In today’s digital-first world, video marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool to grab attention, tell your story, and bring hungry customers through your doors.
But while video can take your restaurant’s online presence to the next level, doing it wrong can actually turn people away. That’s why it’s important to understand the dos and don’ts of video marketing for restaurants.
Let’s dive in 👇
The Dos of Video Marketing for Restaurants
1. Do Show Off Your Food in the Best Light
Literally. Good lighting and angles make your dishes look irresistible. Showcase your best-sellers, seasonal items, and signature dishes with clean, crisp visuals.
Pro tip: Use natural light whenever possible. If you’re filming indoors, soft lighting works best.
2. Do Tell a Story
People don’t just eat food—they connect with it. Tell the story behind your restaurant, your team, your ingredients, or even your customers.
Examples:
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How your chef prepares a signature dish
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A behind-the-scenes look at a busy Friday night
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Your journey of opening the restaurant
Storytelling builds trust and keeps viewers watching.
3. Do Keep It Short and Sweet
Attention spans are short. Aim for under 60 seconds for social media videos. Save longer content for YouTube or your website.
Short-form videos like Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are perfect for quick promos or fun behind-the-scenes content.
4. Do Use Captions and Text
Many people watch videos with the sound off, especially on social media. Use captions or overlay text to highlight key points.
This ensures your message is clear even without audio.
5. Do Work with Digital Marketing Experts
If you’re not sure where to start, consider getting help. Many businesses turn to digital marketing services for restaurants to create high-quality video content that actually converts.
Experts can help with scripting, filming, editing, and promoting your videos across the right channels.
The Don’ts of Video Marketing for Restaurants
1. Don’t Overcomplicate It
You don’t need fancy equipment or a production crew. A smartphone, tripod, and good lighting can do the trick. What matters most is authenticity and value.
Trying too hard to be “viral” can feel forced. Keep it real and relatable.
2. Don’t Ignore Your Brand Identity
Make sure your videos reflect your restaurant’s vibe. Is it cozy and rustic? Trendy and fast-paced? Elegant and romantic?
Stick to your brand’s tone, color palette, and style to create a consistent experience.
3. Don’t Forget the Call-to-Action
End every video with a clear next step:
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“Order now”
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“Visit us today”
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“Follow us for more”
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“Check the link in bio”
Don’t leave your viewers wondering what to do next.
4. Don’t Upload and Disappear
Posting a video is just the beginning. Engage with comments, reshare stories, and repurpose the video across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, your website, email newsletters, etc.).
Consistency is key.
5. Don’t Skip Analytics
Keep an eye on views, likes, shares, and clicks. This tells you what’s working and what’s not. If one type of video performs better, make more of it!
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook provide detailed insights, and so do most digital marketing services for restaurants if you decide to outsource.
Final Thoughts
Video marketing can seriously spice up your restaurant’s online presence—but only when done right. Stick to the do’s, avoid the don’ts, and remember: great content + consistency = results.
And if you want to save time and get pro-level results, don’t hesitate to explore digital marketing services for restaurants that specialize in video content. Your brand (and your customers) will thank you.