What Is Restaurant Advertising?

Restaurant advertising is the paid media of doing the work. You spend money to put your restaurant in front of people, as opposed to marketing in general, which also includes free things like reviews and social posts.

Common things like social media ads on Facebook and Instagram, Google ads that show up when someone searches “pizza near me,” and local options like radio, mailers, and community newspapers. Delivery apps also sell promoted listings that move you higher in search results.

For most independent owners, online ads give the best return, since you can aim them at people near your restaurant and set a small daily budget. A few hundred dollars a month, spent carefully, can go a long way.

There are a few tips that you can follow. Know what you want; spend smart. Trying to fill a slow night? Promote a new dish? Announce an opening? Make the offer clear, and have one simple step for people to take, such as booking a table or ordering online.

Then track the results. Ask guests how they heard about you, or use a special offer code. If an ad isn’t bringing people in, change it or stop.