10 Social Media Marketing Tips for Small Restaurants to Attract More Customers

Why Social Media is Essential for Small Restaurants

The restaurant industry is highly competitive, and simply serving great food isn’t enough to bring in customers. Today, social media marketing for small restaurants is a must-have strategy to build brand awareness, engage customers, and drive foot traffic.

With the right approach, restaurants can attract more diners, create loyal customers, and increase reservations—all without breaking the bank. Here are 10 essential social media marketing tips to help small restaurants grow their business.

1. Post High-Quality Food Photos and Videos

People eat with their eyes first! Invest in mouth-watering, high-resolution images and videos of your dishes. Posting visually appealing content increases engagement and gets customers excited about dining at your restaurant.

2. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)

Encourage happy customers to share their dining experiences and tag your restaurant. Reposting UGC helps build credibility and attracts new diners who trust peer recommendations.

3. Engage with Your Audience

Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, DMs, and reviews promptly. Acknowledging customer feedback—both positive and negative—builds trust and encourages repeat visits.

4. Use Location-Based Hashtags and Geotags

Tag your location and use local hashtags like #SydneyFoodie or #MelbourneEats to help nearby customers discover your restaurant.

5. Promote Limited-Time Offers and Specials

Use social media to create urgency around promotions, such as happy hour deals, seasonal specials, or exclusive discounts for followers.

6. Run Contests and Giveaways

Engage your audience with contests like “Tag a friend you'd bring for brunch” or “Share this post for a chance to win a free dessert.” Giveaways increase engagement and attract new customers.

7. Be Consistent with Your Posting Schedule

Post regularly to stay relevant. Aim for 3-5 posts per week and use scheduling tools to maintain consistency.

8. Leverage Instagram and Facebook Stories

Stories create a sense of immediacy and allow you to share behind-the-scenes footage, daily specials, or live events to keep your followers engaged.

9. Use Paid Ads to Target Local Diners

Social media ads allow you to target specific demographics in your area, ensuring your promotions reach potential customers who are likely to visit your restaurant.

10. Partner with Food Influencers and Bloggers

Collaborate with local food bloggers or micro-influencers to showcase your restaurant. A single post from an influencer can increase brand exposure and attract new customers.

Final Thoughts: Social Media = More Customers for Restaurants

With an effective social media strategy, small restaurants can increase visibility, attract more diners, and build a loyal customer base without spending a fortune on advertising.

Need expert help managing your restaurant’s social media? Branding You Marketing specialises in social media strategies for small restaurants. Contact us today to get started!