The restaurant’s guide to influencer marketing
Lindsay Rosasco • July 31, 2025
Social media influencers can help your restaurant reach new audiences—but only if you approach it strategically. Here’s how to do it right.
Steps
Identify your audience first
Define your ideal diner before choosing an influencer.
Look for micro-influencers
Followers between 2K–25K often have higher engagement than big names.
Check authenticity
Review engagement quality, not just follower count.
Craft a win-win offer
Offer free meals, exclusive experiences, or payment in exchange for posts.
Encourage storytelling
Ask influencers to share the “experience” of dining with you, not just a static photo.
Set clear expectations
Number of posts, hashtags, photography style, and tagging guidelines.
Measure results – Track foot traffic, reservations, and engagement during the campaign.
Pro tip:
Pair influencer content with your own paid ads to get more mileage out of the partnership.
Imagine this: A hungry couple is walking downtown, smartphones in hand, searching for the perfect spot to spend their Friday night. They scroll past endless social posts, pull up search results, tap restaurant websites, and choose the one that’s easy to view, quick to book, and lets them peek at the menu—all in seconds, right from their phone. Did they just pick you, or your competitor? A mobile-friendly, modern website is no longer optional, and by 2025, it will be the very first impression your restaurant makes. In our fast-paced, mobile-powered world, your online presence is your new front door. Let’s break down why a responsive website is the cornerstone of restaurant success and how you can make sure you’re standing out for the right reasons.
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