurants, you'll not only optimse your online presence with TheFork but also foster collaborations and create unique dining experiences that will keep guests, and their friends, returning for more. It's time to fill your restaurant with happy diners! Click here to get started.