Digital marketing has become an essential part of the restaurant industry, as more and more people use the internet to search for food options, place orders, and make reservations. With the competition in the industry being high, it’s important for restaurants to use effective digital marketing strategies to stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips on how to do digital marketing for restaurants using stats and data.

1. Have a mobile-friendly website According to a study, 60% of restaurant searches are now done on mobile devices. Having a mobile-friendly website that is easy to navigate and shows menu options, prices, and hours of operation can help attract customers. In addition, having a website that is optimized for local search can help potential customers find your restaurant when searching for food options in the area.

2. Use social media to engage with customers Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great tools for restaurants to engage with customers and promote their business. According to a study, 95% of people aged 18-34 follow at least one restaurant on social media. Restaurants can use social media to share pictures of their food, post about specials, and respond to customer inquiries and reviews. Using paid advertising on social media can also help reach new potential customers.

3. Leverage online reviews Online reviews can heavily influence a customer’s decision to visit a restaurant. A study found that 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. Restaurants can encourage customers to leave reviews on popular sites like Yelp and Google. Responding to both positive and negative reviews shows that the restaurant values feedback and is committed to providing a positive dining experience.

4. Use email marketing Email marketing can be an effective way to reach customers with promotions, specials, and events. According to a study, email marketing has a 38-to-1 return on investment (ROI) ratio. Restaurants can collect email addresses through their website, social media, or in-store sign-ups. Personalizing emails with customer names and preferences can increase engagement and loyalty.

5. Partner with food bloggers and influencers Partnering with food bloggers and influencers can help promote a restaurant to a wider audience. A study found that 49% of consumers rely on influencer recommendations when making purchasing decisions. Restaurants can offer free meals or exclusive access to events in exchange for reviews or social media posts.

In conclusion, digital marketing can be a powerful tool for restaurants to attract new customers and retain loyal ones. By having a mobile-friendly website, engaging with customers on social media, leveraging online reviews, using email marketing, and partnering with influencers, restaurants can increase their online presence and ultimately drive more traffic to their business.