How to Use Geofencing to Target Competitor Locations

Wouldn’t it be powerful if you could advertise directly to people standing inside your competitor’s restaurant? With geofencing, you can get pretty close. One of the smartest uses of this technology is competitor conquesting—using geofencing to target potential customers while they’re visiting a nearby or competing business.

In this blog, we’ll break down how this tactic works, when to use it, and how restaurants are successfully converting competitor foot traffic into new loyal customers.

What Is Competitor Geofencing?

Competitor geofencing involves setting a digital perimeter—also known as a geofence—around a competing restaurant or food business. When someone enters that zone with their smartphone, they become part of your target audience. You can then deliver relevant ads to them in real time or later, across mobile apps, websites, and social media.

Example: Someone visits a burger chain a few blocks from your gourmet burger bistro. Within minutes, they see a mobile ad offering a “Free fries with any burger – just 2 minutes away.” It grabs attention and may even make them consider switching their go-to spot.

Why It Works

• You know they eat out: They’re physically at a restaurant, so they’re your ideal audience.

• You’re striking at the right moment: They’re hungry, nearby, and receptive to food-related messaging.

• You’re offering a better option: Whether it’s better value, healthier ingredients, or faster service, your ad can give them a compelling reason to try something new.

Types of Competitor Locations You Can Target

1. Direct Competitors – Same type of food (e.g., targeting another sushi place)

2. Fast Food Chains – Offer an upgraded or healthier alternative

3. Casual Dining – Position yourself as quicker, more local, or more affordable

4. Convenience Spots – Capture on-the-go customers near cafes, gas stations, or grocery stores

   
   

Pro Tip: You can geofence multiple competitor locations at once and tailor your ad messaging based on each.

Smart Ad Ideas for Conquesting Campaigns

• “Tired of the same old [Brand]? Try bold new flavors just 2 minutes away.”

• “Better burgers. Faster service. Skip the line at [Competitor].”

• “Locally owned. Freshly made. Support local—just around the corner.”

Bonus: Include GPS directions in the ad to make visiting effortless.

When to Run These Campaigns

• Lunch and dinner rush hours – 11 AM–2 PM and 5–8 PM

• Weekends – Especially when people dine out more or shop

• Event days – Geofence food spots near stadiums, malls, or concert venues

• After bad PR for your competitor – Timing can amplify impact if done tastefully

Tracking Performance

With the right platform (like GroundTruth or Simpli.fi), you can measure:

• How many people saw the ad

• How many clicked it

• How many physically visited your location afterward

• How many completed a purchase or offer redemption

Tip: Pair this with in-store POS data or QR code redemption for better attribution.

How to Get Started with Competitor Geofencing

1. Identify your top competitors by location and customer overlap

2. Choose the right platforms (Wise Roots uses a mix of programmatic and social)

3. Design eye-catching, mobile-friendly ad creatives

4. Track conversions and adjust based on performance

5. Use retargeting to follow up with those who engage but don’t convert

   
   

Your competitor’s customers are already dining out—so why not invite them to dine with you instead? Competitor geofencing allows your restaurant to connect with high-intent audiences and gain market share, one conquest at a time.

At Wise Roots, we help restaurants of all sizes design and launch effective geofencing campaigns—including competitor targeting—to increase visibility, walk-ins, and sales. Let’s turn your competition’s foot traffic into your new customers.

👉 Schedule a free geofencing consultation with Wise Roots today and let’s build a competitor conquest strategy tailored to your restaurant.