Transforming Tourist Attractions Through Instagram Search Optimization
The Challenge of Attracting Tourists
C, the owner of a traditional Japanese restaurant in Arashiyama, Kyoto, faced significant fluctuations in customer numbers corresponding to the tourist seasons. Despite heavy investments in advertisements on gourmet sites and travel magazines, the influx of new customers had stagnated. C's greatest challenge became clear: how to stand out in a sea of information and attract more tourists.
It was during this critical period that C discovered I Search Marketing Japan, led by CEO Kim Seongcheol and based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. They offered an Instagram search ranking optimization service that promised to shift the restaurant's customer acquisition strategy profoundly.
Surge in Customer Visits within Weeks
Within just weeks of implementing this Instagram service, C's restaurant account began to rank in the top five for popular hashtags like #ArashiyamaLunch and #KyotoGourmet. This continual visibility within search results drew increased attention from potential customers. C recalls the moment:
“Whenever someone searched for restaurants, ours was always among the results. Tourists started telling us, ‘I saw your restaurant on Instagram multiple times, so here I am!’ The number of visitors spiked dramatically, and we even started to see lines on weekdays.”
Enhanced Visibility Through Auto-Completion and Recommendations
An outstanding aspect of the service was the enhancement of visibility through the auto-completion feature. When users searched for “Arashiyama,” the restaurant's account would automatically appear as a suggestion for “Arashiyama Lunch.” This enhancement significantly increased the likelihood of potential customers coming across the restaurant, even without an intentional search.
Additionally, selected posts were featured in the recommended section, leading to a triple exposure effect—emerging in search results, account suggestions, and recommendations. Consequently, the restaurant gained recognition as one of the 'famous spots in Arashiyama.' C shared his thoughts:
“This was much more effective than hiring influencers. Instead of a one-time mention, we were consistently appearing in searches every day, which brought in new customers regularly.”
Direct Impact on Brand Recognition
Beyond the surge in customers, the restaurant's Instagram followers skyrocketed, growing from 8,000 to over 20,000 within just three months. The establishment gained fame not only among tourists but also among locals, leading to a waiting list for reservations. Kim Seongcheol, CEO of I Search Marketing Japan, emphasized the importance of this strategy in competitive markets:
“Ranking high in search results effectively builds trust, surpassing the impact of traditional advertising. In competitive sectors like dining in tourist destinations, repetitive visibility enhances branding, producing results superior to influencer marketing.”
Company Overview
Company Name: I Search Marketing Japan Inc.
Address: 3-9-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Frontier Shinjuku Tower Office 3F, Room 315
CEO: Kim Seongcheol
Established: October 2024
Business: Instagram advertising management, social media marketing support, AI marketing system development
Official Site: ismj.co.jp
Phone Number: 03-6736-4754
LINE ID: @isearch