Instagram marketing for restaurants is a game-changer—here's why. With over one billion users, it's no wonder restaurants are turning to this platform to bring in local business. But, let's be real—getting those followers to become actual customers takes more than just posting mouth-watering food pics. You need a strategy that drives people through your door.
Here are 10 actionable steps to make Instagram work for your restaurant and get local customers lining up for a taste.
1. Optimize Your Bio for Local Search
Your Instagram bio is prime real estate. This is where first impressions happen, and let me tell you, if it’s boring or missing key info, people will scroll on. What should you include? Make sure to feature your location, hours of operation, and a link to your menu.
Pro tip: Add location-specific keywords and hashtags. Think "Best Tacos in Dallas" instead of just "Tacos." This helps your restaurant pop up in local searches.
“Your Instagram bio isn’t just a bio—it’s your restaurant’s elevator pitch in 150 characters or less.”
2. Create Multiple Accounts for Different Locations
If you have more than one location, don't shove them all under one Instagram handle. Why? Because local customers want local content. Whether it’s different cuisines or simply different vibes, separate accounts let you personalize the content based on the unique customer base of each location.
Look at brands like Shake Shack. They keep it local by having individual accounts for their stores across cities.
3. Use Geotags and Location Hashtags
You need to be discoverable, and geotags make that happen. Whenever you post, use location tags so that when people in your area search for restaurants, you pop up.
Adding location-specific hashtags like #AustinEats or #NYCFoodie not only attracts locals but also positions your restaurant as part of the community. More visibility means more foot traffic.
4. Leverage Instagram Stories with Location Stickers
Instagram Stories have this amazing FOMO effect. They’re quick, visual, and—when you add a location sticker—they reach more people in your area. Want to feature a lunch special or new seasonal menu item? Add a story with your restaurant’s location sticker.
“Instagram Stories disappear in 24 hours, but the buzz they create can have a lasting impact on your restaurant’s foot traffic.”
5. Feature User-Generated Content
Your customers are already taking pics of your food. Use it to your advantage. Share their posts on your restaurant's feed to build social proof. This shows that real people (who aren’t influencers) love your food—and that builds trust.
Think of it this way: You don’t have to create all the content yourself. Let your customers do the heavy lifting. Plus, they'll feel pretty special when you repost their content.
6. Team Up with Local Food Bloggers
Working with local food influencers is one of the fastest ways to spread the word about your restaurant. These bloggers already have a following of people who are looking for their next meal recommendation. The best part? They can bring new customers directly to your door.
Not in the budget to pay big influencers? No problem. Micro-influencers (those with fewer than 10,000 followers) are often more engaged and affordable.
7. Run Instagram Giveaways
People love free stuff. It’s a no-brainer. Running an Instagram giveaway, whether it’s for a free meal or a gift card, will boost engagement and attract new followers. The best giveaways require participants to tag friends or share your post, getting even more eyes on your restaurant.
Make sure the giveaway prize is something that gets people excited to visit your restaurant.
8. Curate an Eye-Catching Feed
Instagram is all about visuals, and if your feed is a mess, people will bounce. Keep your grid looking sharp by sticking to a theme or color palette. Whether it’s bright, minimalist, or packed with personality, make sure it reflects your restaurant’s brand.
“Your Instagram feed is like a digital storefront. If it looks good, people will want to come in.”
9. Spy on Your Customers
Okay, not in a creepy way, but keep tabs on what your customers are posting. You might be missing out on valuable feedback that’s not tagged to your restaurant directly. See what people are saying in their captions, what they’re enjoying, and where you can improve.
Even if customers aren’t tagging you, they’re still talking. Keep the conversation going by engaging with their posts.
10. Turn Your Followers into Real Customers
At the end of the day, what matters most is turning those likes into actual customers. Start by offering exclusive deals to your Instagram followers—think "Show this post for a 10% discount." Simple call-to-actions (CTAs) like this push people from scrolling to stepping into your restaurant.
Instagram isn’t just about posting pretty pictures. It’s about building a local presence, driving engagement, and ultimately, bringing more customers through your door.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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