7 Hyper-Local Marketing Ideas for Restaurants

Here is a fact: Local marketing ideas for restaurants will produce the most results when trying to fill tables or boost your online ordering business. After all, the majority of your customers come from the surrounding areas.

The marketing efforts of local restaurant owners and managers do not have to be overly complicated or difficult. There are many ways to spread the word about your restaurant that can be immediately implemented.

If you get stuck or need the extra help, there is always a team of restaurant marketing experts you can call on.

7 Local Marketing Ideas for Restaurants To Try Immediately

1. Local Directories

Your customers are performing a variety of local searches for nearby restaurants as they get hungry. Make sure your restaurant’s details are represented on local search platforms such as Google, Yelp, Tripadvisor and other local directories.

Many people who are simply looking online for a place to eat. Making your restaurant found online is the most effective local marketing ideas for restaurants.

Learn more about local search marketing

2. Feather Flags and Inflatable

Whether your restaurant is located along a busy highway or nestled into a neighborhood setting, feather flags and inflatables catch the attention of people instantly and let them know you’re there.

If cars are speeding by fast and there are lots of shopping options around, your location may not be immediately noticeable. It may take someone several drives past your restaurant to even know you are there. A strategically placed feather flag or two can make your restaurant more noticeable.

The same goes for a restaurant in a neighborhood location. Making your branding and signage even more visible helps your restaurant stand out.

3. Local Business Reach for Catering

Is your catering program doing everything it could be doing? One way to get the word out is to extend your reach for local business events. Businesses, school districts, and other organizations are holding lunch meetings all the time.

Serving people during business hours is a great way to draw them in with their families during the evening.

4. Geo-targeted Facebook ads

With more than 2 billion users and more than 58 percent of American adults on Facebook, you can no longer afford to doubt the marketing prowess of this social media monster.

Facebook ads allow you to easily target your local customers. The settings allow you to geo-target people within a certain radius, making this an incredibly powerful tool for honing in on your ideal audience who are most likely to dine in or order online for carryout or delivery.

5. Direct Mail

Another powerful way to reach people within your local area is through direct mail. A flyer with professional food photography can do wonders for the power of suggestion on an empty stomach.

You can also offer coupons or deals to get people through the door.

6. In-Store WiFi 

Cell phones are an integral part of people’s everyday lives, and that now includes the dining experience. Make it easy for your customers by offering free, in-store wifi options. You can even include that this option is available in your other marketing materials.

7. Mobile Geo-Targeting

Restaurants can target customers whose mobile devices fall within a given location. If someone shows up within a given radius around your restaurant, it’s possible to send them promos and ads through mobile geo-targeting.

Conclusion

Many of these local marketing ideas for restaurants can be implemented immediately and without much effort. What have you tried off this list? What’s worked, and what hasn’t?

If you are looking to begin one of these methods, but aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Contact The Digital Restaurant today for a free strategy session.