With over 55 million pictures shared daily and 150 million monthly active users, there’s no denying that Instagram is a big deal. That’s a huge audience that you can tap into by using Instagram to promote your bar or restaurant. But not so fast! If you aren’t careful, your Instagram account could actually hurt your business. That is, unless you’re sure to avoid five of the most common Instagram mistakes.
Being inactive.
In this way, Instagram is just like any other social media platform. There’s no point in using it if you’re not an active, engaged user. A rarely or inconsistently updated account just makes your bar or restaurant look careless or lazy. If you haven’t bothered to post a picture in months, some customers might even assume you’re closed! Remember that there are tons of pictures being posted on Instagram every day, hour, and minute. If you don’t want to be buried under everyone else’s content, you have to post regularly.
Posting the same content.
There’s nothing wrong with some cross-promotion. In fact, it’s encouraged! But if your Instagram is nothing more than another place to see all the same pictures you’ve posted on Facebook and Twitter, then what’s the point? Why would anyone follow you if it’s just the same old content? Make sure you’re offering something fresh.
Bad pictures.
Of course you want to show off your food, but it’s important to make sure your food actually looks good! It’s way too easy to take food photos that look terrible…just ask Martha Stewart. You want to attract your customers, not repulse them.
Not engaging your customers.
Just like with any other social media platform, you should be conversing with and engaging your customers. If customers post pictures that relate to your restaurant, like them. Follow your customers and other businesses in your community. Host photo contests. Actually interact with your customers instead of just posting photos.
Being all business, all the time.
Instagram is a great way to show off another side of your business. However, you can’t do this if you’re only posting carefully composed shots that don’t show customers anything new. Show off what’s happening behind the scenes, showcase your staff, or highlight things that are happening in the community. Customers want to get a sense of who you really are.
Instagram can be a great way to engage customers…if you’re careful! By keeping these ideas in mind, you can avoid five of the most common Instagram mistakes.
Article provided by Buzztime.
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Trusted by over 3,200 bars and restaurants in North America since 1985, Buzztime integrates trivia, card and sports games with in- and out-of-venue messaging and communication tools. With over 4.2 million player registrations on the Buzztime platform and over 52 million games played each year, Buzztime players spread the word and invite friends and family to their favorite Buzztime location to enjoy an evening of fun and competition.
