Hands-on tips & Insights: Social Media for Gastronomy and Hospitality
This section is your go-to place for practical social media insights and hands-on tips tailored specifically for the gastronomy and hospitality industries.
As a Social Media Specialist with a passion for storytelling, I know how fast the digital world moves. Staying on top of the latest trends—from short-form video on TikTok and Reels to authentic storytelling—is crucial for success. In this blog, I’ll share my expertise and strategy to help you create powerful content that goes beyond the obvious. You won’t find theoretical fluff here, just easy-to-implement advice, news and trends so that you can build a thriving online presence.
Make content simple
Your Food Photo Fails: Stop Them Now! How to Take Stunning Food Photos with Your Smartphone
Who hasn’t been there? The dish on your plate looks amazing, but the photo turns out dull. Muddy colors, a messy background, bad lighting. Food photography fails happen quickly, but the good news is: you can easily avoid them!
As an experienced Social Media Specialist and food blogger, I know exactly what it takes. A great food photo isn’t a random snapshot; it’s a small story that evokes emotion.
What Do You Really Want to Say?
It’s All About Storytelling!
Before you tap the shutter, ask yourself: What’s the story behind this dish?
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Is it a rustic, cozy Sunday roast that brings back childhood memories?
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Is it an elegant, minimalist dessert that is pure art?
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Is it a quick, healthy lunch that provides energy for the day?
Your answer will determine how you stage the photo. It’s about conveying an emotion—and that only works with a clear concept.
The 3 Golden Rules for Perfect Food Content
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Light is Your Best Friend. Nothing ruins a photo or video faster than bad light. Move to a window: Natural light is always best. It creates soft shadows and makes colors pop.
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The Background Is Part of the Story. A messy table full of clutter distracts from the real star—your food. Choose a simple, neutral surface like a wooden table, a stone slab, or just a clean plate. Less is more!
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Choose the Right Angle. Not every dish looks good from above. Experiment with different viewpoints:
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Directly from Above (Flatlay): Perfect for pizza, tacos, or beautifully arranged salads.
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At a 45-Degree Angle: Ideal for showing depth in burgers, cakes, or stacked pancakes.
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Eye Level: For dishes that have height, like a layered sandwich or a cocktail with lots of garnish.
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Content creation tips for starters
Your Restaurant's Secret Weapon: How Short Videos Win Hearts & Reservations
Walk into any restaurant today, and what do you see? People snapping photos of their food. But with millions of dishes posted daily, how does your restaurant stand out? The secret isn’t just a pretty picture anymore; it’s a compelling story told in seconds. As a Social Media Specialist with a passion for gastronomy, I know the content creation strategy that truly works: authentic short-form video.
Forget perfectly polished commercials. Today’s diners crave genuine connection, and that’s where platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels shine.
Why Short-Form Video is Your Restaurant’s Must-Have
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Massive Reach, Zero Cost (Initially): Unlike static photos, short videos are algorithm darlings. They get shown to new audiences who don’t even follow you yet! This is your golden ticket to going viral and reaching thousands of potential customers, often for free.
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Emotion on a Plate: A photo shows a dish. A video shows the sizzle, the steam, the swirl, the laughter, the craft. It creates a craving that static images simply can’t match. It makes people feel hungry and want to experience your atmosphere.
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Authenticity Builds Trust: Diners want to know the people behind the plates. Short videos are perfect for quick, genuine glimpses behind the scenes – your chef’s passion, your barista’s artistry, the friendly face of your waitstaff. This storytelling creates a human connection.
Ready to leverage the power of short-form video and make your restaurant unforgettable online?
Content creation tips for starters
Your Phone Is Your Film Crew: How to Create Video Content That Works
You don’t need a film crew. Your smartphone is your best friend! Here’s how to get started:
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Show the “Why”: Why is this dish special? Why did you open your restaurant? A quick voiceover or text overlay explaining the inspiration adds immense value.
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Embrace the “How”: People are fascinated by process. A 15-second time-lapse of a pizza being made, a cocktail being shaken, or a beautiful dessert being plated engages your audience far more than a finished product photo.
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Highlight the “Who”: Introduce your team! A cheerful “Meet the Chef” or “Behind the Bar” series lets personalities shine, turning anonymous faces into familiar friends.
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Capture the Atmosphere: Film a quick “day in the life” or a walkthrough during your busiest hours. Show the vibrant energy, the happy guests, the unique ambiance that makes your restaurant special.
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Utilize Trends: Listen to what’s trending in sounds and challenges on TikTok and Reels. Adapt them to your restaurant in a fun, authentic way. This gets you noticed!
Beyond the Video: Your Content Strategy
Creating great videos is half the battle. The other half is having a clear social media strategy that ensures every piece of content you create contributes to a larger narrative. Your posts shouldn’t be random acts of marketing; they should follow a strategic red thread that tells your unique story consistently.
As an expert in social media and storytelling, my passion is to help restaurants like yours transform their online presence. I provide the social media support you need to craft a winning content creation strategy, produce engaging videos, and turn scrollers into loyal customers.
Ready to leverage the power of short-form video and make your restaurant unforgettable online?
Content creation tips for starters
Beyond the Video: The Power of a Social Media Plan
So, you have great video clips. Now what?
This is where many businesses make a key mistake. They get caught up in the “hustle” of spontaneous recordings and end up with a random collection of content that goes nowhere.
The real power of your content creation lies in a clear social media strategy. Planning is key. By creating a media plan for at least 1-3 months, you’re not just posting sporadically; you’re building a consistent narrative. This “red thread” links every post to your brand’s core story, ensuring your audience knows exactly who you are and what you stand for.
This process eliminates the last-minute stress and ensures your content is always intentional.
How an Expert Makes It Effortless
As a restaurant owner, your time is your most valuable asset. You’re busy running the show. This is where my social media support comes in. By handing over your content strategy and planning to an expert, you gain a partner who not only knows the hottest trends but also ensures your brand’s unique story is told consistently and effectively. You get to focus on what you do best—creating amazing experiences—while I make sure your digital presence works for you.
Learn the secrets to social media success by joining one of my upcoming webinars, or book a free consultation where we can discuss your specific needs. I’ll introduce you to the core concepts you need to know and show you how flexible solutions are possible, regardless of your business size.