6 Restaurant Social Media Tips
McKenzie Richards / Foodservice Tips, Restaurant Tips / June 16
There are more around 5.07 billion social media users around the world scrolling endlessly watching videos, sharing their lives, watching others, joining communities and becoming bigger fans of their favorite businesses. Utilizing social media business accounts will not only help build brand awareness, but can help increase customer loyalty and boost sales.
Keep scrolling to learn more about social media marketing strategies for restaurants like yours!
Restaurant Social Media Marketing Strategy Tips
According to Menu Tiger, around 82% of restaurants use social media as part of their marketing strategy. With social media as prevalent as it is today, it’s one of the easiest and most affordable marketing avenues to utilize for your business. Below are six easy-to-follow social media marketing tips and ideas for your restaurant to gain more visibility to bring in loyal customers.
90% of consumers research restaurants they plan to go to online before taking the leap. Within that research, they may stumble across your social media account so let us help you make sure your restaurant’s social media presence is nothing but great!
1. Utilize Multiple Social Media Platforms
With the myriad of social media platforms available today, it’s important that your restaurant has space on these. Having accounts on multiple social media platforms allows you to reach and engage with a wide range of your audience so that they can access the same information no matter where they visit. Here are just a few your business can benefit from:
- TikTok
- X (Twitter)
If your business is not able to withstand more than one social media account, prioritize just one your team can focus on and grow while having fun and increasing brand awareness.
2. Share Photo and Video Content Often
There are a number of ways to showcase your business on social media through content. Videos have become the most popular form in recent years, but photos are just as valuable.
Share pictures of every aspect of your restaurant on your social media pages, from your food, to the atmosphere, the staff and decor. You can even share fun behind-the-scenes posts, like a video of your chefs creating a new dish, your bartenders inventing a new drink or your staff participating in team spirit activities. Using trendy ideas that are popular on social media at the time, are likely to help you reach more people and increase your following.
Posting photos and videos often demonstrates your commitment to transparency, since many prospective customers rely on social media to find new places to eat. SO be sure to blast it all over your business socials.
3. Give Regular Updates on Events, News and Important Announcements
Informing your customers on what’s going on is easy to do on your social media accounts. It is a great way for your restaurant to keep everyone in the loop and make them feel connected to your business. Social media is perfect for letting your audience know about:
- Opening and closing times
- Events you’re hosting
- Seasonal changes
- New menu items
- Promotions
It’s also crucial to share what you are doing inside and out to keep customers and staff safe.
4. Include Your Staff on Posts
While promoting your restaurant business is very important, it is equally important to show the authentic and human side of your business on social media. Regulars like to get to know the staff at their favorite restaurant, so sharing some photos, stories and fun tidbits about your crew will make your place feel more familiar and comfortable. Examples of staff-related posts include:
- Celebrating an anniversary
- Showcasing community service involvement
- Trends and fun moments
- Team building exercises
- Highlighting staff-favorites from the menu
5. Encourage Engagement
Social media is all about engagement: the more people who like, share, and comment on your content, the stronger your social footprint will be. You can encourage engagement from your followers to improve the relationship you have with them on and off-screen, while also learning about what they love and expect from your restaurant. Here are a few ways to invite your followers to engage with your posts:
- Allow them to share their opinions
- Share a poll
- Ask them to comment their favorite dish
- Request that they share a tagged photo
- Host a giveaway or competition
The more consistent you can be with asking for engagement from your followers, the more reach and awareness your social media account with gain.
6. Post and Respond to Reviews
Whether it’s on TikTok, Yelp, Google Reviews or beyond, interacting with reviews is crucial not only for your business but also your social media presence. Spotlight your positive reviews, and show your appreciation while also attempting to resolve the issue for any not-so-great reviews.
Interacting with all types of reviews in a good manner can work in your favor. Respond to positive reviews expressing thanks. With lower reviews, take it as an opportunity to resolve the situation and make it up to the customer. Responses can be in the form of a text reply or content reply, for example, a video. Not only does this show your online community and potential patrons that you care, but also that you’re open to receiving constructive criticism and are willing to work with all your customers to provide the best experience.
Once you utilize these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a community both online and off-line!