Marketing for restaurants
Where to find customers, what to post, and simple ways to turn followers into customers — with a free 30-day plan.
The best platforms in Canada
Google Business Profile
When people nearby search for what you sell, a complete, free profile puts you on the map — with your hours, photos and reviews.
- Claim (or create) your free profile and verify it
- Fill in your category, hours, services, website and 10+ photos
- Ask your five happiest customers for a review this week
How often: One update a week, and a reply to every review.
People browse food, beauty, fashion, homes and events on Instagram before they buy, and Reels reach people who don’t follow you yet.
- Switch to a free professional account
- Write a one-line bio — what you sell, where — and add your website link
- Post three Reels this week and answer every comment and DM
How often: 3–4 Reels a week, plus Stories most days.
Email & text list
Your list is yours — no algorithm decides who sees it. A short monthly message with an offer brings past customers back.
- Add a sign-up box to your website (offer something small for joining)
- Ask permission to email or text at checkout
- Send your first short update this month
How often: One or two messages a month.
Many families and older customers still look for local businesses, events and recommendations on Facebook.
- Create a Page with your hours, phone, website and photos
- Join three local community groups — and be helpful first
- Ask happy customers to recommend you on your Page
How often: 2–3 posts a week; check your groups daily.
In the United States
Start with Google Business Profile, Yelp, Instagram.
In Nigeria
Start with WhatsApp Business, Instagram, Google Business Profile.
Post ideas
- Film a dish being plated — ten seconds is enough
- Today’s special in your Story every morning
- Your menu as a pinned Google update
- A “regular of the week” (with their OK)
A 30-day plan
Week 1
- Google Business Profile: claim (or create) your free profile and verify it
- Google Business Profile: fill in your category, hours, services, website and 10+ photos
- Instagram: switch to a free professional account
- Put the same name, phone number and website link on every profile
Week 2
- Instagram: write a one-line bio — what you sell, where — and add your website link
- Email & text list: add a sign-up box to your website (offer something small for joining)
- Post idea for Google Business Profile: film a dish being plated — ten seconds is enough
- Ask five happy customers for a Google review — send them the direct link
Week 3
- Reply to every comment and message within an hour during opening hours
- Run one simple offer for new customers, with an end date
- Google Business Profile: ask your five happiest customers for a review this week
- Post idea for Instagram: today’s special in your Story every morning
Week 4
- Look back: which posts brought messages, calls or sales? Do more of those
- Message three people who asked about prices but didn’t buy
- Plan next month’s posts in one sitting