Let’s be real—these days, if your restaurant isn’t showing up on social media, you’re missing out on many potential customers. Whether people are deciding where to order their Friday night takeaway or choosing the perfect spot for a weekend dinner, they’re checking Instagram or Facebook before they make a move. So, how do you get your restaurant to stand out in that crowded feed?
If you’re running a local curry spot aiming for the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, dubbed as the Oscar of the Curry Industry, social media can seriously help you boost your restaurant’s visibility. Here’s how to use it to get more eyes (and mouths!) on your food.
1. Get Your Customers to Post About You (a.k.a. User-Generated Content)
Want some easy, authentic promotion? Get your customers to post about their experience. When people snap pics of your dishes and share them on social media, tagging your restaurant, it’s like free advertising! Plus, people trust what other diners have to say more than they trust ads.
Here’s how to encourage this:
- Run fun contests where customers share their meals and tag you for a chance to win a free meal or a discount.
- Create a catchy hashtag, like #YourRestaurantNameEats, so it’s easy to find and follow their posts.
- Share the best customer posts on your own feed—people love the shoutout, and it’s great for building community.
This not only creates buzz but also shows potential new customers what to expect when they dine with you. Plus, people love being part of a community, so it’s a win-win.
2. Work with Local Influencers
You don’t need mega-famous influencers to make a splash. Local influencers, especially those focused on food, can help you reach people in your area. These influencers typically have loyal followers who trust their recommendations, which makes them perfect for promoting your restaurant.
If you run an Indian restaurant, look for influencers who love food and are passionate about trying different cuisines. If you’re shooting for awards like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, these partnerships can help spread the word.
Tips to get started:
- Reach out to local food bloggers or influencers with a strong community following.
- You can offer them a free meal in exchange for a post or, if it’s a bigger campaign, set up a partnership.
- Make sure the posts feel genuine, not overly salesy—people can tell when it’s forced.
3. Tell Your Restaurant’s Story
What makes your restaurant special? Maybe it’s that secret family recipe passed down through generations or the fact that you source your ingredients locally. Whatever your story is, share it! People love getting a glimpse behind the scenes and learning what makes your place unique.
Share your journey through posts, Instagram Stories, or Facebook updates. Show off what goes into making your dishes, from prepping ingredients to the final plating. And if your restaurant has been nominated for or won any awards like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, don’t be shy—celebrate those achievements!
People who feel connected to your story are more likely to become loyal customers. They’re not just buying food—they’re buying into an experience.
4. Post Mouth-Watering Photos and Videos
First impressions matter, and when it comes to food, people eat with their eyes first. So, make sure your photos and videos look delicious! Whether you hire a pro or take the photos yourself, high-quality visuals are a must for grabbing attention.
Use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to jazz up your posts. And don’t forget—if you’ve got an online food ordering system, your menu photos must look just as tasty as the ones on social media. Consistency makes your brand look trustworthy and professional.
Why it’s important:
- People are more likely to engage with your posts if the food looks irresistible.
- Great photos show that you take pride in your food, which builds trust with potential customers.
5. Use Paid Ads to Reach More People
Organic reach is great, but with all the changes in social media algorithms, you might find that your posts aren’t getting in front of as many people as you’d like. This is where paid ads come in handy. Facebook and Instagram allow you to target your ads to specific audiences—like locals who love trying new restaurants or foodies in your area.
For example, if your restaurant specialises in Indian food, you can create ads targeting people who are fans of Indian cuisine or follow local food influencers. It’s a great way to build awareness and get new customers through the door.
Here’s how to run effective ads:
- Set a clear goal for your ad—are you promoting your online food ordering system, a special offer, or just trying to get more eyes on your brand?
- Use targeting tools to make sure your ads reach the right people.
- Track how your ads are performing and tweak them if necessary.
6. Engage with Your Customers
Social media is about building connections, not just broadcasting your content. Make sure to interact with your followers! Reply to comments, respond to DMs, and even jump into conversations in local food groups. This interaction helps you build a loyal community around your restaurant.
It’s also a good idea to use Instagram Live or Facebook Live to connect with your audience in real time. You can show them how you make a popular dish or give them a sneak peek of a new menu item. You could even answer customer questions live, which will make them feel more connected to your brand.
7. Stay Consistent and Schedule Posts in Advance
Consistency is key when it comes to social media. Posting regularly keeps your restaurant at the top of your followers’ minds, so when they’re deciding what to eat, you’re one of the first places they think of. But with the hectic life of a restaurant owner, it’s easy to forget to post every day.
This is where scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite come in handy. You can plan your posts in advance, ensuring you always have fresh content, even on your busiest days.
Tips for consistent posting:
- Mix up your content—share daily specials, behind-the-scenes photos, customer shout-outs, and promotions.
- Time your posts to reach your audience when they are most active. Find out if your followers are scrolling during lunch, after work, or late at night, and post accordingly.
- Remember to post about big events, such as participating in the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards or other local happenings!
8. Make Ordering Super Simple
If you have an online food ordering system, integrate it with your social media. For example, you can add “Order Now” buttons on your Facebook and Instagram profiles so customers can place an order without leaving the app.
Highlight how easy it is to order online in your posts, especially during busy times like weekends. Make it super clear that your followers can skip the wait and get their food fast by ordering through your online system.
Wrapping Up
Growing your restaurant’s presence on social media doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By encouraging customer posts, teaming up with influencers, and posting regularly, you can create a social media strategy that gets more eyes (and hungry stomachs!) on your restaurant.
Remember, it’s all about being consistent, engaging with your audience, and authentically sharing your story. Social media is a powerful tool that can help grow your restaurant business—so use it to your advantage and watch your visibility soar!
