A wise person once said, “We first eat with our eyes.” And today, this is more relevant than ever with the prominence of social media, especially Instagram. This platform’s unique appeal lies in its emphasis on visual storytelling and community building. Its focus on high-quality images and videos, combined with features like Stories, Reels, and interactive filters, makes it a powerful platform for creative expression and self-presentation. It allows them to showcase their products and services creatively and foster strong brand engagement. Moreover, it also allows for direct product sales within the app. Despite the plethora of perks this platform offers, many brands fall flat as they often can’t catch up with the ongoing trends and changing algorithms. So, what’s the secret to making it big on Instagram? Well, it’s all detailed in this blog post!
Understand Instagram Algorithms
Understanding Instagram’s algorithm should be the primary basis of your marketing strategy. These algorithms are rules that personalize content for users based on their preferences and past interactions. Instagram uses various factors to determine what to show users. These factors include relevance, popularity, location, timelines, user activity, engagement, trends, etc.
As these algorithms change, your marketing tactics must also evolve. Merely posting content, even if highly creative, may not be effective without a thorough understanding of the platform’s current algorithms.
Reach out to Food Bloggers
The best thing about content related to food is we cannot just avoid it. Whenever we come across a reel where food is being prepared, reviewed, a recipe is being shared, or a dining place is referred to (ahem… places to take your next date), we tend to watch till the end. So, if you feel you currently don’t have many followers to see, appreciate, and share your content, you should consider collaborating with food bloggers. They can help introduce your work to a wider audience, showcasing both your good content and delicious food.
Encourage Direct Reservations
Just like Google allows you to receive direct reservations on your business profile, Instagram lets you do the same. You can add a “Reserve” button on your profile. You might have seen this already in some profiles. It can be added with a simple collab with a third-party reservation platform. You will find various platforms like OpenTable, Resy, etc, with different pricing, waitlist management, ease of use, and customer support options. Adding a “Reserve” button can make it easier for your customers to book directly with you. This can improve customers’ online experience.
Run Lucrative Offers
Running contests and giveaways is the best way to grab customers’ attention easily. When you occasionally release discount or giveaway offers, it can significantly improve your profile visits and engagement rate. The customers might explore your site or profile from time to time to keep up with the news you share online regarding “What’s new” or “What’s special.” Upon finding your offers delightful, they might even encourage their friends to participate in your contests.
You can make your customers feel special on special days like anniversaries and birthdays. SrveUp’s CRM services can help you know more about your customers, personalize the experience when they are browsing your profile, and curate rewards and offers.
Conduct Interactive Discussions
You can start a discussion around topics like “What is a perfect date idea for you?” or “What’s your go-to comfort food?” and trigger a crazy engagement on such posts. Just make sure to induce subtle humor in your replies to boost even further engagement.
If, despite doing so, you are not experiencing engagement, you can encourage user participation by offering something in return.
For example, you can post something like this:
Tell us your favorite date night idea in the comments below for a chance to win a free dinner for two next Friday!
We’ll be joined by a live band to make the evening extra special.
Note: Remember not to leave room for confusion, as it can turn out to be disastrous. Clearly state every detail. For example, if an entry is available for just one person, just make sure to mention it.
Leverage User Generated Content
What if everything about your Instagram presence sounds too good to be true? Well, that’s what social proof is for: to boost customers’ trust in your brand. The best way to win your audience’s trust in you is by using user-generated content in your Instagram posts. When potential customers see that other people are enjoying your products or services, it significantly increases their trust and encourages them to give you a try. It basically showcases real people enjoying your brand, which is far more believable than polished marketing materials.
Let’s see how to do it:
- Share brand mentions on Instagram.
- Collab with micro-influencer
- Repost photos and videos from customers who have visited your restaurant
- Promote ASMR videos
- Promote review-based videos from micro-influencers
- Run contests and share pictures on stories, reels, and posts
- Share photos and videos of customers enjoying your food
- Share customer stories
Follow Trends
Jumping on trends in a creative and unique way can also help you get discovered by the masses easily. Trends can help you reach new audiences who may not have been aware of your restaurant before. By participating in relevant trends, you can tap into new demographics and expand your customer base.
You can leverage trending sounds, effects, or challenges. And, if you are not getting any sparks, SrveUp is here to help you out. We can help you participate in relevant trends and position your restaurant as current and in tune with popular culture. This will keep your name on top of mind with potential customers.
You don’t always need to follow the trends
You don’t always need to chase every trend. During the pandemic, many of us felt overwhelmed by the constant stream of viral trends. But then came Khaby Lame, who showed us that trends can be used in unexpected ways. While others were simply trying to replicate viral content, Khaby used those trends as a springboard for his own unique brand of humor. His success highlights the importance of finding your own voice and putting your own creative spin on things, even within the context of popular trends. If you’re unsure how to do this, we’re here to help you.
Partner with SrveUp
Make Instagram marketing work for you like magic with SrveUp’s SMM services. We will not only help you with increased engagement and brand awareness but also consistently track the performance and work on the areas of improvement. Our expert team can build a consistent brand image for your restaurant across multiple channels and touchpoints. We will optimize your lead funnel with powerful marketing tactics. Call us now to discuss your requirements.
