Why Social Media is Important to Restaurants

Posting food photo on social media

 

Social networks form a basis for conversations among people. Social media platforms, therefore, play a major role in gastronomy and enable restaurateurs to respond prematurely and quickly to the wishes of the guests.

Potential guests use the Internet to get information about your restaurant. Important detailed information such as opening hours, events, reservations, timetables, etc. is researched. Experiences are shared with other users on social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter. Feedback and recommendations are passed on and photos are published.

According to new studies, social media marketing, especially when partnered with the best Social Media Marketing Panel , works best in those restaurants where the restaurateurs already know the guests and have been able to build personal relationships on site. The foundation for good online marketing is therefore factors that have nothing to do with online marketing in the first place. The friendliness of the service staff, the food and drinks; all these are aspects that motivate guests to pass on restaurant recommendations online, among other things.

Which restaurants can particularly benefit from social media? First and foremost, restaurants with guests who use online platforms. These are especially younger people. Secondarily, restaurants that offer niche products, such as vegan restaurants, etc. Basically, it is important that guests can identify with the restaurant. The more guests participate and discuss on your social media platform (including your Facebook fan page), the more interesting the restaurant will be perceived. In an appreciative personal and virtual interaction, guests feel more connected to the restaurant and remain loyal in the long term. However, positive emotions can only arise in the virtual world if they have also been experienced on-site.

 

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Social media as a mouthpiece for restaurants

Using social media only as an advertising channel or to sell products should not be the top priority for restaurateurs. The satisfaction of the needs of the guests is also in the first place when using social media. You can listen to the wishes of your guests.

Which social media services are suitable for restaurateurs? Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are the most common social networks. Location-based services, which use GPS tracking to inform potential guests about restaurants in the area, are also a way to attract new customers. Foursquare, Google Maps, and Yelp are examples of platforms that offer location-based services.

However, with the use of social media, there are also legal aspects that must be taken into account. Photos of guests who have visited your restaurant may only be published if they are photos taken from a greater distance. Faces that are clearly identifiable may only be published with the permission of the individual persons.

In order to successfully position oneself in the catering market and to guarantee the best possible relationship between customers and companies, you need an optimal combination of all marketing concepts. Social media is only one part of what can be considered.