7 Restaurant Social Media Ideas to Drive More Customers

Summary

This video offers seven social media marketing tips for restaurants to boost engagement and attract new customers. It highlights the importance of strategic post timing, leveraging video content, showcasing behind-the-scenes action, employee spotlights, user-generated content, running social media contests, and utilizing paid advertisements. The tips are designed to help restaurants maximize their online presence and connect with their target audience effectively.

Takeaways

• 📈 Social media advertising is pivotal for the restaurant industry, with 45% of diners trying a restaurant for the first time due to social media posts.
• 🌟 89% of diners have at least one social media account, emphasizing the importance of a strong online presence for restaurants.
• 📍 Facebook and Instagram are recommended as must-have platforms for restaurants due to their popularity and engagement rates.
• ⏰ Post timing significantly impacts engagement; it's crucial to plan and post during optimal times that align with your target audience's activity.
• 🎥 Video content is highly effective, with 48% more views than still photos, making it a compelling way to showcase your restaurant's offerings.
• 🍽️ Behind-the-scenes content allows customers to see how their food is prepared, building trust and interest in your restaurant.
• 👨‍🍳 Employee spotlights humanize your brand, showcasing the people behind the restaurant and fostering a connection with customers.
• 📸 User-generated content (UGC) boosts authenticity and trust, as it comes from real customers and can influence purchasing decisions.
• 🏆 Social media contests can incentivize followers with discounts or freebies, while also increasing engagement and brand awareness.
• 💰 Running social media ads, especially on Facebook, can target potential customers effectively and is a strategic way to reach a wider audience.

Q & A

What is the significance of social media advertising in the restaurant industry?

Social media advertising is significant in the restaurant industry as 45% of diners have tried a restaurant for the first time because of a social media post made by that restaurant.

Why are Facebook and Instagram recommended as must-have platforms for restaurant social media presence?

Facebook is recommended because it is the number one social media platform and 49% of people search Facebook to find restaurants. Instagram is recommended due to its massive growth and popularity, being the number one social media app for engagement with restaurant brands.

How does post timing affect the success and engagement of social media posts for restaurants?

Post timing greatly affects the success and engagement of social media posts. Restaurants need to find a balance between popular posting times and targeting their breakfast, lunch, and dinner crowd appropriately.

What is the impact of using video content in social media posts for restaurants?

Video content in social media posts has a significant impact, with posts that include video receiving 48% more views than still photos.

Why is behind-the-scenes content effective for restaurant social media engagement?

Behind-the-scenes content is effective because it allows customers to see how their food is being made, which increases interest and engagement with the restaurant's brand.

How can employee spotlights help humanize the restaurant experience for customers?

Employee spotlights help humanize the restaurant experience by showcasing the people behind the business, providing recognition for their talents, expertise, and personality.

What is user-generated content and how can it benefit a restaurant's social media presence?

User-generated content (UGC) is content created by people rather than brands. It promotes authenticity, creates trust with consumers, and drives purchasing decisions, while also requiring less effort from the restaurant as customers are already sharing about the restaurant online.

How do social media contests help in building rapport and engagement with a restaurant's social media following?

Social media contests help build rapport and engagement by providing incentives and discounts, which encourage followers to interact with the restaurant's page and use specific hashtags.

What advantages does Facebook's advertising platform offer for restaurants?

Facebook's advertising platform offers geotargeting, allowing restaurants to reach potential customers in their local area, and the ability to target based on age, interests, and similar pages. It also provides retargeting options to remind visitors about the restaurant.

Why is it important for restaurants to consider more than just popular posting times on social media?

Restaurants should consider more than just popular posting times to ensure their content is relevant and timely for their specific audience segments, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner crowds.

How can live video be leveraged by restaurants for social media engagement?

Live video can be leveraged by showcasing cooking processes and behind-the-scenes action, which tends to hold viewers' attention longer than non-live videos, thus increasing engagement.