- May 5, 2025
- Marketing
- 0 Comments
If you’re still relying on people stumbling across your booking link or calling in randomly, you’re leaving seats empty. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right stuff, in the right order, with the tools you already have in your pocket.
You don’t need ads, a marketing agency, or complicated funnels. You need a 7-day rhythm that turns casual browsers into booked tables using Instagram and a few smart text nudges.
Here’s the move, broken down into a week-long play.
Day 1–3: Show Up, But With Intention
The first half of the week is about warming up interest. Most venues post just to “stay active.” That doesn’t move the needle. These first few days, post with the clear goal of making people want to experience your place.
Behind-the-scenes of tonight’s prep. Your best-looking dish hitting the pass. A two-second video of the vibe on a busy night. A story asking “Who’s overdue for a proper night out?” or “Who’s team early dinner vs. late seating?”
You’re not selling. You’re sparking attention and familiarity. These are touchpoints that make you more memorable when it’s time to choose a spot.
Day 4–5: Watch Who Engages, Then Start a Real Conversation
If someone votes on a poll, replies to a story, or double taps a reel, they’re warm. You don’t need to pitch them. Just open the door.
Send a DM like:
“Hey, saw you tapped on our story — thinking of coming in this weekend?”
Keep it short. Keep it human. When they respond, offer to check availability or send them the latest menu. Let it feel like they’re texting a mate, not filling out a form.
Once they’re interested, ask if you can text them a quick confirmation. Grab their number with consent, and now you’ve got a direct line.
Day 6–7: Use SMS to Lock It In
By now, they’ve seen your content, had a conversation, and shown interest. This is where a short text makes the booking real.
Example:
“Hey it’s [Your Name] from [Your Restaurant Name] — just a heads-up, we’ve got a couple of tables left for Saturday night. Want me to save one for you?”
It’s casual, non-pushy, and feels personal. You’re making it easy for them to say yes without chasing or begging. The text lands, and they either confirm or pass. Either way, you’re not left wondering.
Why It Works for Restaurants
People make eating-out decisions fast. They might see your post while at work, chat with their partner later, then forget. This funnel keeps your place top-of-mind, guides the decision gently, and closes it while they’re still warm.
No links. No clunky booking apps. No awkward follow-ups.
Just content that gets noticed, DMs that feel natural, and texts that turn interest into action.
Run this for a week. Rinse and repeat. It takes less than 15 minutes a day and fills tables faster than any “marketing strategy” someone’s trying to sell you.
If you’re tired of playing the algorithm game or waiting for people to discover you, this puts you in control—without feeling like you’re selling anything at all.
