Best Digital Marketing Companies For Restaurants

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Rankings updated: March 28, 2024
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  • SeedX

    We Solve Growth Problems
    At SeedX, we have extensive experience helping companies and organizations like yours align on key metrics and then act to hit your goals.Custom solutions,made to serve your specific needs.E [...]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
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  • Ignite Visibility

    Verified
    The Expert Digital Marketing Agency (Sponsored)
    Ignite Visibility is a leader in SEO, online advertising, email, social media marketing and digital marketing. 200+ five star reviews, 3x Landy Award winner, 6x Inc. 5,000 company, #1 ranked full-serv [...]
    San Diego, California
    100 - 249 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
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  • HigherVisibility

    Verified
    4-Time SEO Agency of the Year. [Named Best Full-Service SEO and SEM Agency by Forbes]
    HigherVisibility is a Best-in-Class Digital Marketing Agency, specializing in SEO, Paid Media, and Website Design. We are proud to be a 4-Time SEO Agency of the Year Winner. Our professional staff tak [...]
    Memphis, Tennessee
    50 - 99 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
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  • SkyDiamond Elite

    Verified
    The Last Digital Marketing Agency You'll Ever Have to Research
    Welcome to SkyDiamond Elite, your premier destination for bespoke ecommerce digital marketing solutions in fashion/apparel, luxury/lifestyle, and beauty. With a focus on personalized strategies and cu [...]
    Austin, Texas
    Under 49 $250/hr $10,000 - $25,000
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  • Gourmet Marketing

    Letting people love your brand!
    At Gourmet Marketing, we specialize in restaurant digital marketing and have developed a proven process that delivers exceptional results.
    New York City, New York
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
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  • Top Notch Dezigns

    Verified
    Web Design + Digital Marketing Agency | 20+ Years Experience
    Top Notch Dezigns is a full-service web design and digital marketing agency that specializes in custom websites tailored to meet diverse business requirements. With a focus on boosting brands, increas [...]
    New York City, New York
    50 - 99 $150/hr Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • SmartSites

    Verified
    Think Web. Think Smart. Partner with the #1 Rated Digital Marketing Agency.
    Outsmart the competition with best-in-class digital marketing services. With over 450 5-star reviews online, SmartSites is America #1 rated digital marketing agency. Call (201) 870 6000 for a free con [...]
    Paramus, New Jersey
    100 - 249 $100/hr Inquire
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  • Storyzee

    Verified
    Let's boost your digital marketing
    Storyzee combines marketing consulting and multimedia production to showcase your brand story on the web and social media
    Paris, France
    Under 49 $100/hr Under $1,000
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  • Inbox Army

    Verified
    Deploy Your Email Marketing Army
    March forward with confidence alongside Inbox Army, your elite, full-service email marketing agency. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including campaign management, template production, str [...]
    Dallas, Texas
    100 - 249 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
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  • Funnel Boost Media

    Verified
    LEAD GEN. | SEO/PPC | WEB DESIGN | VETERAN LED
    Funnel Boost Media is an all inclusive digital marketing company based in San Antonio, Texas. FBM specializes in everything from the creation of your marketing piece or website to the online advertisi [...]
    San Antonio, Texas
    Under 49 $100/hr $1,000 - $10,000
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  • Verified
    Accelerate Your Success with B2B Integrated Marketing.
    Sagefrog Marketing Group is a top-ranked B2B marketing agency with specialties in healthcare, technology, industrial and business services. With offices in Doylestown (PA), Philadelphia (PA), Princeto [...]
    Doylestown, Pennsylvania
    Under 49 $160/hr $1,000 - $10,000
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  • Grow My Ads

    The Google Ads Agency You've Been Searching For
    Maximize the potential of your Google Ads account in 3 months or less with a team Of PPC Specialists 100% focused on putting dollars in your pocket.
    Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Under 49 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Verified
    Top-Rated PPC & Digital Marketing Agency Focused on Driving Results
    The last digital marketing agency you'll ever need.
    Pleasant Grove, Utah
    100 - 249 Inquire $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Rankings

    Verified
    Specialists in Law Firm SEO
    Rankings.io is a premier SEO agency dedicated to serving law firms. They offer specialized services tailored to the legal industry, helping firms achieve top rankings on Google and generate guaranteed [...]
    Marion, Illinois
    Under 49 $199/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Branding Experts

    Verified
    Elevate Your Brand, Master Your Identity with Branding Experts
    Your one-stop solution for achieving online visibility and brand recognition. With our unparalleled expertise, we can guarantee the publication of your content on prestigious websites such as Yahoo, W [...]
    Hyderabad, India
    Under 49 $30/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Naked Development

    Verified
    We are a Creative Development Agency & Consultancy.
    First we listen and strip down your idea to reveal the core of your business objectives.This means designing a strategy that will best support the users total experience, end-to-end.Then our US-ba [...]
    Irvine, California
    Under 49 Inquire $25,000 - $50,000
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  • RNO1

    Verified
    RNO1 is a global branding & digital growth agency for modern brands.
    RNO1 is a Global Branding & Digital Growth Agency. Guiding Tech and Commerce Brands across Platforms and Places. Creating Radical Digital Experiences.
    San Francisco, California
    50 - 99 Inquire Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • A full-service restaurant digital marketing agency!
    The Foodie Agency is a full-service marketing firm that provides restaurants with a variety of Branding, Social Media, Web, and Online Reputation solutions, among others. DM Agency's food and beverage [...]
    Miami, Florida
    50 - 99 $150/hr Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Digital Track

    Helping businesses bridge the gap with customers
    Since 2017, Digital Track was established by Leo Callejas to fill the notable marketing gap among small businesses in Solano County, California.
    Fairfield, California
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Excelling in food marketing
    At Restaurant Marketing, we bridge the gap by combining our experience in technology and operational efficiencies in restaurant digital marketing with a passion for food and hospitality to help you be [...]
    Orange County, California
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Embark Marketing

    Digital marketing focused on the food industry
    Embark Marketing, a renowned restaurant digital marketing agency located in Texas, focuses on catering to the specific needs of the food and beverage industry.
    San Antonio, Texas
    Under 49 $10/hr Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Resto Experience

    Boost Your Sales Through Digital Platforms
    Located in Atlanta, GA, we are your premier restaurant marketing agency and restaurant website design company. Our full-service approach encompasses all aspects of restaurant marketing. With our wealt [...]
    Atlanta, Georgia
    Under 49 $30/hr $25,000 - $50,000
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  • SideDish Media

    Engaged in transparent and trackable business
    SideDish Media restaurant marketing opened for business in October 2016 and has built up a strong base of restaurants who trust us to manage their restaurant digital marketing ad spend.
    London, United Kingdom
    Under 49 $40/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Let your restaurant business thrive with us!
    We are a branding, web design, and marketing firm that offers comprehensive services to assist forward-thinking hospitality companies that are eager for expansion. Contact us to know more!
    London, United Kingdom
    Under 49 $75/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Upsway Marketing

    Verified
    Helping Small Businesses Build & Understand Their Digital Impact
    Upsway Marketing empowers small businesses with a strong online presence, providing cost-effective web development, social media management, and graphic design services. Our educational approach guide [...]
    Buford, Georgia
    Under 49 $50/hr Under $1,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • As a small to mid-sized business, you don’t always have the manpower or the budget for an internal marketing department to handle all of the nitty-gritty details of promoting your brand, product [...]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 $80/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Deliciously Data Driven!
    The Digital Cauldron is Vancouver's leading Data Driven Digital Marketing Agency here to help you succeed in SEO, Social Media Marketing, E-Commerce, Branding, and more.
    Vancouver, Canada
    Under 49 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Delante

    Verified
    Data-Driven International SEO Powerhouse
    International SEO/SEM agency specialized in KPI-oriented search engine optimization processes. We provide hands-on services to power up our companies' digital optimizations. Ready to take your busines [...]
    Krakow, Poland
    50 - 99 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • SEO Tech Experts LLC

    Verified
    Award Winning Digital Marketing Agency - Since 2009
    SEO Tech Experts LLC, the leading SEO agency in Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Saudi Arabia, elevates businesses with cutting-edge strategies. Our experts drive online success through meticulous SEO campaigns, ensur [...]
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Under 49 $30/hr $1,000 - $10,000
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  • Red Spot Design

    Verified
    Distinguished Website Design and Web Development Services
    No matter your business size, when it comes to e-commerce web design, Red Spot Design is your top choice. Our portfolio includes hundreds of websites, catering to both small family businesses and larg [...]
    Dallas, Texas
    Under 49 $75/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Verified
    Big Brand Experience Put to Work for Small Business, Startups and Nonprofits
    Big Brand and Fortune 500 experience put to work for Small Businesses, Startups and Nonprofits.The Smartest People In The World Work With The Bureau Of Small Projects.Literally rocket scientists and b [...]
    Los Angeles, California
    50 - 99 $150/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • SEM Nexus

    Verified
    Startup App Experts
    SEM Nexus is an award-winning startup app agency focused on building and marketing startup mobile apps. We live, breathe, and dream startups. They are our life, our passion. Let us help you make your [...]
    New York City, New York
    Under 49 $100/hr $25,000 - $50,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Net-Craft.com

    Verified
    DesignRush Design Award Winner
    Mobile Apps, Websites & Internet Marketing
    Founded in 2000, Net-Craft.com is a friendly custom mobile app and web development firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. We are focused on app development, design and the building of complex back-end sys [...]
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Under 49 $45/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • JAS Quantum

    Verified
    Where Ideas meet Innovation!
    At JAS Quantum, we believe in the transformative power of technology to shape a better future. As a leading-edge technology company, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and drivin [...]
    St. Petersburg, Florida
    100 - 249 $35/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Verified
    Award-winning freelance web designer building rich online experiences for businesses in Manchester
    Are you looking for a Freelance Web Designer who can make your website look stunning and draw in potential clients? I have years of experience designing successful online shops and brochure websites. [...]
    Manchester, United Kingdom
    Under 49 $50/hr Under $1,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Social Media 55

    Verified
    A Digital Marketing & Social Media Agency
    Social Media 55 is an award-winning full-service digital marketing and social media agency established in 2014.
    Montreal, Canada
    Under 49 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Joseph Studios

    Verified
    Intelligence-Based Marketing | Find, Join, & Influence Your Ideal Buyers
    Joseph Studios enables you to speak to your ideal buyers online with a proven methodology for growth and success.
    Atlanta, Georgia
    Under 49 $100/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Absolute Web

    Verified
    The eCommerce Development Specialists
    Absolute Web is an eCommerce development and growth agency with offices in Miami, Florida and Los Angeles, California. We specialize in Magento development and have been helping eCommerce businesses s [...]
    Miami, Florida
    50 - 99 $125/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Design In DC

    Verified
    A Digital Agency For The Future
    We create websites and apps that are fully customized, scalable, easy to manage, and have a creative twist. Everything we build for you at Design in DC is made with the future in mind. We are a boutiq [...]
    Washington DC, Washington DC
    50 - 99 $190/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • The Emms

    Verified
    Marketing On A Mission
    From logo design and branding to website development, marketing campaigns, consulting and training, our mission is to help you achieve your goals! We will create a solution that works for you depe [...]
    Toronto, Canada
    Under 49 $100/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Ignite Digital

    Verified
    The World is Online. Your Company Should be too.
    Ignite Digital is a reputable Digital Marketing Agency with over a decade of experience. We provide full-service Digital Marketing solutions for medium to big brands.
    Mississauga, Canada
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Digital Drew

    Verified
    An Award Winning NYC Digital Advertising Agency With Official Google Partner.
    Digital Drew SEM is a search and social media advertising agency that ensures quality and value for all of our clients. Our services include: Creating copy and targeting on platforms such as Google, F [...]
    New York City, New York
    Under 49 $100/hr Under $1,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Consumr Buzz

    Verified
    We Make It Easy To Be Found Online
    Looking for a marketing plan that will actually work for your business? We're here to help! We specialize in creating strategic, cost-effective plans that are specifically designed to help your busine [...]
    Lake Worth, Florida
    50 - 99 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • KrishaWeb

    Verified
    Transforming Digital Experiences
    KrishaWeb began its humble journey in the year 2008 and has worked meticulously to secure a leading position in the industry with clients across the globe. We have served 1950+ small & medium as w [...]
    Knoxville, Tennessee
    100 - 249 $50/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Mowgli

    Verified
    Time to evolve
    Mowgli is a remote digital marketing agency. We create digital strategies for brands & businesses that make a difference, helping brands to evolve, innovate, and authentically engage with their commun [...]
    Singapore, Singapore
    Under 49 $100/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • WestMetric

    Low-Cost, High-ROAS Performance Digital Marketing, Web Development and SEO.
    WestMetric is a Full-Service Performance Digital Marketing Agency based in Los Angeles, CA. Our mission is to optimize and scale your sponsored product ads on Facebook, Instagram, Google search, displ [...]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 $250/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Lform Design

    Verified
    The Web Specialists for B2B Companies
    With a focus on B2B companies, Lform delivers exceptional and measurable results through thoughtful custom web design and excellent inbound marketing services. Lform makes it easy for your customers a [...]
    Montclair, New Jersey
    Under 49 $185/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • 97 Switch

    Verified
    DesignRush Design Award Winner
    Strategy, design and marketing
    97 Switch is an award-winning Chicago and Portland digital marketing agency that specializes in marketing, web design and strategy.
    Chicago, Illinois
    Under 49 $150/hr $25,000 - $50,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • JPLoft

    Verified
    Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow
    JPLoft is a leading web and mobile app development company based in Denver, USA with operational sales offices in the UK, India, Australia and New Zealand. The company boasts over a decade of industry [...]
    Denver, Colorado
    100 - 249 $50/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Mimvi

    Verified
    Mimvi SEO is NYC's leader in Digital Marketing Services and delivers unmatched results for clients.
    Mimvi SEO delivers unmatched SEO, PPC, Social, and Website Design services for our customers. We deliver amazing results for our customers daily, with a strong focus on ROI. Mimvi's goal is to take yo [...]
    New York City, New York
    Under 49 $100/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
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Restaurant Digital Marketing Agency Hiring Guide

What is a digital marketing agency for restaurants?

A digital marketing agency for restaurants is an agency that specializes in creating and implementing online marketing strategies to promote dining establishments through digital channels. It combines knowledge of the hospitality industry with expertise in digital marketing to help restaurant businesses increase their online presence, reach more potential customers, and drive sales.  

These agencies are adept at navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of marketing restaurants online, including: 

  • Targeting local customers: Most restaurants typically serve local customers — 43% of customers prioritize restaurant location when making a dining decision. That is why it is critical to focus marketing efforts locally. The challenge is to stand out in a competitive local marketplace and reach potential clients at the exact moment they are looking for dining options. 
  • Customer experience focus: Restaurants are in the business of selling experiences as much as food and drink. Digital marketing for restaurants must attract customers but also convey the ambiance, service quality, and culinary excellence online to entice potential diners. 
  • Local competition: Restaurants face stiff local competition. Digital marketing agencies for restaurants must employ strategies that highlight a restaurant’s unique selling propositions (USPs). Since 88% of smartphone users who perform local searches visit a related business within a week, digital marketing agencies must leverage local search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure their clients stand out in local search queries and maps.  
  • Reputation management: Online reviews can make or break a restaurant. In fact, 74% of restaurant customers state that positive customer reviews and high ratings are moderately or highly important when choosing one restaurant over another. Effective digital marketing includes managing reviews across platforms, encouraging positive feedback, and diplomatically addressing negative reviews. 
  • Variable customer demand: Demand can vary widely depending on the time of day, day of the week, season, and current trends. Thus, digital marketing strategies must be flexible and adaptive, promoting special offers, events, or seasonal menus to boost slow periods. 

Digital marketing agencies for restaurants employ different strategies depending on stages or aspects of the service: 

  • Early business development: For new restaurants, digital marketing focuses on building brand awareness, establishing a strong online presence, and generating buzz before and around the opening. This might include teaser campaigns, influencer partnerships, and targeted ads in local areas. 
  • Corporate vs. general branding: Corporate-branded restaurants might focus on consistency across locations and leveraging the corporate identity. In contrast, independently owned restaurants or smaller chains might emphasize their unique identity, local flavor, and personalized customer experiences. 
  • Customer loyalty and engagement: For established restaurants, strategies may shift towards building loyalty and deepening customer relationships through loyalty programs, personalized email marketing, and engaging social media content. 

An example from Hudson Creative showcases the true power of top restaurant digital marketing agencies. Lincoln Ristorante sought to boost revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic by promoting its delivery and takeout services. Focusing on targeted Display Ads and directing traffic to Caviar, a food delivery service, Hudson Creative showcased the effectiveness of its strategic approach. 

The results were impressive:  

  • 2X the number of online orders  
  • Over $1,000 daily revenue from online orders  
  • 318,670 impressions 

What do digital marketing agencies for restaurants do?

Restaurant digital marketing agencies provide services designed to enhance a restaurant’s online visibility and customer engagement across various channels. 

Some of the services they offer include: 

Website Design and Optimization 

Digital marketing companies for restaurants create visually appealing, easy-to-navigate websites tailored to a restaurant’s brand. These websites are optimized for mobile devices and search engines, featuring menus, booking systems, and online ordering functionalities. 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 

Restaurant digital marketing agencies improve the ranking of dining establishments in search engine results through keyword optimization, content creation, and local SEO strategies, making it easier for potential customers to discover them online. 

Social Media Management (SMM) 

Given that 89% of U.S. diners have social media accounts and 62% check them multiple times a day, it’s imperative for restaurants to effectively manage their social media presence. Digital marketing companies for restaurants handle their presence on various social media platforms, engaging with the audience through regular posts, stories, and interactions.  

To make the most of SMM efforts, restaurant digital marketing companies: 

  • Identify the right channels 
  • Target specific demographics 
  • Employ organic and paid tactics to grow brand exposure 
  • Create unique and engaging content 
  • Monitor and analyze performance 
  • Foster customer relationships 
  • Interact with qualified leads 

 

Content Marketing 

Digital marketing agencies create and distribute high-quality content related to the restaurant’s offerings, such as blog posts, videos, and infographics, to attract and retain a clearly defined audience. 

The most effective types of content for hospitality businesses are: 

  • Social media and video content for building interest and desire 
  • Blog for optimizing search rankings 
  • Digital PR content for improving brand awareness and perception 
  • Website content for informing the audiences of the restaurant’s offerings and rates 
  • The mix of these for boosting local SEO 

 

Paid Advertising 

Digital marketing agencies specialized for restaurants implement and manage local online advertising campaigns, including Google Ads and social media ads, to increase visibility and attract customers. 

Carefully targeted paid campaigns allow businesses to attract highly qualified leads identified by various criteria, including: 

  • Age and gender 
  • Behavior 
  • Location 
  • Income level 
  • Interests 

 

Email Marketing 

These agencies develop email marketing campaigns to send incentives to loyal customers and promote special offers, events, or new menu items to a list of subscribers, aiming to encourage repeat visits and foster customer loyalty. 

Online Reputation Management 

94% of restaurant customers read online reviews on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor. Digital marketing companies for restaurants monitor and respond to online reviews and feedback to maintain a positive online image. 

The benefits of optimizing online feedback and third-party recognition include: 

  • Improvement of the local SEO 
  • Increase in brand awareness 
  • Enhancing customer trust 
  • Gaining a competitive advantage 
  • Improvement in brand perception 
  • Establishing credibility and authority 

How much does digital marketing for restaurants cost? 

Here’s a breakdown of digital marketing prices for restaurants, covering different services like SEO, SMM, and more. The costs can vary widely depending on the scope of your project, the agency you work with, and the specific services you require: 

Marketing professionals often recommend allocating 3%-15% of a restaurant’s revenue to its marketing budget. This range allows for flexibility, enabling businesses to adjust their spending based on their operational scale, audience reach, and desired marketing outcomes. 

They suggest following a 70/20/10 model to ensure a balance between proven strategies and exploring new opportunities: 

  • 70% of the budget goes to tried-and-tested marketing techniques that have delivered results, focusing on digital marketing, traditional advertising, and customer loyalty programs. 
  • 20% is allocated to scaling up successful experiments from the previous 10%. It ensures that your marketing strategy continuously evolves, incorporating new and effective tactics alongside the main strategies. 
  • 10% is reserved for experimenting with new marketing tactics. This segment allows for innovation without expecting immediate returns, exploring new platforms or trends that could benefit the restaurant in the long run. 

The top 50 restaurant digital marketing agencies on DesignRush charge an average of $105/hour. Roughly 21.4% of these agencies accept projects with a minimum budget of less than $1,000, while only 0.7% require a $50,000+ minimum budget.  

Why should you hire a restaurant digital marketing agency?

Hiring a restaurant digital marketing agency helps with attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. It also offers scalability, cost-efficiency, and the ability to directly connect with and understand your audience. With 90% of customers researching restaurants online before visiting one, digital marketing isn’t an option for the hospitality sector – it’s a necessity.  

Here’s why it’s a wise investment: 

  • Increased visibility: With most consumers turning to online searches to find new places to eat, a strong online presence ensures your restaurant comes up in those searches, attracting potential customers. 
  • Targeted advertising: Digital platforms allow restaurants to target and reach specific demographics based on interests, location, dining habits, and more. Precision leads to higher conversion rates and more efficient use of advertising budgets. 
  • Engagement with customers: Social media and email marketing enable restaurants to engage directly with customers and build relationships that foster loyalty. Sharing content like behind-the-scenes looks, special offers, and new menu items keeps your audience engaged and informed. 
  • Cost-effectiveness: Unlike traditional marketing methods, digital marketing often offers a higher return on investment (ROI). Online ads, content marketing, and social media campaigns are typically more affordable than most offline campaigns, with the ability to measure and adjust in real time for better performance. 
  • Reputation management: Online reviews are a significant factor in a restaurant’s success. Digital marketing strategies include managing these reviews and helping to maintain a positive online reputation that attracts more customers. 
  • Insights and analytics: Digital marketing provides valuable data on customer behavior, campaign performance, and more. These insights allow restaurants to make informed decisions and tailor their offerings and marketing strategies to effectively meet customer needs and preferences. 
  • Competitive advantage: By leveraging the latest digital trends and tools, restaurants can create a distinctive brand identity and customer experience that draws in more business and leaves competition behind. 
  • Dynamic response to market trends: The digital landscape is ever-evolving and offers the flexibility to quickly adapt marketing strategies based on performance, seasonal trends, or changing consumer preferences. This agility is crucial in the fast-paced restaurant industry. 
  • Customer retention: Through personalized marketing efforts like email newsletters and loyalty programs, digital marketing helps keep your restaurant top-of-mind for existing customers, encouraging repeat visits and fostering a loyal customer base. 
  • Accessibility: Consumers expect to find information about restaurants, including menus, hours, locations, and booking options, online. A comprehensive digital marketing strategy ensures your restaurant meets these expectations, enhancing customer satisfaction and accessibility

The Le Suprême case study illustrates the importance of investing in digital marketing for restaurants and shows how effective SEO can improve online visibility and customer engagement.  

Faced with the challenge of establishing Le Suprême as a premier French dining destination in Detroit’s competitive market, Method Co. and Gourmet Marketing collaborated to create a sophisticated website that would reflect the brasserie’s elegance but also achieve top search engine rankings for relevant keywords. 

Utilizing HubSpot’s content management system (CMS) and focusing on both general and local SEO, the agency increased Le Suprême’s digital presence, ensuring that it reflected the spirit of French food in Detroit. This strategic approach propelled Le Suprême to achieve the top-ranking position for any “French restaurant + Detroit” keyword search combination. It also accounted for 80% of the website’s traffic from organic and local search results. 

How to choose the right digital marketing agency for restaurants?

Choosing the right digital marketing agency for your restaurant involves a series of thoughtful steps to ensure the agency aligns with your specific needs, budget, and goals. Follow these steps through the selection process: 

  1. Define your project requirements: Clearly outline your digital marketing needs, objectives, and timeline. Consider the challenges your restaurant faces and what you aim to achieve with digital marketing. 
  2. Set a budget: Understand that digital marketing is an investment in your restaurant’s growth. Determine a realistic budget that accommodates your goals while factoring in the scope and duration of the project. Seek a balance between cost-effectiveness and the quality of services offered. 
  3. Gather references: Start by researching reputable digital marketing agencies for restaurants through online directories, blogs, and industry recommendations. Compile a list of potential agencies that catch your interest. 
  4. Evaluate their work: Review the agencies’ portfolios, client lists, and testimonials. Look for experience in the restaurant sector and assess the impact of their campaigns. Client reviews can offer insights into the agency’s reliability, effectiveness, and communication style. 
  5. Focus on location-based marketing expertise: Brick-and-mortar businesses enjoy different online opportunities from digital ones. Not only do search engines recognize local search intent, but your searches are much more likely to convert. This is why you need experts in promoting local businesses online. 
  6. Assess their experience and reputation: Delve into the agency’s background, including how long they’ve been focusing on digital marketing for restaurants, their core areas of expertise, and any recognitions they’ve received. This helps gauge their industry standing and expertise. 
  7. Investigate their processes: Look into the agency’s approach to digital marketing. A reliable agency should employ data-driven strategies and thorough market research to tailor their services to your restaurant’s unique needs. 
  8. Consider the agency size: Decide whether a larger agency or a smaller boutique firm would best suit your project based on the complexity and scope of your digital marketing needs and your budget. 
  9. Assess their awareness and compliance with the relevant laws: Whether it is web accessibility or user data protection, look for partners who take all the necessary measures to respect and protect your users, as well as your business. 
  10. Shortlist and contact candidates: Narrow your options to up to five agencies and initiate contact. A detailed request for proposal (RFP) can help gauge their interest and ability to meet your needs. 
  11. Review proposals: Evaluate each agency’s proposal to gain insight into its creative and strategic capabilities, as well as its eagerness to understand and amplify your brand. 
  12. Conduct interviews: Meet with your shortlisted agencies to discuss their proposals further. This step is crucial for assessing compatibility in terms of vision, work ethic, and communication style. 
  13. Understand potential ROI: Discuss with each agency the return on investment they offer. Ask detailed questions about their pricing, expertise, and proven results to ensure they can grow your restaurant. 
  14. Make your decision: Choose the agency that best aligns with your restaurant’s marketing needs, budget, and culture. Opt for a partner who not only understands the restaurant industry but is also committed to your success. 

For restaurants looking to enhance their online presence and attract more diners, selecting the right digital marketing agency is a critical step toward achieving their goals. If you need help with the selection process, visit DesignRush’s Marketplace. We’ll connect you with five of the most suitable agencies based on your requirements – for free.  

What questions to ask digital marketing agencies before you hire one?

You can ask digital marketing agencies the following questions before you hire one: 

Its Relevant Background 

  1. Can you share examples of successful location-based marketing campaigns you’ve executed for restaurants and the impact they had? 
  2. Who are your past clients in the hospitality and restaurant industry, and what type of work did you do for them? 
  3. Which digital marketing channels and tactics are your strengths, especially regarding the food and beverage sector, and why? 
  4. How do you integrate online reputation management for restaurants into your broader digital marketing strategy? 
  5. How do you stay informed about the latest digital marketing and restaurant industry developments? 

Company Services and Processes 

  1. What digital marketing strategies have you found most effective for restaurants? 
  2. Which advertising platforms do you recommend for restaurant promotion? 
  3. Which platforms do you use for project management and marketing automation to streamline campaigns for restaurants? 
  4. How do you tailor your digital marketing strategies to accommodate the unique aspects of a restaurant’s brand and customer base? 
  5. What digital marketing budget range do you recommend for a restaurant looking to achieve significant growth in its market segment? 
  6. How flexible are your digital marketing strategies in adapting to sudden market changes or trends within the restaurant industry? 

The Project 

  1. Based on your experience, when could we start seeing tangible results from our digital marketing efforts? 
  2. How can we track and monitor your performance and the progress of our digital marketing campaigns?  
  3. What key performance indicators (KPIs) will you track? 
  4. How will you define and measure success for our restaurant marketing campaigns, and what ROI can we expect? 
  5. What level of involvement do you expect from us in the campaign development process, and how do you incorporate client feedback? 
  6. Who would be our primary contacts within your agency, and how frequently would we receive updates? 

Asking these detailed questions will help you discern whether a digital marketing company for restaurants can handle the unique challenges and opportunities within the hospitality industry, ensuring they can drive meaningful results and support the growth of your business. 

What are the best restaurant digital marketing agencies in the U.S.?

The best restaurant digital marketing agencies in the U.S. are: 

  • Embark Marketing 
    • 5.0 stars on Google (6 reviews) 
    • Top clients: Rosario’s, Stone Bro’s, The Good Kind, Piatti 
  • Hudson Creative 
    • 5.0 stars on Google (2 reviews) 
    • Top clients: Patina Restaurant Group, LDV Hospitality, Wolfgang Puck Catering, Lincoln Ristorante 
  • Resto Experience 
    • 5.0 stars on Google (5 reviews) 
    • Top clients: Rreal Tacos, Tomo Japanese Restaurant, Enzo’s Pizza, The Crossing Steak House 
  • Restaurant Marketing 
    • 5.0 stars on Google (14 reviews) 
    • Top clients: Yogurtland, Salt Creek Grille, Mama’s Hospitality Group, Archibald 
  • The Digital Restaurant 
    • 5.0 stars on Google (7 reviews) 
    • Top clients: Salerno’s Pizza, Baldinelli Pizza, D’Agostino’s Pizza, Braconi’s Restaurant and Pizzeria 
About The Author and Expert Reviewer
Bisera Stankovska developed marketing-related content for LeanRank, Content Distribution, and Ridarec. She has numerous high-ranking articles under her belt, alluding to her expertise in the field. She now writes for DesignRush, still focusing on marketing with a touch of SEO.
Mariana Delgado is a renowned marketing expert with an extensive background spanning over ten years in digital marketing, sales management, search, and video advertising. She has led campaigns with a stellar 5:1 ROAS and worked at consulting giants like PwC and Deloitte. Her influence at DesignRush led to an impressive 200% growth in organic traffic, pushing the visitor numbers beyond the 500,000 mark.