How One Japanese Restaurant Increased Foot Traffic by 150% with Instagram Marketing

Transforming Restaurant Marketing: A Case Study

Introduction

In the bustling heart of Tokyo, a traditional Japanese izakaya run by Mr. A has experienced a remarkable transformation in its customer outreach strategy. For years, he struggled with ineffective advertising methods, pouring tens of thousands of yen monthly into flyers and gourmet site listings with little to no increase in new customers. Relying primarily on repeat patrons left him feeling insecure about the sustainability of his business.

However, everything changed after he attended a free seminar hosted by I Search Marketing Japan Inc., led by CEO Kim Sung-Chul. The seminar introduced him to the powerful potential of Instagram search as a novel approach to attract customers.

The Assurance of Support

Mr. A emphasizes that the success he has experienced is not solely due to advertising strategies but also the comprehensive support he received from I Search Marketing Japan.

“The effective results weren't just from the ad management; it was the after-support that made a difference,” he explains.

His dedicated manager provided weekly performance reports, helping him quickly identify which posts were making an impact. With prompt responses to inquiries via LINE and precise improvement suggestions, Mr. A felt reassured, describing the relationship as collaborative rather than a “set-and-forget” service.

A standout moment was when his spring seasonal menu was showcased through a reel video. The post exceeded 30,000 views and drove direct reservations, with the return on investment (ROI) for Instagram ads seeing more than a three-fold increase compared to previous methods.

The Power of Instagram Search

Today, Mr. A views Instagram not just as an advertising platform, but as a branding tool.

He shares, “When customers come in and say, ‘I found you on Instagram,’ it truly makes me happy. Because Instagram allows us to convey not just the flavors of our dishes but also the ambiance of our restaurant, the likelihood of turning new customers into regulars has increased significantly.”

Kim Sung-Chul also states, “For restaurants, missing the opportunity to appear at the moment of search often means losing customers forever. That's why being visible at the moment of search is crucial. We commitment to ensuring results primarily for small and medium-sized eateries through search optimization and after-support.”

Conclusion

The success story of Mr. A’s restaurant not only highlights the transformation borne out of innovative marketing strategies but also emphasizes the importance of reliable support in navigating the competitive restaurant landscape. As more establishments look to digital platforms for growth, I Search Marketing Japan stands ready to assist in overcoming the hurdles many face in achieving visibility and attracting clientele effectively.