Hint: It Takes More Than a Trendy Dance
In a recent survey, over 72% of diners said they’ve visited a restaurant because they saw it on social media (PR Newswire). Yep, one scroll-stopping post is sometimes all it takes to get folks out of their homes and into your booths. But here’s the thing: going viral isn’t about luck, it’s about strategy, creativity, and just the right amount of sauce. So how do you turn digital buzz into actual people in seats?
Let’s break down the secret recipe for going viral and turning likes into lines out the door.
1. Create Content Worth Sharing (Not Just Liking)
If your Instagram is full of standard burger pics with a Valencia filter… we need to talk. Going viral starts with scroll-stopping content. Think bold visuals, unexpected moments, or a hilarious twist on something relatable. Whether it’s your bartender juggling cocktail shakers or a behind-the-scenes kitchen mishap with a funny caption, authenticity wins the internet.
Pro tip: TikTok loves real, raw, and ridiculous. Don’t be afraid to show your personality (and your messy kitchen during lunch rush).
2. Leverage Local Influencers
Influencer marketing isn’t just for beauty brands and fashion hauls. Local foodies can be your golden ticket to viral glory and real-world results. Partner with micro-influencers who have a dedicated following in your area and are known for scoping out the best bites in town.
Offer a free meal or invite them to an exclusive tasting, just make sure the experience is Insta-worthy. Their followers trust them, and when they say your tacos are delicious, people will listen.
3. Jump on Trends…But Make Them Yours
Not every trend will fit your brand, and that’s okay. But when you spot a viral audio clip or challenge that could work for your restaurant, jump in, just don’t copy and paste. Put your own spin on it. If there’s a trending dance, teach it to your staff in uniform or do it with a tray full of milkshakes.
Remember, the internet rewards clever twists, not lazy repeats.
4. Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC)
Some of the best viral content? It doesn’t come from your account,
it comes from your customers. Create Instagrammable moments in your space (think neon signs, colorful plates, wild milkshakes), and encourage diners to tag you.
Offer incentives like free appetizers for posting and tagging your restaurant. The more people share, the more buzz you build and that buzz turns into foot traffic, fast.
5. Run Geo-Targeted Ads with a Viral Hook
Going viral organically is awesome, but let’s be real, it helps to throw a little ad spend into the mix. Use geo-targeted ads on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to promote your best-performing content to locals nearby. Highlight limited-time offers, quirky dishes, or events with real viral potential.
The trick? Don’t make your ads feel like ads. Make them funny, make them unexpected, make people say “wait, I have to try this place.”
So… Ready to Be the Next Local Legend?
At BYK Digital, we help restaurants like yours turn digital buzz into full tables. Whether you want to become your city’s go-to brunch spot or the next locally-famous taqueria, we’re here to make it happen, with strategy and creativity.
Curious? Hungry for results? Please reach out! Let’s make your restaurant the one everyone’s talking about (and lining up for).
