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Stampede

In the last few years, social media has completely transformed not just how we interact with each other, but how as businesses, we interact with our customers too. We’ve gone from leaflets through the doors to paid Facebook campaigns, megaphones in the street to hashtags and tweets. If you’re not au fait with social media, you can be forgiven for thinking Tik Tok is simply the noise a clock makes. When in reality being one of the biggest platforms of the new decade.







So, when you’re a restaurant with social media feeds, just how do you get them to work for you? So that your tables are booked and not sitting empty? If you are looking to get higher engagement across your social media channels, here’s everything you need to know.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Start with the basics</h4>



When you first create a social media page for your business, it’s going to have nobody following it. Therefore, no engagement either. A really simple step is to invite all of your friends to like the page. Maybe leaving a message explaining it’s your new venture, or that your business is now on Facebook/Instagram etc, and you’d appreciate the support.&nbsp;



You should also have links to your social media pages clearly displayed on your website. Also any other digital or physical marketing material, you put out. ‘Follow us on Facebook’ is a really simple sentence, but you’d be surprised how well it works. Make sure your page name corresponds with your business, and that the page is public and easy to find.



When it comes to social media posts on Instagram and Twitter, always tag the location of the city you’re in. Additionally, aim for at least 20 hashtags on each post. You can type the hashtags out in advance if it speeds things up. But always include tags that state your location and the food you serve. <a href="https://adespresso.com/blog/instagram-statistics/">The most popular time for posting food-related content is 12pm on a Friday</a>, so this would be a good time to tap into that all-important engagement.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Be engaging to begin with</h4>



It sounds simple enough, but one of the biggest mistakes companies make on social media is assuming that your followers are extremely interested in everything you post. In reality, if it doesn’t offer value to the customer (such as informing/inspiring/entertaining them etc), then why should they stop and pay attention. Let alone share it with friends?&nbsp;



If you are stuck in a rut, and all your posts are flatlining. Then it’s time <a href="https://coschedule.com/blog/social-media-post-ideas/">to research the type of content that will spice things up</a>. Perhaps you could share a blog post about your upcoming events. Do a giveaway or even run a straightforward poll asking people how they like their steak. It’s not always about too technical, rather delivering content that provokes a reaction, therefore, boosts engagement.&nbsp;



It pays to <a href="https://www.postplanner.com/facebook-post-ideas-for-businesses-that-guarantee-engagement/">go through your previous posts and see what did well, versus what didn’t</a>. Ask yourself if the image or message was weak, or if the timing could have been better. Sometimes, looking at things from a fresh perspective can be really useful. Perhaps even put it on a big screen and ask your staff for their feedback too.&nbsp;



Further reading: <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-effectively-design-social-media-posts/">https://stampede.ai/blog/how-to-effectively-design-social-media-posts/</a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Remember it’s supposed to be sociable</h4>



Running a restaurant probably takes up most of your waking hours, but that doesn’t mean to say you can neglect your social media as a result. When companies respond and react to their customers on social media, this boosts engagement as a result.&nbsp;



If you really don’t have the time or knowledge. You may consider employing a social media manager or even outsourcing your social content to a marketing agency. Either way, ignoring it is the very opposite of what social media is about, and it’s definitely not a tactic that will win you new customers.&nbsp;



On Facebook, in particular, your stats <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/1625715647696553">showing how fast you respond to customers is public</a>. Imagine if someone was looking to ask about booking a table with you over Facebook, but they saw you take 3 days on average to respond?



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Try a sponsored campaign</h4>



Ideally, your social media followers and the engagement they can generate will happen organically, but sometimes this just isn’t the case. If you are a new restaurant to the area, it can take time to build up a decent following. When you’re trying to spread the word about your business, time isn’t a luxury you have.



In this instance (or if you just want to shake things up) <a href="https://sproutsocial.com/insights/topics/social-media-advertising/">you should consider doing a sponsored campaign through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram</a>. Essentially, by creating a campaign and agreeing on a budget in advance, your page will be exposed to thousands of people automatically. The amount you spend is up to you. The platform will display the expected number of engagements or actions to your page the amount is likely to generate.&nbsp;



It goes without saying that you should put a lot of thought and effort into the post. Not least because there are rules about what can be paid to be boosted. You also want it to have the maximum impact and get your money’s worth. Another factor considering here is the time at which you post the content. For example, few people are going to be interested in a breakfast deal at 3 pm in the afternoon, or a steak deal at 9 am on a Monday. Insight is key here.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h4>



Achieving a high level of social media engagement requires a consistent <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/rock-your-restaurant-with-wifi-and-instagram/">effort at delivering content</a> that is in tune with your audience. In addition, it should also have a clear purpose so that the message is understood and your objectives are achieved. If you really want to get those likes and shares flying in, then it has to be worth people’s while.&nbsp;



Here at Stampede, we’re on a mission to make it even easier for you to obtain customer insights that will boost your marketing campaigns and <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/engaging-customers-through-wi-fi-marketing/">overall engagement</a>. Our software also allows you to boost your social media reach by redirecting them to your preferred channels once they&#8217;ve signed into your WiFi.

post

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New Features & Updates – September 2023

[vc_row bg_type=&#8221;image&#8221; bg_image=&#8221;15605&#8243; bg_image_size=&#8221;responsive&#8221; bg_position=&#8221;center-top&#8221; padding_top_multiplier=&#8221;2x&#8221; padding_bottom_multiplier=&#8221;2x&#8221; equal_column_height=&#8221;middle-content&#8221;][vc_column vertical_content_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; width=&#8221;1/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;on-top&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1583792399340{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Our mission is to empower physical businesses with world class digital tools&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:div|font_size:40px|text_align:left|color:%231f2888|line_height:52px&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][fildisi_empty_space height_multiplier=&#8221;custom&#8221; height=&#8221;18px&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;main-page-text&#8221;]Since 2015, Stampede has provided businesses with intuitive tools enabling them to grow their business, whilst delivering an exceptional experience for their customers at the same time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1/6&#8243; el_wrapper_class=&#8221;sliders&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1532536140578{padding-top: 20px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;m-hide&#8221;][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1/3&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;We want to change the way offline businesses engage with customers online&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:30px|text_align:right|color:%231d1e2c|line_height:42px&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=&#8221;3x&#8221; padding_bottom_multiplier=&#8221;3x&#8221; columns_gap=&#8221;60&#8243; section_id=&#8221;contact&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1/2&#8243;][fildisi_gmap map_zoom=&#8221;5&#8243; map_height=&#8221;530&#8243; map_mode=&#8221;multiple&#8221; map_marker=&#8221;15975&#8243; map_points=&#8221;%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22Stampede%20Scotland%22%2C%22marker%22%3A%2215975%22%2C%22lat%22%3A%2255.9770448%22%2C%22lng%22%3A%22-3.1731086%22%2C%22infotext_open%22%3A%22no%22%7D%2C%7B%22title%22%3A%22Stampede%20Wales%22%2C%22marker%22%3A%2215975%22%2C%22lat%22%3A%2251.479754%22%2C%22lng%22%3A%22-3.1556141%22%2C%22infotext_open%22%3A%22no%22%7D%5D&#8221;][/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1/2&#8243;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Contact us&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:56px|text_align:left|color:%231f2888|line_height:60px&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;main-page-text&#8221;]Drop by our Scotland office at: 
Admiral House, 
29-30 Maritime Street, 
EH6 6SE, Edinburgh
Call us on: 
<a href="tel:01315107008">(+44) 0131 510 7008</a>
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Company

Founders Series: Patrick Clover, Founder and CEO of Stampede

As a restaurant operator, you’re dealing with many moving parts. From customer service to marketing strategy and staffing. How do you make sure that all of this complexity is managed effectively, especially during busy periods?&nbsp;



You may benefit from incorporating AI tools into your everyday operations as they can help streamline processes, manage supply and demand more efficiently, and perform analysis for data-driven decisions. All whilst freeing up precious time to focus on other parts of the business.



Learn more about 3 AI tools specifically designed for restaurants that could boost your bottom line.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-ai-powered-table-booking-platform">1. AI-powered table booking platform</h2>



With the advent of <a href="https://stampede.ai/get-bookings">table booking systems powered by AI</a>, managing reservations has become a much simpler process for restaurants.&nbsp;



For example, with the help of AI, smart table allocation is now possible. The algorithm reviews and suggests ways to optimise seating. Also taking any customer preferences into account. This way, operators make optimum use of their venue and resources and customers are happy.



AI tools can also highlight instant upsell opportunities for restaurant operators based on historic customer interactions and preferences. The data is pulled from your order and pay system. Using this information staff can make personalised recommendations that boost customer satisfaction.



A common issue for restaurants is <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/10-quick-ways-to-prevent-lost-revenue-from-no-shows">no-shows</a>. AI can help predict and tag customers that might be at risk of cancelling or not showing up. It can also use this input to trigger automated booking reminders to be sent out to avoid those.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-ai-food-ordering">2. AI food ordering</h2>



AI food ordering has quickly become a popular solution for restaurants to help avoid long waiting times and overcome staff shortages.&nbsp;



With the use of self-serve kiosks or mobile apps, customers can quickly and easily order their meals without having to interact with staff members. An ordering app also allows customers to place their order in advance and have it ready and prepared upon arrival.&nbsp;



In addition, there is a new trend: <a href="https://voicebot.ai/2021/10/13/wendys-signs-with-google-cloud-to-bring-ai-and-voice-recognition-to-restaurant-chain/">AI voice ordering</a>. Some known restaurant chains have implemented this already to speed up their processes. Customers can order their food conveniently through voice commands.



To make the whole process even more personalised those tools can remember previous orders and preferences and can suggest them to the customer straight away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-inventory-and-resource-management">3. Inventory and resource management</h2>



Nailing inventory and resource management can be tricky but is a crucial aspect of any successful restaurant. This part has become much easier with AI tools to hand.



AI predicts in real-time what customers might order based on historic data and determine which products might be in high demand. This data can be further enriched with market and seasonal trends.



This way sales forecasting and supply purchasing become much more accurate. What’s more, it helps to prevent overstock and high amounts of food waste. So, restaurants can cut unnecessary costs from poor inventory management.



With the help of AI tools, restaurants can also use data insights to identify top-selling products, popular order combinations as well as slow burners. Restaurant operators can use this information when they design a new menu.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summary">Summary</h2>



Restaurants will find that by adding AI tools to their tech stack they gain better control of their daily operations, streamline processes and improve finances.



There are some AI-powered tools restaurant operators should definitely consider, such as smart <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/buyers-guide-11-key-features-your-table-booking-system-needs">table booking platforms</a> and food ordering apps or self-serve kiosks. They not only support staff but also provide customers with a more personalised experience and thus drive their loyalty.



In addition, data insights, customer behaviours and market trends are used to make informed sales predictions. AI can therefore improve inventory and resource management and help businesses to save costs.&nbsp;



Make sure to <a href="https://stampede.ai/blog/ai-in-hospitality-marketing-a-complete-guide">check out our full guide</a> exploring AI for hospitality marketing.

3 Restaurant-Specific AI Tools That Drive Sales