How to Use Social Media and Memes for Free to Promote Your Food and Drink Business

Whether you're running a cosy bakery, a stylish café, or a charming small hotel, social media is one of the most powerful tools you can use to promote your food and drink business, and best of all, it’s free. 

In an era where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, memes and creative content can help you stand out from the crowd, connect with your audience, and boost your brand visibility.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose the Right Platforms for Your Brand

Not all social media platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to food and drink. Focus on the ones where your ideal customers spend the most time.

Instagram: Perfect for showcasing beautiful food photography, daily specials, behind-the-scenes shots, and Reels.

Facebook: Great for connecting with local communities, sharing events, and posting menus.

TikTok: Ideal for short, snappy videos, kitchen hacks, or funny hospitality moments.

X (formerly Twitter): Useful for witty banter, trending memes, and quick customer interactions.

Pinterest: Excellent for recipe content, party planning ideas, and seasonal inspiration.

YouTube: Long or short videos

2. Use Memes to Build a Relatable Brand Voice

Memes are one of the internet’s favourite languages. They’re fun, shareable, and great for showing off your personality. Whether it’s a trending format or a food-related pun, memes can help humanise your brand and make you more relatable.

Tips for meme success:

Keep it on-brand: Use humour that aligns with your business values and target customers.

Stay timely: Jump on popular formats and trends (like Barbie, "No one: Absolutely no one:", or AI jokes) while they’re still fresh.

Use free tools: Canva, Imgflip, or Meme Generator allow you to create memes in minutes.

Example:

A bakery meme during exam season:

"Me: I’m going to be healthy this week. Also me: Buys six brownies to cope with stress."

📸 Include a shot of your brownies and a cheeky caption: “We’re here for emotional support. Always.”

3. Showcase Your Day-to-Day with Authentic Content

Customers love to see the people behind the food. Use Stories, Reels or TikToks to show:

How your croissants are made

The staff prepping for a busy breakfast

New cocktail recipes being tested

Guests enjoying a Sunday roast

Keep it real and fun, you don’t need polished video production. A bit of humour, a happy tune, and a peek behind the curtain go a long way.

4. Ride the Trends. But Put a Foodie Spin on It

Jumping on trends is a free way to boost visibility. Monitor trending hashtags and challenges and think about how they could apply to your business.

Dance challenges → Your bar staff making cocktails in rhythm

Voiceover trends → A dramatised take on your daily delivery arriving late

Seasonal trends → Pumpkin spice everything? Share your version with a wink.

Tools like TikTok’s “Discover” tab or Instagram’s “Explore” section are great for spotting what’s hot.

5. Encourage and Repost User-Generated Content

Happy customers often post about their meals. Encourage them to tag your business and then reshare their posts (with permission). It’s free publicity and adds authenticity.

Offer a small incentive: “Tag us in your post and you might win a free coffee.”

Create a hashtag for your brand: e.g., #BrewedAtTheBay or #StickyToffeeSnaps

6. Schedule and Plan for Consistency

Using social media doesn’t have to take up your whole day. Free scheduling tools like Meta Business Suite or Buffer allow you to plan your content in advance. Aim for a mix of:

Product photos

Behind-the-scenes

Customer reviews

Humorous memes

Local collaborations or events

7. Join Local Conversations

Don’t underestimate the power of your local community online. Join local Facebook groups, tag other local businesses, and comment on posts where appropriate. Memes that tap into shared local experiences (“that moment when the seagull steals your chips on the promenade”) are great for engagement. But be careful not to hijack conversations as that never ends well. 

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a marketing agency or a massive budget to get people talking about your food and drink business. All it takes is consistency, creativity, and a willingness to have a bit of fun. Memes and social media let you tell your story, share your values, and build relationships with customers – one funny post or delicious photo at a time.

So go ahead – bake it ‘til you make it. 

The meme image illustrating this blogpost was created by me using https://imgflip.com/memegenerator

That’s Food and Drink and That’s Christmas Are Looking for Sponsors That Fit Into the Ethos of Our Blogs

At That’s Food and Drink and That’s Christmas, we’re passionate about sharing the stories, flavours, and experiences that bring people together – whether around the table for a delicious meal or beside a twinkling tree with mulled wine in hand. 

Our blogs celebrate seasonal living, British food and drink culture, and festive joy all year round.

As we continue to grow our readership and expand our content, we’re now inviting brand sponsors and collaborators who share our values and our audience’s interests.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking partnerships with brands, producers, and organisations that:

Champion quality – whether it’s gourmet treats, lovingly crafted beverages, artisanal gifts, or thoughtful food innovations.

Support British producers and small businesses – from farm shops to festive markets, regional delicacies to family-owned distilleries.

Embrace the festive spirit – sustainable Christmas products, unique decorations, heartwarming traditions, or anything that brings extra sparkle to the season.

Align with our ethos – community-minded, joyful, inclusive, and always flavourful.

Why Partner With Us?

Our blogs are growing communities where readers come for inspiration, honest recommendations, and seasonal cheer. Here’s what we offer to sponsors:

Engaging, SEO-optimised sponsored content that reflects your brand voice.

Authentic reviews and features that resonate with our loyal readers.

Creative campaigns – from recipe collaborations and giveaways to festive roundups and social media spotlights.

Year-round visibility for Christmas-focused brands on That’s Christmas, and continuous seasonal lifestyle coverage on That’s Food and Drink.

Let’s Make Magic Together

We’re especially keen to hear from:

Food and drink producers

Kitchenware and cookware brands

Event organisers and venues

Christmas crafters, designers and makers

Ethical and sustainable brands

Regional tourism boards and heritage venues

Publishers of cookbooks and festive titles

Whether you’re planning ahead for the festive rush or want to get your summer launch in front of enthusiastic home cooks, party planners and food lovers – we’d love to chat.

Get in Touch

To learn more please email us at: afj_uk@yahoo.com

Together, let’s create something truly special for our readers.

How to Promote Your Eating Place on a Budget: Clever & Cost-Effective Ideas

Running a café, restaurant, or takeaway can be immensely rewarding, but marketing often feels like a luxury reserved for businesses with deep pockets. 

The good news? You don’t need a big budget to get your eating place noticed. 

With some creativity, consistency, and local know-how, you can generate buzz without burning through your savings.

Here’s how to promote your food business as cheaply as possible—while still getting real results.

1. Leverage Social Media—Properly

Social media is free to use and incredibly powerful if done right. Focus on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where food visuals thrive.

Post high-quality photos of your dishes (natural lighting works wonders).

Share behind-the-scenes content—chef prepping, daily specials being made, or funny kitchen moments.

Use relevant hashtags (#FoodieUK, #LondonEats, #HiddenGems) and geotags.

Run giveaways (e.g. “Tag a mate for a chance to win lunch for two!”).

Pro Tip: Post consistently. Even three times a week can build engagement.

2. Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile

If people can’t find you online, they won’t visit. Claim your free Google Business Profile and make sure all the details—opening hours, location, menu, photos—are up to date.

Encourage happy customers to leave a review, as strong ratings help your listing appear in local searches (especially “restaurants near me”).

3. Partner with Local Influencers or Bloggers

No need to aim for massive influencers. Micro-influencers (1k–10k followers) in your area often have a more loyal, engaged audience.

Offer them a free meal or sample in exchange for a post or honest review. Look for food bloggers or local lifestyle content creators—you’ll often find them by searching hashtags or location tags on Instagram or TikTok.

4. Offer Referral Incentives

Word-of-mouth is powerful—and free. Give your regulars a reason to bring others.

Example ideas:

“Bring a friend and get 10% off your next visit.”

“Refer a mate, get a free dessert.”

Simple, trackable, and effective.

5. Join Local Facebook Groups and Forums

Local community groups (e.g., town-specific Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or local forums) are excellent places to build awareness.

Be genuinely helpful—don’t just spam adverts. Share special offers, promote local events you're part of, or answer questions about places to eat in the area.

6. Collaborate with Other Small Businesses

Is there a local brewery, coffee roaster, or farm shop nearby? Cross-promote each other’s products or create a joint offer.

Example:

“Enjoy a slice of our homemade cake with locally roasted coffee from Smith & Sons Roasters—only £5 this week.”

You tap into each other’s audiences without spending extra.

7. Host Low-Cost Events or Pop-Ups

Even on a small scale, events get people talking. Think:

Live acoustic music nights

Board game evenings

Local artist pop-ups

Tasting nights or “secret menu” days

These give people a reason to visit—and share the experience on social media.

8. Create a Loyalty Card or Email List

Encourage repeat visits with a simple stamp card or digital loyalty scheme.

Also, collect email addresses (with permission!) and send out monthly updates featuring offers, seasonal menus, or events. Tools like Mailchimp offer free email marketing for small lists.

9. Get Listed on Local Directories and Food Apps

Make sure your eating place is listed on:

TripAdvisor

Yelp

Local tourism websites

Delivery platforms (if you offer takeout)

Many are free to join or offer freemium listings.

10. Don’t Underestimate Good Signage and Word of Mouth

Sometimes, the simplest strategies are the most effective.

Make sure your signage is:

Clear

Well-lit

Visible from the street

And train your team to give excellent service—because a recommendation from a satisfied customer beats any advert.

Final Thoughts

Promoting your eating place doesn’t have to cost the earth. With a little creativity and consistency, you can build a loyal customer base, grow your visibility, and stand out—without spending a fortune.

Start small, track what works, and stay connected to your local community. That’s where real, sustainable success begins.

Easy and Affordable Ways to Promote Your Food Business

We understand that times are tough for food businesses. 

Whether you're running a café, restaurant, food van, or catering service, keeping customers engaged and attracting new ones can be challenging—especially when marketing budgets are tight. 

The good news is that there are plenty of easy, cheap, or even free ways to promote your food business effectively. 

Here are some strategies to help you boost visibility and sales without breaking the bank.

1. Leverage Social Media (Free)

Social media is one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools for promoting your food business.

Post high-quality photos of your dishes to entice customers.

Use Instagram Stories, Facebook Reels, and TikTok to showcase behind-the-scenes content, daily specials, or customer testimonials.

Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages promptly.

Run interactive polls, Q&A sessions, or giveaways to keep your followers engaged.

2. Encourage User-Generated Content (Free)

Your customers can be your best marketers. Encourage them to share their dining experiences on social media by:

Creating a unique hashtag for your business.

Running a contest where customers share their meals for a chance to win a free dish or discount.

Featuring user-generated content on your social media pages to build a sense of community.

3. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (Free)

Having an up-to-date Google Business Profile can increase your visibility in local searches. Ensure that:

Your address, contact details, and opening hours are correct.

You upload high-quality photos of your food and premises.

You encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews.

You respond to reviews to show engagement and appreciation.

4. Partner with Local Businesses (Free or Low Cost)

Collaboration is a great way to expand your reach. Consider:

Partnering with local coffee shops, bakeries, local breweries, or markets for cross-promotions.

Offering exclusive discounts to employees of nearby businesses.

Featuring local suppliers or artisans on your menu to create mutual support.

5. Offer Discounts and Loyalty Rewards (Low Cost)

Everyone loves a good deal! Implementing a simple loyalty programme can encourage repeat customers.

Provide a stamp card where customers earn a free item after a set number of purchases.

Offer a small discount for referrals or first-time visitors.

Run limited-time promotions to create a sense of urgency.

6. Engage with Local Media and Bloggers (Free or Low Cost)

Local food bloggers and journalists are always looking for new places to review.

Reach out to them with a friendly email introducing your business.

Invite them for a complimentary meal/drink in exchange for an honest review.

Offer to collaborate on a giveaway to increase exposure.

7. Host Small Events or Tasting Sessions (Low Cost)

Hosting an event doesn’t have to be expensive.

Organise a tasting session for new menu items.

Host a cooking demo or workshop.

Collaborate with local musicians or artists for a themed evening.

8. Make the Most of Email Marketing (Free or Low Cost)

Email marketing remains a powerful tool for customer retention.

Collect emails from customers through your website or in-store.

Send a monthly newsletter with updates, promotions, and special offers.

Personalise emails with customer names and tailored recommendations.

9. Get Listed on Food Delivery Apps and Directories (Varied Cost)

If you offer takeaway or delivery, make sure you're visible on food apps and directories like:

Just Eat, Deliveroo, or Uber Eats (if applicable to your area).

Local online food directories or community pages.

Your own website with an easy-to-use online ordering system.

10. Engage with Your Community (Free or Low Cost)

Building relationships with your local community can generate loyal customers.

Participate in local markets, fairs, food fairs, or charity events.

Sponsor a small community event or sports team.

Offer a “pay-it-forward” scheme where customers can donate a meal to someone in need.

Final Thoughts

Promoting your food business doesn’t have to be expensive. By using these simple and affordable strategies, you can increase visibility, attract new customers, and keep existing ones engaged. The key is consistency—stay active, be creative, and always provide great food and service.

Of course, That's Food and Drink will help promote your business for free. Please get in touch if we can help.

Which of these strategies will you try first? Let us know in the comments or share your own tips for food business success!