Local Business Using Social Media to its Full Advantage? Why or Why Not?

Showa – Fremont, USA

http://www.facebook.com/showafremont

I love Showa. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Fremont. The posts on their Facebook page echo the vibe that you have when you go in there – quirky, funny, and mouth-watering! It’s truly a huge win when, as a business, you are authentic and there’s a consistent experience delivered all the way from screen-to-mouth (dare I say, the new farm-to-table?).

For example, Showa posted during some rather inclement weather that, “Showa will be open today! Our specials are Shelter and Warmth, both free of charge!” Isn’t that hysterical?! It really is a warm, little charming place where you’ll get amazing service and food, served with a bit of humor. Although, is just being authentic and appealing to my particular sensibilities, and weird sense of humor, an example of using social media to its full advantage? I suppose for me, Meech-the-consumer, it is in this one specific instance. But, for Meech-the-marketer, I certainly think that there is a lot more they could be doing to not-only connect with their current audience but also to drawn in new devotees.

First and foremost, there needs to be more show! For a restaurant, there are a surprising lack of pictures on their Facebook page. When you tell me that, “It's time for a nice steaming bowl of Oden. Daikon radish, Goboten fish cake, hardboiled egg, atsuage tofu, and dark konnyaku simmered together in shiitake dashi,” I totally agree with you. It istime. And, you’ve honestly got me listening. Now, bring it home with a picture so that I march on down to your door and demand a bowl immediately.

Secondly, the interaction is limited. Although they appear to be very responsive when someone asks a question to them, there aren’t any real questions proposed by them to gauge interest or find out what the reader is thinking. Ask us what we want for specials. Ask us what where we’re stuck during Snowpocalypse and why we’d rather be at Showa. And then, reward with prompt and quirky responses.

And finally, they are not on Twitter. Rapid fire updates on specials, new ingredients, special recipe tips, rewards for “if you come in and mention this post” – nothing!

There are a few big misses that can be resolved with a few easy fixes. They certainly have the personality to pull it off and the food to back it up.