When you only have 15 seconds, focus on your restaurant’s most popular dishes or unique items that set you apart. Are you known for your spicy ramen, gooey cinnamon rolls, or juicy burgers? Highlight the dishes that will make viewers stop scrolling and pay attention. For many viewers, visuals can be more convincing than words, so make those dishes look their best.

Start with a close-up of your signature dishes to capture every mouthwatering detail. Show that rich, creamy sauce dripping off pasta or a fork cutting into a perfectly cooked steak. If you’re filming a dessert, get a shot of it being sliced or a spoon digging in. This type of close-up adds a sense of indulgence and instantly appeals to viewers’ taste buds. Remember, your goal is to make them think, “I need to try this!” before the video ends.

Static shots are fine, but nothing brings food to life like movement. In a short video, a little action goes a long way to create excitement and energy. For example, you could start with a chef flipping a pancake, a bartender pouring a cocktail, or a server plating a colorful dish. These types of shots show that your restaurant is lively and engaging — a place where food isn’t just served; it’s crafted with care.

If you want to attract more diners in Edmonton, try including some behind-the-scenes glimpses of the kitchen. Show your chef stirring a steaming pot, a pizza sliding out of the oven, or the sizzle of a steak hitting the grill. These moments add a sense of authenticity and give viewers a peek into what goes on behind the scenes. Plus, movement captures attention and gives viewers a reason to keep watching until the very end.

With a short video, you don’t have time for a voiceover, and that’s where text overlays come in handy. Adding quick captions or labels to your video can make a huge difference in getting your message across. Use simple text to highlight what’s special about each dish — whether it’s “locally-sourced ingredients,” “spicy kick,” or “customer favorite.” These little details can be the tipping point that convinces someone to give your restaurant a try.

Text overlays also help you share important information without taking up precious seconds. If you’re promoting a special, you can add text like “Happy Hour 4-6 PM!” or “New Seasonal Menu.” Just be sure to keep it short and legible. Avoid cluttering the screen with too much information; instead, use large, clear fonts that stand out and are easy to read in just a quick glance.

Sound plays a big role in making videos memorable. Adding upbeat music can make a simple menu showcase feel fun and inviting, while slower, ambient music can add a sense of elegance. For a short video, choose a track that matches your restaurant’s vibe. If you’re a family-friendly spot, go for something lively and cheerful. For a romantic date night venue, soft, soothing tunes work well.

You can even mix in natural sounds for an extra layer of realism. The sizzle of a pan, the clinking of glasses, or the pop of a champagne bottle can add a multi-sensory feel to your video. Sound effects, even subtle ones, help viewers feel like they’re actually there, heightening their interest. Just make sure your sound complements the visuals without overpowering them.

Seeing happy people enjoying your food is one of the most persuasive ways to attract new diners. Include a few quick shots of smiling customers digging into their meals, clinking glasses, or chatting around a table. These glimpses of people having a good time create a warm, welcoming image of your restaurant and make potential diners feel like they’re missing out on a great experience.

Including happy diners also builds social proof. It shows that real people love your restaurant, which can be reassuring for new customers deciding where to eat. And because your video is only 15 seconds long, these shots don’t have to be long or complex. A few seconds of laughter or a big bite of food can be enough to convey a positive, inviting atmosphere.

Video marketing is all about creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different angles, lighting, and types of content to see what resonates with your audience. One week, you might focus on featuring your dishes up close, while another week, you could highlight your ambiance or team members. Every restaurant has a unique vibe, and it’s important to let yours shine through in your videos.

Also, keep an eye on engagement to see what’s working. Are your followers more responsive to food close-ups, action shots, or happy customer moments? By testing different styles, you’ll learn what best represents your restaurant and attracts more diners. And the best part? With short videos, it’s easy to try new ideas without investing too much time.

The kitchen is the heart of any restaurant, so why not give your audience a peek? Capture short, dynamic clips of your chefs chopping, grilling, or arranging beautiful plates. The sights and sounds of sizzling pans, the flash of a knife, or the quick plating of a dish can be captivating. These moments let diners see the precision and passion your team brings to each meal, and that creates real intrigue.

Try mixing in shots of different processes, like dough rising, sauces simmering, or vegetables being hand-selected. This lets people see that your food is made with quality ingredients and expert care. If your restaurant is known for a special dish, capture its preparation from start to finish. Show every step, from prepping ingredients to the final plating. For food lovers, it’s fascinating to watch — and it can be the nudge they need to come try it in person.

Behind-the-scenes content isn’t just about the food; it’s about the people who make it. Introducing your team in short, fun clips gives your restaurant a friendly, approachable vibe that diners love. You could create short videos where chefs, bartenders, or servers share their favorite dishes or drink recommendations. This not only puts a face to your restaurant but also builds trust with your audience. People are more likely to dine at a place where they feel connected to the team.

Your team can even share a bit about their background, their journey in the food industry, or what they love about working at your restaurant. For example, a chef might talk about the inspiration behind a popular dish, or a server might share their favorite part of the job. These moments make your restaurant feel more like a family, and diners love that sense of connection. Plus, if a new customer arrives and recognizes someone from your videos, they’ll feel instantly welcomed.

Every restaurant has its own unique culture and daily routines, and sharing these makes your brand more relatable. Capture little rituals that happen every day, like the morning coffee routine for staff, the daily fresh produce delivery, or the final cleanup at closing time. These behind-the-scenes moments create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that can make viewers feel like they’re already part of your world. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the environment and values that make your restaurant special.

Consider filming a short video showing your team’s pre-shift meeting, where the day’s specials are discussed, or when the chef gives a quick pep talk. Highlighting the camaraderie and teamwork that happens each day tells diners that your restaurant is a place where people care about what they do. If you have regular staff traditions, like “Taco Tuesday” lunches for the team or Friday post-shift toasts, share them! These little moments make your restaurant feel warm, welcoming, and full of personality.

Special events, whether a seasonal menu launch or a private catering gig, are perfect for behind-the-scenes content. Showing the preparation that goes into these events builds anticipation and excitement. Imagine filming your chef creating a limited-edition dish for a holiday menu or prepping for a big catering event. These special peeks create a sense of exclusivity that can make viewers want to see the finished product in person.

If you’re preparing for a busy night, consider a time-lapse video showing the setup from empty dining room to a bustling dinner service. This can be both visually interesting and a reminder of the high energy and fun vibe at your restaurant. Diners love to feel in the know about special happenings, and seeing how much effort goes into planning and execution makes them appreciate it even more.

When you source ingredients locally, why not show off your commitment to fresh, quality food and your support for local farmers? Filming trips to the farmers’ market or the arrival of fresh ingredients at your restaurant can create beautiful, organic content. Highlighting local partnerships shows your commitment to Edmonton’s community and provides a peek into the quality ingredients that go into your dishes.

If you partner with local suppliers or artisans, you could even give them a shout-out in your videos. This builds goodwill and shows viewers that your restaurant supports other local businesses. A quick interview with a supplier can be an interesting addition, too — like chatting with a local farmer about their produce or with a baker about the special bread they supply for your restaurant. It’s another way to build a stronger connection with your audience, showing them the journey of their food from farm to table.

Behind-the-scenes footage doesn’t always have to be serious! Light-hearted content can be just as impactful and entertaining for potential diners. Capture those candid, fun moments — like a chef’s reaction to a spicy dish or a bartender’s latest cocktail experiment. These playful moments help show that your restaurant is a fun place with people who genuinely enjoy their work. You could even film a mini kitchen “hack” session, where chefs share tips for recreating a simplified version of a popular dish at home.

You could even make it interactive by asking your audience what behind-the-scenes moments they’d like to see. Maybe they want to know the secret to your homemade pasta or the story behind your cocktail menu. Responding to these requests helps you engage directly with your audience and lets them feel like a valued part of your restaurant community.

The beauty of behind-the-scenes footage is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, a little imperfection can make it feel more genuine and relatable. Focus on keeping things real, rather than staging every shot. If the chef spills a little sauce or the server cracks a joke, capture it! These natural moments create a more authentic connection and help potential diners see the heart behind your business.

Social media followers appreciate seeing the real side of your restaurant, and this type of content has a way of humanizing your brand. Remember, you’re inviting people into your space, and letting them see the real personalities behind the food adds a powerful, personal touch. With these authentic glimpses, diners feel like they already know you, and they’re more likely to make your restaurant their next stop when deciding how to get more diners in Edmonton.

Every restaurant starts with a spark of inspiration — a passion for food, a family recipe, or a love for community. Your audience wants to know what that spark was for you. Why did you choose to open your restaurant? What drove you to share your recipes with the world? These are questions that can really resonate with potential diners, so consider filming a short video that explores your “why.”

You don’t need to produce a dramatic documentary; a simple video of you or your founders talking about what inspired the restaurant can work wonders. Maybe you’re a local chef with a strong Edmonton connection, or you grew up with a family recipe that everyone begged you to share. Talk about what makes your food special and why you’re passionate about serving it. Sharing these personal insights can make viewers feel like they’re part of your journey and build a sense of trust and loyalty.

A restaurant is nothing without the people who make it tick, and diners want to get to know those people too. By introducing your team in short, friendly videos, you add personality to your brand and create a sense of familiarity. Film your chefs, servers, or bartenders sharing what they love about working at your restaurant. You can even have team members share funny moments or special memories they’ve had on the job.

For example, your chef could talk about the love and care that goes into creating each dish, while your barista might share their favorite drink to make on a busy morning. These little snippets give potential diners a behind-the-scenes look at your team and highlight the friendly faces they’ll see when they walk in. Plus, viewers can connect with your team on a more personal level, making your restaurant feel like a warm, welcoming place to visit.

Every restaurant goes through ups and downs, and sharing those moments can make your story even more relatable. Consider creating a “journey” video that showcases your restaurant’s growth — from the early days of planning to reaching major milestones. Have you recently celebrated an anniversary, launched a new menu, or renovated your space? Highlighting these moments shows your commitment and dedication to your restaurant, and it gives customers a reason to celebrate with you.

For example, if you opened during a challenging time or overcame obstacles to build your restaurant, share that story. People love a tale of resilience, and it makes them feel invested in your success. Showing your journey lets your audience see that your restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a dream you’ve worked hard to achieve. When diners see your dedication, they’re more likely to become loyal patrons who want to be a part of your story.

If you’re looking to get more diners in Edmonton, showcasing your connection to the city is key. Show your followers that you’re more than just a business — you’re part of the Edmonton community. Are you using ingredients from local farmers, supporting nearby businesses, or giving back to the community in some way? Capture these connections on video, and let people know why Edmonton is an essential part of your restaurant’s story.

For example, if you source fresh produce from local farms or work with Edmonton-based suppliers, create a short video highlighting those partnerships. Show your team visiting the local market or talk about how important supporting local is to you. By emphasizing your community connections, you’re giving potential diners another reason to support you. It lets them see that dining at your restaurant means supporting the broader Edmonton community, which is a huge draw for many people.

Innovation is exciting for diners who want something new and interesting, and it’s a great way to bring people back for more. Use video to highlight how you’ve grown, adapted, or introduced fresh ideas to your restaurant. Maybe you’ve recently added vegan options, started a brunch menu, or revamped your outdoor seating. Showing off these changes demonstrates that your restaurant is always evolving, staying current, and listening to what your diners want.

You could create a video of your chef explaining new dishes or show your new outdoor space being set up for the summer season. These updates show that your restaurant is committed to offering an exciting experience and is always looking for ways to improve. People appreciate places that keep things fresh and interesting, and a little innovation can make a big difference in getting more diners through the door.

When telling your story, remember that videos don’t have to be overly formal or serious. Keep things light and fun to make your story approachable. Try capturing funny behind-the-scenes moments, bloopers, or team celebrations. Show that your restaurant is a lively place filled with people who enjoy what they do. This energy is contagious and makes viewers feel like they’re getting a true look at your restaurant’s personality.

For instance, show your team preparing for a busy night, goofing around, or sharing a laugh over a meal. These candid moments show that while you take your food and service seriously, you also know how to have fun. Diners want to visit a place that feels friendly and enjoyable, so letting your personality shine through is a great way to attract them.

Your story isn’t just about you — it’s about the people who have supported you along the way. Use video to invite your followers to be a part of your story. Consider filming a “thank you” video to your loyal customers, or ask regulars to share what they love about your restaurant. These moments make your audience feel valued, and they show that your restaurant truly cares about its customers.

You can even encourage customers to share their own stories by tagging your restaurant in their photos or videos. Reposting customer content or creating a “customer spotlight” video shows your appreciation and gives your restaurant’s story a sense of community. After all, a restaurant is nothing without its diners, and inviting them to be part of your journey can be incredibly rewarding.

Before jumping into collaborations, it’s essential to find content creators who truly align with your restaurant’s brand and values. Edmonton has a wide variety of bloggers, influencers, and food reviewers, and each one brings something unique to the table. Some focus on high-end dining experiences, while others cover casual eats, hidden gems, or vegan options. Take the time to explore their profiles, read their posts, and check out the type of audience they attract. You want to work with someone whose followers will genuinely be interested in trying your food.

Once you’ve found a few creators that match your vibe, reach out to them directly. Start by expressing genuine interest in their work, showing that you appreciate their style and voice. This approach makes your partnership feel more personal and lets them know that you see value in their unique perspective. Remember, content creators value authenticity just as much as you do, so it’s essential to build a relationship that feels genuine and mutually beneficial.

Collaborating with local creators is more than just asking them to snap a photo and tag your restaurant; it’s an opportunity to create memorable, engaging content that shows off what makes your place worth visiting. Think about offering experiences that will make the content stand out, like a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour, a tasting event, or a sneak peek at new menu items. These special touches give creators something exciting to share with their followers and make your restaurant look like a must-visit spot.

For example, invite a food blogger to create a “day in the life” video showing the preparation of your most popular dish, from fresh ingredients to the final plating. Or, host a small tasting event and invite a few local creators to try seasonal dishes or cocktails. These experiences are not only fun for the influencers but also bring a real sense of excitement and exclusivity to their content, drawing more viewers who want to experience it for themselves.

Short-form video platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok are ideal for restaurant content, especially when working with local influencers. These platforms make it easy for content creators to highlight your dishes in a quick, engaging format that viewers love. Plus, when creators share videos on these platforms, they’re able to reach audiences who might not yet follow your restaurant directly. By collaborating on a Reel or TikTok video, you get access to a larger, highly engaged audience who trusts the creator’s taste.

Ask creators to film the entire dining experience, from entering your restaurant to trying different menu items. For example, a short 15-second Reel of a food influencer trying your signature dish can create a big impact. These videos often feel more personal and fun, making viewers more likely to think, “I need to try that!” when they see your food on their feed. And because Reels and TikTok prioritize fresh, engaging content, this type of video can quickly reach a broad local audience looking for new places to dine.

One of the best aspects of working with local content creators is that they bring an authentic voice to the table. Their followers trust their honest opinions, so a genuine review or testimonial can carry a lot of weight. Encourage creators to share their honest experiences at your restaurant rather than scripting the content for them. If they genuinely love the atmosphere, food, or service, their excitement will come through naturally in their content.

For example, an influencer might say, “I had the best lasagna at this cozy spot in Edmonton last night — highly recommend!” These types of comments feel more authentic than scripted endorsements and have a way of making viewers feel like they’re getting a recommendation from a friend. Authentic reviews resonate with potential diners and increase the likelihood that they’ll come to check out your restaurant themselves.

When working with influencers, you’re not just creating temporary hype; you’re building a collection of valuable content that you can use to promote your restaurant. User-generated content, like photos and videos from influencers, is an excellent resource for your own social media channels. With permission, you can repost this content, which adds credibility to your own posts and shows off a variety of perspectives.

For example, if a popular local foodie posts a picture of your dessert, reposting it on your account can attract their followers and showcase your restaurant from another angle. Seeing a trusted influencer’s post on your page can be the push that a hesitant diner needs to finally give your restaurant a try. User-generated content is also highly engaging because it’s authentic and varied, adding a refreshing twist to your feed.

One of the most exciting ways to collaborate with content creators is by hosting exclusive events that are designed for social sharing. Consider hosting an invite-only tasting event or a chef’s table experience for a small group of local influencers. These events allow them to interact with your food in a unique setting, and they’ll likely share their experience in real-time, creating a wave of exposure for your restaurant.

To make the event even more engaging, you could set up a photo-friendly space with good lighting or unique decor to encourage them to capture great shots. You could also give them sneak peeks of upcoming menu items or seasonal dishes, making them the first to share these exclusive details with their followers. Exclusive events not only create buzz but also give potential diners a sense of what they’re missing out on, sparking curiosity and desire to visit your restaurant.

Collaborating with local influencers is more than a one-time strategy; it’s about building lasting relationships that can benefit your restaurant over time. After a collaboration, take note of the results. Did you see an increase in followers, engagement, or foot traffic? Were there certain types of posts that got more attention? Use these insights to plan future collaborations that will resonate even more with your audience.

Building long-term partnerships with influencers helps you keep your restaurant top of mind for their followers. When influencers mention your restaurant multiple times over weeks or months, it reinforces that it’s a go-to spot. Long-term relationships are mutually beneficial because the influencer gets consistent, quality content, and you get ongoing exposure. These collaborations can keep your restaurant relevant in the local dining scene, helping you continue to get more diners in Edmonton.