Have You Considered TikTok for Restaurant Marketing?

You might already be using Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms to promote your restaurant. But have you explored TikTok? The first question that may come to mind is: Is it even effective?

The short answer is—YES.

TikTok is one of the world's fastest-growing media channels and was the most downloaded app on the Apple App Store. This makes it an ideal marketing tool, especially for trendy restaurants, cafés, and bars looking to attract Gen Z and Millennial customers.

In this guide, we'll explore how TikTok can help you increase online sales and share expert insights on leveraging the platform effectively.

Why TikTok Marketing Matters for Restaurants

Experts believe that most brand-customer interactions happen online. This is why restaurants should take advantage of every social media platform available. Marketers are particularly drawn to TikTok because it encourages creativity and collaboration, aligning with current digital trends.

Here’s why TikTok is a goldmine for restaurant marketing:

• Massive Audience Reach – With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok is a platform you can't afford to ignore.
• High Engagement Levels – Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok’s algorithm helps content reach the right audience, even if you don’t have thousands of followers.
• Growing Popularity in the U.S. – The platform boasts over 130 million active users in the United States alone.

If TikTok is booming, why shouldn't your restaurant leverage it? Let’s dive into how it can help you grow your business.

How TikTok Can Help Your Restaurant Grow

1. Attract New Customers

TikTok has a unique way of amplifying content. If you post engaging videos, the platform can push them to a wider audience, increasing brand awareness.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a link to your website or online ordering system in each video to boost conversions.

While you can’t force your content to go viral, you can increase the chances by ensuring:

• Your video includes a clear call to action (e.g., “Order Now!” or “Visit Us Today”).
• You deliver on the hype—if people visit your restaurant after seeing a viral video, their experience should match their expectations.

2. Higher Engagement Compared to Other Platforms

TikTok’s algorithm favors new and engaging content, making it easier for businesses to go viral—even with a small following. Unlike platforms that prioritize accounts with a massive audience, TikTok gives everyone an equal chance to get discovered.

3. Collaborate with Micro-Influencers

Forget expensive TV commercials! Today, it’s all about brand ambassadors who genuinely love your food and promote it on their platforms.

For example, FitWaffle, a popular food influencer, started on Instagram but gained over 2.5 million followers and 75 million likes on TikTok (as of November 2021). Eloise Head, its creator, is now one of the world’s fastest-growing foodie content creators.

🔹 Find TikTok micro-influencers who love your food and have a loyal following. A simple partnership can drive serious traffic to your restaurant!

Strategies to Maximize TikTok Marketing for Your Restaurant

1. Capture Authentic Customer Moments

Some customers visit for a casual meal, while others celebrate special occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, first dates, and friends' reunions.

Record these genuine, happy moments (with their permission) and share them on TikTok. Users love authenticity, and these videos can reach a broader audience, bringing in new customers.

2. Show Behind-the-Scenes Kitchen Action

People love behind-the-scenes content! Show how you prepare your signature dishes, reveal secret ingredients, or introduce your kitchen staff. If your food has an interesting backstory, tell that story through engaging short videos.

3. Share Recipes & Cooking Techniques

TikTok isn’t just for entertainment—it’s an educational platform, too. Share short, easy-to-follow recipe videos or cooking techniques to keep your audience engaged.

4. Announce New Menu Items in a Creative Way

Thinking of launching a new dish? Use TikTok to tease your audience! Show them what’s coming and build anticipation.

Example: KFC teamed up with creator Lili Hayes to promote their new chicken sandwich. Their TikTok collaboration received 1.1M likes, and the campaign hashtag #trythekfcsandwich amassed over 210M views!

5. Encourage User-Generated Content

Want engaging content with minimal effort? Encourage customers to share their own TikTok videos featuring your restaurant. Offer small incentives like discounts for users who post and tag your business.

User-generated content builds trust and encourages potential customers to try your food.

Case Studies: Restaurants That Nailed TikTok Marketing

Burger King – #WhopperDance

Burger King launched the #WhopperDance campaign, where customers could order burgers through dance moves. TikTok influencers provided tutorials showing different dance combinations representing Whopper sandwiches.

Result: Users who followed Burger King on TikTok and posted their dance received a $1 Whopper sandwich—boosting brand engagement significantly!

Chipotle – #GuacDance Challenge

To promote its guacamole on National Avocado Day, Chipotle launched the #GuacDance Challenge, encouraging followers to perform guacamole-inspired dance moves.

• They partnered with Dr. Jean, creator of the viral “Guacamole Song”.
• YouTube stars helped market the TikTok dance-off.
• Results:
  • 430M views
  • 250,000 video submissions in just 6 days!

Final Thoughts: Why Your Restaurant Needs TikTok

Experts advise restaurant owners to understand each social media platform’s audience before marketing. What works on Twitter may not work on TikTok, and vice versa.

TikTok offers an interactive and immediate way to connect with your audience. One viral post can skyrocket your brand visibility overnight.