Your customers aren’t just dining, they’re documenting, sharing and recommending. And those organic moments of word-of-mouth are still, without question, the most powerful way to build genuine hype around your venue. Here’s why your best customers are already talking - and how you can join the conversation.
Word-of-Mouth 2.0
Gone are the days when word-of-mouth meant a passing recommendation over drinks. Today, it’s happening online; on apps, chats, and social media. A mate’s enthusiastic ‘you have to try this place’ carries more weight than any algorithm ever could.
And it’s not just about big influencers. It’s about your everyday diners - your regulars, your loyal followers, and the ones who stumble in on a Tuesday and leave obsessed.
When people discover a great spot, they want to tell people about it. The trick is giving them a place to share it.
Your Customers = Your Community
The restaurants thriving right now aren’t just serving good food; they’re good at connecting. The smartest venues know their customers aren’t just covers - they’re content creators, reviewers, and community builders.
By actively encouraging your customers to share their experiences, you tap into authentic, hyper-local word-of-mouth. From exclusive specials to secret menu Drops - those little moments of surprise turn into stories people can’t wait to tell. And the best bit? Appetite makes it ridiculously easy for people to discover, save and share your spot. Every saved spot, review and shared rec adds to your restaurant's reputation within the community.
Join The Conversation
Your best customers are already talking. So, how do you join?
- Create shareable moments: Whether it’s a showstopper dessert or a personalised experience, give people something to talk about
- Encourage saves and reviews: A simple QR code linking to your Appetite profile makes it easy for guests to save your spot and share with friends
- Reward loyalty, not just reach: Spotlight your regulars and superfans - they’ll do more for your brand than any one-off influencer campaign
- Use Appetite Drops to stay top of mind: Keep your name circulating with time-sensitive offers and specials built for sharing (at the table, and online!)
The future of restaurant marketing isn’t about shouting the loudest, it’s about being the spot people genuinely want to recommend. Build your community, give them reasons to talk, and watch word-of-mouth do what paid ads can’t.
