5 Best Ways to Elevate Your Restaurant's Social Media Game
Building a successful social media presence for your restaurant can feel overwhelming, especially when every other place seems to be putting out professional reels and jaw-dropping content. But don't worry, you don’t need a Hollywood production team to shine online. Here are five straightforward, effective ways to take your restaurant’s social media to the next level—without breaking the bank.
1. Focus on Video – Especially Behind the Scenes
Photos are great, but videos pack a bigger punch. A short reel showing the vibe of your restaurant, the kitchen in action, or a bartender crafting a signature drink can do wonders. Even if you're not into sharing personal moments, you can still highlight what makes your spot unique. Skip lengthy videos—keep them short and fun. A 15-second video showcasing your bustling kitchen or delicious food can tell your story in a flash.
Pro tip: Use your smartphone and capture 3-5 second clips. You can easily find a video editor on Fiverr to stitch them into a polished reel.
2. Create Shareable Menu Items
Want your food to stand out? Think BIG. Oversized, extra, or quirky menu items are attention magnets. Maybe it's a towering burger, or an outrageous cocktail—anything that gets people talking. While not everyone may order the giant dish, it’ll get them curious, and they'll come in for something else.
Pro tip: Include a short description on your posts that encourages sharing. Something like, "Tag your friends who can finish this burger!"
3. Leverage User-Generated Content
Let your customers do the heavy lifting. If you create an environment where guests naturally want to snap pics or post their experience, you’re golden. Encourage them to tag your location and use your restaurant’s hashtag. Then, share their content on your own page. It’s free advertising and makes your customers feel special.
Pro tip: Host small social media contests where you reward guests for the best photo or funniest caption. It’s an easy way to generate content and engagement.
4. Offer Social-Exclusive Deals
Don’t let your posts just be pretty pictures. Get people to take action by offering social media-exclusive deals. Something as simple as “Show this post for a free appetizer” or “20% off your next reservation if you book online” will not only boost engagement but also drive traffic to your restaurant.
Pro tip: Use Instagram stories for quick, limited-time offers. People love the urgency!
5. Consistently Remind Your Followers You Exist
Once you’ve built a following, it’s all about staying on their radar. People get flooded with posts and ads daily. Make sure they remember you by posting regularly. But here's the key—don’t stress about gaining new followers all the time. Instead, focus on keeping your current ones engaged. Reshare your best posts on stories, post frequent updates, and keep your content fresh and exciting.
Pro tip: Have fun with your posts! Feature your staff, share behind-the-scenes moments, or celebrate local events. It makes your restaurant feel more personal and relatable.
With these five steps, you can boost your restaurant's social media without a big budget or a full-time social media team. Keep things simple, stay consistent, and most importantly, let your restaurant's unique vibe shine.