Restaurant Giveaways: How to Run Them Without Attracting Only Prize Hunters

Restaurant giveaways can create reach quickly, but reach is not the same thing as useful attention.

Start with the business goal

Possible objectives include introducing a new venue, growing awareness in a suburb, launching a menu, building a consented database, supporting an event or creating a partnership.

Make the prize relevant

Dinner for two, a chef's menu, event tickets or a collaborative local experience are more likely to attract potential customers than an unrelated generic prize.

Keep entry simple

Every extra requirement creates friction. Ask only for actions that serve a purpose.

Write clear terms

Promotions can be subject to Australian Consumer Law and state or territory requirements. State eligibility, dates, prize, entry method, winner selection, notification and important conditions, and check the relevant jurisdiction.

Do not make misleading claims

ACCC guidance requires advertising claims to be true and accurate. Explain material prize conditions and avoid false urgency.

Use partnerships to improve audience quality

A complementary local business or relevant creator can introduce the venue to another useful audience. Commercial creator relationships should be clear.

Plan what happens afterwards

Continue the venue story after the winner is announced rather than allowing the campaign to end with a single congratulatory post.

Measure more than follower growth

Look at relevant local followers, profile visits, website traffic, consented database growth, bookings and enquiries.