How to Attract Customers in Restaurants: 11 Effective Strategies

Are you having trouble filling your restaurant’s seats? You’re not alone. Many businesses find attracting more customers and keeping their tables full challenging.

Attracting customers to your restaurant requires a combination of different marketing techniques. Ultimately, it’s about delivering the best dining experience for each guest so your restaurant can be part of their happy memories.

1. Find a unique restaurant concept

Creating a unique restaurant concept is the first step to standing out and attracting more customers. A distinct idea sets your restaurant apart from competitors and makes it memorable for your guests. This uniqueness can be a major draw for customers who are looking for something different and memorable in their dining experience.

Creating a unique concept doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Even minor tweaks can make a significant difference. This reassurance should give you the confidence to explore and experiment with your restaurant’s identity.

Start by asking yourself what unique qualities your restaurant offers that others lack. These could include a signature dish, a unique theme, or exceptional service that makes customers feel special.

“It’s more about the experience, across the board, and less about, I want to come into your restaurant and sit down and eat there,” says Irene Li, owner of Mei MeiDumplingss in Boston.

For example, if your restaurant specializes in fusion cuisine, highlight how your dishes blend different flavors to create tastes customers won’t find anywhere else. On the other hand, if your restaurant has a cozy, rustic ambiance, emphasize how it provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for diners.

Take Bar 404 in Toronto, which has an intriguing approach. The entrance is hidden behind a fake candle shop. Opening one of the wall shelves reveals a speakeasy-style bar where customers can order cocktails and liquor. This unique concept not only creates a sense of mystery and excitement for customers but also sets the bar apart from other traditional bars in the area.

2. Optimize your website

These days, your website is often the first impression customers have of your restaurant. 91% of diners visit a restaurant’s website before deciding where to eat. As such, you want to optimize your site to be user-friendly and mobile-responsive. A user-friendly and mobile-responsive website not only makes it easier for customers to find information about your restaurant but also enhances their overall experience, making them more likely to visit your restaurant.

A user-friendly design means your website is simple to use and looks great. Opt for a clean layout that makes it easy for visitors to find what they need.

Additionally, use clear menus and organize information logically. Being unique is good, but don’t go overboard. There’s a reason most websites look alike—there’s a formula that works. Having the same basic structure helps users navigate intuitively, such as placing essential elements like the Menu, About Us, and Contact Us buttons at the top of the page.

Don’t forget to keep the color scheme consistent with your restaurant’s branding to create a cohesive look that attracts customers.

Moreover, having a mobile-friendly website is a must. 60% of restaurant searches are done on mobile devices, and if your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you could lose potential customers.

A mobile-responsive site looks good and works well on all devices, whether diners use smartphones or tablets. Test your website on different devices to ensure the buttons are easy to click and the text is readable.

3. Leverage local SEO strategies

The Google local pack is a section in the search engine results pages (SERPs) that shows three local businesses. With 19% of customers searching for new restaurants on Google, you want to be one of the restaurants that appear when people search for your local cuisine

.Keyword optimization is the foundation of local SEO. Use your potential customers’ keywords and search terms to find restaurants like yours. Instead of just “restaurant,” use more specific keywords like “best Italian restaurant in Chicago” or “sushi restaurant near me.” These keywords help customers find your restaurant when they search for particular types of food or locations.

Add these keywords to essential parts of your website, such as the title tags, meta descriptions, headings, and menu descriptions. Next, write blog posts or articles that include your keywords.

Google has also made it easier for restaurants to optimize for local SEO. By claiming your Google Business profile, you increase the chances of showing up in the local pack.

To claim your profile, quickly search your restaurant and see whether a dedicated section (Knowledge Panel) for your business appears on the right side of the SERPs.

If the Knowledge Panel appears, you should see a link beneath the business information asking if you “Own this business?” Then, just click on the link and follow the verification process.

 

Optimize your NAP or Name, Address, and Phone Number. Inconsistent information can confuse potential customers and negatively impact your search visibility. Implementing this restaurant marketing strategy can help attract more local customers looking for a place to eat.

4. Engage your target customers on social platforms

Social media is considered the new “word-of-mouth” platform and is one of the best ways to get your restaurant noticed.

Channels like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow fellow diners to share their dining experiences and recommendations. It’s likely why 46% of millennial customers use social media to search for restaurant information.

Reposting user-generated content is a great way to leverage social proof and engage your target customers. Encourage customers to share their dining experiences with a branded hashtag and reward them with a special discount or complimentary dish, such as a free appetizer.

Interactive content, such as polls, surveys, and live videos, encourages customers to interact directly with your restaurant’s social media profiles. Create polls to ask customers about their favorite menu items or what new dish they want to see. Their feedback can help you tailor your offerings to meet their preferences better.

When customers interact with your brand through comments or direct messages, ensure you respond within 24 hours to improve customer satisfaction and encourage more engagement.

5. Collaborate with influencers in your area

Local influencers have more credibility and reach within your area, so it makes more sense to work with them than with national or international influencers. Partner with food bloggers, local Instagram personalities, or YouTube reviewers who can work with your restaurant’s brand and cuisine.

Follow them on social media and engage with their content. Make sure to build a genuine relationship and not just interact with them in hopes of collaborating.

Invite influencers to dine at your restaurant or offer them a unique experience, such as a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour. This will give them something exciting to share with their followers.

Another idea is to create a collaborative menu item or special dish named after the influencer. This personalized approach creates a memorable restaurant online marketing opportunity that can attract their audience to your restaurant.

The key is making the collaboration feel authentic, showcasing the influencer’s personality and your restaurant’s culinary creativity.

6. Develop a loyalty program

A loyalty program is one of the best marketing ideas to encourage first-time customers to return to your restaurant. A points system is one of the most popular types of loyalty programs. It gives customers points for every dollar they spend at your restaurant. These points can be redeemed for discounts, free menu items, or special offers.

Another option is a tiered rewards system. This system takes the loyalty program to the next level by offering increasing benefits as customers reach higher tiers. It encourages customers to spend more to unlock better rewards.

For example, Silver members might get a 10% discount, Gold members a 15% discount plus a free dessert, and Platinum members a 20% discount plus exclusive event invitations.

Then, personalized rewards add a special touch to your loyalty program by offering customers unique rewards on important days, such as birthdays or anniversaries.

When customers sign up for your loyalty program, ask for their birthday or anniversary date so that you can send them special offers on these occasions.

7. Create limited-time offers

Limited-time offers create urgency and excitement by introducing new deals to customers. 64% of customers grab a limited-time offer even when they don’t have plans to purchase.

Happy Hour and Lunch Specials are popular limited-time offers that can attract more customers during slower times. Identify the hours when your restaurant is less busy, such as mid-morning or late afternoon, and offer discounts on popular menu items and beverages during those times.

Seasonal items are another effective way to attract customers and keep your menu fresh and exciting. Make sure to highlight the exclusivity of the menu items and communicate the duration of the offer.

For instance, if you’re in California, you can offer strawberry-flavored dishes or drinks from December through April, when the fruit is in season. This could be a strawberry shortcake, mojito, or a strawberry-infused salad dressing.

Knowing which fruits and vegetables are in season in your locality can help you create unique offers that taste good because they’re fresh and locally sourced. Plus, if the dish is a hit, you now have a potential new permanent menu item.

“You need to create an experience that’s getting them so excited that they can’t help but talk about it,” says Chip Klose, founder of Restaurant Strategy.

8. Provide online reservation and ordering options

Offer the convenience of booking online to attract more customers. This way, you help them avoid long queues and enjoy their dining experience in your restaurant.

Integrate a reservation system like SEVENROOMS in your website since 65% of diners choose to book directly on a restaurant’s website. You can even have them order in advance so that their food will be ready right when they’re seated.

Make sure your online ordering platform is user-friendly and mobile-responsive. This means ensuring the buttons are large enough to tap on mobile devices and the checkout process is streamlined.

You can also add delivery options to reach customers who want to try your food at home first. Once they taste your delicious dishes, they’ll be more likely to visit your restaurant in person.

To expand your reach, consider partnering with popular delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. These platforms have a more significant user base, which increases the likelihood that someone stumbles upon your restaurant while scrolling the app.

9. Offer free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi might seem like a small perk, but it can increase customers’ chances of choosing your restaurant over your competitors. 74% of guests want free Wi-Fi as part of their dining experience.

To inform diners that they can stay connected while enjoying a restaurant meal, place signs on tables, at the entrance, and near the ordering area. Use clear and attractive designs to catch their attention.

Providing free Wi-Fi is excellent, but keeping your network secure is essential. Invest in professional services to set up a strong firewall and allocate bandwidth. To prevent potential security breaches, you should also use a separate network for guests.

You can also develop a portal where guests must agree to terms and provide an email address to access Wi-Fi. This way, you protect your business and collect customer data for marketing purposes.

Some businesses invest in a system where customers are given a unique Wi-Fi access code with their bill. This ensures that customers buy something before they can enjoy free Wi-Fi and keeps them in your establishment long enough for your staff to upsell and increase restaurant sales.

10. Have a play area

Catering to children’s needs makes your restaurant more appealing to parents seeking a hassle-free meal. Recently, 74% of families reported dining out more frequently, so having a dedicated play area can significantly boost your restaurant’s family-friendly appeal.

A designated play area can keep children entertained while parents enjoy their meals. Create a secure and clean play area with age-appropriate toys and activities.

Ensure the space is visible from the dining area so parents can easily monitor their children. Sanitize the play area regularly to keep it clean and well-maintained.

Remember to invest in high chairs and family-friendly seating to make dining more manageable for parents and enjoyable for children.

11. Allow pets in designated areas

You can also target fur parents who love eating out by designating areas for them to dine with their fur babies. Choose a part of your restaurant that’s easily accessible and away from the main dining area to keep it hygienic and quiet for other customers.

Use durable, easy-to-clean materials to keep the pet area clean and safe. To maintain hygiene, sanitize the space, just like the play area.

Establishing a policy that allows pets requires clear guidelines. Pets must be leashed, well-behaved, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Visible signage should be posted explaining pet policies, such as size restrictions and behavior expectations.

To enhance the experience, create a specialized pet menu with dog-friendly treats and water bowls. Consider offering small, safe snacks for pets that complement the human dining menu, such as plain chicken or beef jerky.

Get ready for a surge in foot traffic.

Follow these tips to increase foot traffic to your restaurant. These strategic enhancements will create an enticing and inviting environment for customers.

With your unique concept, optimized website, engaging social media profile, and thoughtful restaurant additions, you can create memorable experiences that make guests want to return and recommend your establishment to others.

Prepare for a surge in foot traffic with 7shifts. Our restaurant scheduling platform ensures that you have the correct number of staff for every shift so that customers receive excellent service no matter how busy your business gets.