Owning a restaurant in Australia isn’t just about having a great menu. There are plenty of good spots already, so standing out takes more than good food and friendly service. Marketing is where a lot of restaurants either grow or quietly fade out. The good news? You don’t need million-dollar campaigns, just consistent, smart steps that keep you on people’s radar.
Here are ten proven strategies I’ve seen work time and time again.
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
Imagine a customer hears about your place from a friend. What’s the first thing they do? They Google you. If your site looks broken, doesn’t load properly on a phone, or the menu is out of date, that person may never show up. A basic site is enough, just the menu, your hours, the address, and a booking button. Keep it clean and easy.
2. Use Social Media the Right Way
People spend more time scrolling than walking down the street, so that’s where you need to be. A quick Instagram reel of a burger being stacked or a TikTok of a busy night in the kitchen is more powerful than a glossy print ad. Don’t only post food photos, show the atmosphere, your staff, or even behind-the-scenes bloopers. A social media marketing agency knows this is the kind of content that feels human and gets people talking.
3. Make Local SEO Work for You
Most diners type “best Italian near me” or “Thai food Pakenham” before they ever leave the house. If your Google Business profile is blank, you’re invisible. Add photos, update opening hours, and ask happy customers to leave reviews. It doesn’t cost you a cent, but it can push you higher in search results.
4. Reward Loyal Customers
New customers are great, but repeat customers are the backbone of your business. Loyalty cards and apps still work because people like to feel they’re earning something. Even a free drink after a certain number of visits goes a long way. It’s simple psychology: when people feel valued, they come back.
A Quick Note: Knowing When to Get Help
Around this point, many owners hit the wall. It’s hard juggling cooking, staff management, and digital marketing all at once. That’s where a team like Softnoesis AUS comes in handy. They specialise in restaurant marketing in Australia, paid ads, and branding. Basically, they handle the complicated digital side so you can stay focused on running your place.
5. Partner with Delivery Apps
Uber Eats, Menulog, DoorDash, they’re not going away anytime soon. Instead of resisting, use them. Create a dish that’s exclusive to delivery, or run free-delivery promotions on slow nights. Even if margins are slimmer, it helps with visibility and gets your name in front of new customers.
6. Work with Foodies & Bloggers
Not every influencer needs a six-figure following. A local blogger with a loyal audience of a couple of thousand can sometimes bring more diners than a celebrity post. Invite them in for a meal, let them share their experience, and watch word spread. It feels authentic, and diners trust those voices more than polished ads.
7. Run Seasonal and Event Specials
Restaurants that tie themselves to moments in the calendar stay relevant. AFL finals snacks, a Christmas banquet, or even something small like a “warm-up winter soup menu” can spark interest. People like excuses to eat out, and giving them themed reasons makes it easier for them to choose you.
8. Invest in Good Photography
Blurry, dimly lit photos make food look worse than it is. A short session with a professional photographer pays off for months. Use the images on your website, menu, Uber Eats profile, and socials. People decide with their eyes before they ever taste.
9. Be Active in the Community
Restaurants aren’t just food outlets, they’re part of the neighbourhood. Sponsor the local soccer team, offer catering for school fundraisers, or run a trivia night that supports a charity. That visibility builds trust. When locals know you support them, they’re more likely to support you back.
10. Ask for Feedback (and Act on It)
Nobody likes filling out long surveys, but a quick QR code on a receipt or a two-question form at the table works. Ask what they liked and what could be better. Then show you listened. A customer who leaves a review and sees you reply, even with a short “thanks, glad you enjoyed it” feels noticed. That small touch can turn a one-off visitor into a regular.
Wrapping It Up
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about showing up consistently, building trust, and making your place easy to find and easy to love. The restaurants that thrive in Australia are the ones that stay visible, not just on busy streets, but online and in the community too.
Start with one or two strategies from this list, test them, then add more as you go. And if it ever feels overwhelming, that’s the point where bringing in a team like Softnoesis AUS can save you a lot of time and guesswork.
At the end of the day, people want good food and a good reason to walk through your door. Give them both, and you’ll stay ahead of the pack.
