6 tips to receive more reservations thanks to Instagram

Almost everyone has Instagram on their phones these days, with a massive user base in the UK alone. Do you find yourself wondering “how to promote my restaurant on Instagram”? Don’t worry, there are many other restaurateurs out there just like you asking themselves the same thing.

That's why we've put together some practical tips to help you boost your restaurant bookings through Instagram. So, let's dive right in and make the most of this popular and powerful platform for your business!

Tip 1: Develop a winning content strategy for Instagram 

Wondering how to promote on Instagram? First things first, you’ll need a robust and thoughtful content strategy.

Creating a killer content strategy for your restaurant doesn't have to be complicated. Essentially, it’s a plan that answers key important questions about your Instagram profile, such as:

• Why are you creating content? (What's your purpose?)
• Who is your target audience?
• What kind of content are you sharing?
• When is the best time to post? 

You can consider involving your staff in this process to bring fresh perspectives. Who knows, maybe you've got a social media superstar in your team who can contribute creative ideas that will appeal to your audience. 

By aligning your Instagram content with your restaurant's unique vibe, you can offer potential customers a sneak peek into the amazing experience awaiting them. Additionally, creating and maintaining a content calendar will help ensure consistent posting so you remain on your guests’ radar and attract even more hungry diners.

Tip 2: Create high-quality visual content 

If you want to entice customers to book a table, your Instagram content needs to be as irresistible as the best dish on your menu. Quality is key! Consider investing in a good camera (this could even be a high-end smartphone) or hiring a photographer who can capture mouthwatering shots of your signature dishes, cosy interior and all the other little details that make your restaurant unique.

But don’t underestimate the power of words! Be sure to craft engaging captions that perfectly convey your establishment’s concept and personality. By consistently posting captivating and well-thought-out content, you'll establish a unique style that reflects your brand. Providing a complete brand experience on Instagram is like plating up the perfect meal—it’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and drive more reservations.
 

Tip 3: Add a reservation button 

Make it super easy for potential guests to book a table at your restaurant. With TheFork, you can add a reservation button to your Instagram profile. This nifty "Reserve" button will be right there in your main menu and show live availability through TheFork. 

As more and more people rely on Instagram for information about the businesses they interact with, this button will grab their attention right away and streamline the booking process, making life easier for your diners. Plus, reservations made through this button won't cost you anything in commission fees, just like those made through your website or Facebook. 

If you're already working with TheFork, reach out to our support team to add the reserve button to your Instagram profile. If you're not using TheFork yet but are interested, you can contact us right here.

This nifty "Reserve" button will be right there in your main menu and show live availability through TheFork

Tip 4: Engage with your followers

When it comes to how to promote your restaurant on Instagram, the platform makes it super easy to interact with your followers. People love to share their dining experiences by making posts and sharing stories. How many times have you seen guests snapping a quick pic of their delicious plate before diving in? When you're tagged or mentioned, take it as an invitation to start a conversation with your guest. A little personal touch goes a long way in making a dining experience memorable and could be what turns a one-time customer into a loyal diner who recommends your business to their friends and family. 

Don’t just wait for interaction opportunities to present themselves to you! You can also initiate communication with your customers through Instagram stories. Try hosting a Q&A session, conducting polls or encouraging your guests to share their visits on their own stories. This not only showcases your restaurant to your followers but to their entire network, increasing your brand awareness and online reach. More guests via Instagram, here you come!

Tip 5: Collaborate with influencers

Partnering with influencers in the food business can help extend your restaurant’s reach to a wider audience. An influencer’s job is to craft compelling content that highlights your unique offerings, showcasing them from a fresh, modern perspective. Their followers trust their recommendations and look forward to seeing them come up on their feeds. This means that by collaborating with influencers, you can boost your establishment’s visibility and enhance its credibility. So, why not leverage the voice of these popular voices to promote your restaurant and reach a new audience on Instagram? 
 

Tip 6: Test the power of promotion

When it comes to how to increase restaurant profit, Instagram can be a game-changer. Chances are, your restaurant's Instagram account is a business profile. This comes with some cool perks such as detailed analytics and the ability to boost your posts through paid promotions. Boosting a post means investing a bit of money to make it more visible to Instagram users. You can tailor boosted posts to achieve specific goals, whether that’s attracting new followers or drawing attention to your call-to-action buttons, such as the reserve button you can feature on your profile when you sign up to work with TheFork. What’s more, you can use your posts to target specific demographics, like age or location, to reach the right audience.

Start small with your budget and duration, and experiment with different approaches to see what works best for your restaurant. You don't have to spend a fortune right away. Through this testing process, you'll discover the best strategies to attract more followers and guests on Instagram.

Ready to maximise your Instagram marketing efforts? Try TheFork Manager to streamline your reservations and boost your business even further!

Find out more here. Let's work together to make your restaurant shine on Instagram!