5 Simple Tips for Growing Your Restaurant’s Instagram Following

If your restaurant isn’t on Instagram yet, or if your account feels more like a digital ghost town than a vibrant community, it’s time to get serious. Instagram is one of the most powerful platforms for growing your restaurant’s brand and engaging with potential customers. With over a billion users, this is where people go to drool over food pics, discover new dining spots, and decide where their next meal is coming from.

But how can you stand out and start growing your restaurant’s Instagram in a way that doesn’t just attract followers but brings in real customers? We’ve got the answers. Here are five simple tips to help you level up your restaurant’s Instagram game and build an engaged following. And, of course, if you need help executing these strategies, get in touch with us using the button below for expert social media management that’ll get you results!

1. Optimise Your Instagram Profile

Before you dive into posting, you need to make sure that your Instagram profile is working as hard as it can for you. Your profile is like a digital front door for your restaurant—it’s often the first place potential customers will go to learn more about you.

Here’s how to make sure your profile is optimised for growing your restaurant’s Instagram:

• Profile Picture: Choose something recognisable, like your logo or a high-quality image of your restaurant’s exterior or a signature dish. This makes it easier for people to find and recognise you.
• Username: Keep it simple and consistent with your restaurant’s name or branding. If possible, avoid underscores or numbers that make it harder to find you.
• Bio: Your bio should tell people exactly what you offer, why they should follow you, and how they can visit you. Include your location, key menu items (like "Best pizza in the North West"), and a clear call to action, like “Book a table now!” or “Follow us for exclusive offers!”
• Link: Use the link in your bio wisely. Whether it’s a link to your website, reservation system, or even a special promotion, make sure it directs traffic to a place where you can convert interest into action.

If you want more personalised tips to enhance your restaurant’s Instagram presence, reach out to us and we can organise a quick, no-obligation consultation call completely for free!

2. Post High-Quality, Mouth-Watering Photos

Instagram is a visual platform, so your content has to be eye-catching, especially in the competitive restaurant scene. People come to Instagram to see what your restaurant is all about, and nothing sells your food better than high-quality, mouth-watering photos that make followers want to taste what they’re seeing.

• Focus on Lighting: Natural light is your best friend when it comes to photographing food. Aim to take photos near windows or outside to avoid harsh artificial lighting that can make your dishes look unappetising.
• Angles Matter: Try different angles to capture the most appetising view of your dish. Flat lays work well for full-table spreads, while a straight-on shot might be perfect for a tall stack of pancakes or a gourmet burger.
• Consistency is Key: Make sure your feed has a cohesive look. Whether that’s bright and vibrant or warm and cozy, your photos should reflect your restaurant’s vibe.

And don’t forget the video content! Instagram loves video (hello, Reels), and short clips showing how your dishes are prepared or highlighting your restaurant’s ambiance can be super engaging.

3. Use Relevant Hashtags and Geotags

Hashtags and geotags are critical tools for growing your restaurant’s Instagram. They help make your posts discoverable to people who don’t already follow you, allowing you to reach a broader audience.

• Hashtags: Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags that are relevant to your restaurant. For example, don’t just go with #food—use #brunchinliverpool if you’re targeting a brunch-loving crowd in Liverpool. Local food hashtags are a great way to get discovered by people looking for restaurants in your area.
• Geotags: Every time you post, tag your location! When people are searching for a place to eat in your area, geotags can help them find your restaurant. Plus, encourage customers to geotag your restaurant when they post their food pics—it’s free advertising.

4. Engage With Your Audience

One of the biggest mistakes restaurants make on Instagram is posting content but not engaging with their audience. Social media isn’t just about broadcasting your content—it’s about building a community and relationships.

Here’s how to engage effectively:

• Respond to Comments and Messages: If someone leaves a comment, even if it’s just an emoji, respond! A simple “Thanks for stopping by!” can go a long way in building relationships with your followers.
• Run Contests and Giveaways: Encourage your followers to engage with your posts by running contests or giveaways. Something like “Tag a friend you’d bring to brunch, and you could win a free meal!” is a great way to get more visibility and interaction.
• Use Instagram Stories: Stories are a fantastic way to engage with your audience in real-time. Use polls, questions, and countdowns to interact with your followers and keep them coming back to your page.

5. Partner With Influencers and Food Bloggers

One of the fastest ways to grow your Instagram following is by partnering with influencers or food bloggers who already have a loyal audience. These partnerships can put your restaurant in front of hundreds or even thousands of potential customers in your area.

• Find Local Influencers: You don’t need to target huge influencers with millions of followers. Instead, focus on local foodies or micro-influencers who have an engaged, local following. These influencers are often more affordable and have more authentic connections with their audience.
• Offer Exclusive Experiences: Invite influencers to your restaurant for a special tasting event or a sneak peek of a new menu item. When they share their experience with their followers, it can create a buzz around your restaurant that drives real traffic.

Final Thoughts

Growing your restaurant’s Instagram doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does take a smart, consistent approach. By optimising your profile, posting drool-worthy content, using hashtags and geotags, engaging with your audience, and working with influencers, you’ll be well on your way to building a loyal following that translates into real customers.

Need help putting all these strategies into action? Get in touch with us today, and we can take social media completely off your hands to grow your restaurant’s presence and turn your followers into regulars!

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