As a local restaurant owner, your main goal will most often be to increase your overall foot traffic. Although this may seem like a simple task to take on, many restaurant owners struggle to get new customers through the doors. Factors such as location and over-saturation are always something to consider, but if you have a quality restaurant that just needs a little push, there is a marketing tool that can help you reach new heights.

Social media is a prime marketing tool that can help you get your brand in front of new customers. Whether you are a fine dining, casual or Mom & Pop establishment, there is a place on social media for your business. So, if you are ready to grow your daily sales and meet your new customers, we have 3 ways social media can help.

Facebook Business Page

Facebook is your restaurant’s new best friend. With over 1 billion users , they have become an essential platform for local businesses. If you don’t already have a Facebook business page, now is the time to start. Think of it as an extension of your restaurant. There you can list daily specials, hours, events, even menus! It is a way for you to bring all of the information about your restaurant easily to your existing and potential customers.

Keep in mind that your business page should reflect your brand. By utilizing your logo, cover photo, about section and albums, you will have the opportunity to showcase your brand’s identity. For example, if you are a casual seafood restaurant located by the beach, your cover photo should convey that feeling with bright and delectable looking food images taken in the fun outdoor environment. These subtle touches and details will help customers who have never visited your restaurant before, feel as though they already know and trust the expectations your brand is setting.

Posts & Events

Once your restaurant’s business page is set up on Facebook, it is time to start posting. Now, don’t let posts scare you away. Just think of them as a way to let your customers know what’s going on. If you have an event, a special or are looking to drum up a few reservations, your Facebook posts will act as your liaison.

When creating posts, always remember that short & sweet copy will typically get you better engagement. No customer will want to read a paragraph. A few sentences and a killer photo will do the job and help persuade customers to visit.

Ads

When it comes to your social media strategy, ads will need to be your top investment. Posts are a great way to get the word out there about your restaurant, but ads will help those posts reach potential customers. You will be able to spend as much or as little as you want. Just remember that the more you invest in your ads, the more return you will see.

Another aspect we love about Facebook ads is the targeting. Whether you are looking to grab a similar group to your current demographic or a completely different set of people, you will be able to. You set your guidelines, whether it be age, spending habits, or individuals who like a specific type of food. The more specific you are when creating your target group, the more quality the customer will be.

With the help of a social media strategy, your local restaurant will begin to see an increase in foot traffic. This change may not be immediate, but if you stay consistent with posts, ads and incredible images, you will be setting your business up for social success!