In today’s time nothing matters more than social media presence. Customers nowadays perceive you through the lens of social media. But it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to make it big on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook etc., but at the same time, it’s not too hard. Having foolproof strategies, you impress your customers and drive engagement and foot traffic to your restaurants. In this blog post, we will explore the top social media strategies that every restaurant business must know.
Can Restaurants Afford to Not Be on Social Media?
Absolutely not. According to Sprout Social’s Q3 2016 Index, 75% of consumers bought a product because they saw it on social media. Even more compelling, 60.7% of these consumers needed to see a post 2-4 times before making a purchase. This means that social media isn’t just a luxury for restaurants and bars—it’s a necessity. If you are not being proactive on your social media, you are missing an immense marketplace that could be exploring your brand online, telling others about their experiences, and making buying decisions around your digital existence.
Creating Engaging and Relevant Content
The most important aspect of social media marketing is engagement. According to research by Sprout Social, the most annoying type of content on social media is promotional posts. Instead of hitting followers with non-stop sales pitches, consider your social media presence as a conversation at a party. Share interesting tidbits about your restaurant or bar, ask questions, and engage with your customers’ posts.
Post at Optimal Times for Your Audience
It is important to understand how your audience behaves so you post when they are online. Observe the foot traffic in your restaurant or bar and notice the times when your customers will probably be online. For example, if your bar doesn’t open until the evening, it would be a poor idea to post a cocktail special at 9 a.m. Social media analytics can also help you identify which time is best for postin,g depending on your business.
In addition, you may post content relevant to the entire day, like behind-the-scenes shots, staff features, or general food-related content. These can be posted at any time, so you can stay active without overwhelming your followers with promotional posts.
Take Advantage of Location-Based Advertising
One of the most powerful features of social media advertising is location-based targeting. With networks such as Facebook, you can also advertise in exchange for driving sales to your restaurant or bar and, by area, reach those users close to your location. This exposure type appeals to those within your area, perhaps waiting in a place to grab something.
By using these targeting options, you can promote timely offers—such as lunch specials or happy hour discounts—to potential customers when they’re most likely to be nearby, driving foot traffic and increasing sales.
Conclusion
In the modern digital world, restaurants and bars can’t afford to ignore social media. This can be achieved by developing engaging content, setting up detailed profiles, posting at optimal times, and leveraging location-based advertising or simply by collaborating with any reputed Restaurant Branding Agency. A clear strategy in place with a commitment to regular analysis will ensure that your social media efforts increase your visibility and build lasting relationships with your customers. Social media is not simply a marketing tool; it is meant to connect with your community and grow your business.