Social media can be tricky to maneuver. However, when done right, social media can be your best and cheapest marketing tool, especially Instagram for restaurants. I always suggest hiring a professional to manage your restaurant’s social media but sometimes that isn’t an option. Here are some tips on getting the very best out of Instagram yourself.
- Recreate the restaurant experience on Instagram
You want your social media efforts to be an extension of the restaurant. Potential guests should drool over their phone, tag their friends and say, “OMG let’s go,” and keep them thinking about you when it’s time to dine. Your Instagram content should reflect all of the delicious #foodporn at your restaurant. Showcase your best dishes, your new dishes, your prettiest dishes, your bartender’s favorite drink, and more. Create and plate dishes with Instagram in mind. Share content about your staff members or fun facts about the restaurant. Your content should be a reflection of what you offer at the restaurant, as well as the ambiance and feel.
Ideally, your food and experience will inspire your guests to want to take photos, as well. Make those photos stand out with lighting that doesn’t cast deep shadows, or is too harsh/bright. Natural lighting next to windows is Instagram’s best friend.
- Encourage guests to recreate THEIR experience on Instagram
One of the greatest things about Instagram is that there are multiple ways potential guests find photos and videos about you – through hashtags and through geotags (more on that in #3). Your guests are your biggest brand ambassadors. Encourage them to take photos of their food, drinks, etc. and share them on Instagram. Create a specific hashtag and put it on the menu, on the receipt, in frames along the wall, and more, along with your Instagram handle. The more you encourage them, the more they will share.
- Engage with potential guests using hashtags and geolocations
Once those guests share their experience, you don’t want to leave the hanging! Always engage with every post by liking it and leaving a comment. Even a simple “thank you” can go a long way. You can find these photos via the hashtag you set up, or by searching your specific geotag. Can’t find it? Type in your restaurant’s name in Instagram’s search bar and click on ‘places’.
- Use User Generated Content
A great way to acknowledge your guests is to re-post their photo to your Instagram with a photo credit and thank you. It’s a huge compliment in the world of Instagram, and it also helps a lot when you’re looking for new content. This “User Generated Content (UGC)” can be done weekly, daily, or as often as you like.
- Take advantage of your neighbors
I know, sounds harsh right? It’s definitely not, and it’s a win-win situation for everybody. Partner up with the small businesses around you and utilize their social media following as well. Is your neighbor a store? Post about some fun finds at the store and encourage fans to come dine with you after they’re done shopping. You can even run promotions with your neighbors. If people shop with your neighbor, they can dine with you and receive a free drink with their meal. Encourage your neighbors to post about you as well. It’s free promotion all around!
It takes some creativity to stand out amongst the noise of Instagram, but it can be done! Do you want Ellipses to help you with your social media needs? Contact us today!