10 Digital Marketing Strategies for Restaurants (and Bars) That Actually Work

The restaurant and bar game has gotten brutal. With over 1 million restaurants in the U.S. alone (and bars keeping pace), great food and drinks aren't enough anymore. Your competition isn't just the place next door—it's every venue fighting for the same local customers online.

But here's the thing: most restaurants and bars are still doing digital marketing wrong. They're throwing money at random Facebook ads or posting food pics without strategy. Meanwhile, smart operators are using proven digital marketing strategies for restaurants to pack their dining rooms and boost profits.

The restaurants and bars winning right now are seeing:

• 20-50% more foot traffic within weeks
• Double the repeat visits through smart retention
• 30%+ increase in online orders without bigger ad budgets

Want in? Here are 10 digital marketing strategies for restaurants and bars that actually work, complete with real examples and actionable steps.

1. Master Your Google Business Profile (It's Free Money)

Your Google Business Profile is prime real estate. When someone searches "restaurants near me," this is your first impression. A fully optimized profile can increase views by 25% and clicks by 35%.

What actually works:

• Complete every single field (menus, photos, hours, services)
• Use Google Posts for daily specials and events
• Actively ask for reviews with QR codes on tables

Quick win: Set up a one-click "Leave a Review" button in your post-meal emails. Most restaurants never ask, so this alone puts you ahead.

For more Google Business Profile optimization tips, check out Google's official guide.

2. Run Hyper-Local Social Ads That Actually Convert

Skip the spray-and-pray approach. Smart local targeting on Facebook and Instagram can fill tables on slow nights for just a few dollars a day.

The strategy:

• Target users within 1-5 miles who are interested in "cocktail enthusiasts," "foodies," or "craft beer"
• Use carousel ads showing signature dishes and craft cocktails
• Promote specific events like trivia nights, live music, or happy hour specials

Real example: A Chicago gastropub spent $7/day on local ads and got 30 new weekly reservations within two weeks.

Learn more about Facebook's local advertising options in their Business Help Center.

3. Build a Text and Email List That Pays

SMS gets a 98% open rate compared to email's 20%. But the real magic happens when you use both together.

How to build your list:

• QR codes on receipts and table tents
• Wi-Fi splash pages asking for contact info
• Website pop-ups offering 10% off first orders

What to send:

• Weekly specials highlighting signature dishes and craft cocktails
• VIP-only offers for special events and tastings
• Birthday discounts and anniversary freebies

For email marketing platforms, Mailchimp offers a solid free tier, while SimpleTexting excels at SMS campaigns.

4. Get Local Influencers Through Your Door

Forget celebrities. Local micro-influencers (1K-20K followers) deliver 60% higher engagement rates and actually bring customers.

The approach:

• Invite them for a free tasting menu or cocktail flight
• Create Instagram-worthy moments (signature drinks with unique garnishes)
• Give them exclusive discount codes for their followers

Pro tip: Use BuzzSumo to find food and bar influencers in your area and check their engagement stats first.

5. Master Short-Form Video Content

TikTok and Instagram Reels aren't just for Gen Z anymore. They're the fastest way to showcase your restaurant's personality.

Content that works:

• 15-second signature drink and cocktail tutorials
• Behind-the-scenes kitchen and bar prep (sped up)
• Staff spotlights and live event highlights
• Local hashtag challenges

The key is consistency, not perfection. Post 3-4 times per week and watch your reach explode.

Check out TikTok for Business to learn about trending sounds and advertising options.

6. Launch a Digital Loyalty Program

Repeat customers spend 67% more than new ones. A simple loyalty program can transform one-time visitors into regulars.

Options that work:

• QR-based punch cards (Stamp Me is a popular free option)
• POS-integrated rewards (Square Loyalty works seamlessly)
• Tiered benefits (free meal at 5 visits, VIP access at 10)

Restaurants with loyalty programs see a 5-10% lift in annual revenue. The setup takes an afternoon, but the payoff lasts years.

7. Build Strategic Local Partnerships

Cross-promotions can double your exposure overnight. 52% of consumers trust businesses more when they're recommended by local partners.

Partnership ideas:

• Co-host events (winery + cheese shop tasting nights, brewery + food truck pairings)
• Bundle offers (gym + restaurant "workout and wind down" packages)
• Content swaps (guest blog posts, social takeovers)

Success story: A brewery partnered with a local pizza shop for "Flight & Slice" deals. Thursday sales jumped 45%.

8. Turn Customers Into Your Marketing Team

User-generated content is 35% more memorable and 50% more trusted than brand content. Translation: let your fans do the talking.

How to make it happen:

• Create branded hashtags (#SipAtYourSpot, #CheersAtYourBar)
• Feature customer photos every Friday
• Run UGC contests ("Best cocktail photo wins $25 gift card")

This fills your social feeds while building social proof. Win-win.

9. Make Online Ordering Stupidly Simple

40% of diners choose restaurants based on online experience. A clunky ordering process kills conversions.

Must-haves:

• Mobile-first design (most orders happen on phones)
• One-click reorder for regulars
• Real-time availability for reservations

Embed clear "Order Now" and "Book Your Table" buttons everywhere. Make it impossible to miss.

Popular reservation systems include OpenTable and Resy for seamless booking experiences.

10. Turn Your Website Into a Lead Machine

80% of consumers research online before visiting. Your website should capture leads, not just look pretty.

Lead generation tactics:

• Pop-ups offering 10% off for joining your VIP list
• Embedded review widgets for credibility
• Blog content targeting local keywords

Pro tip: Use tools like Yoast SEO to optimize for searches like "best Italian restaurant in [your city]" or "craft cocktail bar near me."

The Bottom Line: Strategy Beats Random Tactics

One-off promotions might give you a quick bump, but consistent, data-driven digital marketing strategies for restaurants and bars compound over time. The venues dominating their markets aren't just serving great food and drinks—they're building digital ecosystems that attract, engage, and retain customers.

Start with 2-3 of these digital marketing strategies for restaurants. Master them. Then add more. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

Ready to dominate your local market? Book a free Strategy Session and we will reveal exactly what's holding your restaurant or bar back and gives you actionable steps to fix it immediately.

[Schedule your free Strategy Session now →]