Social media tips for restaurants don't have to be difficult – it just takes a little thought. Consider these 7 tips for managing your social media marketing strategy.
Want to transform your restaurant's social media pages from a ghost town into a thriving online community? Social media experts agree that a strategic approach is key to maximizing reach and attracting hungry diners. These social media tips can help your restaurant succeed.
In today's competitive restaurant industry, a strong social media presence is no longer optional – it's essential to drive customer engagement and increase sales. But with so much noise on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, many restaurants struggle to penetrate and connect with their target audience. Here, we explore powerful social media tips designed specifically for restaurants in 2024 that will help you leverage these platforms to build a loyal fanbase and skyrocket your online presence.
Social Media Tips: Have a strategy
If you don’t already have a Facebook business account and an Instagram business account set up, get them as soon as possible.
The same goes for TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). TikTok is currently the number one social media platform in the world, so if you're not on it, you're missing out on some great content potential. You can create content for social media directly from your phone and use free editing software, but there are also audiovisual companies that will create videos for you.
Target the right audience with social media ads. They can be expensive, so make sure you're reaching the right people in the right places. Marketing costs should be a significant part of your budget.
Visual appeal is key to your social media strategy
You run a restaurant, which means your food has to be at the top of your content. Mouth-watering photos and videos make the best content. High-quality photos and videos are especially effective, showcasing your food, the inviting ambiance and the talented team behind the scenes. Close-ups of finished dishes, desserts and refreshing drinks will make your followers drool. Capture the inviting atmosphere of your restaurant with warm lighting and comfortable seating.
Content is king
What are your social media marketing goals? Balance food photos with compelling videos. Consider sharing a little behind the scenes of your restaurant, like employees cooking on the line, hot fries being put into sleeves, and orders being placed. Make sure the food looks delicious. You could even bring in a food stylist to style your dishes so they look their best.
Employee Spotlight puts a face on your restaurant operations. If your restaurant has an Employee of the Month program, sit down with that employee for a short interview about why they love working at your restaurant, what their favorite part of their job is, what it means to be a restaurant employee, etc.
Customer testimonials are another great way for restaurants to leverage social media. If you have regulars who frequent your restaurant, record a short video asking them why they love your restaurant and why they'll return.
Finally, use video to highlight events and promotions.
Participate in and be proactive with social media marketing campaigns
Social media is sure to bring in reviews and comments. Show your customers that you care by responding to their comments and questions in a timely manner. If you can't handle it yourself, assign a manager or assistant manager to keep a close eye on your social media marketing.
Run contests and giveaways on social media, which encourages customer interaction and creates brand loyalty. Asking customers to share photos of themselves enjoying food at your restaurant and then sharing that content on your own accounts is a great grassroots way to leverage social media.
Get Social with Restaurant Social Media Marketing
One of the best social media tips is to use relevant hashtags, as this helps people (hopefully your potential customers) find your content. We also recommend including popular hashtags, especially location-specific ones.
Take part in trends and challenges at the store level, which is a fun way to gain favor with the algorithm and reach a wider audience.
Promote local events and initiatives: If you sponsor a Little League baseball team, a local car show, or a service day or project, make it part of your social media marketing campaign.
Partner with local influencers
You've probably seen or heard of local influencers that can help take your brand to the next level. One easy way to leverage influencers is to sign a NIL contract with a local sports star. Every college basketball or football team has one or two players that everyone keeps an eye on. A name, image and likeness deal can give that player a starring role in your local social media marketing campaigns. Make sure the influencer you choose resonates with your target audience and will promote your restaurant.
Authenticity
Finally, showcase your restaurant's personality on social media. Show what's unique about your franchise or restaurant and make it stand out among your competitors.
Skip the professional photoshoots and use your phone to capture candid moments in your restaurant and become the face of your brand. Don't be afraid of the occasional mistake in the kitchen – deal with it with humour.
Be transparent. Remember, credibility is about building relationships. Being honest and transparent will help you build a social media presence that seems authentic and resonates with your target audience. As long as you follow these social media tips, you'll increase your chances of success.
