How to Make Your Restaurant Go Viral on Social Media?

Nowadays, you will find your potential guests on social media rather than on the outside of your restaurant. This makes it essential for you to be on social media. It is an integral part of running a business in the modern age.

Social media allows you to expand your customer base and convert first-time visitors into regular customers. For that, you need an effective social media strategy that will help you in this endeavour.

However, where would you like to start? How do you make your restaurant become a viral sensation on social media? And how are you going to effectively promote your restaurant on different social media platforms?

Well, in this article, you will explore various ways in which you can make your restaurant go viral on social media platforms.

Making a Restaurant Viral on Social Media: What’s Involved in the Process?

According to a restaurant marketing agency, restaurants should use social media to connect with customers and patrons in useful, fun, and creative ways. Some essential things you can do on your social media platforms include:

Post high-quality images of the dishes you offer.
Share seasonal, regular, or weekly menus.
Share user-generated content from customers.
Communicate with customers and visitors.
Share recipes
Share behind-the-scenes shots and videos.
Highlight employees like chefs, waiters, bartenders, and other staff.
Update users on the change in operating hours.

These are some notable things you can do with your restaurant’s social media pages.

Now, let’s shed light on the abovementioned points in detail:

Posting High-Quality Images of Your Offerings:

Visual appeal is essential in the food industry, because you eat with your eyes first. Most importantly, social media platforms are inherently visual. That’s why restaurants need to click high-resolution photographs and videos of their offerings. These visuals need to be well-lit, attractively styled, and should showcase food in its more attractive form.

High-resolution images can instantly grab the attention of users who are scrolling through your feeds. These images evoke a sense of desire, which will make potential customers crave for the food in your restaurant.

Furthermore, you should capture different angles, close-ups that highlight textures, and action shots such as pouring salts, sauces, and garnishing ingredients.

Sharing Seasonal, Daily, or Weekly Menu Items:

Social media offers a convenient and dynamic way for restaurants to update their audience regarding their menu offerings. By sharing menus, especially the specials you offer on a seasonal or weekly basis, you will be able to create excitement, which will further result in repeated visits.

Regularly updated menus allow you to keep your social media account fresh and relevant. You should highlight seasonal ingredients, which will help you showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality and freshness. Weekly specials are effective in driving traffic on specific days.

Sharing BTS Shots and Videos:

Giving customers a glimpse into the inner workings of your restaurant will make your brand relatable, which will further help you build trust. Sharing behind the scenes content showcases the passion, dedication, and hygiene standards followed by the team.

Such content creates a sense of transparency and authenticity. It further allows customers to connect with your restaurant on a personal note.

The best thing you can do is showcase your kitchen operations, highlight the sourcing of ingredients, show the bond of your staff with one another, and showcase your cleanliness protocols.

You can even use short and engaging videos, along with live streams during busy periods, to keep your online customers engaged.

Highlight Employees and Share Appreciation for Them Online:

Shine a spotlight on your dedicated staff, including chefs, servers, bartenders, and others who contribute to the dining experience. Share their stories, favorite dishes, or unique skills.

This humanizes your restaurant, allowing you to foster a deeper connection with your audience. Most importantly, customers love to see the faces behind their meals.

Sharing Recipes Online:

Post behind-the-scenes looks at your signature dishes by sharing recipes. This not only showcases your culinary expertise but also invites your followers to recreate your flavors at home.

You can consider posting short videos or step-by-step photos to make the recipes more engaging and accessible. This will further make your customers get tempted by your recipes, which will make them try your recipes at home.

Communicating With Your Customers and Users Online:

Social media offers a direct and immediate channel for restaurants to communicate with their customers and address their queries, feedback, and concerns. Active communication fosters stronger relationships and enhances customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, Prompt and helpful responses can turn a negative experience into a positive one and build customer loyalty. Proactive communication from your side can keep your customers informed and engaged.

Share user-generated content from customers:
User-generated content (UGC), such as photos and reviews shared by customers, is a powerful form of social proof. When customers share their positive experiences, it acts as an authentic and trustworthy endorsement for the restaurant.
Most importantly, user-generated content builds credibility and trust. Potential customers are more likely to be influenced by the experiences of their peers than by direct advertising. It also fosters a sense of community around the restaurant.

Announcing Changes and Updates:
Use your social media platforms to keep customers informed about any changes in hours, special events, or the opening of additional locations. Regularly update your followers on promotions, new menu items, or any health and safety practices you are implementing.
This transparency keeps your community engaged and aware of all the exciting developments at your restaurant. Furthermore, timely updates on operating hours ensure that customers have accurate information and can plan their visits accordingly.

To Summarize

Social media is a perfect tool that will help you build a great bond with your customers. However, you need an effective social media strategy that will help your restaurant become viral. The abovementioned tactics will help you attract your target audience and ensure that you strike a chord with them.
Furthermore, these tactics are also helpful in making your restaurant a viral sensation, which will further make it stand out against its local competitors with due effect.