Restaurant Opening Marketing Plan for Singapore: A 90-Day Checklist (2026)
Updated: 2 hours ago
Short answer: A new restaurant in Singapore should start marketing about 30 days before opening. Before opening, set up Google Maps and social accounts and post "coming soon" videos. In opening week, bring in creators for KOC store visits and run a launch offer. In the first 60 days after, keep posting short videos, collect Google reviews and boost the posts that work. Start Media runs this plan for restaurants from SGD 3,900 a month.
Key takeaways
Free download: get this plan as a 2-page printable checklist (PDF).
Start 30 days before opening: accounts, Google Business Profile, a shoot and teaser videos.
Opening week: KOC store visits, a simple launch offer and staff ready to ask for reviews.
Days 1–60: 2–3 short videos a week, replies to every review, and ads only on posts that already perform.
Register your Xiaohongshu account under the company and apply for Blue V early if you target Chinese-speaking diners.
Measure bookings, walk-ins and reviews, not only views.
Updated October 2026.
30 Days Before Opening
Claim your Google Business Profile. Add the address, hours, menu, photos and booking link. It can take time to verify, so do it early.
Open your social accounts. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Xiaohongshu with the same name. See how to get Xiaohongshu Blue V verification.
Book one content shoot. Film the hero dishes, the kitchen, the team and the space as soon as the fit-out is ready.
Post "coming soon" content. Behind-the-scenes, menu testing and the story of the founder.
Pick your launch offer. One clear reason to come in the first two weeks, such as a set menu or a free signature item.
Opening Week
KOC store visits (探店): invite 5–10 local creators in the first week so many posts go live together. See KOC marketing costs in Singapore.
Ask for reviews. Train staff to ask happy diners to leave a Google review.
Post daily. Queues, first customers, the kitchen at peak time.
Reply to everything. Comments and messages in the first week shape how people see you.
Days 1–60 After Opening
2–3 short videos a week across TikTok, Instagram Reels and Xiaohongshu.
Xiaohongshu notes for search, for example the neighbourhood plus your cuisine. See XHS SEO.
Boost what already works. Put ad money behind posts with the best saves and shares.
A second wave of creators around day 30–45 to keep posts coming.
Check the numbers weekly: bookings, walk-ins, Google rating and messages.
Common Mistakes
Starting social media after opening day, so the first weeks are quiet.
Inviting one big influencer instead of many smaller creators.
English-only content when many diners speak Chinese.
Paying for ads before Google Maps has photos and reviews.
What It Costs with Start Media
Full package: SGD 3,900 a month (6-month minimum): 10 short videos on 5 platforms, 10+ influencer visits, 3 posters, ads management and festive planning.
KOC store visit campaign only: from SGD 2,000.
One-off launch shoot: SGD 600.
See the full restaurant marketing guide for Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a new restaurant in Singapore start marketing?
About 30 days before opening, so accounts, Google Maps, photos and teaser videos are ready when the doors open.
How many influencers should a new restaurant invite?
For most restaurants, 5–10 local KOCs in the first week works better than one big influencer, followed by a second wave around day 30–45.
How much does restaurant opening marketing cost in Singapore?
At Start Media, the full package is SGD 3,900 a month, KOC store visit campaigns start from SGD 2,000, and a one-off shoot is SGD 600. Ad spend is billed separately.
Do new restaurants need Xiaohongshu?
If you expect Chinese-speaking diners, yes. Register the account under the company and apply for Blue V before opening.
About the author
Written by the Start Media team, reviewed by Dawn (达姐), founder and CEO.
Want to know what would work for your business?
Send us your business name or Xiaohongshu account and Dawn's team will reply within 1 working day with a free marketing review for your restaurant. Free, no obligation.
WhatsApp Dawn on +65 8377 7718 or use our contact form · See all prices on our pricing page.
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