More customers mean more success for your restaurant
Want more customers walking through your door? You don't need a massive marketing budget or complicated strategies. Sometimes, the simplest tricks work the best. Here are 10 quick, proven tricks that can bring more customers to your restaurant—starting today.
🎯 Trick #1: The "First Visit" Discount
What it is: Offer 20% off or a free appetizer for first-time customers.
Why it works: People love trying new places when there's a deal. It removes the risk of a bad experience.
How to do it: Print simple cards or use your POS system to track first-time visitors. Mention it on your social media and Google Business Profile.
📸 Trick #2: Instagram-Worthy Food Photos
What it is: Make your food look absolutely stunning. Good lighting, nice plating, colorful ingredients.
Why it works: 75% of people check Instagram before choosing a restaurant. Beautiful photos = more customers.
How to do it: Take photos in natural light, use colorful garnishes, and post daily on Instagram. Tag your location!
⭐ Trick #3: Ask for Reviews (The Right Way)
What it is: When a customer seems happy, ask: "Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review?"
Why it works: 88% of people trust online reviews. More positive reviews = more customers.
How to do it: Train your staff to ask satisfied customers. Make it easy—have a QR code on the receipt that links directly to your Google review page.
Happy customers become your best marketers
🎁 Trick #4: The "Bring a Friend" Deal
What it is: "Bring 2 friends, get 1 free dessert" or "Refer a friend, both get 15% off."
Why it works: People love sharing good deals. Your customers become your sales team.
How to do it: Create a simple referral program. Track it with your POS system or use a simple spreadsheet.
⏰ Trick #5: Happy Hour Magic
What it is: Offer special prices during slow hours (2-5 PM or 9-11 PM).
Why it works: Fills empty tables during off-peak times. More revenue from hours that were previously dead.
How to do it: Create a simple happy hour menu. Promote it on social media and with a sign outside.
📱 Trick #6: Quick Response on Social Media
What it is: Reply to every comment, message, and review within 2 hours.
Why it works: Shows you care. People notice when restaurants respond quickly. It builds trust.
How to do it: Set notifications on your phone. Keep responses friendly and personal. Thank people for positive reviews, address concerns quickly.
🎨 Trick #7: Change Your Specials Daily
What it is: Have a "Today's Special" that changes every day.
Why it works: Creates urgency. "I should go today because tomorrow it might be different!"
How to do it: Post it on social media every morning. Put a chalkboard sign outside. Mention it when customers call.
🤝 Trick #8: Partner with Local Businesses
What it is: Team up with nearby gyms, salons, or offices. "Show your gym membership, get 10% off."
Why it works: Cross-promotion brings new customers from different circles.
How to do it: Approach 3-5 local businesses. Offer them a deal, ask them to promote you. Simple win-win.
Great service brings customers back
🎯 Trick #9: The "Birthday Freebie"
What it is: Free dessert or drink on birthdays. Simple, memorable, shareable.
Why it works: Birthday people bring friends. Friends see the great service. They come back.
How to do it: Ask for birthdays when customers sign up for your loyalty program or newsletter. Send a reminder email/SMS on their birthday.
🚀 Trick #10: Speed Up Service (The Secret Weapon)
What it is: Faster service = happier customers = more word-of-mouth.
Why it works: When service is fast, people notice. They tell friends. They come back more often.
How to do it: Use a modern POS system like DineOpen. AI-powered ordering reduces wait time by 40%. Real-time kitchen communication eliminates delays.
💡 The DineOpen Advantage
DineOpen doesn't just help you attract customers—it helps you keep them. With AI-powered voice ordering, express tablet billing, and real-time kitchen communication, your service becomes 40% faster. Happy customers become repeat customers, and repeat customers bring friends.
🎬 Quick Start: Pick 3 Tricks Today
Don't try to do all 10 at once. Pick 3 that feel easiest for your restaurant and start today:
30-Minute Action Plan
- Right now: Post a "First Visit Discount" on your Instagram and Google Business Profile
- This week: Set up a simple referral program ("Bring a friend, both save 15%")
- This month: Partner with 2-3 local businesses for cross-promotion
💡 Remember: Consistency Wins
These tricks work, but only if you're consistent. Post on social media regularly. Always ask for reviews. Keep your specials fresh. The restaurants that do these things consistently see 3x more new customers.
And here's the best part: Most of these tricks cost nothing or very little. They're about being smart, not spending big.
Ready to Attract More Customers?
DineOpen helps you implement these tricks effortlessly with smart customer management and fast service
Last updated: January 31, 2025