13 Ways to Promote Your Restaurant on Social Media

By Sarah Jarosz, Contributor

Social media has revolutionized how businesses market their products and services, and restaurants are no exception. Whether you're a small, local restaurant or a large, chain restaurant, social media can be a powerful tool to help you attract new customers and build brand awareness. In this article, we'll discuss ten ways you can promote your restaurant on social media.

First, Why You Should Promote Your Restaurant on Social Media

Restaurant employee or guest at a restaurant bartop smiling while on their phone.

Promoting your restaurant on social media is essential in today's digital age. With the rise of social media platforms, businesses can now reach a larger audience than ever before, and restaurants are no exception. Here are a few reasons why you should promote your restaurant on social media.

Increased Visibility

Social media provides a platform for businesses to reach a large and diverse audience. Promoting your restaurant on social media can increase your visibility and attract new customers who may not have heard of your restaurant otherwise. It’s important to use hashtags when appropriate to increase your changes of getting new eyes on your content and restaurant.

Cost-effective Marketing

Social media marketing can be an incredibly cost-effective way to promote your restaurant. Most social media platforms offer free accounts, and the cost of creating and sharing content is minimal. Compared to traditional marketing methods such as print or TV ads, social media marketing can provide a higher return on investment.

Improved Customer Engagement

Social media provides a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with their customers. By responding to comments and messages, running contests, and sharing behind-the-scenes content, you can build a relationship with your customers and increase their loyalty to your brand.

Enhanced Brand Awareness

Social media can help you build brand awareness and recognition. By sharing high-quality photos and videos of your dishes, interior, and ambiance, you can showcase your restaurant and create a unique brand identity that sets you apart from your competitors.

Guest Feedback and Reviews

Social media provides a platform for customers to leave reviews and feedback about your restaurant. You can improve your restaurant's customer experience and reputation by monitoring and responding to these reviews.

13 Ways to Promote Your Restaurant on Social Media

1. Share High-quality Photos & Videos

Visual content is essential when it comes to promoting your restaurant on social media. Make sure you share high-quality photos and videos of your restaurant's dishes, interior, and ambiance. You can hire a professional photographer or use a smartphone to take photos, but make sure they are clear, well-lit, and attractive.

Don’t forget about video. Most social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, are favoring videos over photos. Make scrumptious food videos to win more fans on social media or draw more foodies to your restaurants.

2. Use Hashtags

Hashtags are a great way to increase your restaurant's visibility on social media. Use relevant hashtags such as #foodporn, #foodie, #restaurant, #yum, and #foodstagram to reach a broader audience.

You can also create your own branded hashtag and encourage your guests to use it when sharing their photos or experiences at your restaurant.

3. Engage with Your Followers

Social media is a two-way communication channel, so make sure you engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. This will help you build a relationship with your customers and increase loyalty to your brand.

Prize invitation contest social media banner template

4. Run Social Media Contests

Social media contests are a fun and engaging way to promote your restaurant and reward your guests and followers. You can run photo contests, caption contests, or even quiz contests, with the winner receiving a free meal or a discount at your restaurant.

Make sure you promote your contest on all your social media channels to maximize participation.

5. Partner with Influencers & Local Businesses

Influencer marketing can be a powerful way to reach a new audience and promote your restaurant. Find relevant Instagram influencers in your area or niche, and reach out to them to collaborate on a social media campaign. You can offer them a free meal or compensation in exchange for a post or story about your restaurant.

Collaborating with other local businesses can also help promote your restaurant to a broader audience. You can team up with other restaurants, bars, or cafes in your area to offer joint promotions or events. This can also help you build relationships with other businesses and potentially lead to future partnerships.

6. Offer Social Media-Exclusive Deals

Offering exclusive deals to your social media followers can help increase engagement and drive traffic to your restaurant. You can offer a discount on a meal or a free dessert to customers who show a post or a story about your restaurant on their social media accounts.

7. Promote Events & Menu Specials

Social media is a great way to promote your restaurant's events and specials. Make sure you share information about upcoming events, such as live music nights or holiday specials, and create a sense of urgency to encourage your followers to book a reservation or visit your restaurant.

8. Monitor Your Reviews

Online reviews can have a significant impact on your restaurant's reputation and success. Make sure you monitor your reviews on popular platforms such as Yelp, Google, and Facebook, and respond to them promptly and professionally. This will help you address any issues and improve your restaurant's customer experience.

9. Share Behind-the-Scenes Content

Sharing behind-the-scenes content on your social media channels can help create a more personal connection with your audience. Showcasing your kitchen staff preparing dishes or your restaurant's unique features can help humanize your brand and build trust with your followers.

10. Use Social Media Ads

Social media ads can be a great way to reach a targeted audience and promote your restaurant. You can create ads on platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, targeting specific demographics or interests. This can help you reach potential customers who may not be following your social media accounts.

11. Measure Your Results

Finally, it's essential to measure your social media marketing efforts to see what's working and what's not. Use analytics tools to track your social media performance, such as engagement rates, follower growth, and click-through rates. This will help you optimize your strategy and achieve better results over time.

12. Showcase Your Restaurant's Values

Sharing your restaurant's values and mission on social media can help differentiate your brand and attract customers who share your values. You can share information about your sustainable practices, community involvement, or other initiatives that align with your brand. This can help you build a loyal following and stand out from your competitors.

13. Use User-generated Content (UGC)

User-generated content can be a valuable asset for promoting your restaurant on social media. Encourage your customers to share photos or videos of their experiences at your restaurant, and share the content on your social media channels. This can help you showcase your restaurant from a customer's perspective and create social proof.

Conclusion

In conclusion, social media can be a powerful tool to promote your restaurant and reach a broader audience. Promoting your restaurant on social media can help you attract new customers, engage with your existing customers, and build a strong brand identity. With the right social media tips for restaurant marketing, it can be a powerful tool to help your restaurant succeed in today's digital age.


About the Author:
Meet Sarah, a social media marketer who specializes in creating and implementing social media strategies for small and medium-sized businesses. Sarah enjoys trying out new restaurants and cafes, reading marketing blogs, and traveling in her free time. 


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