5 Additional Ways to Promote Your Restaurant on Social Media

As discussed in the last blog (see post: 5 Ways to Promote Your Restaurant on Social Media),  Social media greatly increases awareness about your restaurant. Adding social media to your marketing mix can generate more engagement with your restaurant and get more customers in your door.  In this blog post, we’re going to show you five additional ways to promote your restaurant on social media.

1. Showcase Videos on YouTube

Create a YouTube channel for your business. Make sure you use the same branding for your header photo so it matches your website and other social media.  What videos should you share? Here are a few ideas:

• Recipes – create your own “cooking show.”
• Interview with guests – the customer video testimonial is widely popular
• Cooking tips
• Chef highlights

Once you’ve posted your videos on YouTube, they’ll be visible on your Google+ Page. You’ll need to post them on all of your other social media platforms. Post them anywhere you can including your blog. This visual interaction is sure to increase your visibility.

2. Share and Promote on Instagram

Instagram is the perfect place to share your menu and restaurant photos. It seamlessly integrates with Facebook so your images show on both platforms.  High quality photos are a must. Take your menu photos one step further – encourage your customers to upload their favorite items. This helps build your menu of images while increasing engagement.  Always use hashtags on Instagram. They are relevant and prevalent. Use trending hashtags. For example, use #chocolateday on national chocolate day. Be sure to include photos of your chocolate desserts. Running a promotion? Use campaign specific hashtags.  Try photo contests on Instagram. They can generate customer loyalty, as users take and submit photos and come back often to see if they’ve won.

3. Publicize on Pinterest

Take the plunge and set up your restaurant page on Pinterest. Get your restaurant involved by creating boards. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Recipe Board
• Menu Item Board
• Inspirational Quotes and Photos Board
• Special Events Board

You’ll want to create unique pins for each board and re-pin other people’s content. Pinterest is about engaging. Always include some text with your pin and use high quality photos. Take a look at Pinterest’s Promoted Pins. This is another form of paid Internet advertising.

4. Claim Your Google+ Page

Google’s integrated resources make it easy for diners to leave reviews, upload photos and browse the latest hotspots. If you don’t have a Google+ page, claim your page today. As with Facebook, pay attention to profile picture sizes and make sure they are high quality.  Posts work similar to Facebook, so you’ll find Google+ fairly easy. Be consistent and use a mix of photos, videos, reviews, and other interesting content.

5. Google Alerts

Stay on top of your restaurant’s online image. Set up Google alerts, and you can track mentions of your restaurant on the Internet. You’ll learn anytime your name is mentioned. You can track customer reviews, both positive and negative. It’s important to respond in a timely fashion.

Source: Restaurant Engine (adapted)