Why restaurant marketing has changed
Diners rarely pick a restaurant from a leaflet anymore. They search “Italian restaurant near me”, scroll Google Maps, check photos and reviews, glance at the menu and book, often in under five minutes. Increasingly, they also ask AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google’s AI Mode for recommendations. Our guide to Google AI Mode in the UK explains how that works.
That means your marketing has one job: make sure you show up in those moments, and make it easy to say yes.
Local SEO for restaurants: get found on Google Maps
1. Complete your Google Business Profile
Your profile is often the first thing diners see. Choose an accurate primary category such as “Italian restaurant” or “Café” rather than just “Restaurant”. Add opening hours, price range, dietary options, accessibility details and attributes like outdoor seating or dog-friendly. Our guide to your Google Maps business listing covers the essentials.
2. Add your menu and booking link
Upload your menu or link to it, and add your reservation and online ordering links. Diners who can see prices and book in one tap are far more likely to convert.
3. Post fresh photos every month
Food, interior, the team, the terrace on a sunny day. Photos are one of the biggest reasons people click. Encourage diners to add their own too.
4. Build a steady flow of Google reviews
Reviews influence where you appear in Google Maps and whether people choose you. Ask at the end of the meal, add a QR code to the bill and reply to every review. Our guide on how to ask customers for Google reviews has ready-made scripts.
5. Keep your details consistent everywhere
Your name, address and phone number should match on Google, your website, TripAdvisor, delivery apps and directories. Inconsistent details confuse Google and AI tools alike.
Want more bookings from Google?
We help UK restaurants and cafés with websites, local SEO and Google profiles that turn searches into covers.
Your restaurant website
6. Make the website mobile-first and fast
Most restaurant searches happen on phones, often on the move. A slow site sends hungry people elsewhere. Check yours on PageSpeed Insights and read our Core Web Vitals guide.
7. Put the menu in text, not just a PDF
A text menu loads faster, reads better on phones and can be understood by Google and AI tools. Include prices and dietary labels. A PDF download can sit alongside it.
8. Make booking one tap away
Put a “Book a table” button at the top of every page and your phone number in click-to-call format. Show opening hours clearly.
9. Answer the questions diners ask
Add short sections or an FAQ covering parking, dietary options, children, dogs, private dining and group bookings. These answers help you appear for longer searches like “dog friendly pub with Sunday roast near me”. See how to write content AI tools quote.
10. Add restaurant schema markup
Restaurant schema tells search engines your cuisine, opening hours, price range and menu link. Our schema markup guide explains how it works in plain English.
Social media marketing for restaurants
11. Show the food in short videos
Short videos of dishes being plated, the chef at work or a busy Friday night perform well on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. You don’t need a production crew. Our guide to turning photos into reels applies just as well to kitchens.
12. Run simple local Facebook and Instagram ads
A small budget targeted at people within a few miles can promote new menus, events or quiet weeknights. Keep the offer clear and the booking link obvious.
Bring diners back
13. Collect emails or mobile numbers
Offer something useful in return, like a birthday treat or first access to event tickets. Then send a short, regular update about new dishes and events.
14. Create reasons to return
Themed nights, seasonal menus, set lunch deals, quiz nights or a loyalty card give regulars a reason to come back and new diners a reason to try you.
15. Use your food hygiene rating
A high Food Standards Agency rating builds trust. In Wales and Northern Ireland you must display it. In England it’s voluntary, but a 5 is worth showing off on your website and social media. Check yours on the FSA ratings site.
Should restaurants use delivery apps?
Delivery apps can bring new customers and extra orders, but commission eats into margins. Many restaurants use them for reach, while encouraging regulars to order direct through their own website.
How to build a simple restaurant marketing plan
- Fix the foundations first. Google Business Profile, website, menu and booking.
- Set up a review routine. Make asking part of every service.
- Post on social media weekly. Two or three posts or videos a week is enough.
- Pick one paid channel. Local social ads or Google Ads for your busiest searches.
- Track bookings by source. Note where diners heard about you and double down on what works.
If you’re unsure whether to start with SEO or ads, our guide to Google Ads vs SEO explains the trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best marketing for a restaurant?
For most independent restaurants, the best marketing is a complete Google Business Profile, a fast mobile website with the menu and booking link, a steady flow of reviews and regular social media showing your food.
How do I get my restaurant to the top of Google Maps?
Choose an accurate category, complete every section of your Google Business Profile, add your menu and photos, collect reviews regularly, reply to them and keep your details consistent across the web.
How much should a restaurant spend on marketing?
Many restaurants budget a small percentage of revenue for marketing, often in the low single digits. New openings usually spend more in the first few months to build awareness.
Does a restaurant need a website if it has social media?
Yes. A website gives you a place to show your menu, take bookings directly, rank in Google and appear in AI search. Social media platforms can change their rules at any time, while your website is yours.
Is SEO worth it for restaurants?
Yes, especially local SEO. Diners search for restaurants by cuisine and area every day, and appearing in Google Maps and organic results brings bookings without paying per click.
How can a new restaurant get customers quickly?
Set up your Google Business Profile before opening, run a soft launch for locals, invite local food bloggers, use targeted social ads and ask every early diner for a review.
