In the competitive hospitality industry, putting your restaurant on the map is essential. Online marketing can play a key role by sparking your target audience's curiosity and keeping your restaurant top of mind with your guests. In this article, we discuss how social media, local influencers, engaging content, retargeting and Google search campaigns contribute to a successful online marketing strategy for restaurants.
Share, like and taste with social media
The power of social media lies in its ability to reach your target audience directly and tempt them with beautiful images and videos of your culinary creations. Regular updates on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook keep your restaurant on your followers' radar. Satisfied guests can also share their experiences, helping you reach a wider audience and attract new customers.
Stronger together with local influencers
Working with local influencers can give your restaurant a significant boost. Their substantial reach and influence can increase your restaurant's visibility and entice potential guests with authentic, appetising content. Think of a blogger writing an in-depth review, or an Instagrammer sharing a tempting photo of your speciality.
Tempt the senses
Online marketing is about stimulating the senses and creating an irresistible experience. Invest in professional photography and video production to showcase your dishes, interior and atmosphere at their best. You can then share this content through your website, social media and email campaigns to spark your target audience's interest. ‘Content is king, as we always say at Social Roots’. We would be happy to handle this photography and videography for you.
Remind and entice
Retargeting is a powerful technique that lets you reach previous visitors to your website again with engaging adverts. You can do this for up to 180 days after their first visit. By regularly showing them photos of delicious dishes or your beautiful interior, your restaurant stays top of mind, making them more likely to return for another visit.
Found and booked
A good example of a successful Google search campaign is the one for Herman den Blijker’s Restaurant GOUD, where Social Roots made lunchtimes busier again. Using relevant keywords and effective adverts helps you reach people actively looking for a restaurant. This increases the likelihood of a booking and helps you build greater brand awareness.
Conclusion
Online marketing is crucial to making your restaurant stand out in the hospitality industry. With the right combination of social media, local influencers, engaging content and a clear strategy, you spark your target audience's interest and stay top of mind with your guests.
Food photography is also a personal hobby of mine. In every restaurant, I always feel the urge to take a quick photo of the most beautiful dish the kitchen has prepared for me. So you can safely assume your guests do this too.
– Simon van der Velden, Social & Digital Executive at Social Roots
Curious about Social Roots' affinity with restaurant marketing? Want to know what we do for Restaurant Noble, A-Fusion, CouCou, Restaurant Dynasty, Restaurant GOUD, Noble Kitchen, Zoetelief and many more top restaurants? Or are you interested in the cases where we took customer service for chains such as Vapiano or De Beren to the next level? Perhaps you would like to know how Social Roots helps set up entirely new restaurant concepts, such as Oonivoo or Restaurant Finch? Get in touch! Call 088 999 8778 or email us at info@socialroots.nl.
