How Instagram Can Get Everyone Excited About Your Business

How Instagram Can Get Everyone Excited About Your Business

What if you could consistently fill your tables with throngs of hungry customers who are excited to discover the delish dishes produced in your kitchen? Countless restaurateurs dream of striking gold with delicious food that delights the masses, but many restaurants sadly struggle to turn a profit and capture the attention of the crowds. What if there was a simple way to generate interest among your target customer base without spending a small fortune to do so? Fortunately, one resource makes it possible, and you may already have it sitting on your cell phone: Instagram.

What Makes Instagram Unique?

Using social media to market your restaurant is nothing new, so what makes Instagram the right tool for restaurant owners? If you’ve ever heard the expression, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” you’ve got the right idea. Beautiful photos of your dining area, daily specials, and even your staff can easily catapult your restaurant from just another spot in the neighborhood to one of the most popular eateries in town.

How to Use Instagram for Your Restaurant

First things first, if you don’t already have a business account on Instagram, get one! Start populating your feed with the best photos you’ve got. If you’re just starting out, follow local food blogs, critics, and other businesses in your area. Remember, social media is really just networking in the online space.

Not only is it important to maintain a regular posting schedule, but do your best to interact with others who tag you or comment on your posts. The idea is to make your customers feel valued and appreciated. Interacting with others on Instagram can also help you gain traction, putting your posts in front of more users on the “Discover” tab within the app. 

Paying for Instagram Promotion

If you’re seeing lackluster results with the slow-and-steady DIY approach, you might want to consider partnering with local Instagram influencers who already have a large following of dedicated fans. Don’t be shy about contacting influencers to start a conversation about a potential partnership. Many influencers exchange posts and Instagram stories in exchange for free dining and financial incentives. It’s a win-win that can help maximize your coverage on Instagram.

If working with an influencer isn’t your cup of tea, you can also pay to have your posts promoted in the Instagram feeds of other users. You can target posts based on the audience you want to reach. If you choose to pay for ads, you might want to consider running a promotion or special offer for those who mention the post when they come to dine in your eatery. 

Mastering the world of Instagram may feel like an impossible challenge, but with a bit of elbow grease and a little luck, nearly any restaurant owner can achieve real results using this social platform. Think carefully about your marketing strategy and make an effort to keep at it. It may take time, but when used correctly, Instagram can have dramatic results on your bottom line.