User-generated content (UGC) encompasses social content created by service users, ranging from photos and videos taken at your establishment to online reviews and social media check-ins. It's pervasive and influential.

When it comes to choosing a family-friendly dining spot, who are potential customers more likely to trust? Real reviews and reactions from restaurant guests or paid advertising from the restaurant staff? The truth is, the majority of people rely on user-generated content for crucial decisions, such as where to dine!

Here are some tips to help you maximize your user-generated content strategy:

1. Encourage Guests to Capture Their Dining Experience: If you're confident in your restaurant's exceptional food and drinks, why not encourage patrons to snap quick cell phone photos or videos during their visit? Positive visuals, whether of their delicious meals or a fun selfie with the staff, contribute significantly to your online reputation. Consider creating a unique hashtag for guests to use when posting on social media for added visibility.

2. Humanize Your Restaurant Brand to Build Trust: Generate positive user-generated content by humanizing your restaurant brand. From the way patrons are welcomed at the door to the conversations and tone of your staff, consistency in your brand voice across all platforms is key. A relatable brand leads to lasting relationships, ongoing business, referrals, and a wealth of UGC.

3. Engage Social Media Followers with Contests and Polls: Boost interaction on your social media channels by hosting contests or polls. This not only conveys your commitment to customer satisfaction but also encourages user participation. Consider examples like Qdoba's Facebook promotion where followers choose their favorite flavor. It's a fun way to involve your audience and generate UGC.

4. Run Instagram Campaigns to Encourage Photo Sharing: Leverage Instagram for photo-based UGC by motivating patrons to share menu item photos on your restaurant's page using specific hashtags. Offering incentives like weekly gift cards for participants can significantly increase engagement. Ensure your food and drinks are always camera-ready, as a single photo can attract new customers or send them to a competitor.

   Furthermore, training staff to maintain quality and consistency in food and drink presentations is crucial. Many restaurants are gaining traction on social media, making it essential for owners and executive chefs to add unique touches to their brand. Custom garnish picks and beverage stirrers, displaying the restaurant logo, are cost-effective tools to elegantly distinguish your brand on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.