Internet Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Tools
Why Restaurants Should Be Using Social Media
Apr 18 2011
Many restaurants are already taking advantage of social media as a part of their marketing strategy. Those who aren’t leveraging social media and Internet marketing might be missing out on one of the most important things that has happened to marketing in the food industry.
Social media is ideal for restaurants for the following reasons:
Restaurant owners tend to have first hand knowledge of their customers and the items being served. Being close to your customers makes it easier for restaurant owners to understand how to leverage social media. The first step in social media is to understand your customers, their needs and wants and the social aspects of your restaurant business.
Let’s face it. Small restaurant owners can be strapped for cash. While there are costs associated with social media (especially training and time) it is much more cost effective than many other marketing avenues. For restaurants that need to get a high ROI, social media is a no-brainer.
The best way to build an audience for your social media profiles is to already have a personal connection (yes, in real life) to the people you want to connect with. Many restaurant owners actually know, by face or name, their customers. This can be a strong point of leverage in your social media execution.
Many big chains and brands have a difficult time determining the personality of their restaurants or can also be redundant. Restaurants are often chalk-full of personality, which can be brought to life via social media. In addition, the personal connection of the owner or key manager can be a further point of leverage with your social media strategy.
Most restaurants already have resources that can execute their social media strategy for them. Look for people within your network who are passionate about your restaurant, reliable and passionate about social media. These people are probably already working for you. You just need to empower them and give them a strategy!
Many restaurants have a compelling story to share. How and why was the restaurant created? What makes your restaurant different? Share this story in an authentic way. Some owners want to seem more “professional” so they use stock images instead of their own. Use your own photos, videos and stories to create a real authentic story that people connect with.
Large and medium restaurants have layers of bureaucracy that they have to deal with to get anything done. There are also lawyers and IT folks that have to be included. Restaurants can try different things quickly and adapt. Try something really interesting and remarkable. The risk is usually pretty small.
If you restaurant hasn’t taken advantage of social media as a marketing resource, it’s not to late to start. Not sure where to begin? Boot Camp Digital has the tools for you to get your social media marketing plan up and running! For a limited time, you can receive $100 off your social media marketing training package – specifically for restaurant owners. Visit https://bootcampdigital.com/restaurant-social-media for more details.
Try FREE for 5 Days!
I have to agree here. I not only visit web sites for information on my favorite restaurants, but I also check out any Facebook pages or other social media for input. What others have to say about food, service, ambiance, etc. matters a lot to my experience. I love great food, but I also want to know if people feel good about the place. That’s a good part of what keeps me and other customers coming back!
I would agree with your general comment, i would like to know more about things going on at my favorite resturants. It might influence how frequently I go there.