Your restaurant’s social media accounts are important. You probably already know this! You use them for everything from sharing new menu items to offering promotions, and they’re a great place to directly interact with your customers. Social media gets the word out about your restaurant, which is exactly what it’s meant to do. But there’s more to consider when it comes to your restaurant and social media marketing.
One of the best ways for your restaurant to attract business is through social media marketing. But what exactly does social media marketing mean? Of course, it includes advertisements, promotions, sharing relevant articles and blog posts, and posting photos of your menu items and events using relevant hashtags. But social media can also work in a similar way to way-of-mouth marketing. If people see posts about your restaurant being shared and posted by people they follow on social media, they’ll be more likely to stop by and see what the buzz is about. No matter how much social media marketing you do, nothing can replace the effectiveness of crowd mentality. So, how do you get people to post about your restaurant?
Be Insta-Worthy For Restaurant Social Media
Creating a photographic restaurant is a great place to start if you’re trying to encourage people to post instagram photos. Creating an “Instagram wall” is a great way to do this! An Instagram wall is a decorated wall that’s designed for people to take photos in front of when they visit your restaurant. They’re usually decorated to match the theme of your establishment, with bright geometric designs, twinkle lights, or whatever fits your restaurant. They may or may not include a decorative sign for your business. You could consider a faux-neon sign in the shape of a burger or slice of pizza–or whatever your restaurant is known for–for a more subtle note.
Getting people to post about your restaurant online starts with creating a location that they want to photograph. Having an aesthetically-pleasing restaurant will have your social media filled with photo tag notifications. And it doesn’t have to be complicated, either–one statement wall is enough to get everyone talking. Photo props are also an option and may suit diners and bars. Consider a sign with an arrow that points to the subject and a proclamation that they’ve devoured whatever dish your restaurant is known for–maybe a huge burger or sundae. Dishes like these often attract photos all by themselves, too, on account of their novelty.
Other Ways to Get Posts
Besides subtly encouraging posts through your photogenic decor, you can also be more assertive about it. Use table tents to encourage check-ins on Facebook, which are easy to do and help spread the word. You can even offer a small discount if guests show their server proof of posting.
Another way to draw in posts is by hosting a photo contest. Advertise both in-house and online that anyone that tags you in a photo at your restaurant between certain dates (say, a one- or two-week span) will be entered in a contest to win a gift card or other prize. You can consider making this a recurring contest, too!
We hope that these tips will help you in your social media marketing. Happy photographing!
