The Social Media Essentials Every Hospitality Venue Needs to Get Right

At Flare, creativity is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to crafting exceptional digital experiences that not only capture attention but also resonate deeply with audiences. Our approach is rooted in the belief that creativity is not just about making things look good—it's about solving problems, telling compelling stories, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Social media is often the first place people learn about your venue — and decide whether they’ll walk in your doors. Yet many hospitality brands treat it as an afterthought or posting task. This blog takes a deep dive into what social media really needs to do for restaurants, bars and cafés — with practical steps you can deploy now.

Why Social Media Matters for Hospitality

Social platforms are now key inspiration engines for dining, drinking and experiences — especially for younger audiences. 75% of travelers say they are influenced by social media when choosing destinations. For venues, this means your feed needs to reflect your real-life experience: atmosphere, menu, hospitality vibe. Good social isn’t optional.

Four Key Pillars Venue Operators Must Focus On

1. Brand identity first

Before you post anything, be clear on your identity: the tone, visuals, values. Your feed should look and feel like your venue. One source emphasises the importance of visual storytelling.

2. Content variety & storytelling

Don’t just post specials. Mix in behind-the-scenes, staff stories, guest highlights, local area insights. The article “24 Examples…” outlines variety of content that works.

3. Engage actively & build community

Social is not a billboard: respond, pose questions, repost user-generated content, run surveys or takeovers.

4. Consistent schedule & optimisation

A regular schedule builds recognition. Also review performance data and adapt. The “ultimate guide” for hotels emphasises this.

Best Practice Checklist for Venues

Choose 2-3 platforms aligned with your audience: Insta or TikTok if younger; Facebook or LinkedIn if events or corporate.
Use high-quality visuals and video: reels, tours, menu moments.
Encourage and repost UGC: content from guests boosts authenticity.
Use platform features: stories, polls, countdowns to build anticipation.
Track simple metrics: engagement rate, reach, follower growth — but link to bookings or footfall over time.
Align social with your offline experience: what people see online should match what they find in-venue.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Posting only promotional content → viewers disengage.
Ignoring comments or reviews → misses chance for connection.
Inconsistent visuals or tone → weakens brand identity.
Chasing every trend → may drift away from your brand’s voice.

Closing Takeaway

Social media isn’t about being everywhere—it’s about showing up authentically every day. For hospitality brands, your social feed is your digital storefront. Treat it with the same care you give your venue. At BOA, our social system aligns with your identity, works seamlessly with our creator and paid services, and ensures your brand looks and feels consistent — online and offline.