7 Best Types of Social Media Content for Food Businesses

For food businesses looking to enhance their social media presence, the content they publish plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining followers. But what type of content truly engages an audience in this industry? The key is to identify and leverage content forms that resonate most with your target demographic. Here’s a list of seven content types that have proven effective for food businesses on social media.

Short-form Videos

The growing popularity of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts proves one thing: audiences today demand short, engaging, bite-sized video content. In fact, 78% of Internet users consume online videos every week.

Showing behind-the-scenes kitchen preparations, a dish’s journey from raw ingredients to the final presentation, or a quick chef’s special tip can captivate audiences. Moreover, according to a study by Wyzowl, 84% of people say that they’ve been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand’s video.

Images

A well-captured image of a dish not only showcases its aesthetics but can almost convey its taste and aroma. Instagram, with its visual-centric platform, is the most obvious choice, but even Facebook and Twitter images have substantial engagement.

Studies indicate that content with relevant images gets 94% more views than content without. This fact speaks volumes about how much value audiences place on visuals.

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Diversity is key. Don’t just stick to dishes. Showcase raw ingredients, behind-the-scenes kitchen hustle, or even customers enjoying their meals. Also, consider using Instagram’s carousel feature to tell a story – perhaps the making of a dish from start to finish.

Engaging IG and FB Stories

Stories, both on Instagram and Facebook, are fleeting yet impactful. Their 24-hour lifespan creates a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) among viewers.

Over 500 million users engage with Instagram Stories daily. The interactive features like polls, quizzes, and questions can drive substantial engagement, making them perfect for feedback or just some fun interaction.

Use the countdown feature for special offers. If you have a dish of the day or a limited-time offer, this feature can drive urgency and footfall.

Contests and Giveaways

Who doesn’t love freebies? Contests and giveaways can rapidly increase your visibility on social media platforms.

According to Tailwind, Instagram accounts that hold contests grow their followers 70% faster over three months than accounts that don’t.

Ensure clarity in rules. Use a unique hashtag for the contest, decide on the criteria (like tagging friends or sharing posts), and ensure the prizes are attractive yet aligned with your brand.

User-generated Content (UGC)

UGC is pure gold in the content world. It’s genuine, authentic, and relatable.

Statistics show that 79% of people say UGC highly impacts their purchasing decisions, making it more influential than any other form of media.

Regularly encourage your customers to share their experiences using a branded hashtag. Feature them on your page to make them feel valued and increase their loyalty.

Influencer Content

Influencer collaborations can give your brand an authenticity boost, especially if the influencer truly aligns with your brand values and messaging.

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According to studies, 40% of people say they’ve purchased an item online after seeing it used by an influencer on Instagram, Twitter, Vine, or YouTube.

Instead of always going for the big stars, collaborate with local micro-influencers. They often have a more dedicated and engaged following in a specific niche or area.

Memes and Relatable Content

While food is a serious business, a sprinkle of humour through memes can be the secret sauce to higher engagement. Memes are shared 3X more than any other content type on social media.

While humour is subjective, always ensure your memes align with your brand voice and remain respectful to all.

Conclusion

The success of a food business on social media lies in the type of content presented to its audience. By understanding and implementing the seven content types discussed, food businesses can strategically position themselves to engage and grow their online following, leading to increased sales and brand loyalty.

If you’re searching for a dedicated team to help elevate your food business on social platforms, look no further. At Metric Connect, a leading digital marketing agency in Leicestershire, we specialise in bespoke social media marketing strategies for food businesses.

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