Numerous businesses today are using social media tools as a form of advertisement because they know the reach it has. Restaurants can use social media to drive traffic to their restaurant website, announce new events, post recipes, hold contests, promote discounts and daily specials, and even give tours of the kitchen and facilities.

It's not a secret - mobile usage is currently growing exponentially, especially given the rapid sale of mobile smart phones.  Along with this has come new marketing and advertising mechanisms for mobile engagement, including mobile coupons, short code marketing and QR codes.

As one of the "fastest growing social services in the world Pinterest cannot be ignored as a great source of marketing for your restaurant.

A collection of tips to successfully use Pinterest to market your restaurant.

You may want to think twice before you send that work-related text message.

For restaurants that do a lot of catering, online ordering can be a boon.

Mobile marketing is the use of cell phones to promote your restaurant. The use of mobile marketing is still a developing service, but is gaining popularity, especially as cell phone providers generally offer unlimited text messaging in mobile phone plans now. So what are some good marketing strategies and tips that you can use to promote your restaurant?

QR codes, or quick response codes, are digital two-dimensional symbols that customers are able to scan using their mobile smart phone and gain access to specific content online for free. Restaurants use QR codes to offer discounts and special offers, share exclusive content, get instant feedback, and make it simple for individuals to join the email list.

Five quick thoughts on an email newsletter that recently came in.  A very nice example to emulate for your restaurant's next email newsletter issue.