6 Tips to Effectively Use Instagram for Restaurant Marketing

Instagram has become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes to connect with potential customers, and restaurants are no exception. With over one billion active users, Instagram provides a terrific opportunity for restaurants to reach out to a massive audience and display their culinary delights. However, to make the most use of this platform, restaurants must use it effectively. In this blog, we will discuss a few tips to help restaurants use Instagram for marketing and grow their business.

Post regularly

Consistency is a crucial element of a successful Instagram marketing strategy for restaurants. By posting regularly, you can keep your restaurant top of mind for your followers and increase the chances of them choosing your establishment for their next dining experience.

When creating your content calendar, be sure to mix up the types of content you are sharing. For example, you can post photos of your signature dishes, behind-the-scenes shots of your chefs in action, images of happy customers enjoying their meals, or even tips on how to cook your favourite dishes at home. Varying your content will keep your followers engaged and excited to see what you will post next.

Use relevant hashtags

Hashtags are an effective way to reach a wider audience on Instagram. Use relevant hashtags that describe your restaurant, cuisine, and location. Some popular hashtags for restaurants include #foodie, #foodporn, #yum, #delicious, and #eatlocal. You can also create your own branded hashtag to encourage customers to share their experiences at your restaurant.

Create reels for better reach

Instagram reels are a potent feature that allows you to create short videos that are 15-60 seconds long. Reels are a great way to showcase your restaurant’s personality and give potential customers a taste of what they can expect. Create reels highlighting your signature dishes, your staff in action, your restaurant’s ambience, or any general comic content related to restaurant. Reels have the potential to go viral, so do not be afraid to get creative.

Team up with food bloggers

Food bloggers have a massive following on Instagram, and teaming up with them can be a great way to reach a wider audience. Reach out to food bloggers in your area and offer them a free meal in exchange for a review on their Instagram page. This can help attract new customers and generate buzz for your restaurant.

Highlight it in story

Instagram stories are a great way to give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your restaurant. Use stories to highlight your daily specials, highlight staff members, and give customers a sneak peek at new menu items. Stories disappear after 24 hours, so use them to create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to visit your restaurant.

Make a photographable space at your restaurant

As Instagram is a visual platform, having a photographable space at your restaurant can help attract customers and generate free publicity. Create an Instagrammable wall or corner where customers can take photos and share them on their Instagram pages. This can help create a buzz around your restaurant and attract new customers.

In conclusion, Instagram is a powerful tool for restaurants looking to reach a wider audience and grow their business. By posting regularly, using relevant hashtags, creating reels, teaming up with food bloggers, highlighting your restaurant on stories, and creating a photographable space, you can effectively use Instagram to market your restaurant and attract new customers.

For restaurants to operate efficiently and without errors, you need to implement effective point-of-sale software. QPOS is a cutting-edge restaurant management software and point-of-sale system that includes a robust CRM module. This allows restaurants to collect user data and leverage it to enhance customer engagement and retention. QPOS has recently introduced a new method of collecting customer data, which is non-intrusive and uses Vision AI-based Customer Recognition technology.

For more information on marketing for restaurants, and tips for getting the most out of social media marketing, check out our blog here!

Did you Know?

After viewing food-related content online, a significant percentage of Millennials, specifically 86%, are willing to explore and try out new restaurants.