How Takeaways and Cafés Can Use Social Media to Boost Orders

Imagine this: it’s a rainy evening in Manchester, and someone’s scrolling through Instagram, stomach rumbling, looking for dinner inspiration. Suddenly, they spot a photo of your café’s signature burger or a steaming cup of artisan coffee from your takeaway.

Within minutes, they’ve placed an order—just like that, social media has turned a casual browser into your next customer.

At Socially Spotted, we’ve seen how a smart social media strategy can fill tables, drive takeaway orders, and create a buzz around local food businesses across the UK. Ready to find out how you can do the same? Let’s dive in!

Why Social Media is a Game-Changer for UK Takeaways and Cafés

Social media isn’t just about selfies and hashtags anymore. For takeaways and cafés, it’s a direct line to your customers’ hearts—and their appetites.

With platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, you can showcase your food, share your story, and make it easier than ever for people to order from you.

According to Statista, over 85% of UK adults use social media, and food-related content is among the most popular. That means your next loyal customer is probably just a scroll away.

1. Make Your Food the Star: Captivating Photos and Videos

Let’s be honest—food is visual. The more mouth-watering your photos and videos, the more likely people are to crave what you’re serving. Invest a little time in snapping well-lit, appetising images of your best dishes, drinks, or desserts. You don’t need fancy equipment—a modern smartphone and natural light can work wonders.

What works:

• Close-ups of your most popular menu items
• Behind-the-scenes videos of your kitchen or barista at work
• Time-lapse clips of busy lunch hours or fresh pastries coming out of the oven

Pro tip:
Use Instagram Stories and Reels for quick, informal videos. These get high engagement and let you show your personality.

Resource:
Check out Limepack’s content ideas for cafés for inspiration.

2. Engage Your Community: Contests, Polls, and Customer Posts

Social media isn’t just a broadcast channel—it’s a two-way conversation. The more you engage with your followers, the more likely they are to remember you (and order from you).

Ideas to try:

• Run a weekly contest: “Tag us in your takeaway night photo for a chance to win a free dessert!”
• Use Instagram and Facebook polls to let customers vote on your next special or menu addition
• Share customer photos and reviews on your feed (with their permission)

Why it works:
User-generated content builds trust. When people see real customers enjoying your food, they’re more likely to give you a try.

3. Offer Exclusive Social Media Deals

Everyone loves a good deal—especially when it feels like a secret just for them. Use your social channels to announce flash sales, limited-time offers, or special menu items.

Examples:

• “Show this post in-store for a free coffee with any breakfast order.”
• “Order through our Instagram link tonight and get 10% off.”

Tip:
Create a sense of urgency. Limited-time offers encourage people to act fast.

4. Make Ordering Effortless

If someone’s drooling over your food on social media, don’t make them jump through hoops to order. Add direct ordering links to your Instagram bio, Facebook page, and even your Stories. Both Facebook and Instagram now allow you to integrate “Order Food” buttons, which can be linked to your online ordering system or delivery partner.

How to do it:

• On Facebook, add a “Start Order” button to your page.
• On Instagram, use your bio link or story stickers to send people straight to your menu.

Resource:
Deliverect explains how to succeed with social media ordering.

5. Share Your Story: Build a Personal Connection

People love supporting local businesses, especially when they feel connected to the people behind the counter. Use your social media to introduce your team, share your café’s history, or talk about your passion for great food and coffee.

Ideas:

• Feature a “Meet the Team Monday” post each week
• Share stories about your local suppliers or sustainability efforts
• Highlight your involvement in community events or charity work

Why it matters:
Personal stories make your business memorable and encourage loyalty.

6. Collaborate with Local Influencers and Businesses

Influencer marketing isn’t just for big brands. Local food bloggers, Instagrammers, and even other small businesses can help you reach new audiences.

How to start:

• Invite local influencers for a free meal in exchange for a post or story
• Partner with nearby shops for joint giveaways (“Win a brunch for two and a bouquet from our florist neighbour!”)

Resource:
Flipdish shares tips on engaging your community.

7. Use the Right Platforms for Your Audience

Not all social networks are created equal. Choose the platforms that fit your brand and where your customers hang out.

• Instagram: Best for visual content, young audiences, and café culture
• Facebook: Great for local community groups, events, and older demographics
• TikTok: Perfect for fun, short videos and reaching a younger crowd
• X (formerly Twitter): Useful for quick updates, customer service, and joining food conversations

Tip:
Don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on 1-2 platforms and do them well.

8. Post at the Right Times and Stay Consistent

Timing can make a big difference. Post when people are most likely to be hungry—think lunchtime, after work, or weekend mornings. And remember, consistency is key. A regular posting schedule keeps your business top of mind.

Pro tip:
Use free tools like Meta Business Suite or Buffer to schedule posts in advance.

9. Respond Quickly and Build Trust

Social media is also your customer service desk. Answer questions, thank customers for positive reviews, and handle complaints quickly and professionally. A fast, friendly response can turn a one-time order into a regular.

10. Track Your Results and Improve

Don’t just post and hope for the best. Use built-in analytics (like Instagram Insights or Facebook Page Insights) to see what’s working—what posts get the most likes, comments, and clicks? Adjust your strategy based on real data.

Resource:
Grafterr’s guide to supercharging your takeaway’s marketing offers more tips on tracking and improving your efforts.

Social Media Success Stories: UK Takeaways and Cafés

• The Flour Pot Bakery (Brighton): Their daily Instagram Stories of fresh pastries and behind-the-scenes baking keep locals coming back for more.
• Dishoom (London): Shares customer stories, staff spotlights, and limited-time offers on Instagram, building a loyal fanbase.
• Local coffee shops: Many have grown their following by partnering with local influencers for “coffee and cake” features, leading to spikes in orders.

FAQs:

How can takeaways and cafés increase orders using social media?

Showcase your food with great photos and videos, run exclusive promotions, make ordering easy with direct links, and engage your community with contests and customer shoutouts.

Which social media platforms are best for UK food businesses?

Instagram and Facebook are essential for most takeaways and cafés. TikTok is excellent for reaching younger audiences with fun, short videos.

What kind of content works best for cafés and takeaways?

Behind-the-scenes videos, customer stories, menu teasers, and exclusive social media deals tend to get the most engagement and drive orders.

How do I add an order button to my social media page?

On Facebook, you can add a “Start Order” button linked to your online ordering system. Instagram allows you to add order links in your bio or as stickers in Stories.

How often should I post on social media for my café or takeaway?

Aim to post several times a week, especially during peak meal times. Consistency helps keep your business top of mind and encourages repeat orders.

Conclusion

Social media is more than just a place to post pretty pictures—it’s your digital shopfront, community hub, and direct ordering channel all rolled into one.

For UK takeaways and cafés, using social media strategically means more orders, stronger relationships, and a brand that people remember. By sharing mouth-watering visuals, engaging your customers, offering exclusive deals, and making it easy to order, you can turn casual followers into loyal fans.

At Socially Spotted, we’re here to help you craft a social media strategy that delivers real results. Ready to boost your orders? Let’s get started!