Maintaining an online presence for your restaurant is the perfect way to adapt your business to the age of social media platforms and digital ordering. As a restaurant owner, if you have some extra time on your hands, this could be the best opportunity to connect with your customers in a new and engaging way.
Due to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the way you interact with customers has shifted to digital
platforms. Now more than ever, curating an online presence on social media is important for your
business to survive. Your restaurant can use social media to communicate with your customers, create a
platform for potential customers, and promote your business. If you’re looking to give your restaurant’s
social media presence a refresh or need some inspiration on how to engage with your customers online,
here are some helpful tips on connecting with customers on social media platforms.
1. Provide Valuable Resources
Using social media to post your business’ latest information makes it easy to update and stay connected with your customers. The effects of the COVID-19 crisis have more than likely affected your opening hours and current promotions which can lead to confusion and misinformation among your customers. Take the time to curate a series of posts that include essential information like your restaurant or food truck’s current opening hours and any specials or promotions your business might be offering. Make sure each of your social media platforms is filled with these posts and continue to update them if anything in your business model changes.
Consider updating your social media platforms with posts regarding the steps your restaurant is taking in maintaining a safe and sanitary environment for employees and customers. Many of your customers might be wondering what kind of actions your restaurant is taking to reduce the spread of harmful viruses and bacteria. You could share a video of your employees working in your kitchen while practicing social distancing. Even create a post that provides customers with valuable information on how to pick up orders at your establishment or receive orders from delivery couriers.
2. Take This Time To Connect On A Personal Level
Take advantage of your social media platforms and show customers a different side of your business. While your loyal customers know your restaurant for their favorite meals or desserts, they might not know much about your business’ backstory. Consider sharing the story of your restaurant, how you got started in the business, and why you’re passionate about your job. You can easily share this information through a post or a video on any of your social media platforms.
This is a great chance to share your restaurant’s story with loyal customers who would like to hear and connect with you and your staff on a deeper level. By getting personal with your customers about your restaurant, you create a line of connection and mutual understanding you wouldn't normally receive with your customers on a day-to-day basis. This, in turn, can be a great move for your business, especially if customers share your posts amongst their followers and encourage others to place an order at your establishment.
3. Host Live Cooking Shows
Get interactive with your customers by hosting live cooking shows via live streaming. Many social media
platforms now offer the capability to share live videos with your followers. Connect with your loyal
customers in an innovative way by showing them your favorite recipes or how to recreate their favorite
dishes from your restaurant right at home.
How To Prepare Viewers For Your Livestream
- Create a post that provides a date and time for your livestream.
- Include a list of ingredients and any other additional information they will need to prepare.
- During the livestream provide step-by-step guidance on what you're making.
- Encourage customers to follow along or simply watch as you cook.
- Sign off by asking followers to spread the word about upcoming livestreams.
Many of your customers might be looking for activities to do while at home and sharing new recipes or insight on your cooking skills is a fun and exciting way to connect with your audience.
Hosting a weekly or monthly cooking show on your social media platforms can help create a buzz around your restaurant, as many potential customers will be tuning in to learn some new cooking skills.
4. Update Your Website
This is the perfect opportunity to give your restaurant’s current website a makeover if you have some extra time on your hands. With the recent switches your business has made to digital orders, it’s important to ensure that your restaurant’s current website is up to date and equipped for online ordering. When a potential customer searches your restaurant online, you don’t want them to be met with an outdated site or incorrect menus or operating hours. Take this time to upgrade your website and make sure to fill it with links to your social media pages or delivery platforms.
Tips For Updating Your Website
An up-to-date website is like putting your best foot forward in the online marketplace. There are several ways you can update your website to fit the look of your business.
- Adjust the layout of your website to match your branding style.
- Play around with the color palette.
- Insert links to customer reviews and create a page that hosts pictures of your menu and establishment.
- If you aren’t skilled in tech, there are many sites available online that can help you rebuild your website.
5. Partner Up For A Cause
During this time, many people and businesses across the country have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. If you’re able to, your restaurant can take part in helping others by participating in charitable events. If possible, consider partnering your restaurant with a charity of your choice that is offering COVID-19 relief. Your business can donate a percentage of orders to a charity or create a donation link on your social media platforms and ordering sites.
If you’re able to find ways to donate, raising awareness for those in need shows your customers that your business is sympathetic to others’ circumstances during times of hardship.
