Instagram for restaurants: turn your profile into a 24/7 booking machine
In the digital age, the first impression of a restaurant is no longer made at the door, but on your mobile phone screen. For the hotel and catering sector, particularly for businesses that depend on bookings (hotels, restaurants with booking engines, campsites), Instagram is much more than a social network: it is the main showcase, the first dish presented to potential customers.
The goal of any strategy on this platform must go beyond likes or followers: it must promote direct bookings and generate revenue.
Your Instagram profile: the digital showcase that attracts customers
Success on Instagram lies in understanding that you are not selling food, but anexperience. Photos of dishes, the atmosphere, friendly service and the excitement of a beautifully laid table are the key visual elements that attract your target audience: those who decide where to book.
The importance of visual storytelling
Your profile should tell a coherent story that reflects your brand’s mission and Bookline’s tone of voice: trust, intelligence, friendliness and clarity.
Professional and welcoming photography: Post images that evoke genuine human interactions and the atmosphere of the place. Avoid cold or corporate photos and focus on hospitality in motion.
Organised featured stories: Use permanent stories to display practical information such as the menu, location, opening hours and, of course, clear access to the booking system. opening hours and, of course, clear access to the booking system.
Brand consistency: Maintain a consistent colour palette and visual style that aligns with your brand identity.
Why is the “Book” button your best ally?
A well-optimised Instagram profile is one that minimises friction between customer interest and booking action. If your customer has to leave Instagram, search for your website, and then search for your booking engine, they are likely to get lost along the way.
The “Book” action button offered by Instagram Business is a direct shortcut that allows you to convert a view into a confirmed booking with a single click. This is essential for businesses that have already implemented a booking management system (booking software).
Advantages of its implementation:
Convenience 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: allows users to make bookings at any time of day, even outside of opening hours.
Direct lead generation: attracts customers who have already shown a strong interest in your offering.
Performance analysis: helps you track traffic coming from your social network to your booking system.
How to implement the “Book” action button in your profile
Configuring the button is a simple process that directly connects your Instagram account to your booking provider (booking engine):
Open your Instagram Business profile: Press the “Edit Profile” button.
Access “Action buttons”: Here you can choose which call to action you want to display.
Select “Book”: Choose this option to indicate that the objective is to make a booking.
Select your booking provider: Instagram will ask you to choose the system you use to manage bookings (e.g., OpenTable, CoverManager, The Fork or other compatible engines).
Log in and connect your account: Complete the connection by logging in to your provider’s platform.
Click on “Done”: The “Book” button will appear on your home page, ready to turn visitors into customers.
The human factor: a link that never disappears
Although a solid digital strategy like Instagram’s can attract a large number of online bookings and improve your presence, it is essential to remember one reality in the hospitality industry: the telephone remains a fundamental channel.
Many customers, especially for complex enquiries, large groups or last-minute requests, prefer the immediacy and personal touch of a telephone call.
80% of hotel and restaurant bookings are still handled by telephone, with staff spending up to 3 hours a day on calls.
What happens when you can’t answer?
This is where the challenge for hotel and restaurant decision-makers comes in: every missed call is not only an unconfirmed booking, but also a lost revenue opportunity.
Bookline ensures you never miss a call. Our AI-powered voice agents are available 24/7, ready to:
Manage and automate direct bookings.
Answer frequently asked questions clearly and cordially.
Free up your team so they can focus on delivering a valuable guest experience.
Do not let the phone call become the hidden number of your business.
Want to turn every call into a revenue opportunity and free up your team?
