The best strategy for branding a local restaurant will depend at that restaurant’s market, location, category, competition, and target audience.
It starts with brand identity. Every restaurant has a personality. Is it family-friendly? Does it cater mainly to a younger crowd? Is it considered fine dining in its market? Brand identity will influence everything from website content to ad copy to social media posts.
A restaurant’s website gives potential customers a central place to get answers to any questions they have. What’s on the menu? Is it open for brunch on weekends? Does the restaurant welcome special events like birthday parties or group meetings?
A complete Google Business Profile is essential, because it allows the restaurant to show up on Google Maps, local search results, and the Knowledge Panels information boxes that provide a quick snapshot of information about local businesses.
Social media profiles give restaurants a way to share updates, humanize the business, and drive traffic to the front door.
Restuarant delivery and dining apps are an increasingly important channel for diners to locate restaurants by category and location and amenities. Restaurant owners have to ensure that their business is represented with accurate information, attractive photos, and hopefully, good reviews.