With new food joints and fine dining restaurants launching in quick succession, it’s no surprise that the competition in the food service industry is pretty fierce.
Most restaurants are so busy handling guests and feedback on-site, they fail to realize how much is at stake for them online too.
That’s why you need a restaurant marketing plan that works like a charm.
Do you own a restaurant? Are wondering how to boost your online reputation?
Here are some valuable social media marketing tips that can boost your restaurant business.
- Understand customer perspective
The fundamental of any marketing plan lies in how well you understand your customers.
Start with creating a few customer personas and then try to think like your customer. Having a clear idea of the expectations of your restaurant guests will help you structure your marketing strategy for best results.
- Pay attention to your profile
As a part of your social media marketing strategy, you’ll have to create profiles on several platforms, especially Facebook and Instagram.
When you set out to create your social media profile, make sure that it is consistent with your business goals and target.
For example, if your restaurant is targeting families, your profile should appear like a family restaurant.
Having a sincere social media profile is one of the essentials of a restaurant marketing plan.
- Create original posts
It is easy to create social media posts using images and graphics available on the net.
But it’s just as easy for such social media campaigns to turn out as complete failure.
Social media audiences always favor original posts and photos. To make your social media profile memorable, always post original photos.
- Make your interactions personal
When you create a post on social media, you’re expected to interact with the audience at a personal level.
That means, you should react and respond to the comments of your followers. You should answer any queries or clarifications sought by the customers.
Always respond like you’re personally replying to the customers. Use emojis and casual expressions wherever appropriate.
- Stay active and engaging
Your social media profile is an ever-growing personality in itself. You can’t just stop at a few initial posts.
You should keep posting regular updates and at least a few times a week. Being active on social media is the key to a successful social media marketing plan.
- Connect with the customers
Many restaurants make the mistake of assuming that the social media platforms are meant solely for generating followers.
It’s not only the number of likes and follows that matter, but also your one on one interaction with the customers.
Customers may choose to message you on Facebook or Instagram with their questions and concerns.
Ensure that you leave a satisfying and timely reply to the customer queries on social media.
- Kitchen peeks
One way to generate a lot of positive shares for your restaurant is to post pictures and videos behind-the-scenes from the kitchen.
Your social media audience will definitely appreciate a sneak-peek in the area which is otherwise out of bounds for them.
- Post your food menu
Make sure that your followers can access your restaurant’s food menu through social media.
Create a concise Menu and post it on Facebook. If you have a website showcasing your detailed menu, you can add a link on your profile page too.
- Appreciate your staff
Create posts appreciating your staff’s hard work and dedication. Posts that showcase happy staff members serving the guests immediately generate good vibes for your restaurant.
This will leave a good impression on the audience and also motivate your employees.
- Share customer posts
Often customers post pictures of their experience at the restaurant and tag the restaurant’s profile along. Sharing or re-posting such feedback is a great opportunity to thank your loyal customers and acknowledge their appreciation.
- Include video posts
Every once in a while, try to embed videos in your social media posts. Video posts are more engaging and memorable. Video posts also get more views and rated high on social media performance.
- Facebook Events
Creating and launching special events on Facebook is a great way to seek participation from old and new customers. You can post events like the launch of a special menu, offers and discounts.
- Facebook Promotions
Facebook Promotions are a great way to reach out to new customers. Here’s a platform that provides you with tools to target audiences based on location and demographics.
You can fix a budget and schedule the promotions for a limited period.
- Instagram Marketing
It’s true that Instagram was initially launched as a photo-sharing platform. But the way Instagram hashtags have created a storm in the digital marketing space, mastering it is mandatory for a successful social media strategy.
Don’t forget to use brilliant photos from your food menu and add some niche hashtags to get into the mainstream Instagram marketing.
- Food bloggers and influencer marketing
Food bloggers have huge followings on Instagram. They have immense potential to influence your restaurant’s reputation.
Try to reach out to food bloggers and invite them to try new dishes at your restaurant.
You’ll get an objective review of course, but there’s a good chance that your food and menu will get positive feedback.
- Social Media Contests
Contests yield user-generated content that’s indispensable for social media engagement and popularity.
Holding photo contests on social media is an easy way to create some talk around your profile.
- Interpret Social Media Insights
All social media platforms provide insights for your posts.
You can assess how your post has performed in the terms of number of views, engagement and conversions.
Learning to interpret these valuable insights can help you create better posts in future.
- Manage your reputation
Social media has emerged as the most important tool for online reputation management for businesses.
New restaurants need to pay special attention to any mentions regarding their business.
Always respond promptly and positively to all feedback and criticism to keep up your online reputation.
- Encourage feedback
When guests appreciate the service and food in your restaurant, always encourage them to post their review on social media as well.
You’ll benefit immensely from the positive reviews and ratings.
- Provide links for online reservations
Social media is a great way to get prompt conversions. Create posts linking back to any online reservation tools or websites you’ve partnered with.
Make it quick and convenient for guests to book a table at your restaurant.
- Provide links for food delivery services
If your restaurant offers food delivery, you can get quick conversions through media by linking the food delivery services on your social media profiles.