It was created as a one-to-one and group messaging app that lets users send messages, images and videos that vanish after a few seconds. Seems like a strange idea but today it is one of the most successful social media platforms and has even inspired its main competitors, Facebook and Instagram, to adopt their own versions of some of Snapchat’s most successful features.
As a restaurant looking to get ahead in the game, the most knowledgeable marketers in the field today advise you to get on board with Snapchat and utilise its features to bring you more customers. So, download the app and get snapping.
Here are Captivate’s top tips on using Snapchat to market your restaurant today:
GET FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS
The first step in reaching out to as many users as possible is by getting heaps of friends and followers. So don’t hesitate in getting your Snapchat code in as many places as possible. We’re talking on your menus, on your Facebook and Instagram, even consider using a picture with the code as one of your profile pictures for a while. Don’t forget to include it on the restaurant’s website too. Other fun ways of spreading the code is to make stickers or badges that customers can take away with them.
SNAP PHOTOS OF FOOD
Make sure your head chef has access to your Snapchat account so he can snap regular photos of the food before he sends it out to be gobbled down. After all, we are visual creatures and nothing beats an enticing photo to get the prospective customers’ appetites stirring. Be sure to take the photo in good lighting and highlight its most delicious qualities like a real work of art, it’s got to reinforce your restaurant branding.
USE SNAPCHAT DISCOUNT CODES
So, a customer has just asked for the bill, they’re happy with the service and quality of food. What can you do to assure they pass on their delightful experience to friends? One of the most successful ways to use Snapchat in a situation like this is to give them a special discount code that is shareable through the app. They can then share this with their friends and you will gain more customers and increase your sales. It’s simple and easy.
BE FUN
One of the great things about Snapchat is its playful quality. Be sure to utilise this to your best ability. A good way of engaging with potential customers is creating fun stories that encourage people to find a deal or discount that is hidden on one of the pages. This will increase followers and plus, everyone loves a discounted meal.
ENCOURAGE SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT
Try to encourage the customers’ engagement with social media during their visit. Offering a future discount or deal for anyone who snaps about the restaurant during their stay is a great way to do this. Plus, it will increase traffic to your site during the restaurant’s busiest hours of the day – mealtimes!
RESPOND TO MESSAGES
Make sure that if customers are trying to communicate with you via Snapchat that you respond whenever possible. People love when restaurants and businesses take the time to reply to their followers and customers. They will become more loyal to the restaurant as a result.
DO SNAPCHAT TAKEOVERS
Letting someone take over your Snapchat account is also a good way to bring in the customers and boost your viewers. A chef or a local food blogger is a good idea. Your followers will be able to watch this person’s day and listen to their excitement before they make the trip to your restaurant to sample the latest, tasty goods. It will give a more personal experience of what your business has to offer making the customers feel more connected.
So, of all the 191 million active daily users of Snapchat, think of how many of them are ready and waiting to be offered a sweet deal from your restaurant. Don’t keep them waiting!
Get in contact with the Captivate team to supercharge your marketing this week. Call us on 020 3954 6253 or fill in a contact form here.
