In the past, restaurants have solely depended on critics for the success or failure of their business. With the onslaught of social media, most notably Instagram, restaurants can sometimes make it or break it based on visuals alone. In a recent article I read,restaurants are using Instagram as a key marketing tool along with influencing them on design decisions.

I swear that half of my daily Instagram feed is either snazzy pics of food or drinks. Some of those pictures have influenced me to check out that bar/restaurant. If a picture is capable of activating my taste buds, I’m there. In this day and age, a visual has more initial impact then a paid restaurant critic’s written word.

Restaurants are now factoring in natural lighting and colors which will produce quality images of food and drinks which will appeal to consumers. It’s not just the food and drink that drives business, it sometimes boils down to the image. Of course, an item has to taste good, not just look good to keep the business running.

Here are some reasons why your bar NEEDS Instagram:

1. When you use your Instagram, Foodies Instagram about you.

Take a look at the top nine Instagrammed restaurants in the Twin Cities.

http://www.startribune.com/the-9-most-instagrammed-restaurants-in-the-twin-cities-right-now/411259465/

2. People Prefer Photos over Text.

A Photo it worth 1000 words. This way, people will actually “read” your content on Instagram and actually take something away from it with a visual.

Make sure to follow Thrifty Hipster on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thriftyhip/

3. Instagram is where people are spending all their time.

According to research, US internet users spend billions of minutes on Instagram each month. Instagram is great for businesses looking to dominate in a more niche, image-centric network, Instagram offers a huge opportunity.

4.Free Marketing

Instagram marketing is completely FREE, costing you nothing more than providing tasty food and drinks to your patrons. You know whats great? A happy customer sharing their positive experience or delectable plate/drink at your restaurant online. You not only have a happy customer who’s likely to return, you also get free publicity from their visit.

5. Instagram lets you post to ALL Followers.

In this way, Instagram is a lot like Thrifty Hipster.  It lets ANYONE searching for you, or that follows you, view your content, not just a small percent of those people like how Facebook Pages does it.

Jack’s Tip;)

If you want to build community, increase your reach, find new followers, network, and improve engagement, USE HASHTAGS!