Restaurant Social Media in 2023: How to Get Started

Restaurant social media is a unique brand of social media. It’s also one of the best tools restaurants have to improve results on almost all fronts, from order revenue to customer satisfaction and everything in between. But managing your social media strategy starts with, well, getting started!

Key ways restaurants benefit from their social channels include:

• Building brand awareness and loyalty. Restaurants can grow their brand and draw in new customers by frequently posting about their menus, specials, and events. Restaurants can increase customer loyalty and foster a sense of community by interacting with them on social media.

• Restaurants can use social media for advertising menu specials and limited-time deals as well as to promote special events like happy hours and food festivals.

• Sharing user-generated content. Restaurants can foster a sense of community and attract new customers by encouraging diners to post pictures of their meals or dining experiences on social media.

• Getting customer feedback. Social media gives restaurants a platform to engage with patrons and obtain feedback on their fare, services, and environment. This can assist restaurants in identifying problem areas and implementing the necessary improvements.

Today, we’re diving into how social media can be a useful tool for restaurants looking to connect with and engage with their patrons, grow their brands, and advertise their establishments going into the new year.

Covered in this guide:

• • • Best Sites for Restaurant Social Media
    • 7 Things All Restaurants Should be Posting
    • How to Grow Your Restaurant Social Following Quickly

4 Best Social Media Sites for Restaurants to Use in 2023

The best social media sites for restaurants are determined by its target audience and the type of content the company wishes to share. Popular restaurant social media platforms include:

Facebook

Facebook is a popular platform for restaurants because it allows businesses to create a page and share updates, photos, and events with their followers. It has a large user base and is simple to use.

Instagram

Instagram is a visually appealing platform that is ideal for restaurants. Restaurants can use Instagram to attract new customers and engage with their existing followers by posting photos of their food, drinks, and atmosphere.

Twitter

Twitter is a fast-paced platform that allows businesses to share updates and interact with customers in real time. It can be an effective way for restaurants to share information, updates, and promotions.

Yelp

Yelp is a review and recommendation platform where users can rate and review local businesses such as restaurants. Restaurants can use it to manage their online reputation and respond to customer feedback.

7 Things Restaurants Should Post to Their Channels

Restaurants can post a variety of things to their social media channels in order to engage with their customers and promote their business. Among the suggestions are:

#1 Food & Drink Photos

Share high-quality photos of your menu items and special dishes to highlight your offerings and entice potential customers.

#2 Behind the Scenes Content

Share photos or videos of your kitchen, staff, or events to give your followers a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of your restaurant.

#3 Specials & Promos

To attract new customers and reward loyal ones, use social media to announce special events, menu items, or promotions.

#4 User-Generated Content

Encourage your customers to share photos or reviews of their dining experiences with you and share their content across your social media channels.

#5 Industry News & Trends

Share news or articles about the restaurant industry or food and beverage trends to demonstrate your expertise and keep your followers informed.

#6 Recipes

Have a recipe or two that your customers absolutely love? Try sharing recipes on social media to see if others are interested in sharing them with their friends.

#7 Customer Testimonials & Reviews

Share positive testimonials or reviews from satisfied customers to highlight your service and build trust with potential customers.

How Can Restaurants Quickly Grow Their Social Media Following?

Restaurants can use the following strategies to quickly increase their social media following:

#1 Use Hashtags

Hashtags make it easier for people to discover your content. In your posts, include relevant hashtags such as #foodporn or #localrestaurant to increase the likelihood that your content is seen by a larger audience.

#2 Engage With Followers

Respond to your followers’ comments and messages, and interact with other users in your industry or location. This can aid in the development of relationships and encourage more people to follow your account.

#3 Collaborate with Influencers

Ask influencers or food bloggers with a large following to promote your restaurant. This can assist in exposing your company to a larger audience and attracting new followers.

#4 Share High-Quality Content

Post interesting, visually appealing content that showcases your food, atmosphere, and events. This can help to attract new followers and keep your existing followers engaged.

#5 Run Social Media Promotions

Give your followers discounts or special offers in exchange for sharing your content or tagging their friends in your posts. This can assist in spreading the word about your restaurant and attracting new customers.

In Summary

The best social media platform for a restaurant is ultimately determined by your specific goals and target audience. Restaurants should experiment with various social platforms to determine which ones work best for them; however, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Yelp are great channels to start with.

To keep their followers engaged and informed, restaurants should post a mix of promotional and informative content to their social media channels while still focusing on driving traffic to their website and online menu.

Restaurants can effectively grow their social media following and reach a larger audience by implementing these strategies. To keep your followers engaged, you must be consistent and post interesting, high-quality content on a regular basis.