Although this year has been full of challenges for entrepreneurs, social media has helped many small businesses stay afloat. Thus, Bar & Restaurant is presenting a special webinar – sponsored by GoDaddy Social – on “4 Ways to Finish Strong on Social Media in 2020.”
The free webinar will take place Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. CT, and it’ll be presented by Geoffrey Brown, webinar manager at GoDaddy Social. REGISTER for the webinar here.
End the Year on a High Note, Socially
- Create crave-worthy content on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
- Use video content to connect with new and existing customers
- Grow your community through great customer service
- Foolproof your advertising strategy without breaking the bank
Social Media Is Key Right Now
Bar & Restaurant recently spoke with Brown to get some insights ahead of the upcoming webinar. Brown has been working with GoDaddy Social since 2015, helping local businesses like bars and restaurants find success with social media and online reputation management.
Question: Hi, Geoffrey. Thanks for your time. How important is social media to a restaurant or bar right now?
Answer: Social media is crucially important right now for restaurants and bars. Some of the usual forms of communication are off limits or there are restrictions on how many people you can engage with. So, social media acts as that extension – that "online employee" that your community can engage with, ask questions and get answers, as well. Your social media and review sites are now your "storefront." So, just making sure you are online is not enough anymore, having a personality and engagement online is what will keep your business top-of-mind.
Question: How can social media help a restaurant or bar survive or thrive during the pandemic?
Answer: Your current fans will stick with you and support you during these trying times – if you keep them engaged. Post regularly on social media about what your business is doing and how you’re adapting, and be sure to support your community however you can. Consider reaching out to a new target audience or adopting new marketing and advertising strategies that help you look beyond your core fandom. Just make sure you do your research first.
Question: What’s your best advice for bars and restaurants when it comes to their social media content today?
Answer: Start by making sure you have a content calendar and strategy in place. These two things are important. From there, you want to make sure you vary your content. I mean, go behind-the-scenes, incorporate video content, jump on Instagram Stories. Make sure you are where your customers are. If they are on Instagram, be on Instagram. Not every platform works for everyone. If it did, it would be easy. Finally, you want to check out your metrics and your analytics. If you want to figure out when and what to post, you must look at what is going to serve your community and business best. To find that information, check out your social media insights tabs.
Question: How can bars and restaurants improve when it comes to their social media customer service?
Answer: Responding to constructive criticism professionally and politely is how business owners can show their customers that they’re listening and that they care. The way you handle your restaurant’s online reviews can win over customers who might have had a less-than-perfect experience at your business. Your customers are reaching out and looking for a response, so impress them with your thoughtful replies. Authentic and personalized responses to your restaurant’s online reviews will go a long way toward building relationships and deepening customer loyalty.
Question: Thanks for your time. One last question: How can GoDaddy Social help bars and restaurants succeed?
Answer: Managing your online presence is a full-time job. Daily posts. Reviews. Online customer service. There's a lot to handle when it comes to your social media. Fortunately, there’s GoDaddy Social. Our experts not only manage your online life but also can help turn an interaction into a lifelong customer. But most important of all we help you save time.
Hear more from Geoffrey Brown by registering for Bar & Restaurant’s upcoming free webinar – Sponsored by GoDaddy Social – on “4 Ways to Finish Strong on Social Media in 2020.” The free webinar will take place Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. CT. REGISTER NOW.
To get the GoDaddy “Facebook Cheat Sheet” white paper, click here.