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Social media is a powerful tool for restaurants to attract customers, build brand loyalty, and increase sales. With the right strategy, you can turn followers into diners and keep them coming back. Here are 15 restaurant social media marketing tips with real-world examples to inspire your strategy.
1. Showcase Your Food with High-Quality Photos & Videos
People eat with their eyes first. Post professional-quality images and videos of your dishes to entice customers.
Example:
- @shake_shack on Instagram posts vibrant, close-up shots of their burgers and milkshakes, making followers crave their food instantly.
2. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)
Encourage customers to share their dining experiences and repost their content. It builds trust and authenticity.
Example:
- @chipotle runs campaigns like #ChipotleLidFlip, where customers post videos of flipping their burrito bowl lids—many get featured on Chipotle’s page.
3. Run Social Media Contests & Giveaways
Engage your audience with contests (e.g., “Tag a friend to win a free meal”). This boosts reach and followers.
Example:
- @dominos often runs giveaways where followers comment or share posts for a chance to win free pizza.
4. Post Behind-the-Scenes Content
Show your kitchen, staff, or ingredient sourcing process to humanize your brand.
Example:
- @starbucks shares videos of baristas crafting drinks, giving followers a peek into their coffee-making process.
5. Use Instagram & Facebook Stories for Daily Updates
Stories are great for limited-time offers, daily specials, or fun polls.
Example:
- @pizzahut uses Instagram Stories to promote new deals and engage followers with interactive stickers.
6. Partner with Food Influencers
Collaborate with local food bloggers or influencers to reach new audiences.
Example:
- @wendys partners with meme pages and influencers to create viral, humorous content.
7. Share Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Positive reviews build credibility. Screenshot and share them on your social media.
Example:
- @thecheesecakefactory highlights customer reviews in Instagram posts and stories.
8. Promote Special Offers & Discounts
Exclusive social media deals (e.g., “Mention this post for 10% off”) drive foot traffic.
Example:
- @mcdonalds promotes its app-exclusive deals on Twitter and Instagram.
9. Go Live for Events & Cooking Demos
Live videos create real-time engagement—host a chef’s special cooking session or a Q&A.
Example:
- @olivegarden has gone live to showcase new menu items and cooking tips.
10. Use Trending Hashtags & Challenges
Jump on food trends (e.g., #FoodTok, #TacoTuesday) to increase visibility.
Example:
- @tacobell dominates #TacoTuesday with creative posts and memes.
11. Highlight Your Unique Selling Point (USP)
What makes your restaurant special? Vegan options? Secret recipes? Show it off!
Example:
- @beyondmeat highlights its plant-based burgers with mouthwatering visuals.
12. Engage with Followers in Comments & DMs
Respond to comments, answer questions, and thank customers for tagging you.
Example:
- @chickfila is known for its friendly and prompt responses to customer messages.
13. Create a Consistent Posting Schedule
Post regularly (3-5 times a week) to stay top of mind.
Example:
- @panerabread maintains a steady flow of posts featuring meals, recipes, and promotions.
14. Use Reels & TikTok for Viral Content
Short, engaging videos (recipes, funny skits) perform well on TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Example:
- @dennysdiner uses humor and trending sounds to create viral TikTok content.
15. Track Performance & Adjust Strategy
Use Instagram Insights or Facebook Analytics to see what works and refine your approach.
Example:
- Many restaurants A/B test different post types (videos vs. images) to optimize engagement.
A strong social media presence can turn scrollers into diners. By using these 15 restaurant social media marketing tips, you can boost engagement, attract new customers, and keep your regulars coming back for more.
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