7 restaurant marketing ideas to try in 2022

February is a big month for restaurants. Between the big football game and Valentine’s Day, there are countless occasion-worthy ways to drum up business. However, keeping the momentum of the first half of the month going for the remainder of the quarter can sometimes feel like a struggle. Looking for ways to avoid a mid-Q1 slump? Read on for a handful of easy everyday marketing tips you can use to keep driving business.

Tip 1: Tell your story on your website

Think of your website as a digital version of your store signage. It’s the first impression many customers will have of your business. A strong web presence equals more customers and thereby more revenue. Below you’ll find a couple of pointers to take your website game to the next level.

Use your digital real estate to tell your story

Your website is more than a place to post your menu and hours. People naturally connect with other people’s stories—certainly faster than they do with just basic info about your business. So, sharing your personal story can have a real impact on developing relationships with prospective customers online, even before they experience your restaurant first-hand.

Telling your story and sharing your passion for what you do is a valuable marketing tool. It will help you not only stand out, but also build a connection with your customers using minimal effort. Here are a few thought starters:

Bring your story to life with photography

Visual storytelling matters, too. The adage that “we first feast with our eyes” is especially true for restaurants. Bring your business to life with high-quality photos that show off your delicious food, your inviting dining experience, and the passionate team that makes it all happen.

Tip 2: Keep your online menus up to date

Updating your web-based menu regularly will keep your customers informed and avoid any confusion caused by outdated offerings. It’s important to also remember that menus are not one-size-fits-all. In fact, writing several purpose-built menus can create a better customer experience.

A few possible variations to consider

Creating a menu only for delivery and pickup is an easy way to ramp up business without adding pressure to your kitchen’s workflow. Limiting your delivery menu to items that are easier to cook and that travel well will streamline the process and bring in more revenue. This is also an opportunity to highlight specials customers can only get when they order from your website or through a delivery partner.

Tip 3: Communicate up-to-date contact information and safety protocols

It goes without saying that it’s important to keep your business hours and contact information up to date on your website. And keep in mind, it’s not just your website that needs to be updated with current phone numbers, email addresses, directions, hours, and similar information. Make sure you’re also staying current across other websites, too.

Places that typically list contact info

Safety also remains a key priority. Help customers feel more comfortable by sharing your COVID requirements, cleaning protocols, and any other steps you’re taking to ensure the safety of your customers and staff. It’s a small inclusion on your website that can have a big impact.

Plus: let website visitors know if you offer delivery or pickup. Third-party delivery partners, like Uber Eats, make it easy to add a web badge and unique URL to your website that goes directly to your storefront on the platform.

Tip 4: Help Google and potential customers find you

Competing for a top rank on Google or other search engines can feel next to impossible. However, there are a few straightforward ways you can boost your business’s ranking and help people find your business online.

Create or claim your Business Profile on Google

Business Profiles are information boxes that show up in search results when you search for a specific business. These are quick visual snapshots of information Google grabs from the web automatically. Think of them as miniature billboards. They’re especially useful for businesses because they make it easy for customers to find relevant information such as websites, directions, hours, and contact details.

Tip 5: Make your website SEO friendly

SEO, or search engine optimization, is one of those terms you’ve probably seen pop up in marketing contexts. In a nutshell, it’s a handful of best practices that make it easier for Google to identify and rank your business in search results. Some of it can get quite technical, but we’ll share a few of the easier steps you can take right away.

Tip 6: Stay on top of your social media presence

Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have been on the scene for awhile. Most restaurant owners understand the basics of these platforms, but the landscape is always changing. Newer social platforms —like TikTok— are potential opportunities to promote your business.

A few things to try

Tip 7: Dig into marketing tools provided by delivery partners

Leveraging the marketing tools available on your third-party delivery platforms is a must. On Uber Eats, for example, you have access to powerful growth tools that will get your business noticed and encourage customers to order. Here are 3 key tools you have at your disposal:

Focusing on the marketing basics can help you build your brand, get noticed by new customers, and strengthen your relationships with existing customers.

Make last February’s numbers jealous

Put on your marketer hat and take the reins to keep your marketing momentum going in 2022. 

If you’re new to delivery, get started >

If you’re already using Uber Eats, explore tips and tricks for making the most of your presence on the platform with self-guided lessons in Merchant Academy >

*Based on comparing users exposed to ads and not exposed to ads between 9/1/21 and 9/30/21  in the US. Actual results may vary.

**This feature is in no way sponsored by, administered by, or associated with Instagram, LLC or any of its affiliated companies.