Struggling to Attract Customers? Fix Your Restaurant’s Marketing Now
If your restaurant’s marketing isn’t bringing in customers, it’s not because digital marketing doesn’t work—it’s because the strategy is off. This blog post uncovers the common mistakes independent restaurant owners make and shows you how to fix them to start driving real results.
Running an independent restaurant is tough. You put your heart, soul, and sweat into the food, the service, and the overall experience—only to see empty tables while the big chains down the street are packed. It’s frustrating, right? You know your food is better. Your service is more personal. But somehow, they keep winning.
Here’s the hard truth: it’s not just about the food. It’s about how you market it. And if your restaurant’s marketing isn’t working, you’re burning money and losing customers to competitors who simply understand how to play the game better.
So, let’s get real. If your restaurant’s marketing sucks, here’s why—and, more importantly, how to fix it.
You Rely Too Much on Word of Mouth
The Problem
You're counting on “if the food is good, people will come.” That used to work—before smartphones, Google, and social media changed the game. Now, people don’t just stumble upon restaurants; they research them online first.
The Fix
Word of mouth is great, but it needs a digital boost. Encourage customers to leave reviews on Google and Yelp. Offer incentives like a free appetizer for posting about their experience on Instagram. Make it easy for them to spread the word with shareable content, check-in promos, and referral programs.
Your Website is a Hot Mess- or Nonexistent
The Problem
When someone Googles your restaurant, what do they find? If your website is outdated, slow, or—God forbid—you don’t have one at all, you’re losing business. No menu, no clear hours, no easy way to contact you? People move on.
The Fix
Your website should be clean, mobile-friendly, and include the essentials:
A clear, easy-to-read menu (with prices!)
Your location and hours (with a Google Maps link)
A big, bold call to action (like “Order Online” or “Make a Reservation”)
Contact info and social media links
High-quality photos of your food and space
Your Social Media is Boring-or doesn't exist
The Problem
You think posting the occasional food pic is enough. Or worse, your last post was six months ago. If your social media is dull, inconsistent, or nonexistent, you’re missing out on a massive (and free) opportunity to connect with customers.
The Fix
Post consistently (3–5 times per week) with engaging content, not just food pics. Try:
Behind-the-scenes videos of the kitchen in action
Customer spotlights and testimonials
Fun polls and interactive posts
Special deals and promotions
Stories and Reels showcasing your food, staff, and atmosphere
You’re Ignoring Email Marketing
The Problem
You think email is dead. Meanwhile, big brands are making millions from well-timed, well-crafted email campaigns. You’re letting potential repeat customers slip away by not staying in touch.
The Fix
Start collecting customer emails. Offer a discount for signing up or enter them into a giveaway. Then, send emails that matter:
Weekly or monthly newsletters
Exclusive discounts and VIP offers
Birthday and anniversary specials
“We Miss You” emails to bring back inactive customers
You’re Not Using Google Properly
The Problem
If someone searches for “best burgers near me” and you don’t show up, you’ve already lost. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is either incomplete, outdated, or filled with bad reviews you haven’t responded to.
The Fix
Claim and optimize your GBP. Add:
Correct business hours (including holidays)
High-quality photos
A keyword-rich description
Regular posts and updates
Prompt responses to reviews (good and bad)
Your Marketing is All Over the Place
The Problem
One day you’re posting food pics, the next day you’re boosting a random Facebook ad, and the day after, you forget about marketing altogether. There’s no consistency, no strategy—just throwing stuff at the wall and hoping something sticks.
The Fix
Create a simple marketing plan. Decide:
What platforms you’ll focus on (Website, Google, Facebook, Instagram, Email)
What types of content you’ll post
A weekly schedule to stay consistent
How you’ll measure success (followers, engagement, reservations, online orders, etc.)
You’re Afraid of Paid Advertising
The Problem
You think Facebook and Google Ads are just a money pit, so you don’t bother. Meanwhile, chains are running highly targeted campaigns and stealing your customers.
The Fix
Start small. A $5–$10 daily budget can go a long way with the right targeting. Use Facebook and Instagram ads to:
Promote daily specials
Retarget website visitors
Advertise limited-time offers
Build brand awareness in your local area
You’re Not Leveraging Online Ordering and Reservations
The Problem
Customers want convenience. If they can’t easily order online or book a table from their phone, they’ll go somewhere that makes it easy.
The Fix
Set up online ordering and reservations through your website or services like Toast, OpenTable, or Resy. Make sure links are easy to find on your website and social media.
You’re Not Engaging With Your Community
The Problem
You’re just another business in town instead of a key part of the community. Customers don’t feel connected to your restaurant beyond the food.
The Fix
Get involved. Partner with local events, sponsor youth sports teams, or host community nights. Show up on social media by supporting other local businesses and engaging with customers in the comments.
You’re Not Tracking What’s Working
The Problem
You have no idea if your marketing is actually bringing in customers. You’re making decisions based on gut feelings instead of real data.
The Fix
Start tracking key metrics:
Website traffic (Google Analytics)
Social media engagement
Email open and click rates
Online orders and reservations
Google Business Profile insights
If something isn’t working, tweak it. Marketing isn’t about guessing—it’s about learning, adjusting, and improving.
Final Thoughts
Marketing isn’t just some optional extra—it’s the difference between a thriving restaurant and one that struggles to stay open. If your marketing isn't working, you don’t have to keep spinning your wheels. Fix the mistakes, implement a strategy, and start getting results.
Your business deserves to thrive, your dining room deserves to be packed, and you deserve to win. The big chains have marketing teams—you’ve got the Restaurant Rebellion to show you the way.
Want more no-BS restaurant marketing advice? Join the Restaurant Rebellion below and get insider strategies straight to your inbox.
