The Digital Channels Orange County Restaurants Should Be Using
Orange County is packed with incredible dining options; from trendy Costa Mesa restaurants to taco trucks in Santa Ana, to waterfront dining in Newport Beach. With so many choices, how do you make sure your restaurant stands out? The answer: using the right digital channels to connect with locals and visitors.
Here’s where every Orange County restaurant should focus their online presence.
1. Instagram & TikTok: The OC Hot Spots Feed
Orange County is highly visual. Diners love discovering the next Instagrammable brunch in Laguna Beach or a late-night taco in Huntington. Instagram and TikTok are must-have platforms for showing off your menu and atmosphere.
Post reels of your chef plating that perfect dish.
Showcase behind-the-scenes from a busy night in Costa Mesa.
Partner with local foodies and influencers who highlight OC’s hidden gems.
2. Google Business Profile: “Restaurants Near Me” in the OC
Whether it’s tourists in Disneyland or locals looking for a brunch spot in CDM, Google searches drive a massive share of restaurant decisions.
Keep your hours accurate (especially important in areas like Newport or Laguna where tourists rely on Google).
Post mouthwatering photos of your most popular dishes.
Respond quickly to reviews to show that you care about your guests.
3. Online Ordering & Delivery
Orange County has a mix of locals who prefer quick pick-up and tourists who use delivery apps. Make sure you cover both:
Partner with DoorDash, Postmates, and Uber Eats (all heavily used in OC).
Set up direct ordering on your website to save on third-party fees and build loyalty.
Offer special perks for locals who pick up in person. Great for areas with heavy commuter traffic like Irvine and Tustin.
4. Email Marketing: Stay Connected With Locals
Email is a powerful way to keep regulars coming back. Orange County has a strong sense of community. Think of your list as your VIP club.
Send out weekly specials (like Taco Tuesday in Santa Ana or Wine Wednesday in Newport).
Spotlight seasonal menus or local event tie-ins (e.g., tie in promotions with the OC Fair).
Reward subscribers with exclusive perks.
5. SMS Marketing for Last-Minute Promos
OC diners are spontaneous, and texting is a great way to catch them in the moment.
Send lunch specials to nearby office workers in Irvine.
Share happy hour reminders with Costa Mesa locals.
Use texts sparingly so they feel like insider perks, not spam.
6. Review Sites & Reputation
Yelp is king in Southern California, especially for tourists planning their stops. OpenTable and TripAdvisor also influence decisions, especially near Anaheim/Disneyland.
Thank reviewers and address issues quickly.
Highlight positive Yelp reviews on Instagram Stories to build credibility.
Encourage locals to leave reviews. Word-of-mouth is still huge in OC.
7. A Strong Website
Your website is your digital hub. Orange County diners are tech-savvy and expect a smooth online experience.
Make it mobile-friendly for people searching while driving down PCH.
Highlight menus, hours, and reservations front and center.
Add an “Events” or “Live Music” page if your spot hosts entertainment.
8. Paid Ads to Stand Out in a Crowded Market
Competition is steep in OC, especially in areas like Costa Mesa’s food scene or South Coast Plaza’s fine dining. Paid ads can give you an edge.
Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram): Target locals within 5–10 miles of your location.
Google Ads: Capture searches like “best sushi near Newport Beach.”
TikTok Ads: Great for reaching younger crowds in cities like Fullerton and Santa Ana.
Final Thoughts
Orange County is diverse, fast-paced, and competitive when it comes to food. Locals are loyal once you win them over, and tourists are always looking for the next must-try spot. By focusing on social media, Google, reviews, and a strong website, while layering in email, SMS, and ads, you’ll not only get discovered but also keep customers coming back.
In Orange County, your digital presence is just as important as your menu. Make sure it’s as fresh and engaging as the food you serve.