Stay Connected to your Audience

The hospitality industry thrives on connection, engagement, and creating memorable experiences. In today’s digital age, social media is one of the most powerful tools to achieve this. Whether you run a boutique hotel in the Yarra Valley, a bustling pub in Brisbane, or a fine dining restaurant in Sydney, having a strong presence on the right social media platforms can transform how you attract and engage with your audience.

But with so many social platforms out there, which ones deserve your attention in 2025? Let’s dive into the top social media platforms every Australian hospitality business should prioritise to maximise their reach and grow their business.

1. Instagram: Visual Storytelling at Its Best

Instagram continues to reign supreme for hospitality businesses, and it’s not hard to see why. With its focus on high-quality visuals and user-friendly features, it’s the perfect platform to showcase the unique aspects of your business.

Why Instagram is a must:

• Visual Impact: Share stunning photos of your restaurant’s dishes, cosy hotel rooms, or buzzing pub events to grab attention.
• Reels and Stories: Highlight behind-the-scenes content, quick video tours, or seasonal offers to keep your audience engaged.
• User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to tag your venue in their posts, helping you reach a wider audience.
• Bookings: Use features like link stickers and integrated booking tools to drive direct reservations.

Pro Tip: Use geotags and relevant hashtags like #SydneyEats or #ExploreAustralia to target locals and tourists alike.

2. Facebook: Community Building and Local Reach

Despite newer platforms gaining traction, Facebook remains an essential tool for hospitality businesses, particularly for building local awareness and maintaining a strong connection with your community.

Why Facebook still matters:

• Event Promotion: Share details about live music nights, special menus, or seasonal offers.
• Local Targeting: Leverage Facebook Ads to target audiences based on location, age, or interests.
• Customer Engagement: Use Messenger to quickly respond to customer inquiries or take bookings.
• Reviews and Recommendations: Facebook remains a key platform where customers share their experiences.

Pro Tip: Keep your Facebook page updated with your operating hours, location, and menus to make it easy for customers to find and choose you.

3. TikTok: Captivating the Next Generation

If you want to attract a younger audience, TikTok is the platform to prioritise in 2025. With its bite-sized videos and trend-focused culture, TikTok offers endless opportunities to showcase your brand’s personality.

Why TikTok is ideal for hospitality:

• Viral Potential: Share videos of your most unique dishes, signature cocktails, or special events.
• Trendy Content: Participate in viral challenges, highlight your team’s personality, or share customer reactions.
• Authenticity: TikTok thrives on raw, unpolished content, making it easy for hospitality businesses to connect with their audience.

Pro Tip: Collaborate with local influencers or foodies to showcase your business to their followers and drive foot traffic.

4. Google Business Profile (Yes, It’s Social!)

While not a traditional social platform, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a critical part of your online presence. It’s often the first place potential customers encounter your business when searching for hospitality options nearby.

Why GBP is crucial:

• Local SEO Boost: Ensure your business appears in local searches like “best hotels near me” or “top restaurants in Melbourne.”
• Customer Reviews: Manage and respond to reviews to build trust and credibility.
• Photo Galleries: Add high-quality photos of your venue, food, or events to entice potential customers.
• Updates: Post updates, offers, or announcements to keep your profile fresh and engaging.

Pro Tip: Keep your GBP profile accurate and updated with your hours, address, and contact details. Australians rely heavily on Google to make decisions on the go.

5. LinkedIn: Networking for Hospitality Professionals

LinkedIn might not be the first platform that comes to mind for hospitality businesses, but it offers unique opportunities to build professional relationships and attract corporate clientele.

Why LinkedIn works:

• Corporate Partnerships: Showcase your venue’s suitability for corporate events, conferences, or retreats.
• Thought Leadership: Share articles, blogs, or updates about industry trends and your expertise.
• Talent Acquisition: Use LinkedIn to recruit top talent in the hospitality industry.
• B2B Opportunities: Connect with suppliers, event organisers, and travel agencies.

Pro Tip: Regularly post updates about your business’s achievements, like awards, sustainability efforts, or community involvement, to build your brand’s professional image.

6. YouTube: Long-Form Content for Storytelling

Video content is king, and YouTube offers the perfect platform for long-form videos that tell a deeper story about your business.

Why YouTube deserves your attention:

• Showcase Your Story: Share your business’s origin story, interviews with chefs, or behind-the-scenes tours.
• Tutorials and Tips: Post content like “How to Pair Wines with Dinner” or “Top 5 Beaches Near Our Resort.”
• SEO Benefits: YouTube videos rank highly on Google, making it easier for potential customers to discover you.

Pro Tip: Create playlists tailored to different audiences, like wedding packages for couples or travel tips for international tourists.

7. Pinterest: Inspiration for Special Events

Pinterest might not be as popular as Instagram or TikTok, but it’s a hidden gem for hospitality businesses targeting customers planning events like weddings, holidays, or special dinners.

Why Pinterest is worth considering:

• Visual Inspiration: Share pins of beautifully plated meals, wedding setups, or curated event spaces.
• Traffic Driver: Pinterest is highly effective at driving traffic to your website or booking page.
• Event Planning: Target users searching for event ideas or venue inspiration.

Pro Tip: Optimise your pins with keywords like “luxury wedding venues in Sydney” or “romantic restaurants in Melbourne.”

Choosing the Right Platforms for Your Business

While it might be tempting to try to conquer every social platform, it’s smarter to focus on the platforms that align with your target audience and business goals. A fine dining restaurant targeting affluent professionals may prioritise Instagram and LinkedIn, while a beachfront pub catering to millennials might find greater success on TikTok and Facebook.

Navigating the ever-evolving social media landscape can be overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on delivering exceptional experiences for your customers. That’s where Knight Out comes in. As a leading digital marketing agency with expertise in the Australian hospitality industry, we know how to craft tailored social media strategies that drive results. Whether it’s creating scroll-stopping Instagram campaigns, optimising your Google Business Profile, or helping you go viral on TikTok, Knight Out is your ultimate partner for social media success in 2025.

Ready to elevate your social media game? Let’s make your hospitality business the talk of the town—online and off.