Trend Feast®
Using Social Media to Drive Traffic
2/18/2026
Social media offers operators a visual way to share what's on the table. 44% of consumers have purchased a food, beverage or ingredient just because they saw it on social media—meaning they are hungry for a sneak peak of your menu on their favorite scrolling platform!1 Here's some advice to help you make the most out of your social media accounts:
5 key takeaways to keep your customers’ social appetites fed
Choose the right social platform for your audience.
Showcase your operations personality and unique menu items.
Use bold, trendy, and clean presentations to boost engagement.
You don’t have to create the next brilliant dish, simple with a flair can still influence.
Promote your limited-time offers on social media to influence customer decisions.
Consider your platform
Between Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z here is how use of social media platforms rank.1 As you look at which platform to post your content on, consider who your target audience is.
Show off your personality
Showcase your signature dishes in a format that excites customers and watch your traffic grow. Keep authenticity in mind for a share-worthy post. Show off the distinctive items that make your menu unique and stay true to your operation.
Go for a bold and trendy presentation
Bold presentations payoff big-time. When a dish looks delicious, it encourages consumer engagement on your social media platform. That kind of buzz can attract local traffic while giving your customers the perfect opportunity to share their experience on social media. Need some buzz-worthy recipe inspiration? Check out our Simplot® Traditional™ Tater Squares™ Checkerboard recipe and more, featured in the Spring/Summer 2026 Trend Feast® Guide, available by joining Simplot+.
Simple pops!
You don't have to add fireworks to get foods noticed. Use white dishware to contrast with colorful food. Go with a thoughtful presentation that highlights a few distinctive elements, like a perfectly paired caesar salad and crispy fries for girl-dinner, or a cheese-pull to a perfectly cooked burger. There's no need for fancy lighting, stick to natural light when taking pictures for the best results.
The value of promoting your limited-time offers on social media
More customers are planning which LTOs to try ahead of time, while impulse buys have dropped 12% since 2022.2 That’s the power of showing up on social. When operators share their upcoming LTOs on social, customers can build excitement for the dining experience, especially when budgets are tight and every choice matters. Posting your LTOs isn’t just promotion, it's a smart way to guide decisions, build confidence, and drive traffic with intent.
Happy Posting!
