Learn proven strategies to increase restaurant traffic online. Discover how to boost your visibility with SEO, social media marketing, online reviews, and more to attract more customers and grow your business.
Last Updated: April 7, 2025
Discover effective ways to increase restaurant traffic online, boost visibility, and attract more customers. Learn about SEO, social media marketing, online reviews, and other strategies.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most powerful tools for increasing online visibility. When customers search for local dining options, your restaurant should be at the top of the list. Here's how to start:
Research keywords that potential customers might use to search for restaurants in your area. For instance, if you’re a Mexican restaurant in Chicago, keywords like "best Mexican food in Chicago" or "top Mexican restaurant in Chicago" should be incorporated into your website content. Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or paid tools like Ahrefs to find high-traffic keywords for your business.
Local SEO focuses on optimizing your website for local search terms. Ensure that your restaurant’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms, from your website to directories like Yelp and Google My Business. You should also make sure that your website contains location-based content, including city or neighborhood names.
In addition to keywords, Google looks for high-quality, relevant content. Create blog posts, menus, and other helpful resources that answer potential customers’ questions. For example, you could write about the best wine pairings with certain dishes or provide tips on catering for events. The more useful your content is, the higher your chances of ranking on search engine results pages.
Social media is one of the best tools for restaurant marketing. The visual nature of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok makes them ideal for showcasing your restaurant’s atmosphere, dishes, and special events.
Instagram is a visual platform, perfect for sharing mouthwatering food photos and videos. Post regularly, and engage with your followers by replying to comments and direct messages. Use local hashtags and geotags to increase discoverability, such as #ChicagoEats, #NYCRestaurants, or #BestSushiInTown.
Additionally, leverage Instagram Stories and Reels to highlight limited-time offers, behind-the-scenes footage, or new menu items. You can also collaborate with influencers or local food bloggers to expand your reach.
While Facebook is more text-based than Instagram, it remains an essential platform for local businesses. Create a business page, where customers can leave reviews, check your menu, and see updates about promotions and events. Utilize Facebook Ads to target local users, offering them discounts or event invites to draw them into your restaurant.
TikTok’s rapid growth makes it a fantastic platform for reaching younger, trend-driven diners. You can create fun, engaging content that showcases your restaurant’s personality—whether that’s featuring viral recipes, special kitchen moments, or quirky restaurant challenges. The key to success on TikTok is authenticity and creativity, so don’t be afraid to have a little fun.
Online reviews are critical for the success of your restaurant. Positive reviews not only help build trust with potential customers but also impact your local SEO rankings.
Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable. Offer a small incentive (like a free dessert or drink) in exchange for leaving a review, which can motivate diners to share their positive experiences.
Be proactive about responding to both positive and negative reviews. Thank customers for their feedback, and be polite and empathetic when addressing complaints. This shows future customers that you care about your service and are committed to improvement.
Consider using reputation management tools like Reputation.com or Birdeye to track and manage your reviews. These tools allow you to get alerts when reviews are posted, ensuring that you can respond promptly and effectively.
Paid advertising is an effective way to increase your restaurant’s visibility and attract new customers. Platforms like Google Ads and social media offer tools to help you target specific audiences and measure your ad performance.
Google Ads allows you to target customers searching for dining options in your area. You can create a campaign targeting keywords like “best [cuisine type] restaurant near me” or “restaurants in [city].” With Google Ads, you only pay when someone clicks on your ad (pay-per-click), which makes it a cost-effective strategy for bringing in qualified leads.
Facebook and Instagram Ads let you target users based on location, interests, and demographics. You can run ads showcasing new menu items, promotions, or events to attract attention. For instance, running an Instagram Story ad highlighting a limited-time offer can create urgency and prompt people to visit your restaurant.
With the rise of food delivery services like UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, online ordering has become a must for many restaurants. It offers the convenience of bringing your restaurant’s offerings to customers who prefer eating at home or at the office.
In addition to using third-party delivery services, consider adding an online ordering system directly on your website. Not only will this allow you to capture customer data, but you’ll also avoid paying hefty commissions to third-party platforms.
Highlight your delivery services across your website and social media platforms. You can offer special deals for first-time delivery customers, or promote your delivery options during special events like game days or holiday weekends.
The pandemic showed that virtual events could drive significant traffic to restaurants. While in-person events are slowly making a comeback, virtual promotions and events remain an effective way to connect with your audience.
If your chefs are skilled at certain dishes, consider hosting virtual cooking classes where participants can cook along with them from home. You can offer a special discount on the meal kit or ingredients used in the class, creating a fun and engaging experience.
Create exclusive online-only promotions to entice people to order from your restaurant. For instance, you could offer a special discount on delivery orders placed through your website or a limited-time offer available only via social media.
Influencer marketing is a powerful tool for reaching new customers, especially when working with local food bloggers or influencers who already have an established following.
Reach out to local food bloggers or influencers with a significant following in your area. Offer them a free meal or invite them to review your restaurant in exchange for a post or shout-out on their social channels. Their endorsement can drive significant traffic to your restaurant’s website or social media pages.
