Top Restaurant Marketing Strategies in 2024: Use Facebook, Instagram, and Google to attract more customers

Restaurant Marketing can be a challenging task for restaurant owners due to:

1. Lack of marketing knowledge: Many restaurant owners may not have a background in marketing. So, they may not know where to start or what strategies to implement. 
2. Limited time and resources: Running a restaurant can be time-consuming and require many resources. Restaurant owners may not have the time or budget to devote to marketing efforts. 
3. Unclear target audience: It’s important for restaurant owners to have a clear understanding of their target audience in order to market their restaurant effectively. Without a clear understanding of who their ideal customer is, they may struggle with creating effective marketing strategies. 
4. Not keeping up with marketing trends: The marketing landscape is constantly evolving. As a result, it can be difficult for restaurant owners to keep up with the latest trends and strategies. 

Overall, restaurant marketing can be a very overwhelming process for any restaurant owner. However, with some research and guidance, they can develop effective marketing strategies. Those strategies will help attract new customers and grow their business.  

Skyfield Co has helped numerous restaurants overcome the challenges they face. We have been there throughout the journey with Kagoshima Master (Japanese BBQ Restaurant), Royal Pavilion, Lotus Dining Group, and many others. Get in touch if you would like to start your own marketing journey with us. 

The marketing model we used for restaurants so far

There is no one-size-fits-all marketing model for restaurants. The best approach will depend on factors such as the type of restaurant, the target audience, and the location. However, some effective marketing strategies for restaurants include: 

1. Social media marketing: Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can promote specials, share customer reviews, and showcase menu items. 
2. Influencer marketing: Partnering with food bloggers and influencers to share their experiences at your restaurant and promote your brand can be a great way to reach new customers. 
3. Email marketing: Building an email list and sending regular newsletters can help keep your brand top of mind for customers and promote specials or events. 
4. Local SEO: Optimizing your website and online profiles for local search terms can help increase visibility in search results for customers looking for restaurants in your area. 
5. Online advertising: Targeted advertising on platforms such as Facebook and Google can be effective for reaching new customers and promoting specials or events. 

Ultimately, the best marketing model for a restaurant will depend on the unique needs and goals of the business. A combination of these strategies and others may be most effective in attracting and retaining customers. 

What the main difference is between Facebook and Instagram marketing and Google marketing for restaurants? 

The difference is the way the ads are delivered and targeted to the audience.

1. Facebook and Instagram marketing rely on social media platforms to display ads to users based on their interests, behaviours, and demographics. Advertisers can target specific audiences based on location, age, gender, interests, and behaviours, making it easier to reach their target market. 
2. Google marketing, on the other hand, relies on search engines. They deliver ads to users based on their search queries. Advertisers bid on specific keywords to display their ads at the top of search engine results pages. The goal is to target users who are actively searching for products or services related to their business. 
3. Another difference is the format of the ads. Facebook and Instagram ads can be displayed in various formats, including photos, videos, carousel ads, and stories. Google ads are mainly text-based, with the option to display images and videos in some ad formats. 

Finally, the pricing model for advertising differs between Facebook and Instagram marketing and Google marketing. Facebook and Instagram ads are based on a cost-per-click or cost-per-impression model. On the other hand, Google ads operate on a cost-per-click basis. 

Overall, the main difference is the way the ads are delivered and targeted to the audience, as well as the format of the ads and the pricing model. 

The Facebook and Instagram restaurant marketing strategies we used for Royal Pavilion.  

The best way of restaurant Facebook and Instagram marketing model would depend on the restaurant’s specific goals and target audience. However, here are some general tips that could be helpful: 

1. Focus on visuals: Facebook and Instagram are both highly visual platforms. So, it’s important to showcase your restaurant’s dishes and ambience through high-quality photos and videos. 
2. Use targeted ads: Both platforms offer advanced targeting options that allow you to reach specific demographics and interests. It can be particularly useful for promoting specials or events. 
3. Engage with customers: social media is a two-way conversation. So, it’s important to actively engage with customers by responding to comments and messages promptly and professionally. 
4. Leverage user-generated content: Encourage customers to share photos and reviews of their dining experience and feature them on your restaurant’s social media accounts. 
5. Offer promotions: Use social media to offer exclusive promotions, such as discounts or freebies, to your followers. This can help to build loyalty and drive traffic to your restaurant. 
6. Collaborate with influencers: Consider partnering with local influencers or food bloggers to help promote your restaurant to a wider audience. 

Overall, the best approach to Facebook and Instagram marketing for restaurants is to create a consistent brand identity, engage with customers, and offer value through promotions and exclusive content. 

What do we pay attention to when preparing visuals for restaurant Facebook and Instagram marketing?  

When preparing visuals for restaurant Facebook and Instagram marketing, there are several things you should pay attention to: 

1. Quality: Ensure that the images or videos are of high quality and visually appealing. Use good lighting and high-resolution images. 
2. Branding: Use visuals that are consistent with your restaurant’s brand identity. This includes using your brand colours and logo in your visuals. 
3. Composition: Consider the composition of your visuals, including the placement of your food, dishes, and other elements. Use visually appealing angles and perspectives. 
4. Context: Make sure your visuals are relevant and engaging. Consider the context of your visuals, including the audience you are targeting, the platform you are using, and the message you are trying to convey. 
5. Variety: Use a variety of visuals, including images, videos, and graphics. Mix up your content to keep your audience engaged and interested. 
6. Call-to-action: Include a clear call-to-action in your visuals, such as a promotion or an invitation to visit your restaurant. 

Overall, the visuals you use should be visually appealing, consistent with your brand identity, and relevant to your audience. By paying attention to these factors, you can create effective and engaging visuals for your restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram marketing. 

Encourage customers to share photos and reviews of their dining experience and feature them on the restaurant’s social media. 

Encouraging customers to share photos and reviews of their dining experience on your restaurant’s social media can be a great way to generate buzz and increase engagement. Here are some tips to encourage customers to share their experiences: 

• Create a hashtag: Create a unique and catchy hashtag for your restaurant and encourage your customers to use it when they post about their dining experience. This will make it easy for you to find and feature their posts on your social media.  

• Offer incentives: Consider offering incentives such as discounts or free items to customers who share photos and reviews of their experience on social media.  

• Make it easy: Provide signage around your restaurant that encourages customers to share their experience on social media and include links to your social media accounts on your website and menus.  
• Engage with customers: Respond to customer posts and comments on social media and thank them for sharing their experience. This will encourage more customers to post and engage with your brand.  

• Feature customer content: Regularly feature customer photos and reviews on your social media accounts. This will not only encourage more customers to share their experiences, but it will also help build a sense of community around your brand. 

Remember to always ask for permission before featuring customer content on your social media accounts and respect their privacy. 

The marketing models we used to apply a restaurant marketing strategy on Google 

1. Google My Business: Set up a Google My Business listing for your restaurant. It is a free tool that allows you to manage your online presence across Google, including search and maps. Make sure to optimize your listing with accurate and up-to-date information, such as your business hours, phone number, menu, and photos. 
2. Google Ads: Consider using Google Ads to promote your restaurant to a wider audience. You can target users based on keywords, location, and interests, and pay for each click on your ad. Make sure to create compelling ad copy and use high-quality images to grab the user’s attention. 
3. Local SEO: Optimize your website and content for local SEO. This includes using location-based keywords, creating content related to your local area, and building local links. This will help your restaurant rank higher in local search results and attract more customers. 
4. Reviews and ratings: Encourage customers to leave reviews and ratings on Google. Positive reviews and high ratings will improve your restaurant’s visibility and credibility and attract more customers. Responding to positive and negative reviews is also important as it shows that you value your customers’ feedback. 
5. Google Maps: Make sure your restaurant is listed on Google Maps and the information is accurate. This will make it easier for customers to find your restaurant and get directions. You can also use Google Maps to promote special offers or events. 

A strong keyword strategy helps restaurants to get listed on Google search.  

When preparing Google Ads for a restaurant, choosing the keywords that potential customers might use when searching for a restaurant is essential. Here are some tips for defining restaurant keywords: 

1. Identify your unique selling points: What sets your restaurant apart? Is it the cuisine, atmosphere, location, or price? Use these unique selling points to come up with specific keywords. 
2. Use long-tail keywords: Long-tail keywords are more specific phrases with less competition. For example, instead of using a broad keyword like “restaurant,” use more specific phrases like “Chinese restaurant.” 
3. Use location-based keywords: If your restaurant is located in a specific neighbourhood or city, including the location in your keywords. For example, “Best seafood restaurant in Sydney.” 
4. Use industry-specific keywords: Use keywords that are specific to the restaurant industry, such as “fine dining,” “brunch,” “happy hour,” or “takeout.” 
5. Research competitors: See what keywords your competitors are using and try to make yourself stand out by using unique keywords they may not be using. 

Using these tips, you can develop relevant and effective restaurant keywords that. They will help you reach your target audience through Google Ads. 

Skyfield Co’s core capability for restaurant marketing strategies

Skyfield Co’s core capability is to help businesses establish a strong and consistent brand presence through a range of services, including corporate strategy branding and structure, visual creation, and online marketing. The team specialises in brand identity design, brand message writing, website design and development, and social media & google advertising and account management.  

In addition, Skyfield Co has experience working with businesses in various industries, including real estate, e-commerce, and hospitality. Skyfield Co approaches every project creatively. We use expertise and insights to develop unique and innovative solutions that help the clients stand out.  

Moreover, we are committed to working with their clients transparently and honestly. We always keeping their best interests in mind. We provide expert guidance and support to help clients achieve their branding and marketing objectives. 

“To grow your business into a favourite brand” is the Skyfield Co team’s vision. Skyfield Co’s core capability is to identify problems efficiently and use the most effective methods to solve them promptly.  

Learn more about our Restaurant Marketing.