Social media strategies for restaurants: what works in 2025?
Social media has become an indispensable tool for restaurants seeking to build brand awareness, engage with customers, and drive revenue. In 2025, evolving platforms, shifting customer preferences, and new technologies have reshaped the digital landscape. Here are actionable strategies to help restaurant owners make the most of social media.
Create Content That Captivates
Engaging content remains the cornerstone of a successful social media presence. Restaurants should focus on high-quality visuals, engaging captions, and interactive formats like polls or stories.
Video Marketing: Short-form videos showcasing menu highlights, kitchen processes, or chef interviews can significantly increase engagement.
Seasonal Promotions: Share festive menus or holiday events to entice customers.
"In 2025, customers value authenticity over polish. Restaurants should showcase behind-the-scenes moments to build genuine connections," says Olivia Adams, a digital marketing strategist for the hospitality industry.
Leverage User-Generated Content
Encouraging customers to post about their dining experiences is a cost-effective way to expand reach.
Incentivise check-ins, hashtags, or photo contests to create buzz.
Share customer reviews or repost high-quality user photos with permission.
According to a 2024 UK Government report on small businesses, “Word-of-mouth marketing via social platforms drives 60% of dining decisions in urban areas.”
Use Targeted Advertising
Social media ads allow precise targeting of local audiences. For example, promote your weekend specials to users within a 10-mile radius.
Highlight unique selling points like self-serve kiosks or online ordering for takeaways.
Test ad formats like carousel ads to showcase multiple dishes or offers.
Setting aside a budget of £500–£1,000 per month for social ads can yield significant returns, especially when combined with Flipdish's marketing integrations.
Optimise Your Profile
Your social media profiles should function as an extension of your restaurant's website.
Ensure details like location, opening hours, and links to your online ordering system are always up-to-date.
Use platform-specific features like Instagram Highlights to showcase your menu, events, or FAQs.
"Consistency and clarity are key. A well-maintained social media profile can increase online reservations by 20%,” notes Alex Johnson, a UK Hospitality Association representative.
Embrace New Technologies
Social media platforms increasingly rely on AI-driven tools. Restaurants can benefit by:
Using AI to personalise ad campaigns or respond to customer queries quickly.
Experimenting with AR filters to allow customers to visualise menu items.
Monitor Performance
Tracking performance metrics ensures you’re getting the most out of your social media efforts.
Engagement Rate: Aim for at least 2–3% engagement on posts.
Click-Through Rate: Track traffic generated to your online ordering system or website.
Use tools integrated into your POS system to analyse which social media strategies drive the most sales.
Partner with Influencers
Micro-influencers (local personalities with 5,000–50,000 followers) can effectively promote your restaurant.
Collaborate for exclusive events or menu launches.
Track ROI by providing influencers with a unique discount code for followers.
Build a Community
Beyond advertising, use social media to create a sense of community.
Host live Q&A sessions with chefs.
Share stories about your team or history to create an emotional connection.
"The most successful restaurants don’t just sell food; they sell an experience and a story,” shares Emily Clarke, a hospitality consultant.
Engage With Reviews
Responding to customer reviews—positive or negative—shows you value feedback.
Thank customers for their support.
Address concerns quickly and professionally to build trust.
Focus on Local Trends
Align your social media content with regional events or trends. Whether it’s supporting a local festival or incorporating popular flavours into your menu, relevance boosts engagement.
Social media strategies that prioritise authenticity, innovation, and data-driven decision-making will define success for restaurants in 2025. By leveraging tools like Flipdish’s online ordering integration or optimising social profiles to drive traffic, restaurants can position themselves for long-term growth.
Start today by auditing your current strategy and implementing these proven techniques. The digital stage awaits your restaurant’s star performance!