Running a restaurant in Camp Hill or Central PA is exciting but challenging. With so many dining options, how can you make your restaurant stand out, attract new guests, and keep regulars coming back? The answer is simple: video! At Lead Lamp Media, we help local restaurants use video and video podcasts to share their story, connect with customers, and drive real business growth.
In this article, you’ll learn how videos can help your restaurant shine, what types of videos bring the best results, and why video podcasts are the secret ingredient to building your brand and boosting your bottom line.
Why Restaurants Need Video Marketing
People eat with their eyes first. When they’re deciding where to dine, they want to see mouth-watering food, a welcoming atmosphere, and happy customers. Video is the best way to show all of this and more. Videos are more engaging than text or photos, and they help people feel like they’ve already visited your restaurant before they even walk in the door124.
Here’s what video can do for your restaurant:
- Grab attention on social media and Google
- Show off your food, staff, and space in a way photos can’t
- Build trust with real customer stories
- Turn online visitors into real-life guests
- Help you stand out from the competition
Let’s dig into the main types of videos restaurants can use—and how each one brings value and a positive return on investment (ROI).
Main Types of Videos for Restaurants (and How They Bring Value)
1. Food Showcase Videos
Food showcase videos are all about your menu. These short, visually stunning clips highlight your signature dishes, daily specials, or new menu items. Think of slow-motion cheese pulls, sizzling steaks, or a colorful salad being tossed.
How They Help:
- Make viewers crave your food before they even arrive6
- Increase online orders and reservations
- Encourage sharing on social media, spreading your name
Example: A 30-second video of your chef plating a best-selling dish, with close-ups of fresh ingredients and a final drizzle of sauce.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Videos
Give your audience a peek into your kitchen, introduce your chefs, or show how you source local ingredients. These videos build trust and make your restaurant feel authentic and approachable14.
How They Help:
- Show your commitment to quality and cleanliness
- Build connections with food lovers and local suppliers
- Make your team feel like celebrities
Example: A quick tour of your kitchen during prep time, or a chef explaining the story behind a family recipe.
3. Testimonial Videos
Let your happy customers do the talking! Testimonial videos feature real guests sharing their favorite dishes, special memories, or why they keep coming back.
How They Help:
- Build trust and credibility with new customers16
- Highlight what makes your restaurant unique
- Turn satisfied guests into your biggest promoters
Example: A family talking about their favorite birthday dinner at your restaurant, or a couple sharing why your brunch is their weekend tradition.
4. Grand Opening or Event Videos
Hosting a grand opening, special tasting, or live music night? Capture the excitement with a video. Show the crowd, the food, and the fun.
How They Help:
- Create buzz and anticipation for upcoming events6
- Encourage more people to attend
- Give you content to share long after the event is over
Example: A highlight reel of your grand opening, with guests sampling dishes and enjoying the atmosphere.
5. Staff Spotlight Videos
Introduce your team! Feature your chef, servers, or bartenders sharing their favorite menu items or fun facts about themselves.
How They Help:
- Make your restaurant feel friendly and personal
- Build loyalty with regulars who love your staff
- Show the passion and talent behind your food
Example: A bartender showing how to make your signature cocktail, or a server sharing what they love about working at your restaurant.
6. Social Media Clips
Short, snappy videos are perfect for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. These can be quick food shots, daily specials, or funny moments in the kitchen.
How They Help:
- Keep your restaurant top-of-mind for followers
- Drive engagement and shares
- Bring new customers through your doors
Example: A 10-second “sizzle reel” of your most popular appetizer, or a chef’s tip for perfect pasta.
How Do Videos Bring Positive ROI?
Videos aren’t just fun—they’re smart business. Here’s why:
- More Views, More Guests: Videos get 135% more organic reach on social media than text posts1. More people see your food, which means more people want to try it.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Adding video to your website can increase reservations and orders by up to 80%1.
- Better Google Rankings: Google loves video. Restaurants with videos show up higher in search results, especially for local searches like “best restaurants in Camp Hill PA.”
- Shareable Content: Videos are easy to share, helping your restaurant reach new people without spending a fortune on ads24.
- Builds Trust: Seeing your food, staff, and happy customers on video makes people feel comfortable choosing your restaurant12.
Video Podcasts: The Secret Ingredient for Restaurant Success
You’ve heard of podcasts—those audio shows people listen to while driving or cooking. But have you seen a video podcast? It’s like a talk show for your restaurant, and it’s a powerful way to build your brand and connect with your community.
What Is a Video Podcast?
A video podcast is a recorded conversation or show, usually featuring the restaurant owner, chef, staff, or even local foodies. You can talk about recipes, answer customer questions, share behind-the-scenes stories, or interview special guests. The video can be shared on YouTube, your website, and social media.
How Video Podcasts Bring Value and ROI
1. Build a Strong, Authentic Brand
Video podcasts let people see your personality, passion, and expertise. They humanize your restaurant, making it more relatable and trustworthy3.
2. Expand Your Reach
Sharing your video podcast on platforms like YouTube helps you reach more people—not just in Camp Hill, but all over Central PA and beyond3.
3. Boost Engagement and Community
Video podcasts encourage viewers to comment, ask questions, and even be guests on your show. This builds a loyal community around your restaurant3.
4. Improve SEO and Online Visibility
Google loves fresh video content. Regular video podcasts help your restaurant show up higher in search results for things like “best brunch in Camp Hill” or “chef interviews Central PA”3.
5. Repurpose Content Everywhere
One video podcast can become:
- Short clips for social media
- Blog posts for your website
- Email newsletters for your customers
- Quotes and photos for Instagram or Facebook
This saves you time and money while keeping your content fresh.
6. Stand Out as an Industry Leader
Most restaurants aren’t doing video podcasts. By starting one, you show you’re serious about your craft and your community. You become the go-to spot for food lovers and local news.
What Could a Restaurant Video Podcast Look Like?
- “Meet the Chef”: Chat with your head chef about new menu items or cooking tips.
- “Local Food Stories”: Interview local farmers, suppliers, or loyal guests.
- “Behind the Menu”: Explain the inspiration behind your signature dishes.
- “Event Highlights”: Recap your latest wine tasting or live music night.
- “Ask the Owner”: Answer questions from your guests and followers.
Why Choose Lead Lamp Media for Your Restaurant’s Video Content?
At Lead Lamp Media, we specialize in helping restaurants in Camp Hill and Central PA create videos and podcasts that get results. Our professional studio, friendly team, and affordable packages make it easy for you to look and sound your best—whether you’re new to video or already have some experience.
We offer:
- A top-notch studio right here in Camp Hill
- Expert guidance from planning to posting
- Packages for every budget and business size
- Fast turnaround so you can start seeing results quickly
Ready to Grow Your Restaurant?
If you want your restaurant to stand out, attract more guests, and become a local favorite, it’s time to start creating videos and video podcasts. Don’t let your competition get ahead—let Lead Lamp Media help you shine!
Sign up today to shoot your next video or podcast episode at our Camp Hill studio. Let’s make your restaurant the talk of Central PA!
Want to see how easy it can be? Contact Lead Lamp Media now to book your content session and start sharing your restaurant’s story with the world!
