What Goes Into Making Ad Pages Magazine?
See How It's MadeLet’s talk about the truth, shall we? Restaurant ads—especially the ones that supposedly bring in droves of customers—can be absolute garbage. Maybe you’ve seen it too. Those bland, lifeless ads that don’t make you want to run through a brick wall to get to the restaurant.
Instead, they make you want to scroll away or take a nap. Honestly, if you’re creating ads that don’t catch attention, you’re wasting your time and your money. It’s 2025, my friend. You need to do better.
Now, let’s get real. Did you know that 70% of customers will make their dining decisions based on the quality of a restaurant’s ad and online presence?
Yup, it’s true. So if your restaurant ads aren’t doing the job, you’re basically just tossing cash out the window and hoping for a miracle.
In this blog, I’m about to tell you exactly what you need to create restaurant ads that’ll make your customers stop scrolling and actually pick up their phones to make a reservation or place an order. Let’s dive in.
Why Your Current Ads Probably Suck
Before we get into the how of things, let’s talk about why your restaurant ads might not be hitting the mark. Because, let’s face it, if your ads aren’t working, we have to address the issues first.
1. They’re Too Generic
“Come visit us for lunch!” or “We have the best burgers!”—no one cares. If you’re saying something that could apply to any restaurant, you’re not standing out. No one is going to care about your boring burger ad. If you’re not doing something unique, why would anyone care?
2. They Look Like They Were Made in 1999
You know what I’m talking about—the ads with weird fonts, cheap graphics, and poor lighting. Those ads make your restaurant look like a cheap diner in a horror movie. If you’re still rolling with outdated visuals, it’s time to get your head out of the early 2000s and step into the now.
3. You’re Talking To Everyone, But Not Really Saying Anything
If you’re trying to appeal to every demographic—families, singles, hipsters, boomers, college students—you’re doing it all wrong. You have to know exactly who your target market is and speak directly to them. If you try to appeal to everyone, you end up appealing to no one.
The Key Elements That Actually Work
Now, let’s get into the meat of this thing. If you want an ad that brings in actual customers, these are the non-negotiables. I’m not here to sugarcoat anything, so take notes.
1. Catchy, Punchy Headline = Attention-Grabbing
Your headline is EVERYTHING. If it doesn’t make someone stop in their tracks and pay attention, your ad is dead in the water. Your headline needs to speak to the problem or desire that your target audience has. This is the perfect place to get clever or cheeky—remember, your restaurant is your brand, and it should be as unique as your food.
Example: “Is Your Burger Really The Best? Ours Are.”
That’s bold. It calls out the competition. It grabs attention. If someone is scrolling and sees that, they’re gonna want to know why you think you have the best burger. Spoiler alert: you do.
2. High-Quality Visuals (Because We’re All Visual People)
Now, I know some of you are thinking, “We just take a picture of our food and post it, right?” Wrong. Sure, you can snap a picture of your dish, but it better look damn good. The lighting needs to be right, the composition should be well-thought-out, and the food should look mouth-wateringly appetizing. People eat with their eyes first, so don’t make the mistake of posting that grainy shot of your soggy fries.
And don’t even get me started on stock photos. No one wants to see a model pretending to enjoy food that isn’t even real. Keep it real, keep it high quality.
3. The Call-to-Action (CTA) That Works
Once you’ve grabbed their attention, you better tell them exactly what you want them to do. No fluff, no nonsense. This should be crystal clear. A strong CTA is direct and simple.
Example CTA: “Order Now and Get 10% Off Your First Meal”
That’s clear, concise, and tells the customer exactly what to do. No confusion. No complicated directions.
But listen, just because your CTA is simple doesn’t mean it won’t work wonders. If you’re pushing a special, make sure you emphasize urgency. Things like “Limited Time Only” or “While Supplies Last” can seriously get people moving.
4. Make It Personal and Relatable
People want to feel like they’re being talked to, not talked at. Your ad needs to speak directly to them. The best way to do that? Use a tone that feels like you’re chatting with a friend. People respond to ads that feel real, casual, and genuine.
Pro Tip: Write the ad like you would text a friend. How would you talk to them? Use that same voice for your ad copy.
Example: “You’ve had a long week. You deserve a burger that actually hits the spot. Come through and grab one of our mouthwatering classics. No regrets. Promise.”
That feels human, right? It doesn’t feel like a brand is speaking to you—it feels like a friend inviting you to come chill.
5. Leverage Social Proof (Because Everyone Trusts Reviews)
We live in a world where online reviews are EVERYTHING. If your restaurant has tons of glowing reviews, showcase them in your ads. People want to know they’re making the right choice, so use other people’s words to seal the deal. If you’ve got someone raving about how amazing your tacos are, throw that in the ad.
This is especially effective if you’re promoting a special or new menu item—if someone else has already validated it, people are more likely to give it a try.
Example: “Our tacos have been called ‘life-changing’ by over 500 happy customers. Are you ready to try them?”
Boom. Instant credibility.
The Most Effective Platforms to Run Your Ads On
Okay, so you’ve created the perfect ad. Now, where do you post it? Let’s be real, not all platforms are created equal.
1. Facebook & Instagram (The Classic Duo)
Facebook and Instagram are still the king and queen of restaurant ads. Why? Because they allow you to target specific audiences, and let’s face it, everyone spends way too much time scrolling these days. Plus, Instagram has a huge food-loving community that’s practically begging to see your drool-worthy posts.
2. Google Ads (Because People Search for Food)
If you’re not utilizing Google Ads, you’re missing out. People are actively searching for places to eat. Google Ads can put your restaurant in front of people who are already searching for what you serve. Pro tip: Use geo-targeting to ensure your ads show up for people in your area.
3. Ad Pages Solutions (Yes, I Said It)
You know what’s even better? Running targeted restaurant ads with Ad Pages Solutions. This is a hidden gem that can actually help you boost your restaurant’s visibility with hyper-targeted strategies and premium ad placements. If you want to stand out and show up in front of the right customers, you’d be wise to leverage a platform like Ad Pages Solutions.
Final Thoughts: If You’re Not Standing Out, You’re Blending In
At the end of the day, creating restaurant ads that actually bring in customers isn’t rocket science. It’s about being bold, knowing your audience, and showcasing your food in the best possible light. Get creative. Get personal. And for the love of food, get rid of the generic, snooze-worthy ads.
And don’t forget to track your results. If something’s working, keep doing it. If it’s not, pivot. There’s no shame in figuring out what works best for your restaurant, especially when it means attracting more customers and putting money in your pocket.
Get to work, and may the best ad win.
