October 22, 2025
A customer scrolls past your competitor's ad without blinking. Then yours pops up and suddenly they are salivating, reaching for their phone, placing an order before they even realize they are hungry.
That's not luck. That's killer advertising.
In today's feed-scrolling, ad-skipping, "I'll just order whatever" culture, traditional "here's our burger" advertising lands with all the impact of a soggy fry.
The game has changed. Digital platforms have exploded. Consumer attention spans have imploded. And somewhere between TikTok trends and delivery app notifications, the old playbook got tossed in the deep fryer.
So how do you cut through the noise? How do you transform casual scrollers into loyal customers who wouldn't dream of cheating on your chicken sandwich?
Welcome to your survival guide for fast food advertising in Canada, where the competition is fierce, the market is hungry, and standing out is not optional anymore.
It's mandatory.
Let’s start from the foundation of effective advertising.
Advertising is most effective when it is tailored to the people you're trying to reach. In the fast food industry, understanding your audience means understanding their preferences, habits, and cultural influences. Here’s a deeper look into how you can understand your target audience and use that information to enhance your advertising strategies.
Alt text:Understanding Your Audience
The first step in understanding your audience is demographic analysis. This involves looking at the age, gender, income, and lifestyle of your potential customers. In Canada, fast food consumption habits vary significantly between generations, and targeting the right demographic can make a world of difference in your advertising strategy.
For example, Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to engage with digital platforms and prefer fast, convenient food options. They are also more likely to respond to social media promotions, influencer marketing, and user-generated content.
Tip for Fast Food Advertisers:
Use data-driven advertising on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, which are heavily favored by younger demographics. Tailor your messaging and visuals to appeal to their preferences for convenience, trendy food, and interactive engagement.
Consumer behavior insights help you go beyond surface-level demographics and understand the "why" behind purchasing decisions. Behavioral data such as purchase frequency, preferred meal times, and ordering methods (in-store vs. delivery) provides crucial information to refine your advertising efforts.
For example, if your restaurant’s data shows that customers tend to order more during lunch hours than dinner, or they tend to prefer delivery over dining in, you can adjust your advertising schedule and offer promotions at times when your customers are most likely to make a purchase. You can also experiment with delivery-specific promotions like free delivery or discounts for using a mobile app to place an order.
Tip for Fast Food Advertisers:
Use advanced analytics and CRM tools to gather insights into your customers' habits. Platforms like Google Analytics and Facebook Insights can help you track engagement patterns, while loyalty programs can help you collect valuable data about customer preferences.
Canada is a multicultural country with a diverse population, and effective advertising must reflect this diversity. Understanding cultural nuances and respecting local customs is essential when creating campaigns that connect with different cultural groups.
For example, offering menu items that cater to various dietary preferences such as vegetarian, halal, or gluten-free options can be crucial for appealing to specific cultural groups. Tailoring your messaging to highlight these options, especially during key cultural moments (e.g., Ramadan for Muslim communities or Diwali for Indian-Canadian populations), can drive sales and build customer loyalty.
Case Study Example:
McDonald's Canada embraced multiculturalism by introducing menu items like the McChicken Deluxe (which caters to halal dietary preferences) and launching region-specific campaigns during the Chinese New Year. This attracted culturally diverse customers and increased sales by demonstrating cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
In June 2025, McDonald's Canada launched the International Menu Heist, a campaign that introduced globally inspired menu items to Canadian restaurants. This initiative featured items such as the Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich from Japan, the Big Rösti from Germany, and the Biscoff McFlurry from Belgium, among others. The campaign's playful narrative and diverse offerings attracted a wide range of customers, highlighting McDonald's commitment to cultural inclusivity and innovation.
Tip for Fast Food Advertisers:
Be culturally aware in your campaigns by offering region-specific menu items or using language that resonates with specific cultural groups. Incorporate multicultural holidays and traditions into your promotions to increase relevancy.
Understanding your audience is just one part of the equation. Executing strategies that match these insights is equally crucial. iOrders, a platform designed for fast food restaurants, can help you gather valuable customer data, implement personalized promotions, and streamline your ordering process. Book a demo with iOrders today to learn how our platform can help you reach your target audience more effectively.
Digital advertising has become the backbone of modern marketing strategies for fast food restaurants. The shift from traditional advertising methods (like billboards and TV commercials) to digital platforms allows businesses to engage with customers on a more personal level. Here’s how to leverage digital advertising platforms to get the most out of your advertising budget and connect with your ideal customers.
Alt text:Digital Advertising for Maximum Reach
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are vital tools for building brand awareness and engaging directly with your audience. These platforms allow restaurants to showcase their food, interact with customers, and promote special offers in a way that feels personal and authentic.
Instagram: A highly visual platform, Instagram is perfect for showcasing your menu items with mouth-watering images and videos. It’s an ideal place to engage with customers through Stories, Instagram Live, and Reels. Fast food chains can also create exclusive Instagram-only offers, which incentivize customers to follow and engage with the brand.
TikTok: TikTok’s short-form video format is an ideal platform for fast food brands to show off their menu items in a fun and creative way. TikTok’s algorithm heavily promotes content that is engaging, making it a great platform for viral campaigns.
Facebook: With its advanced targeting capabilities, Facebook ads allow restaurants to reach specific age groups, locations, and even users with certain food preferences. Facebook’s features like location-based ads are great for driving foot traffic to your restaurant, especially for local promotions.
Tip for Fast Food Advertisers:
Make sure your social media strategy includes a mix of organic and paid content. While organic posts are great for building community, paid ads allow you to reach a larger audience and specifically target individuals who are likely to convert.
Also Read: Top 12 Digital Marketing Benefits to Grow Your Restaurant in 2025
Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective digital advertising strategies for fast food restaurants. Building an email list enables restaurants to maintain regular contact with their customers, sending them personalized offers, updates, and loyalty rewards. The key to effective email marketing is segmentation: sending tailored content to different customer groups based on their preferences and behaviors.
Personalized Promotions: Using customer data, you can send personalized promotions, such as discounts on their favorite menu items or special offers for birthdays or anniversaries. Personalized emails have higher open rates and engagement compared to generic ones, making them a valuable tool for increasing sales.
Loyalty Programs: Sending out regular email updates to members of your loyalty program can keep your customers engaged and encourage repeat business. You can send exclusive offers, early access to new menu items, or loyalty points updates to make your customers feel valued.
Case Study Example:
Subway has effectively implemented personalized email marketing by leveraging customer data to send tailored promotions based on individual ordering habits. This strategy has led to increased customer retention and engagement. For instance, Subway's use of Adobe Journey Optimizer enabled the delivery of real-time, personalized offers, such as customized cookie rewards, to over one million loyalty members, resulting in a 25% growth in their MVP Rewards program
Tip for Fast Food Advertisers:
Segment your email list into categories based on factors like frequency of orders, favorite menu items, or whether they are a new customer. Tailor your campaigns for each segment to improve engagement and conversion rates.
Also Read: Top Restaurant Newsletter Ideas to Boost Customer Retention
While digital advertising has become a key player in modern marketing, traditional advertising methods still hold significant value for fast food restaurants looking to reach a broad and diverse audience. Here’s how traditional advertising can still make an impact and how to integrate it with your digital marketing strategy for maximum effectiveness.
Television and radio have long been staples in the advertising world, and for good reason. Despite the rise of digital media, these platforms still offer wide reach and can build brand recognition in a way that digital ads alone cannot. A well-crafted TV or radio commercial can capture the attention of viewers and listeners during moments when they are not actively scrolling through social media or searching online.
TV Ads: TV advertising allows you to showcase your food in an engaging way, through high-quality visuals and catchy jingles. One of the most famous fast food TV campaigns is Wendy’s "Where's the Beef?" campaign, which aired in the 1980s, which became an instant classic, dramatically increasing Wendy's brand recognition and sales. Wendy's used the campaign to call attention to the size of their competitors' burgers. The slogan was not only memorable but also sparked conversation among consumers. The campaign was so effective that it resulted in a significant boost in brand recognition and sales, with a 31% increase in Wendy’s burger sales during the campaign.
Radio Ads: Radio advertising is an excellent way to reach customers during their daily commutes or at home while they are engaged in other tasks. For fast food restaurants, radio ads can be short and punchy, promoting special deals or limited-time offers. The key is to create a memorable jingle or offer that sticks in the listener’s mind.
Print advertising remains a powerful tool for attracting local customers, especially when you want to deliver offers directly to the hands of potential diners. Flyers, posters, and coupons can still capture the attention of nearby customers, making them an essential part of your traditional advertising strategy. Unlike digital ads, print ads have the advantage of tangibility and can be kept for later reference.
Flyers and Coupons: Offering limited-time discounts or special deals through flyers and coupons is a proven method to drive foot traffic to your restaurant. These tangible pieces of advertising have a personal touch, and customers are more likely to redeem an offer they can hold in their hands.
Posters: Placing posters in strategic locations, such as inside shopping malls, near busy intersections, or in public transportation stations, ensures that your brand is seen by a large number of people.
Outdoor advertising, including billboards and transit ads remains a crucial part of a fast food restaurant’s advertising toolkit, especially for driving local traffic and reaching a broad audience. These ads are highly visible in areas where people are often waiting or passing by, ensuring that your message is seen by potential customers on the go.
Billboards: Billboards are an excellent option for building brand awareness and reinforcing your message to a large audience. By placing billboards in high-traffic areas, such as near highways, shopping districts, or busy neighborhoods, you can grab the attention of potential customers who are already on their way to other activities.
Transit Ads: Ads on buses, trains, or in subway stations allow you to reach commuters and those traveling to work, school, or shopping. Transit ads are ideal for fast food restaurants that want to increase brand awareness among local communities and increase foot traffic.
Case Study Example:
Subway has leveraged transit advertising effectively, especially in metro areas where commuting times are long. The subway ads show their fresh sandwiches with simple taglines and easy-to-read images, encouraging busy commuters to stop by the nearest Subway outlet for a quick meal. The strategic placement of these ads captures the attention of people already in transit, making them more likely to consider a quick stop at Subway.
Whether you are running print or outdoor ads, integrating them with iOrders’ commission-free online ordering platform can bridge the gap between offline marketing and digital conversions. Contact us for a demo and learn how iOrders can help you manage both traditional and digital marketing efforts seamlessly.
Attracting and retaining customers requires more than just great food in a competitive market. It requires strategic promotions and offers that incentivize action and engagement. Here’s a deeper dive into how to effectively implement these strategies:
Alt text:Promotions and Offers to Incentivize Customer Engagement
Limited-Time Offers (LTOs) are effective tools for creating urgency and driving immediate sales. By offering something new, seasonal, or exclusive for a short period, you can encourage customers to visit your restaurant sooner rather than later. People tend to act faster when they know an offer will expire soon, making LTOs an ideal way to boost foot traffic and online orders quickly.
Creating Urgency: Announcing new menu items or seasonal specials with a countdown can inspire customers to act quickly, increasing your conversion rates.
Case Study Example:
McDonald’s has mastered the art of LTOs, such as when they introduced the Shamrock Shake every year around St. Patrick’s Day. The limited availability of this beloved drink drives customers to visit multiple times during the promotional period, creating excitement and buzz around the product.
Bundle deals are a fantastic way to increase average order value while providing value to your customers. By offering meal combos at a discounted price, customers are more likely to purchase more, as they perceive they are getting a better deal. This strategy is especially effective for families, groups, and individuals looking to try a variety of items.
Bundle deals provide customers with more food for less money, which increases their perception of getting more value. For instance, "Family Meal Deals" that include multiple items at a reduced price can encourage customers to bring their friends and family to your restaurant.
Loyalty programs reward repeat customers with points, discounts, or exclusive offers, creating a sense of appreciation that can increase customer retention. In the fast food industry, loyalty programs are particularly effective in ensuring customers keep coming back for more. Implementing a digital loyalty program through your restaurant's app or website can make the process smoother and more effective for both you and your customers.
Incentivizing Repeat Business: A well-structured loyalty program encourages customers to return by offering them rewards for their purchases. This not only boosts sales but also fosters a sense of brand loyalty.
Case Study Example:
Starbucks’ Rewards Program offers customers the ability to earn points with each purchase, which can then be redeemed for free drinks or food items. The program is designed to incentivize repeat visits, which has contributed to Starbucks’ ongoing success and high customer retention rates.
Influencer marketing has become one of the most powerful tools in the advertising arsenal for fast food restaurants. By collaborating with influencers who align with your brand’s values and audience, you can amplify your reach, build trust, and leverage social proof to enhance customer loyalty and drive sales. Here’s how to effectively utilize influencer marketing to boost your fast food advertising efforts:
Local influencers play a crucial role in fast food advertising as they have a deep connection with their community. By partnering with food bloggers, local chefs, or micro-influencers, you can introduce your restaurant to their dedicated followers and increase your local reach. Collaborating with influencers in your area not only boosts visibility but also enhances your restaurant’s credibility through word-of-mouth marketing.
Building Local Trust: People are more likely to trust recommendations from influencers they follow within their local area. This creates a sense of community around your restaurant and drives local foot traffic.
User-Generated Content (UGC) is a form of organic advertising that comes directly from your customers. Encouraging your diners to share their experiences on social media, whether through photos, reviews, or videos, provides authentic content for your brand that resonates with potential customers. Featuring UGC on your restaurant's social platforms not only helps build trust but also fosters a sense of community engagement around your brand.
Encouraging Participation: Incentivize customers to share their experiences by offering discounts or running contests. For example, "Share your best pizza photo and tag us to win a free meal" can motivate customers to engage.
Domino's Pizza often runs campaigns encouraging customers to share photos of their pizza experiences with the hashtag #DominosPizzaParty. Featuring customer photos on their social media helps create a sense of community and shows that Domino’s values customer engagement.
Sponsored content is another highly effective strategy for influencer marketing. By paying influencers to post about your restaurant, you can reach a targeted audience with content that is curated specifically to appeal to their interests. Sponsored content allows your brand to get more exposure in a way that feels authentic, as influencers typically only promote products or services they genuinely like.
Targeted Campaigns: Choose influencers whose followers align with your target demographic. Whether it’s age, interests, or location, selecting the right influencer ensures that your sponsored content reaches the most relevant audience for your restaurant.
Also Read: Top 10 Restaurant Advertising Campaigns
Local SEO is a powerful tool for fast food restaurants looking to increase their online visibility and attract more customers within a specific geographic area. Optimizing your online presence for local searches can ensure that your restaurant is found when potential customers search for nearby dining options. Here’s how you can leverage local SEO strategies to increase foot traffic and online orders.
Alt text:Local SEO to Enhance Online Visibility
Claiming and optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) listing is essential for any restaurant aiming to improve its local SEO. GMB is one of the most important tools for local searches, as it provides potential customers with crucial information about your restaurant, such as your address, phone number, hours of operation, and direct links to your website or menu. Here’s how you can optimize your GMB listing for better local SEO:
Incorporating location-specific keywords into your website content is a critical step in improving local SEO. These keywords help search engines understand your business’s geographic location, making it easier for people in your area to find your restaurant when searching for food. Here’s how you can integrate local keywords effectively:
Customer reviews play a significant role in local SEO. Positive reviews not only help improve your restaurant’s ranking in local search results but also build trust with potential customers. Here's how you can use online reviews to enhance your local SEO strategy:
Also Read: How to Handle Bad Restaurant Reviews?
Building strong local connections is an essential part of any fast food restaurant’s strategy for growth. A loyal, engaged customer base can turn into the backbone of your restaurant’s success. Community engagement not only boosts brand awareness but also creates long-lasting relationships that drive repeat business. Below are key community engagement strategies that can help elevate your restaurant's local presence and foster deeper connections with your customers.
Sponsoring local events or hosting community gatherings is a powerful way to increase brand visibility and show your commitment to the community. Whether it’s a local charity event, sports league, or food festival, sponsoring or participating in these events provides an opportunity to connect directly with potential customers.
Collaborating with nearby businesses can be a mutually beneficial strategy for both you and the local business. These partnerships expand your reach and expose your restaurant to new customers who might not have visited otherwise.
Also Read: 30+ Creative Restaurant Advertising Ideas: Ultimate Guide to Restaurant Owners
Implementing effective advertising strategies is just one aspect of running a successful fast food restaurant. Streamlining your operations is equally important. iOrders offers a comprehensive solution to manage your restaurant's orders, deliveries, and customer interactions seamlessly.
Here are the key features that iOrders provides to streamline your restaurant operations:
Effective advertising and streamlined operations are key ingredients for success in the fast food industry. By understanding your audience, leveraging digital and traditional advertising strategies, and building community connections, you can boost your brand visibility, drive customer engagement, and increase sales. However, operational efficiency is equally important to ensure that your advertising efforts translate into smooth, seamless service and high customer satisfaction.
Now that you have learned the best fast food advertising strategies, it’s time to take your business to the next level with iOrders. By using iOrders to streamline your operations, you can not only boost your advertising efforts but also create a seamless and branded experience for your customers.
Ready to simplify your fast food operations and boost your marketing efforts? Book a free demo with iOrders today and start seeing how our platform can help you grow your business with ease!
1. How does fast food advertise?
Fast food companies typically use a combination of traditional advertising (TV, radio, print), digital marketing (social media, search engine marketing, email campaigns), influencer partnerships, and promotions (limited-time offers, discounts, combo deals). They target specific demographics based on age, location, and consumer behavior to reach their audience effectively. The goal is to engage potential customers, build brand awareness, and increase sales.
2. Do we really see 4000 ads a day?
According to studies, the average person is exposed to around 4,000 to 10,000 ads per day, but this can vary depending on media consumption habits. Ads appear through TV, online browsing, social media, outdoor billboards, emails, and even mobile apps. This high volume emphasizes the importance of creating targeted, engaging, and memorable ads that stand out amidst the noise.
3. How to promote fast food restaurants?
Promoting fast food restaurants involves a mix of digital and traditional strategies:
4. What fast food company advertises the most?
Companies like McDonald's and Subway are known for their massive advertising spend. McDonald's, in particular, consistently ranks as one of the top advertisers globally, spending billions annually on TV, digital, and print campaigns. Their long-standing commitment to advertising helps them maintain top-of-mind awareness in a highly competitive market.
