The social media guide PART 3

Instagram may have been around for years but are you making the most of it? Here’s how it can work for your business

WHAT IS INSTAGRAM?

Instagram is all about photo and video sharing. With more than 34 million users, it’s the second biggest social network in the UK. It offers many ways to engage with your community and potentially boost business.

Food and drink is the most popular category in the UK on Instagram – that means it has more followers than travel, music and fashion! It’s also the social channel where people interact with brands the most. This all makes Instagram the best place to connect with potential customers who are passionate about food.

Being on Instagram can get you noticed and bring more customers through your door. Almost 50% of diners report that they’ve visited a restaurant for the first time after seeing it on their social feeds. Customers are likely to visit your Instagram profile when considering where to eat or drink, so making sure it looks its best is essential.

As it’s so visual, Instagram is perfect for showcasing your food and drink offering and venue. You can create excitement through photos, short and longer videos and interact with customers, suppliers and your local community to help spread the buzz about your business.

HOW CAN INSTAGRAM BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS? YOUR AUDIENCE

30% of millennial diners (aged 28-42) are less likely to go to a restaurant with an unappealing or inactive Instagram account.

66% of consumers found short-form video to be the most engaging type of in-feed social content

81% of people use Instagram for research on companies, products, and services

26% of users are aged 18–24

30% of users are aged 25-34

WHAT’S INSTAGRAM ALL ABOUT?

How to do Instagram well

These are your standard square photo and video posts that make up the majority of posts you see on an Instagram profile ‘grid’. You can create a carousel with multiple images. Tag your venue location to get noticed by people searching in your local area.

Post ideas

Introduce your team and put employees in the spotlight, or promote themed nights and special occasions