In today’s digital age, social media marketing for restaurants is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow restaurants to connect with customers, build loyalty, and boost revenue. At First Table, we know the power of social media, regularly running giveaways, polls, and Instagram Stories to engage diners and help our restaurant partners grow their audience.

Let’s explore the best strategies to grow your business through digital marketing for restaurants and see how First Table can play a key role in your success.

• Social media platforms
• Facebook marketing
• Instagram marketing 
• TikTok marketing
• How First Table can help 

Social media platforms every restaurant should be on

Choosing the right platforms is critical to maximising your reach. Not every social media channel fits every restaurant’s brand, so here’s a guide to where you need to be — and how First Table can help your venue shine.

• Facebook: Ideal for sharing updates and engaging with local communities.
• Instagram: Perfect for showcasing your food with mouth-watering photos and behind-the-scenes content. Instagram’s Stories feature lets restaurants run polls and giveaways — something we at First Table regularly use to increase visibility for our partners.
• TikTok: Perfect for engaging younger audiences with creative video content.

Each platform offers different benefits, and with First Table’s tools supporting your strategy, you'll see greater engagement and more bookings.
Explore our FAQ to learn more about how First Table supports restaurants.

Facebook marketing for restaurants

• Promote offers and new menus: Run exclusive dining deals to drive off-peak bookings.
• Engage with local audiences: Respond to reviews, comments, and user-generated content to build loyalty.
• Promote events: Hosting foodie events like exclusive menu launches or themed dinners is a fantastic way to attract new diners. Facebook is the perfect platform for promoting these events, as its algorithm prioritizes content and events that friends engage with.
• Run targeted ads: Many First Table restaurants amplify their reach by promoting limited-time offers to local diners through Facebook Ads.

Instagram marketing for restaurants

• Post high-quality photos and videos: Share irresistible shots of your menu items, creating a feast for the eyes.
• Use relevant hashtags: Including tags like #foodie or your city’s name helps your posts get discovered by locals.
• Leverage Instagram stories: At First Table, we run Stories to promote dining experiences and giveaways, driving more traffic to our partners’ pages and increasing bookings.
  

Our partners often find that reposting user-generated content, like diners sharing their First Table experience, creates trust and encourages more followers to book.

TikTok strategies for restaurants

TikTok is becoming a game-changer in social media marketing for restaurants. Its short-form video content offers endless opportunities to show off your food, vibe, and creativity. Many First Table partners have successfully used TikTok to:

• Create entertaining videos: Showcase signature dishes or highlight the behind-the-scenes action in your kitchen.
• Join trending challenges: Participating in viral trends can exponentially increase your exposure.
• Collaborate with influencers: Partner with local food influencers to feature your restaurant. First Table often works with influencers to promote off-peak dining offers, drawing new audiences to our partners' venues.

TikTok’s reach makes it an ideal channel to showcase what sets your restaurant apart, attracting new customers who are always looking for their next favourite place to eat.

How First Table can boost your social media marketing

Incorporating these social media platforms into your digital marketing for restaurants strategy is crucial, and First Table is here to support your success. Here’s how we help restaurants thrive:

• Increased visibility: By listing your restaurant on First Table, you get access to our audience of foodies actively seeking their next dining experience.
• Promotions through social media: We regularly feature our partners in giveaways and stories on Instagram, increasing their reach and engagement.
• Boosted bookings with off-peak offers: Many of our restaurants use First Table’s off-peak dining model to attract new customers and fill tables during quieter times.

Using First Table alongside your social media strategy ensures you’re building a loyal following and keeping your tables full. 

Conclusion

Social media marketing is essential for restaurants that want to attract new diners, build brand awareness, and keep their customers engaged. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer unique opportunities to showcase your food and engage with diners in creative ways. With First Table’s support, including our frequent promotions, influencer collaborations, and seamless booking integrations, your restaurant can stay ahead of the competition.

Ready to take your restaurant’s marketing to the next level? Partner with First Table, and start turning followers into loyal diners today.