Instagram is now on everyone’s lips as a social media marketing medium. It’s easy handling a medium adapted to the “smartphone generation”. Instagram is currently the medium with the highest engagement. The interaction rate of users is higher than on Facebook or Twitter.
More than 15 million users give lots of hearts every day for various contributions. Many companies have jumped on the bandwagon a long time ago and use Instagram as a marketing platform. For the popular topic of food and drink some reasons can be derived why the platform should be operated and maintained.
7 reasons why Instagram is important to Gastronomy
- Young target groups use Instagram for orientation
Young people usually go online in search of information. The way to a restaurant or café visit is now not only via Google, but also via Instagram. Here you are looking for a first impression of the location or the offer on the medium. A well-maintained and appealing channel can also lead to new customers. - Use Instagram as a digital menu
As a visual medium, Instagram has the opportunity to put dishes in the limelight, or even to promote current offers. Many restaurants have menus on their websites, but photos of the dishes are rare. - Allow a look behind the scenes
From our experience with social media analyzes , we have noticed that users who follow an account are already very interested in the company or the offer. In this way you can promote the loyalty of the users or force customer loyalty by providing them with background information about the company. In this way, users feel that they are at eye level with the company, which is usually thanked with a positive commitment. - Tips and tricks from the kitchen
You can address different feelings on Instagram. One question that should be asked is: What practical value does my content have for my followers? For example, you can generate content with added value by making short cooking tutorials, with the experienced chefs from the kitchen giving tips that can also be used in your own household. This is how you stand out from the crowd on Instagram and by creating a recurring format you can retain users in the long term. - Communicate actively with the community
It is important not only to regularly share content in the stories and the feed, but also to interact with the community and niche-relevant accounts on a daily basis. You should react regularly to comments as well as to direct messages. These signals have a positive effect on the algorithm and the overall rating of the account. - Work with influencers
Influencer marketing can be used to promote your own business or offer to a potential target group in cooperation with an influencer .
Especially in the regional food blogger scene there are many influencers who can be invited to dinner in your own restaurant. In return, the influencer advertises the restaurant on Instagram. - Sweepstakes
An advise against competitions on Facebook, you don’t build a community here, but only build followers who mostly long for free giveaways.
In this video, you can see some creative ideas to post your food/ drinks photos on Instagram stories!
With Instagram, on the other hand, it’s a little different. Here is a good idea to open up new target groups with competitions and high-quality prizes and to build up followers for your own account like ‘buy cheap Instagram likes‘ you can use this to increase your Instagram followers.