Every restaurant wants more customers, but the real challenge is standing out in a crowded market. In an industry where diners have endless options, the restaurants that thrive are the ones that do more than serve great food—they make returning an easy decision for their guests.
For most restaurants, on-premises dining is still the key to success. In fact, 90% of fine dining operators and 87% of casual dining operators say that growing in-house business matters more than expanding takeout and delivery. That means finding ways to bring more guests through the door and ensuring they have a reason to come back.
Growth doesn’t happen by chance; it happens by design. Whether you’re looking to boost foot traffic, increase repeat visits, or streamline operations, these 10 proven strategies will help you attract more customers and keep your restaurant thriving.
1. Make sure people can find you online
In today’s digital-first age, your online presence is just as important as your menu. If customers can’t find you when they’re searching for a place to eat, you’re losing business before they even walk through the door.
How to increase your online presence:
- Have a solid website – Keep it simple but effective: clear contact info, an easy-to-read menu, and online reservations if possible. Bonus points for high-quality photos that make your food look irresistible.
- Get listed on restaurant media or directories – Platforms like Eater, Broadsheet, UrbanList, Concrete Playground, or TripAdvisor help potential customers discover your spot.
- Keep your Google Business Profile updated – This is a big one. Your operating hours, address, menu, and contact details need to be accurate. Need a hand in this department? Learn how to best optimise your Google Business profile here.
The bottom line? If it’s hard to find info about your restaurant, people will move on to the next option.
2. Show up in local searches
When someone types “best brunch near me” or “date night restaurants in [your city],” you want your restaurant to pop up. That’s where local SEO (search engine optimization) comes in.
Not convinced? 96% of customers first learn about business online, and 46% of those searches are local or location based.
How to boost your search ranking:
- Use local keywords – Make sure your website and social media mention your location and specialties (e.g., “authentic Mexican restaurant in downtown Vancouver”).
- Encourage reviews – Google loves fresh reviews. Ask happy customers to leave one, and always respond (especially to negative ones—it shows you care).
- Get backlinks – Collaborate with local food bloggers and influencers to get mentions and links to your site.
Trust us — a strong local SEO strategy helps you get discovered by people who are actively looking for a place to eat, at the exact moment when they’re ready to visit.
3. Offer deals that customers want
Here’s the thing: discounts can get people through the door, but they don’t always turn diners into loyal customers. We’ve seen venues that go overboard with promos, only to attract deal-seekers who never return unless there’s another discount. The key is to create offers that build repeat business.
Smarter promotions that actually bring in regulars:
- Loyalty programs – Give people a reason to come back. Something as simple as “Buy 5 coffees, get 1 free” or “Earn points for every visit” works wonders.
- Limited-time offers – A special dish for a week or a seasonal happy hour creates urgency without devaluing your regular menu.
- Bundled deals – Instead of just discounting items, add value—like a prix-fixe menu or a meal + drink combo at a great price.
- Local partnerships – Team up with nearby businesses (like a gym offering discounts to your healthy menu) to cross-promote and bring in new customers.
A great example? Victoria’s local Sun Wah does a Yum Cha Sunday deal that lets diners dig into unlimited dim sum for two whole hours. Not only does it get people excited for the weekly event, it also offers them the chance to explore more of the menu.
4. Master social media
Social media can feel like a full-time job, and it is one in today’s hospo world. When done right, it’s one of the most powerful tools for bringing in customers. The right content can turn casual browsers into loyal guests, and restaurants can very well get snaking queues simply because of one viral post.
How to make it work for you:
- Post drool-worthy food pics – Good photography sells. If your food looks amazing online, people will want to try it in person.
- Show personality – Behind-the-scenes kitchen moments, chef stories, and staff spotlights make your brand feel more human.
- Encourage user-generated content – Ask customers to tag you in their photos, then repost their content (with credit, of course). It’s free promotion and adds social proof.
- Use video – Instagram Reels and TikTok are huge for restaurant marketing. A quick video of a dish being made or a time-lapse of a busy night can do wonders.
- Engage with your audience – Reply to comments, answer DMs, and chat with customers like you would if they were in your restaurant.
Sydney’s LuMi never fails to deliver with their visual snippets of fresh snacks on the menu. It’s mouthwatering, fun, and gives customers a little nudge to try something new at the venue.
Social media doesn’t end at just putting content out there, it’s also about building a community. When people feel connected to your brand, they’ll choose your restaurant over the competition.
5. Give guests a reason to return
Great food and service are the foundation of any successful restaurant, but sometimes, customers need a little extra push to return—especially when there’s so much competition out there.
How to turn first-time visitors into regulars:
- Loyalty programs – People love rewards. Whether it’s a digital points system or an old-school punch card, offering a free meal or discount after multiple visits can bring guests back.
- Surprise & delight – Sometimes, the best way to build loyalty is to go beyond expectations. A free dessert for a birthday, a handwritten thank-you note, or remembering a regular’s usual order can turn a one-time visitor into a lifelong fan.
- Exclusive perks – VIP memberships, secret menu items, or early access to seasonal specials make customers feel special and give them a reason to return. Booking tags make it easy to look out for your top customers when they come through.
6. Host events & special experiences
People love an experience—especially one they can share with friends or post about online. And for Millennials and Gen Z, dining out is more than just a meal—it’s a lifestyle. Nearly half (49%) of them dine out weekly, making them a key audience for restaurants looking to drive traffic.
Chances are, you’ve seen firsthand how a well-planned event can turn a slow night into a packed house. Think of your neighbourhood haunt that introduced a weekly trivia night. Trivia-goers don’t just show up for the game—they order food, stay for drinks, and end up coming back on other nights, too.
More ideas to bring in new and returning guests:
- Live music & entertainment – A jazz night, a local acoustic set, or even a themed karaoke evening can create a lively atmosphere that draws a crowd.
- Tasting events & pairing dinners – Wine and whiskey pairings, chef’s table experiences, or limited-time tasting menus make for a special night out.
- Cooking classes & DIY experiences – Hosting a pasta-making workshop, cocktail class, or sushi-rolling event can turn your restaurant into a destination for more than just dining.
- Community nights & themed events – Trivia nights, sports viewing parties, or cultural food festivals can build a sense of community and encourage repeat visits.
A well-executed event not only fills seats for the night but also creates buzz that gets people talking and sharing.
7. Partner with delivery & takeaway apps
Like it or not, takeout or takeaway and delivery are a huge part of how people choose to dine today. If your restaurant isn’t offering a seamless online ordering experience, you could be missing out on a significant revenue stream.
How to make the most of delivery and takeout:
- Get on the right platforms – UberEats, and DoorDash can introduce your restaurant to customers who might not have discovered you otherwise.
- Optimise your delivery menu – Not every dish travels well. Focus on items that stay fresh and presentable, and consider creating exclusive delivery-only specials.
- Offer direct ordering – Third-party apps take a cut of your sales, so having your own online ordering system (via your website or app) can keep more money in your pocket.
- Branded packaging & a personal touch – A well-designed to-go bag, a thank-you note, or a small freebie (like a cookie or sauce sample) can make a big impression and encourage repeat orders.
8. Build partnerships with local businesses
One of the most effective ways to expand your customer base is by partnering with other businesses in your area. Not only does this help increase brand awareness, but it also strengthens your connection with the local community.
Think about it—customers who visit a coffee shop might also be interested in a nearby bakery. Gym-goers might be looking for a healthy post-workout meal. A synergistic business collaboration can introduce your restaurant to an entirely new audience.
How to make collabs work:
- Cross-promotions – Partner with nearby businesses that complement your restaurant. A gym could promote your healthy menu items, or a local brewery might collaborate on a beer pairing night.
- Special discounts – Offer exclusive deals to employees of nearby businesses. A nearby office might love a lunch special just for their team.
- Event collaborations – Co-host pop-ups, live music nights, or themed events with local artists, shops, or markets.
- Gift card exchanges – Swap gift cards with other businesses to introduce new customers.
9. Use a restaurant management system to work smarter
Running a restaurant is hard enough—why make it harder by juggling outdated systems or doing everything manually? Many restaurants lose customers due to inefficiencies—whether it’s long wait times, inaccurate orders, or slow service. The right tech can fix these issues before they drive customers away.
What a good system can do for you:
- Simplify reservations & waitlists – No more messy notebooks or long lines; guests can book online, and you can manage tables with ease. Now Book It even lets you tag guests based on their preferences—think birthdays, wine enthusiasts, or VIP diners—to create a more personalised experience.
- Streamline operations & reduce labour costs — Modern restaurants now rely on AI receptionists that can handle calls, log bookings automatically and manage enquiries, taking the phone work out of the labour roster.
- Improve order accuracy – Integrated POS (point-of-sale) systems help prevent mix-ups, making service smoother and customers happier.
- Track inventory & reduce waste – No one likes running out of bestsellers or wasting ingredients. A good system helps you manage stock efficiently.
- Collect data for smarter marketing – Know your busiest times, most popular dishes, and top-spending customers so you can tailor promotions effectively.
The right systems don’t just make running a restaurant easier—it helps you grow. Investing in a smart system means fewer headaches, happier guests, and more full tables.
10. Stay trendy (and true to your brand)
Food trends come and go, but the key is to adapt without losing what makes your restaurant special. Chasing every new fad can make your brand feel inauthentic, but ignoring trends completely can make you seem outdated.
How to find the right balance:
- Watch what’s popular (selectively) – If plant-based dishes, craft mocktails, or international flavours are trending, see if they align with your menu. A small tweak—like offering a vegan-friendly version of a favourite dish—can attract new customers without alienating regulars.
- Keep up on social media – Food presentation matters. Dishes that look great on Instagram or TikTok can generate buzz and bring in curious diners.
- Seasonal & limited time offerings – Testing new flavours as specials allows you to experiment without a permanent menu change.
- Ask your customers – If you’re unsure whether to try something new, ask! Polls on Instagram or casual conversations with regulars can guide smart decisions.
Attract more customers effortlessly
Bringing in more customers starts with creating great experiences and making it easy for them to return. Restaurants that focus on smart marketing, strong community connections, and seamless operations don’t just attract new guests—they build lasting loyalty.
A leading restaurant management system power your restaurant to grow in the right direction. With Now Book It, you can streamline reservations, reduce no-shows, and engage customers effortlessly, all while providing a smoother, more personalised dining experience.
Want to keep your tables full and guests coming back? Book a free demo today and see how Now Book It can help grow your restaurant.
