How to Attract More Guests to Your Restaurant?

Nowadays restaurants face quite high competition and with the rise of technology, guests find countless options to eat or drink nearby. Thus, as a restaurant, your strategy has to cover more than just offering great food! In today’s competitive market, restaurateurs need to use a mix of local SEO, exceptional customer service, and smart online strategies to stand out.

The following 21 strategies can help you improve your online visibility and stand out among your competitors to ultimately attract more guests to your restaurant!

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
2. Get Listed on Business Directories
3. Optimize Your Website for User Experience
4. Build a Strong Social Media Presence
5. Use Email Marketing
6. Use Flyers and Brochures
7. Partner With Influencers
8. Collaborate With Local Businesses
9. Offer Free Wi-Fi
10. Highlight Unique Menu Items
11. Blog About Your Restaurant
12. Create Gift Cards
13. Offer Online Ordering
14. Make Reservations Easy
15. Collect and Respond to Customer Reviews
16. Host Big Events or Themed Nights
17. Provide Live Music or Entertainment
18. Organize Tasting Events
19. Run Seasonal Promotions, Like Summer Early Bird Deals
20. Offer Promotions and Discounts
21. Loyalty Programs

Let’s look at what each of these strategies entails in detail! Remember, the more strategies you apply, the better your online presence will be optimized!

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for enhancing your restaurant's online presence and attracting more guests. If your GBP is not optimized, Google will show a competitor that did optimize! Let’s not risk that by following these steps to maximize the reach of your GBP and providing all essential information:

• Claim or Create Your GBP: Ensure your Google Business Profile is claimed and verified in order for you to be able to edit the information.
• Maintain Accurate and Consistent Information: Update your business name, address, phone number (NAP), hours, and categories consistently across platforms to improve local SEO.
• Write an SEO-Friendly Description: Highlight your restaurant’s unique features, services, or specialties in a clear, engaging, and keyword-rich description.
• Upload High-Quality Visuals: Add appealing images and videos of your restaurant, menu items, and ambiance to attract more attention.
• Include Relevant Products or Services: Add details like menu items, pricing, and services to help potential guests understand your offerings.
• Pre-Fill the Q&A Section: Address frequently asked questions proactively to help guests find answers easily. Leverage Google Posts: Share updates, special offers, events, and promotions regularly to keep your audience engaged.
• Add Booking Links: Make it easy for guests to book tables by integrating reservation links directly into your profile. We will explain this step in detail in a separate part, thus, keep on reading!
• Link to Social Media Channels: Encourage customer interaction and provide more ways to connect by linking to your social media profiles.
• Monitor GBP Insights: Use Google Business Profile analytics to track performance, understand customer behavior, and refine your strategy.

2. Get Listed on Business Directories

Listing your restaurant on business directories is a great move to improve your local SEO score and attract more guests. These listings, known as citations, involve your restaurant's name, address, and phone number (NAP) appearing on external websites, which helps search engines like Google verify your business's legitimacy and improve its visibility on platforms like Google Maps (or directly in the Google Search results). To maximize the benefits, ensure your NAP information is accurate and consistent across all directories, including industry-specific ones like Yelp and TripAdvisor. This consistency builds trust with search engines and potential guests, increasing the likelihood of your restaurant appearing in local search results. Regularly updating your listings and avoiding common mistakes, such as duplicate entries or outdated information, further strengthens your online presence. By building a robust citation network, you not only boost your restaurant's local SEO score but also make it easier for guests to find you directly via these directories.

Our tip: With the Obenan Listing Technology you can claim and manage your listings with one click! No need anymore to log in to countless platforms to change your details or check whether the listings are still up-to-date. We synchronize all your business details across all available directories and ensure NAP consistency at all times!

3. Optimize Your Website for User Experience

Your restaurant’s website serves as a digital business card, so optimizing it for a seamless user experience is crucial to attracting and retaining guests. Start by ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, as most visitors will browse on their phones. Make navigation intuitive, with clear menus and easy access to important details like your address, hours, menu, and reservation options. Incorporate high-quality visuals that showcase your food, ambiance, and unique offerings to leave a lasting impression. Optimize page loading speed to reduce bounce rates and keep users engaged. Include online booking or ordering options to make it convenient for guests to take action (include it on every page via a widget in the corner). Finally, ensure alt text for images and readable font sizes, so your website is welcoming to all potential guests. If you want to optimize it even further, make sure your image file name is related to the image instead of being named something random like uei77.jpg.

4. Build a Strong Social Media Presence

Social media can help you attract more guests by promoting your best dishes, atmosphere, and behind-the-scenes. Show them why your restaurant is a spot they don’t want to miss out on. Consider the following:

• Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on Instagram for visually stunning food photos and Facebook (Groups) for community engagement and event promotion. TikTok can also be a great platform to reach new audiences, especially the younger ones.
• Post High-Quality Content: Share vibrant images of your dishes, behind-the-scenes videos, customer spotlights, and weekly specials.
• Engage Your Audience: Use Instagram Stories features like polls to let followers vote on daily specials or Q&A boxes to answer questions about your restaurant.
• Leverage Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags such as #YourCityEats, #FoodieFavorites, or #YourRestaurantName to increase discoverability.
• Run Targeted Ads: Use Facebook and Instagram ads to highlight promotions like “Happy Hour Discounts” or “Weekend Brunch Deals” and reach nearby guests.
• Encourage User-Generated Content: Ask diners to tag your restaurant in their posts, offering a chance to be featured on your profile to create excitement.
• Promote Events: Share updates about live music nights, tasting menus, or holiday specials to attract interest and drive bookings.
• Engage with Comments and Messages: Reply promptly to customer comments and direct messages to build trust and foster connections.

Discover 8 Instagram Hacks to Get More Followers!

5. Use Email Marketing

Sometimes you need to remind past guests of your existence. Especially on a Friday or Saturday when people tend to eat out, you can send out e-mails with offers or discounts that can result in a prompt booking.

To leverage e-mail marketing to its fullest potential, consider:

• Build a Subscriber List: Collect email addresses through your website, social media, or in-person visits with sign-up forms or incentives like discounts or free appetizers.
• Segment Your Audience: Group subscribers based on preferences, such as regular diners, first-time visitors, or those interested in special events.
• Send Regular Updates: Share newsletters featuring upcoming events, seasonal menu changes, and special promotions like “Kids Eat Free Fridays” or “Happy Hour Deals.”
• Offer Exclusive Deals: Reward your email subscribers with exclusive discounts, early access to events, or limited-time offers like “15% Off Your Next Visit.”
• Personalize Your Emails: Address guests by name and tailor content to their preferences, such as recommending dishes they’ve ordered in the past.
• Highlight Special Events: Use email campaigns to promote live music nights, wine tastings, or holiday celebrations to encourage reservations.
• Include Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Add buttons like “Reserve Your Table,” “Order Online,” or “View Menu” to make it easy for readers to take action.
• Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your emails are visually appealing and easy to navigate on mobile devices, as most users will check emails on their phones.
• Track Performance: Use analytics to measure open rates, click-through rates, and conversions, then adjust your strategy based on what works.
• Send Thank-You Emails: Follow up with guests after visits to thank them for dining with you and invite them to return.

6. Use Flyers and Brochures

Flyers and brochures are timeless marketing tools that can effectively attract local guests to your restaurant. Design eye-catching materials that highlight your menu, special offers, and unique features, such as a cozy ambiance or family-friendly options. Distribute them in high-traffic areas like local coffee shops, gyms, community centers, and office buildings. Include a clear call-to-action, such as a discount code or a "Bring This Flyer for 10% Off" offer, to encourage visits. Partner with nearby businesses to leave brochures at their locations or include them in neighborhood welcome packages. Well-designed flyers not only spread awareness but also give potential guests a tangible reminder of your restaurant. You can also put them in your online delivery orders to encourage direct orders via your website for a discount. This way, you can even save money by avoiding third-party delivery services for return customers! Smart, isn’t it?

7. Partner With Influencers

Collaborating with influencers can increase your restaurant’s reach and attract new guests. Identify local food bloggers, Instagram influencers, or TikTok creators who align with your brand and have engaged followers. Invite them to experience your menu and share their visit with their audience through posts, stories, or videos. Offer exclusive perks, such as complimentary meals or discounts, in exchange for honest reviews or shoutouts. Organize influencer events, like tastings or behind-the-scenes tours, to create buzz around your restaurant.

8. Collaborate With Local Businesses

Partnering with nearby businesses creates opportunities to attract new guests while supporting the local community. Work with nearby gyms to offer post-workout meal discounts, or collaborate with movie theaters for dinner-and-a-show packages. Co-sponsor local events, such as farmer’s markets or charity fundraisers, and provide catering or gift cards as prizes to increase visibility. Cross-promote with collegial businesses, like bakeries or bars, by exchanging flyers, offering combo deals, or hosting joint events.

9. Offer Free Wi-Fi

Offering free Wi-Fi at your restaurant can attract more guests, especially those looking for a comfortable place to work, study, or simply stay connected. Promote this feature on your website, social media, and storefront signage to let guests know it’s available. Pair it with cozy seating and accessible power outlets to create a welcoming atmosphere for remote workers or students. To encourage longer stays and repeat visits, consider offering exclusive discounts for Wi-Fi users, like a free coffee refill with extended use. Additionally, you should require guests to sign in with their email to access the network, which can help grow your email marketing list. Especially if you are a breakfast, brunch, or lunch restaurant, free Wi-Fi is a definite must!

10. Highlight Unique Menu Items

Showcasing your restaurant’s unique menu items can set you apart from competitors and attract hungry guests. Menu items are also a local SEO ranking factor, meaning that uploading your menu on your GBP can directly influence your online visibility.

Furthermore, you should show your standout dishes, such as signature recipes, seasonal specials, or locally sourced ingredients, on your website and social media regularly. Use engaging descriptions and mouthwatering photos to grab attention, and consider running promotions like “Chef’s Special of the Week” to generate attention.

Highlight these items on your menu with icons or special sections to make them easily noticeable. Encourage your staff to recommend these dishes to guests, and share customer reviews or testimonials about their favorites.

11. Blog About Your Restaurant

Starting a blog for your restaurant is a great way to connect with your audience and boost your online presence. Write posts about your restaurant’s story, the inspiration behind your menu, or the local ingredients you use. Share behind-the-scenes content, such as interviews with your chefs or highlights from community events. Create blogs around topics that interest your audience, like pairing wine with your dishes or tips for hosting events. Include high-quality photos and SEO-friendly keywords to help your posts rank higher in search engine results. Blog articles provide further context to Google and let your website rank higher in the search results for specific keywords (of course only, in case you provide valuable information in the articles).

Learn more about how to do local SEO keyword research!

12. Create Gift Cards

Offering gift cards is an excellent way to attract new guests while giving loyal guests a way to share your restaurant with others. Design attractive, branded gift cards available both physically and digitally for convenience. Promote them during holidays, birthdays, and special occasions as the perfect gift option. Highlight your gift cards on your website, social media, and in-store with eye-catching displays or promotions like “Buy a $50 Gift Card, Get $10 Free.” Encourage corporate clients to purchase them as employee rewards or client gifts. Gift cards not only generate immediate revenue but also bring new guests to your restaurant, many of whom may return for future visits.

13. Offer Online Ordering

Providing online ordering is a must-have feature for modern restaurants, catering to the convenience that guests expect. Set up a seamless online ordering system on your website or through popular food delivery apps, ensuring the process is simple and mobile-friendly. Promote this feature through your social media, email campaigns, and in-store signage. Offer exclusive deals, like a discount on first online orders or free delivery over a certain amount, to encourage usage. Include clear, high-quality images of your menu items to make the experience appealing. By offering online ordering, you not only increase sales but also make your restaurant more accessible to a wider audience. Make sure you have an online order option on your website to not solely rely on third-party delivery services such as UberEats.

14. Make Reservations Easy

When guests want to reserve a table at your restaurant, they should be able to do so with only a few clicks. Make sure that you have a booking link on your GBP (find out how to add a booking link to our GBP) and include a widget on your website that is visible on every page. When booking a table, guests should only have to enter their details and pick a date and time. Ensure the process is as easy as possible. If guests book a table online you have the chance to ask them for a review in a follow-up e-mail after their visit, which brings us to our next point!

15. Collect and Respond to Customer Reviews

Collecting and responding to customer reviews is crucial for your restaurant's online reputation. Reviews serve as social proof, influencing potential guests' decisions and enhancing your online visibility. To encourage reviews, make it a habit to ask customers directly, provide easy access through QR codes linking to your GBP (or other review platforms), and personalize your requests to show genuine interest in their feedback. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, demonstrates that you value your guest’s opinions and are committed to continuous improvement of your services. This responsiveness not only builds trust with existing patrons but also signals to potential customers that their experiences will be taken seriously. By actively managing customer reviews, you can foster a positive reputation and attract more guests to your restaurant.

Our tip: With the Obenan Review Management Tool you can make collecting and managing reviews effortless. Use QR codes on receipts or menus to let guests leave feedback instantly. For negative feedback, we capture it privately and prevent it from being published publicly. It’s a simple way to encourage reviews, protect your reputation, and build stronger customer relationships.

16. Host Big Events or Themed Nights

Hosting big events or themed nights can draw in more guests and create excitement around your restaurant. Plan events like live music nights, trivia contests, or holiday celebrations to attract different customer groups. Introduce themed evenings, such as “Taco Tuesdays,” “Wine Pairing Wednesdays,” or “Jazz Night Fridays,” to give guests a reason to visit midweek. Promote these events through your social media, email newsletters, and in-store signs. Consider offering special menus or discounts during these events. Encourage guests to make reservations in advance to build anticipation and ensure attendance. By creating memorable experiences, you turn your restaurant into a go-to destination for entertainment and great food.

17. Provide Live Music or Entertainment

Offering live music or entertainment is a great way to create a vibrant atmosphere that attracts more guests to your restaurant. Partner with local musicians, DJs, or performers to provide entertainment that complements your restaurant's vibe, whether it’s a laid-back acoustic set or an energetic jazz band. Schedule performances on specific nights to give guests a reason to visit, especially during slower weekdays. Promote these events through your social media channels and in-store posters, and consider pairing them with special menus or offers, like “Dinner and a Show” packages. Live entertainment not only enhances the dining experience but also helps your restaurant stand out as a unique and lively destination.

18. Organize Tasting Events

Tasting events are a fantastic way to showcase your menu and attract food enthusiasts to your restaurant. Host events like wine and food pairings, chef’s tasting menus, or themed tastings featuring seasonal or specialty dishes. Offer exclusive invitations to loyal guests or sell tickets to create buzz and a sense of exclusivity. Promote the event on social media and through email campaigns, highlighting what makes it unique, such as limited spots or featured dishes. Provide guests with an opportunity to meet the chef or learn about the inspiration behind the dishes. Tasting events not only draw in guests but also create memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.

19. Run Seasonal Promotions, Like Summer Early Bird Deals

Seasonal promotions are a great way to attract guests by aligning your offers with the time of year. For example, offer “Summer Early Bird Deals” with discounted pricing or complimentary appetizers for diners who visit during off-peak hours. Create seasonally inspired menu items, such as refreshing summer cocktails or hearty winter specials, to add variety and excitement. Promote these deals through social media, email newsletters, and in-store signs, emphasizing their limited-time availability to create “a fear of missing out”.

20. Offer Promotions and Discounts

Promotions and discounts are a proven way to attract new guests and encourage repeat visits. Offer time-limited deals like “Buy One Entrée, Get One Free,” “Happy Hour Specials,” or “Family Night Discounts” to create excitement and fill tables during slower hours. Use loyalty programs to reward frequent diners with discounts or free items after a set number of visits. Celebrate special occasions with targeted offers, such as birthday discounts or holiday-themed promotions. Advertise these deals through your website, social media, and email marketing to reach a wider audience.

21. Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are an excellent way to build customer retention and encourage repeat visits. Create a simple program that rewards guests for their continued patronage, such as earning points for every dollar spent that can be redeemed for discounts or free menu items. Offer perks like a free drink after five visits or a complimentary dessert on their birthday. Use a digital system, such as a mobile app or email-based tracking, to make it easy for guests to participate and track their rewards. If you are less tech-savvy, use the old-school stamp card! Promote your loyalty program in-store, on your website, and through social media to maximize sign-ups. By showing appreciation to regular guests, you foster stronger relationships and turn one-time visitors into loyal advocates for your restaurant.

Wrapping Up - What Did We Learn Today?

Attracting more guests to your restaurant doesn’t have to be that difficult! Start by optimizing your online presence through a nice website, a well-maintained Google Business Profile, and active social media accounts. Use strategies like hosting themed nights, offering promotions, and organizing tasting events to create memorable experiences that draw in new guests and keep regulars excited. Leverage tools like email marketing, loyalty programs, and partnerships with influencers or local businesses to expand your reach and build new relationships. Don’t forget timeless tactics, like distributing flyers or providing live entertainment, to stand out in your local community. By combining these efforts, you can create a strong brand identity, fill more seats, and establish your restaurant as the new dining hot spot. We understand that you probably don’t have much time to implement all strategies. Especially the local SEO-related tasks require continuous optimization and monitoring. Our Obenan local SEO tools can therefore help to streamline all tasks and automate the most important aspects. Instead of not even starting with local SEO because it seems too difficult and time-consuming, Obenan takes these tasks off your hands!