It's time to update your online presence. Gone are the days of merely posting food photos; a hardworking social media marketing strategy is now essential. The challenge: navigating the digital landscape to boost awareness of your offerings, spark genuine interest, and deliver timely updates to the right audience.
Need help mastering your game plan? Explore some social media marketing examples from local restaurants and discover how to apply these winning strategies to your business.
The Importance of Social Media Marketing for Restaurants
Social media marketing is crucial for restaurants aiming to build personal, authentic connections with their customers. It’s your direct link to attracting new diners and keeping past patrons engaged.
Here’s why you need social media marketing:
- Strengthen customer relationships: Engage with your audience and address their questions and concerns directly.
- Showcase your brand: Create a compelling online presence that captures your restaurant’s unique voice and style.
- Drive sales and improve foot traffic: Promote new menu items, special events, and exclusive offers to excite your market.
- Boost visibility: Upload engaging food social media posts to keep your restaurant in the public eye.
- Collect essential information: Collect data on potential and existing customers to guide menu and service improvements.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to social media posting. You can manage your feed in various ways. Each restaurant has its own digital persona. The goal is to present it in a way that is both captivating and engaging to your audience.
1. 12/10 (@twelvetenph)
The strategy: Craft a cohesive brand identity across multiple touchpoints.
12/10’s social media exudes sophistication and playfulness, reflecting their unique approach to Japanese cuisine. Their food-centric fee maintains a crisp, polished look, creating a cohesive presence that resonates with their community. This visual harmony extends beyond their online presence, integrating into their interiors, graphic design, and even food presentation.
How to do it: While 12/10’s approach feels authentic and laid-back, it demands precision and meticulous curation. Not every photo makes the cut; each post should align with your brand’s aesthetic and message.
2. Sushi Nori (@sushinoriph)
The strategy: Evoke authentic emotions by featuring real people.
Sushi Nori’s feed combines polished visuals, engaging storytelling, and real people. While they highlight promotions for new menu items and branches, their content prioritizes connection. Through interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and lighthearted skits, they create a social media presence that feels relatable and inviting.
How to do it: Take a cue from Sushi Nori – feature real people in your posts to add personality and emotion. Instead of a repetitive stream of food photos, blend in authentic moments that showcase the energy, humor, and passion behind your business. Whether it’s candid staff interactions, customer testimonials, or playful content, human-centered storytelling fosters deeper engagement and brand loyalty.
3. Crosta (@crostapizzeria)
The strategy: Leverage trending content to drive engagement.
At first glance, Crosta’s feed might seem eclectic and unorthodox, breaking away from the typical aesthetic feed. However, their unique approach shines through in their high engagement levels. Tapping into online trends, they produce videos that reflect their wit, humor, and unapologetic personality.
How to do it: Stay ahead of trends by incorporating popular memes, dances, and video styles into your content. Embrace the fun side of your brand and release trend-driven content as it peaks. And don’t hesitate to add a touch of humor to your brand – diners appreciate the sense of escape these days.
4. Cibo (@ciboph)
The strategy: Deliver announcements and promotions with subtlety and style.
Cibo’s digital promotions are as refined as their menu items. The posts, from congratulating Filipino Olympians to announcing new branches, maintain a consistent and classy aesthetic. They avoid being overly aggressive, sticking to an understated elegance that blends seamlessly into their feed.
How to do it: Don’t let your feed turn into EDSA! Avoid cluttering it with promotional overload. Instead, create visually stunning content that aligns with your brand’s persona. Deliver messages subtly, ensuring they resonate without overwhelming your audience.
5. Ebi10 (@ebi10ph)
The strategy: Build a dynamic brand presence through signature, high-energy visuals and video-first content.
Ebi10’s feed bursts with branded graphics, playful animations, and bold colors that reinforce its identity. Their content leans heavily on video, using fast cuts, text overlays, and engaging captions to keep their audience hooked. Whether showcasing signature tempura, teasing limited-time promos, or sharing behind-the-scenes moments, their content is energetic and full of personality. Combined with humor and interactive elements, this approach fosters a strong community feel.
How to do it: Go beyond static food shots and embrace motion. Use short, engaging videos to highlight dishes, promotions, and brand culture. Stick to signature colors and fonts for instant recognition. Add personality with playful captions, memes, and interactive features like polls and Q&As to keep followers engaged.
A beautiful feed alone won’t cut it these days. While likes, comments, and shares might seem like success indicators, they don’t always translate into new customers or increased sales. What you need is genuine engagement. Use these social media marketing strategies and examples as inspiration and turn digital interactions into meaningful business growth. For help with your social media strategy, download the free restaurant marketing plan from UFS today.
