In this article, we will cover the following topics:
Social Media Marketing Statistics for Restaurants
The Basics of Social Media Marketing in Restaurants
Social Media Marketing Best Practices for Restaurants
Social Media Marketing Statistics for Restaurants
A survey conducted by restaurant marketing agency MGH revealed some insights into how consumers are using social media to choose their next dining destination:
36% of American consumers follow restaurants on social media
45% of U.S. consumers said they tried a restaurant for the first time because of a social media post from the establishment itself
22% of U.S. consumers said a restaurant's social posts kept them coming back
The Basics of Social Media Marketing in Restaurants
Before you jump into social media marketing for restaurants, you will need taiwan contact number to create accounts if you don’t have any. For restaurants, Facebook and Instagram are the two platforms you absolutely must be present on.
If you already have these accounts set up, check out the social media checklist for restaurants below to make sure your profiles are set up for success.
Keep your restaurant name consistent across all social media platforms, so when customers search for you, they'll know they've come to the right place.
Be consistent and identifiable with your handle. If your restaurant name is already taken, try adding your city name or abbreviation at the end. (e.g. if @burgerbar is already taken, try @burgerbar.mtl).
Like the previous two points, make sure these photos are consistent across all platforms. Your restaurant logo is the best way to make sure your customers know it's you.
Your restaurant location. You guessed it, be consistent. If your restaurant has multiple locations, some social networks only allow one address. So use the address of your flagship location or the most popular restaurant on those platforms.
Your restaurant’s website URL. Every social media platform has a “website” field, which allows you to direct your guests to any location online. This space should lead to your restaurant’s website so new followers can learn more about your business.
The “About Me” or “Bio” section. This should include a brief description of your restaurant that will entice potential customers to visit.
Social Media Marketing Best Practices for Restaurants
Unless you’re running paid ads, social media marketing for restaurants relies on organic, authentic content and conversations. Managing your restaurant’s social media can feel like an extra full-time job, but here are some ideas to keep the conversation going and keep current and potential customers engaged.
Run a contest to drive engagement and gain followers.
Instagram is the platform where restaurants see the most engagement, so try running a contest there to increase your reach. Instagram’s algorithm loves it when people share, comment, and like your photo, and contests give your followers a reason to do so.
In addition to gaining followers, an Instagram contest is a low-budget way to get the word out, whether you're trying to drive more people to your online ordering page or announce the opening of a new location.
To run a successful Instagram contest, make sure the rules are simple and clear. The most common ways to enter are:
Like the contest photo and follow your account
Tag your friends in the comments. You can give people a better chance of winning if they tag multiple people, but make it clear that tags should be left in separate comments (this bumps your post up in the algorithm).
Offer an even bigger chance to win if people share your post in their story and tag your account for more exposure.
You can run a contest on your own or partner with another business. For example, partner with a local theater to offer a “dinner and a show” deal; the rules of the contest are the same, but it’s mutually beneficial because entrants must like and follow both accounts, giving you cross-promotional benefits.