5 Ways Pizza Places Can Turn Curiosity Into Orders

Why do some pizza places always seem to have a line out the door, while others struggle to fill a table? It’s not always the quality of their dough. It’s their ability to spark curiosity and transform that curiosity into a sale. Whether it’s a new menu item, an unbeatable promo, or a viral social post, the trick is in getting your audience intrigued enough to take action. IndoorMedia has supported local pizza restaurants for decades. Keep reading for 5 powerful marketing strategies that can turn casual curiosity into loyal customers (and keep them coming back for more.)

Leverage Social Media Engagement: A Goldmine for Pizza Places

Social media has come a long way from the days of Facebook, Instagram, and yes, even MySpace. The early years left many business owners scratching their heads, unsure of how to navigate this evolving landscape. Today, social media is no longer just a novelty, it’s a dynamic, action-driving tool that can turn a passing curiosity into a customer at your door. For pizza restaurant owners, the good news is that it’s never been easier to engage your audience and generate sales.

As a pizza place owner, you already have a massive advantage. You’re serving one of America’s most beloved foods, and that gives you a constant, unending stream of content opportunities that most businesses would actually pay big money for. An extra large pepperoni and extra cheese coming out of the oven? A behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen or prep area? A fun moment with your staff? Your business practically creates content all day long.

Behind-the-scenes content is a goldmine. It humanizes your brand and forges a genuine connection with your audience. People already log in to watch social media stars because they crave that sense of personal connection. If people can connect with influencers from across the world, imagine how much easier it is for them to feel like they’re part of your pizza family, especially when they know they’re just down the street.

That’s just the beginning. Social media thrives on interaction, and one of the most effective ways to spark that interaction is through polls and quizzes. They don’t just engage your audience. They get them thinking, feeling, and sharing their opinions. Whether it’s voting for their favorite pizza topping or guessing which new crust flavor you’re testing, you’ve already piqued their curiosity. Now, incentivize them. Offer a special discount or promotion to those who comment, like, or share your posts. This way, you turn that online curiosity into real-world sales.

Create Irresistible Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Go Beyond the Basics

“Buy Now.” “Order Here.” “Place Your Order.” Yes, they’re clear, but are they compelling? Not by a long shot. The truth is, most of the visitors on your website aren’t ready to click that “Order Here” button just yet. Sure, there are the hungry customers who are already sold and ready to click, but what about the rest of the visitors? The curious tourists scoping out the local food scene, the hungry college students comparing pizza deals, or the indecisive families debating what to order for dinner? They’re still in the research phase, and for them, a simple “order here” may not be enough to push them over the edge.

To capture these potential customers, you need to craft calls-to-action (CTAs) that do more than just inform. They must captivate. A more compelling CTA could be something like, “Learn the secret of our sauce.” Now you’ve done two things: sparked their curiosity and given them a reason to click. They’re not just ordering pizza. They’re embarking on a mini adventure to discover what makes your pizza stand out. The beauty of this approach is that you’re not just asking for a sale, you’re inviting them to take part in something unique.

What’s even better is that CTAs are one of the best places to inject your brand personality. A CTA that’s playful, intriguing, or quirky makes your brand feel more approachable, and gives customers a taste of what they can expect from the experience. For example, “Dare to try our spicy mystery pie? It’s waiting for you” creates intrigue and fun, while also making the CTA feel like an invitation rather than a pushy sales pitch.

And here’s the key to making this work: ensure your CTAs are strategically placed across all customer touchpoints. Whether it’s your website, social media pages, or in-store signage, customers should never have to guess what the next step is in their journey. The easier you make it for them to take action, the more likely they’ll be to follow through. A well-placed, irresistible CTA makes it clear that the next step is a delicious one.

Offer “Limited-Time” Specials: The Power of FOMO

The name of the game is FOMO—Fear of Missing Out—and it’s one of the most powerful drivers of consumer behavior today. Think about it: new Oreo flavors, limited-edition fan gear, exclusive seasonal spa treatments. They aren’t just trends. They’re psychological triggers that make consumers rush to buy. And guess what? You can use this same strategy to turn customer curiosity into real sales for your pizza place.

Time-sensitive offers create a sense of urgency that simply can’t be ignored. A phrase like “Try it before it’s gone!” or “Only available this weekend!” does more than just inform customers about a limited-time deal. it pushes them to act now. They’re not just thinking about pizza anymore. They’re thinking, “If I don’t order this now, I’ll miss out!”

This works with all sorts of promotions, from a brand-new, experimental pizza flavor to a seasonal special like a holiday-themed pie. These promotions cater to people’s desire to be in-the-know, to try what’s new, and to be part of something exclusive. And once they’re intrigued, the fear of missing out transforms their curiosity into action.

It’s not just about the product. It’s about the experience. People don’t just want pizza; they want the excitement of being part of something special, something that’s fleeting and can’t be experienced again.

Cross-Channel Marketing: Meeting Customers Where They Are

You check your emails hourly, right? Wrong. Let’s face it, your inbox is probably overflowing as we speak. Maybe you’re an inbox zero warrior, in which case, we salute you. But for the rest of us, email is just one of many ways we get bombarded with messages. The truth is, your customers are no different. They don’t all check their emails on the regular, and they don’t all prefer the same type of communication. That’s where cross-channel marketing comes in. It’s about reaching your customers where they are, in the ways they prefer, and keeping them engaged no matter what platform they’re using.

Start by integrating a multi-channel approach. Send teaser emails about new menu items or upcoming promotions to spark interest. But don’t stop there. SMS is a goldmine for time-sensitive offers. You can send exclusive deals, flash sale alerts, or personalized discounts straight to their phones, ensuring they get the message instantly.

And let’s not forget in-app messaging. As customers browse your app or place an order, an in-app notification can pop up with a special deal, offering them something irresistible just when they’re about to make a purchase decision. It’s like a personal assistant offering them the perfect pizza topping combo when they’re most receptive.

This strategy is about staying top of mind and creating multiple touchpoints throughout the customer journey. By meeting them wherever they prefer (whether it’s email, SMS, or app) you can keep that curiosity alive, making it easier for them to convert that curiosity into an immediate order. The more places you connect with your customers, the more likely they’ll remember you when hunger strikes.

Unique Menu Items: Something You Have That Nobody Else Does, That People MUST Try

At the end of the day, customers decide to buy from you because you offer something they can’t get anywhere else. Is it value? Quality? A unique selection? As a pizza restaurant owner, you need to figure out what sets you apart from the competition. But one thing’s for sure. Unique offerings reign supreme in the pizza world. Think about it: where else can you get that signature garlic dipping sauce than Papa John’s? Or the iconic Crazy Bread from Little Caesars? How about Pizza Hut’s stuffed crust or Domino’s cheesy bread? It’s the exclusivity that pulls people in.

Now, it’s your turn. What can you offer that customers can’t find anywhere else? The key to creating curiosity and turning that interest into orders lies in offering something truly exclusive. A one-of-a-kind pizza or topping combination that no competitor offers will have customers talking. Get creative. Think about ingredients that are locally sourced, culturally inspired, or custom-created specifically for your pizzeria. A decadent dessert pizza featuring chocolate and strawberries? Balsamic glaze and bacon?

Make sure to position these unique offerings as something customers have to try before they’re gone. Whether it’s a limited-time special or a rotating seasonal flavor, the urgency and exclusivity will make customers feel like they’re missing out if they don’t order. That’s when curiosity transforms into an undeniable need to taste what’s on your menu.

Need More Help Keeping Your Pizza Place in the Spotlight?

Unlock a fresh batch of creative, no-cheese-overboard marketing ideas for your pizzeria—think digital loyalty check-ins, grocery-receipt coupons, eye-catching photo opportunities, branded merch, and more. Curious to see the full menu of strategies in action? Check out our Non-Cheezy Marketing Ideas for Your Pizza Shop article.