If you're a restaurant or food business owner looking to get noticed online, you've likely heard the term SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). But did you know that there are two main types of SEO; Paid SEO and Organic SEO? Understanding the difference between them can help you know how to use both in your digital strategy to boost your website's visibility and attract more footfall.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at…
Put simply, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It’s the process of improving your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results (like Google and Bing) when people search for things related to your food business.
For example, if you run a start up street food business in Coventry, you want your website to rank high when someone searches for “street food Coventry” or “food truck Coventry”. Optimising your website for SEO uses techniques on your website and off your website to help improve this ranking.
Organic SEO refers to the natural ways your website can rank higher on search engines for key phrases (eg; "best restaurants in Birmingham" without the need for an advertising media budget. It’s all about improving your website so that it earns its place in search results without paying for ads. It's worth noting that, organic results typically appear below the paid advertising in search engines.
Top key factors that help your website rank for organic SEO include:
Organic SEO is a long term strategy that focuses on building sustainable online visibility for your food business, which helps you understand why SEO is important.
Paid SEO, on the other hand, involves investing media spend in advertising to compete with other websites at the top of search engines. These are typically labelled as “sponsored” or “ad” on search engines. And paid SEO works on a cost per click (CPC) basis.
For example, if you run a fish and chips shop in Coventry, you could pay to ensure your website appears when someone searches for “best fish and chips Coventry” or “traditional fish and chips takeaway”. Paid SEO allows you to quickly reach potential customers who are actively searching for classic British meals like the ones you serve. The higher you bid and allocate budget the better chance you have of showing over your competitors.
Top key factors that help your website rank for paid SEO include:
Paid SEO is a great way to drive quick traffic to your website, especially during promotions or busy seasons.
It’s worth noting that an optimal digital marketing strategy typically incorporates both paid and organic search tactics. So whilst it’s helpful to look at paid SEO vs organic SEO, both forms of SEO are equally as important in your strategy.
For restaurant and food business owners, combining paid and organic SEO offers the best of both worlds:
At Eat Marketing, we understand the unique challenges of food businesses. Our team can create a tailored SEO strategy that blends both paid and organic SEO to get the best results for your business. Here’s how we can help…
SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the differences between paid vs organic SEO and leveraging both, we’ll help create a balanced strategy that drives more customers to your food business website.
Want to grow your online presence? Contact us today.
The marketing world is ever-evolving, and keeping pace with the latest food and drink trends can feel like a full-time job. In 2024, food marketing was shaped by technological innovations, sustainability, and the ever-expanding power of social media. As we move into 2025, the stakes are even higher for food businesses aiming to stay ahead of the curve.
To help you satisfy your customers’ appetites and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace, here are 6 food marketing trends for 2025.
TikTok remains a game changer in the food and drink space. By 2025, the platform’s ability to drive consumer behaviour and influence global sales has solidified its role as an essential marketing tool. With over 37 billion views on #FoodTok alone, TikTok trends such as “#TikTokMadeMeTryIt” continue to turn food products into overnight sensations.
If you’re not yet on TikTok, 2025 is the year to create that account and start posting. Here’s a few tips on how to crack this 2025 marketing trend…
We mentioned this at the start of 2024, and it seems that social media’s importance and evolution within the food marketing industry is still something that should be capitalised on in 2025. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are go-to destinations for customer queries, brand research, and even shopping. Features such as AI-powered chatbots, live shopping events, and direct messaging for support are transforming how consumers interact with brands.
A responsive and cohesive social presence in 2025 will be crucial for building trust and keeping customers engaged, in order to make the most of this 2025 food marketing trend.
In 2024, minimalism and sustainability dominated food packaging trends. For 2025, the bar has been raised with the introduction of compostable, reusable, and even edible packaging. Designs are expected to feature clean lines, ample negative space, and earthy tones that highlight a food brand’s commitment to eco-conscious values.
Pairing minimalist designs with stylised illustrations or bold pops of colour can help products capture attention, while reinforcing your modern, sustainable ethos that consumers care about more and more.
This also goes hand in hand with the idea around functional and reusable packaging design. We predict that more food businesses will be moving towards packaging that can be reused or repurposed by customers, such as jars that double as storage containers or boxes designed for secondary use. This approach not only reduces waste but also creates added value for customers, making your product stand out in a crowded market.
QR codes have become a staple in dining, but 2025 marketing trends show a deeper integration with AR technology. Interactive menus that provide 3D views of dishes, highlight nutritional information, or showcase ingredient sourcing are on the rise.
Restaurants that embrace these innovations will appeal to Gen Z diners, who are seeking more personalised and tech-driven experiences.
Striking visuals are essential for grabbing attention, and in 2025, bold typography combined with dynamic graphics will dominate food packaging and general brand design. From sharp, clean fonts to playful handwritten scripts, expressive typography helps communicate key product details while showcasing your brand identity.
Trend 6: Emphasis on health and wellness 
Health-conscious consumers are more discerning than ever, and 2025 marketing trends highlight the need for packaging that emphasises well-being. Clear labelling, natural ingredients, and functional benefits will remain key drivers in categories like plant-based foods, functional beverages, and fresh produce.
Showcasing your commitment to health and wellness through thoughtful design and messaging will resonate with an audience eager to make better lifestyle choices.
Want to know more about how to integrate these trends into your food brand strategy for 2025? Get in touch with us today.
Now we’re over halfway through the first month of 2025, we’re all gearing up for another year of innovation and change within the food industry. Understanding these changes can help restaurant owners stay ahead of the curve and meet customer demands.
Join us as we explore a variety of restaurant trends for 2025 that are set to shape the restaurant industry this year, from aesthetics to the ingredients that will be trending. Trends include…
Over the years, we’ve seen that diners are becoming increasingly more drawn to intimate, personalised dining experiences, and in 2025, smaller, bespoke, nostalgic restaurants will rise in popularity.
Michael Vignola, Culinary Director of Catch Hospitality Group, shares his thoughts on this restaurant trend for 2025; “Smaller, bespoke and nostalgic restaurants will become increasingly popular. These kinds of
Exotic ingredients like truffles and mushrooms will continue to shine in 2025. Patrick Ochs, Executive Chef for INK Entertainment, notes; “Truffles and exotic mushrooms are highly sought-after ingredients… elevating many gourmet dishes to a luxurious experience.”
Simplicity will also be key, with garden-fresh produce like vegetables and fruits taking centre stage, with more and more diners restaurants focusing on minimal preparation to highlight natural flavours.
Sustainability will remain at the forefront, with diners seeking ethically sourced, local produce. From reducing food waste to using sustainable packaging, restaurants will need to meet customer demand for eco-friendly practices. Thoughtful sourcing and reducing meat consumption in favour of plant-based dishes will also be a key restaurant trend for 2025.
The decline in British farming, partly due to the inheritance relief tax reform, is pushing chefs to partner directly with farmers. The National Farmers’ Union reports that UK farmers have seen their income drop by over 20% in the past decade. In response, chefs are focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
In 2025, chefs will have to be much more proactive in helping farmers keep producing food that’s ethically sourced.
Technology will continue to evolve in the restaurant world. Contactless payment systems, digital menus, and AI-driven reservations will become more commonplace, enhancing the dining experience.
Luxury mixed with accessibility aesthetic is taking over the restaurant high street. Brands like Flat Iron, which has seen 20% projected growth over the next two years, are leading this trend.
The “casual-luxe” style is redefining dining, offering customers a comfortable, yet stylish, atmosphere at an affordable price.
Smashed patties are taking the UK by storm. The trend, known for its crispy, flavour-packed texture, is now a favourite in many burger joints. As consumer demand for high quality fast food grows, smashed pa
Ghost kitchens, or virtual kitchens, are transforming the food delivery market. These kitchen-only operations focus on online orders, reducing overhead costs associated with physical spaces.
The global ghost kitchen market is expected to grow 12.5% annually over the next five years. Ghost kitchens allow businesses to reach a wider customer base while cutting down on real estate costs, making them a key restaurant trend for 2025.
Restaurants this year will focus more on being community hubs. By engaging with local events and suppliers, restaurants can build strong ties with their customers.
One of our clients, Larder, an independent casual finding restaurant, for example, works closely with local suppliers and butchers, creating dishes that showcase regional produce. Having recently launched their showstopper dish ‘Craftman’s Cut”, which aims to celebrate their relationship with their local butchers.
Trend 10: Themed dining experiences
Themed dining is transforming the UK restaurant scene, offering guests more than just a meal, it’s about creating shareable experiences. From live jazz nights, tropical tiki bars to musical bottomless brunch, such as Taylor Swift themed events, these stand out food experiences have exploded in popularity, combining lively entertainment with food and endless drinks.
Similarly, themed afternoon teas, whether it’s Alice in Wonderland or Bridgerton-inspired, are delighting diners with creative menus and decor. These experiences are highly Instagrammable and have become a hit on TikTok, so expect to see even more of them throughout the year.
By pairing food with music or elaborate themes, restaurants are tapping into the growing demand for fun, interactive, and social media-ready dining moments.
2025 is set to be an exciting year for the restaurant industry, with trends focusing on nostalgia, simplicity, sustainable sourcing, and innovation. By embracing these shifts, whether in your menu, ingredients, or customer experience, you can stay ahead of the competition and deliver what diners are looking for to secure those all important table bookings.
So, you’re a startup that wants to spread the word about your brand’s unique selling points (USPs), but you’re not sure how to go about it? Sounds like you need to implement a food product marketing strategy that will educate your consumers, whilst satisfying their cravings.
From interactive social content, influencer marketing, to captivating storytelling and digital campaigns, join us as we take a look at the food product marketing strategies that will actually work for you.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, when it comes to your startup food brand, social media is your gateway to connect directly with your audience. Through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, you can humanise your brand and showcase all the best bits about your business, without it feeling too much like a hard sell.
How can I implement this food product marketing strategy?
What customer doesn’t like a brand that goes the extra mile to create memorable experiences? It’s a great way to get people talking and will have them coming back for seconds and thirds.
How can I implement this food product marketing strategy?
Although often a secondary touchpoint, your website still matters and there’s some great ways to educate consumers about your brand when they land on your website.
How can I implement this food product marketing strategy?
Educational campaigns offer valuable opportunities to engage your audience, and the whole purpose of having a food product marketing strategy is to educate consumers about the benefits and unique features of your products.
How can I implement this food product marketing strategy?
Ready to elevate your brand's food marketing? Get in touch with us for access to our latest insight guide to help your food start up business implement these food product marketing strategies, and see real results.
In the competitive world of the food industry, effective marketing is the key ingredient for success. Join us as we explore 7 ways to enhance your food marketing strategy and look at why is food marketing important when it comes to your business getting the results you deserve.
Simply put, if you don't market your food business, people won't know about it, and you won't sell anything. Food marketing gives you the power to influence people's food choices, enhance brand recognition, gain a competitive edge, foster customer loyalty, and boost sales.
Essentially, food marketing shines a spotlight on your brand, creating not just awareness, but a compelling narrative that resonates with consumers. In a world where there are plenty of food options, a well-crafted marketing strategy can elevate your brand from the ordinary to the extraordinary, ensuring that your food or drinks are not just consumed, but remembered.
Your brand is more than just a logo; it’s all about your brand’s story and using it to engage with people. Yes, it's important to get across what you offer, but people want to know the values and passion behind your food. This is also an opportunity to shout about some of your most standout values, like sustainability. So, why is food marketing important in this instance? Well, it’s a golden opportunity to naturally highlight your USPs, connect with your audience and stand out in a crowded market.
Another great way to improve your food marketing is to welcome the influence of social media. As of 2023, there are 4.95 billion people actively using social media in the world. This will help you establish a direct connection with your audience, which is why food marketing is important. From developing high-quality photography and content, engaging with customers who reach out, to forming partnerships with influencers to broaden your reach, social media is your best friend when it comes to reaping the benefits of food marketing.
We've all been there, scrolling through food options on our mobile phones before deciding where to dine or placing an online order. Given that mobile devices account for a whopping 60% of all digital restaurant orders today, it's essential that you streamline the process for your customers, making it as easy as possible for them to order from your website, learn more about your brand or just browse the menu.
To achieve this, ensure your website is responsive, reflective of your brand in terms of tone of voice and design, and easy to navigate on mobile screens. You’ll not only enhance the user experience, but also cater to the increasing trend of mobile-based interactions in the food industry.
It’s all well and good having great online content, but to truly catapult your food business into the digital limelight, it’s important for you to align your content to a strong SEO strategy. SEO is the secret sauce that ensures your online brand, including your website and social channels, attracts a steady stream of organic traffic.
By incorporating relevant keywords, optimising meta tags, and enhancing the overall structure of your website, you pave the way for improved search engine rankings. This provides your brand with heightened visibility, making it easier for potential customers to discover your delicious offerings and stand out in the digital landscape.
What’s the best way to create a sense of urgency and encourage potential customers to try your food sooner rather than later? Limited-time exclusive promotions and discounts. You can align these promotions with seasonal events or even the launch of a new tasty menu item to maximise impact. This is where leveraging your online presence will help too, from social media, your website to email marketing, broadcast these exclusive offers in as many places as you can online to effectively engage with your audience, new and old.
By generating an organic online buzz around your business deals, you’ll not only boost interest, but also foster a sense of loyalty amongst your customers who want to sink their teeth into your mouth watering offers.
When it comes to food marketing, well-designed packaging goes beyond merely standing out; it serves as a silent ambassador for your brand, enticing potential customers, expanding your reach and leaving a lasting impression. Visually appealing packaging not only catches the eye, but also gets across the essence of your brand and the quality of your culinary offerings.
When asking why is food marketing important, it helps to understand that things like well-designed packaging is the first point of contact between your product and the consumer, influencing purchasing decisions on a subconscious level and helping you set the stage for a positive consumer experience.
Immerse your brand in the local culinary scene by actively participating in food events and festivals. Beyond boosting visibility, these engagements create a personal connection with your community and help to foster authenticity and trust in a live setting, allowing potential customers to experience the passion behind your food.
These events are also perfect for gathering feedback and building rapport contributing to long-term sustainability, and encouraging word-of-mouth marketing. It’s important you take these types of opportunities to connect with your audience beyond the digital realm.
In the fiercely competitive food industry, the key ingredient for success lies in effective food marketing. Having looked at why food marketing is important, all that’s left to ask is whether you’re ready to take your food marketing to the next level and achieve tasty results.
Get in touch with us today to start the ball rolling.
Nowadays, cooking a meal at the end of a busy day is something we’d all rather avoid. Longer hours and lengthier commutes means we often just want a quick, microwaveable meal before heading to bed. Well, to help you get back into the swing of healthier eating, without using up too much of your time, we’ve put together a list of our top 7 food hacks. From those we use in the Eat Marketing office, to the ones we use when we’re chilling out back home, there’s a hack for every occasion.
Frozen grapes
So, you’ve just got in from work and really fancy a glass of chilled white wine. Instead of diving into your freezer for ice cubes, think ahead and freeze grapes. Along with keeping your wine cold, they won’t water down the flavour.
Quick veggies
Looking to eat more veggies, but can’t be bothered to wait around for them to boil? Invest in some microwaveable bags. To cook your greens in good time, simply prep and place them into the bags, add a tablespoon of water and microwave for around 3 minutes. Ta da - a healthy dinner in less than 5.
Keep ice cream soft
Ever nearly snapped a spoon whilst trying to dig into your favourite ice cream? Well, we’ve got a great tip to keep your ice cream soft serve every time - just place the container into a bag whilst in your freezer! You can thank us later…
The perfect steak
Cooking steak, but don’t want to under or over fry it? Simply use the finger and thumb test, where you start by pinching your thumb and little finger together, and gradually change fingers. With your little finger, feel your thumb’s muscle, this should be tough, just like a well-done steak. Alternatively, your index finger and thumb together will feel soft, just like a blue steak. See, easy!
Oxo Cube trick
Whether you’re in the mood for a spagbol, or fancy jazzing up your Sunday roast gravy, Oxo Cubes are a go-to ingredient. To save yourself the hassle of getting crumbled-up Oxo powder everywhere, simply gently unfold the corner of the cube, until it looks like a small foil bag. Once that’s been done, gently crush the cube inside the foil, and tear when ready to sprinkle over your meal. No mess, no fuss!
No over boiling
If you’re as busy as us, when it comes to boiling pasta you often don’t have the extra 10 minutes to sit and monitor the stove. To save you the worry of your pan over boiling, simply place a wooden spoon across the top. This will keep your water simmering, and leave you with the time you need for life admin (or chilling out in front of the TV).
Ring pulls
Ever wondered why the ring pull on your fizzy drink can has a hole in it? Well, here’s a handy little hack - the ring pull (when turned around) is designed to keep your drinking straw in place. So, next time you’re on the go remember our ring pull trick to help keep things in place.
Prepped and ready to go?
We hope these nifty hacks have you got you inspired to be more creative in the kitchen. To read more articles on food and the culinary industry, be sure to check out the rest of our website.
