Are you influenced?
In today’s digital age, the influence of social media extends far beyond connecting with friends and sharing moments. It has transformed into a powerful force that shapes various aspects of our lives, including our dining choices. According to the New York Post,
a recent survey commissioned by Barclaycard Payments and conducted by OnePoll has revealed fascinating insights into how social media impacts consumers’ decision-making processes when it comes to dining out.
Here’s what the survey found and what restaurants should know when thinking about their social media marketing campaigns:
The Power of Online Following
The survey, which collected data from a diverse group of 2,000 adults, uncovered a compelling revelation—restaurants with a significant online following possess a unique ability to entice diners and encourage them to spend more money. Astonishingly, 41% of all respondents admitted that social media plays a pivotal role in determining whether a restaurant is worth visiting. This percentage increased to 58% of 18-26 year olds.
This finding highlights the importance for restaurants to focus on building their social media, and stay active on relevant channels. Further, restaurants should consider their target market when developing their marketing campaign. If you’re seeking this younger demographic (bars, clubs, brunch locations etc), then your social media should cater to this age group. The digital landscape has become an indispensable tool for the younger generation, as they turn to social media platforms for inspiration, recommendations, and to stay updated on the latest culinary trends.
The Digital Appetizer
As consumers become increasingly connected, their approach to dining has evolved. In this digital era, it is no longer enough for restaurants to rely solely on traditional menus. The survey revealed that a substantial number of participants now turn to social media to preview menus before making their dining decisions. This behavior showcases the growing reliance on digital platforms to gain insights into a restaurant’s offerings, ambiance, and overall dining experience.
The Art of Restaurant Influence
The intertwining of social media and dining experiences has given rise to a new era of restaurant influence.
According to the study most diners were influenced but a restaurant’s ability to showcase three main things on their social:
- Close-up pictures of various menu items
- Decor images
- Behind the Scenes
Restaurants need to understand the importance of growing a strong online presence, showcasing mouthwatering visuals, engaging with customers, and leveraging user-generated content.
When building a social media strategy for a restaurant these three factors should be key in developing content.
The next important influencer to consider is having “jazzy” cocktails. Again, this data should be part of the social media plan for content creation and overall marketing for the restaurant. It’s time to elevate the appearance of the cocktails to make them more appealing online (hint hint, this will also entice patrons to snap a picture of the cocktail and post it to their social media which is content gold for restaurants).
By curating a professional online persona, restaurants can captivate audiences and establish themselves as the go-to destinations in the minds of consumers.
Leveraging the Power of Social Media
For restaurant owners, these survey findings shed light on the opportunities presented by social media. Taking advantage of these opportunities entails more than simply having an instagram account. It requires a strategic approach to social media marketing by engaging with potential customers authentically, creating compelling content, and building an online community. By implementing social media strategy, restaurants can position themselves at the forefront of dining trends, generate buzz, and ultimately attract a loyal following of foodies.
The marrying of social media and the culinary world has transformed the way we make dining choices. From the allure of a restaurant’s online following, to the convenient experience of previewing menus on digital platforms, social media has become an integral part of dining. In this era of influence, the art of social media marketing has become the key ingredient for success.
At South Made Marketing, we are passionate about helping restaurants harness the full potential of social media marketing. With our expertise, restaurants can elevate their online presence, build a loyal customer base, and ultimately thrive in an increasingly digital-driven world. Let us take your restaurant’s
social media marketing to new heights and help you achieve remarkable success in the digital realm.