Transforming Restaurant Marketing: influencer-Driven Exposure and Engagement

A New Era of Restaurant Marketing with Influencer Partnership

I Search Marketing Japan, led by CEO Kim Seong-cheol, has announced a groundbreaking Instagram marketing product aimed at enhancing visibility and sales for small-scale restaurants. This new product leverages collaborations with gourmet influencers who have followers ranging from 10,000 to 50,000, with an average follower count of approximately 25,000. These influencers create 10 posts each month, collectively reaching over 250,000 followers, thus significantly amplifying the restaurants' outreach.

One of the standout features of this marketing strategy is the implementation of algorithm optimization that ensures these influencer posts appear prominently on Instagram's 'recommended tab'. This is a game-changer, as it allows for a spreading of influence that traditional influencer posts alone could not achieve, broadening the overall user engagement on Instagram and enhancing advertising effectiveness.

Overwhelming Impact on Restaurant Owners

The response from restaurant owners who have implemented this innovative marketing solution has been overwhelmingly positive. One owner shared their experience:
"My personal account only had a few hundred followers, and even when I posted, it rarely resulted in actual visits. However, since collaborating with influencers, my followers skyrocketed beyond 2,000 in just one month. I also noticed that my posts appeared multiple times on the recommended tab, leading to a significant increase in customers saying they came because they saw it on Instagram."
For instance, a ramen shop in Shinjuku saw an astonishing 160% increase in customers within two months of adopting this strategy. On weekends, lines began to form outside the shop, and the average spending per customer also rose. This is not just a fleeting trend; being recognized as a 'popular store' on Instagram has proven to have a lasting impact on customer acquisition.

Strengthening Restaurant Accounts Through This Service

One of the most remarkable aspects of this service is that it not only capitalizes on the influence of social media stars but also strengthens the restaurant's official account itself. When posts from influencers tag the restaurant's account, it directly benefits from increased followers. Moreover, posts of high relevance receive favorable treatment from the algorithm, leading to greater visibility in search results and on the recommended tab.

This creates a seamless flow of influence: "Influencer → Restaurant Account → Customer Visits". Ultimately, it establishes a sustainable cycle for acquiring new customers.

Break Away from Dependence on Influencers

Historically, influencer marketing in the restaurant sector often resembled a single burst of fireworks—providing a quick spike in visitors that would quickly subside. The innovative combination of influencer outreach and algorithm optimization now allows for long-term and consistent customer engagement. For example, a barbecue restaurant in Osaka experienced multiple exposures on the recommended tab shared by influencers, leading to its official account ranking highly in search outcomes. Consequently, reservations surged by over 200 per month, doubling revenue within just two months.

The owner commented, "It wasn’t just about a one-time promotion; the strength gained by our official account has been the most significant takeaway. Now, we are recognized as a restaurant that people have seen several times on Instagram, resulting in stable customer engagement."

Future Outlook from I Search Marketing Japan

CEO Kim Seong-cheol articulated the vision behind this new product:
"Our goal is not merely to distribute ads but to grow the restaurant's official account as an asset, fostering a presence that is preferred in the community. By merging the recommended tab, top search results, and influencer collaborations, we can enable small restaurants to establish competitive brand power against major chains.”
I Search Marketing Japan plans to extend this innovative approach beyond the restaurant industry, targeting beauty salons and retail businesses, strengthening support for small enterprises across Japan.