You Already Have Your App, Now What?

The Best Ways to Promote Your App on Social Media

Congratulations! If you’ve already taken the step and your restaurant now has its own app, you’re on the right track: more independence, better margins, and a direct relationship with your customers. But having the app is not enough — what matters now is getting your customers to use it.

In this article, we’ll share the best strategies to promote your app on social media in a creative, effective way — without the need for large budgets. From posts that drive downloads to campaigns that turn followers into loyal customers.

Get ready to take your digital presence to the next level, without relying on third-party platforms, while always offering your best experience, your best prices… and without sacrificing your profits. 💪📱

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1. Optimize Your Social Media Profile

Before you start posting content about your app, make sure your profiles are set up to turn visits into downloads. Many restaurants make the mistake of launching an app but failing to adapt their social media presence to communicate it effectively. Here’s how to do it right:

1.1 Direct Download Link (in bio or button)

Your app should be just one click away. Place the download link somewhere visible, such as:

• The bio section on Instagram or TikTok.
• The “Learn More” or “Call to Action” button on Facebook.
• The contact or description section on your LinkedIn business page.

1.2 Cover and Highlights About the App

Dedicate a cover or Instagram “Highlight” specifically for your app. There, you can include:

• How to download it
• Exclusive benefits
• Promotions available only through the app
• Quick usage tutorials

This creates constant visibility for new visitors to your profile.

1.3 Call-to-Actions in Your Posts

It’s not enough to just announce you have an app — you need to tell your followers what to do with that information. Use clear and direct calls to action like:

• “Order faster through our app!”
• “Skip the line—download our app and pick up in-store.”
• “This promo is cheaper in the app 😉”

Remember: on social media, simple and action-oriented messages work best to drive results.s, el que no pide, no vende. Recuérdales constantemente que existe una mejor forma de pedir: la tuya.

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2. Create Content That Motivates Downloads

Once your profile is optimized, the next step is to create content that sparks desire and urgency so your customers download your app. It’s not enough to just say it exists — you need to highlight its benefits in a visual, direct, and creative way. Here are a few effective ideas:

2.1 Highlight Stories with Short Tutorials

Many users don’t download an app simply because they don’t know how it works or think it’s complicated. Stories are a great tool to solve that.

👉 Create 3–4 step tutorials in story format like:

• “How to order from our app”
• “How to use your reward points”
• “How to access exclusive promos!”

📌 Save them to your highlights under a title like “How to Use” or “Quick Guide.”

2.2 15-Second Reels with Impactful Phrases

Short Reels with bold text, catchy music, and a clear message work great for grabbing attention. Some phrases you can use:

• “Your favorite roll, with no hidden fees!”
• “Order direct. Pick up faster. Earn rewards.”
• “Did you know you pay less in our app?”

2.3 App-Only Exclusive Promotions

A foolproof way to drive downloads is by offering something they can’t get anywhere else. For example:

• Discounts that are only visible in the app.
• Double reward points for purchases made through the app.
• Monthly giveaways exclusive to app users.

🔁 Promote these offers through posts, stories, and paid ads. Be sure to use phrases like: “Only on the app” or “Exclusive for direct users.”

This type of content doesn’t just inform — it sparks excitement, curiosity, and instant rewards, the perfect trio to boost your download numbers.

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3. Launch Campaigns

The launch of your app should feel like an important event for your followers and customers. A strong initial campaign can make the difference between a forgotten app and one that becomes your customers’ favorite sales channel.

Here are three key ideas to make your app launch memorable:

3.1 Irresistible Giveaways

One of the most effective ways to get instant downloads is through an attractive giveaway.

🎁 Example:

“Win a FREE meal when you download the app and place your first order this week.”

🔁 You can share this kind of promo via:

• A post on your feed.
• A dynamic reel explaining how to participate.
• Stories with a step-by-step guide and reminders.

3.2 Limited-Time Discounts

Promotions with a clear expiration date trigger urgency and quickly increase downloads.

🔥 Example:

• “10% off only through the app, this week.”
• “Free delivery on your first app order.”

📌 Use phrases like:

• “Only for a limited time!”
• “Available exclusively in our app.”

3.3 Countdown Stories

Countdowns in stories build anticipation and keep your audience alert. Use them to:

• Count down the days to your official launch.
• Announce the start of a special app-only promo.
• Promote a new feature or in-app event.

Add interactive stickers like polls or Q&A to increase engagement and reach.

A strong launch campaign doesn’t just generate downloads — it builds community, excitement, and loyalty from day one.

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4. Show How It Improves the Experience

Once your app is in your customers’ hands, it’s time to clearly show how it enhances their ordering experience. It’s not just about having an app… you need to communicate its benefits with real proof and engaging content!

4.1 Real Customer Testimonials

Nothing builds trust like hearing from other satisfied diners.

🗣️ Content example:

• A short video of a customer saying:“Since I started ordering through their app, I pay less and my order arrives just as fast.”
• A screenshot of a positive message sent via Instagram or WhatsApp.

4.2 Comparisons: Your App vs External Platforms

This is your chance to highlight meaningful differences in a fun, light, or informative tone.

💡 Ideas:

• A Reel that says:“Order your favorite sushi with +30% in fees or without hidden commissions? 🤔 You decide.”
• An infographic comparing:

	Restaurant App	Third-Party Apps
Final Price	$200 MXN	$265 MXN
Exclusive Promo	✅	❌
Rewards	✅	❌

📌 Reminder: Even if the restaurant doesn’t pay commissions, the customer sees them reflected in the price.

4.3 Visual Examples of the App in Use

📸 Show what your app looks like and how it works:

• Screenshots of the app with visible promotions.
• Step-by-step videos on how to order.
• Animations showing how easy it is to place an order.

Showing how the app enhances the experience helps turn followers into active, loyal users. You’re demonstrating value, not just selling.

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5. Use Your App as a Loyalty Hub

One of the biggest advantages of having your own app is that you can build a direct relationship with your customersand reward their loyalty without third-party platforms. Your app is not just a sales channel — it’s a powerful tool to keep customers coming back again and again.

5.1 Promote Your Points and Rewards System

🎯 The goal is simple: make every order feel like an investment in future rewards.

💡 Example message for social media:

“With every order on our app, you earn points you can redeem for free food 🍣🔥. Got yours yet?”

You can show visually how points accumulate, the value of each reward, and encourage customers to check their balance inside the app.cumulan los puntos, cuánto vale cada recompensa y animar a tus clientes a revisar su saldo en la app.

5.2 Create Challenges to Keep Users Engaged

🕹️ Challenges add a fun, gamified element that keeps users active and motivated.

🎉 Ideas:

• “Place 3 orders this week and get a free drink.”
• “Earn 200 points this month and enjoy a free dessert 🍮.”
• “Invite a friend to download the app and get 50 bonus points.”

Promote these challenges through stories or featured posts. What matters is that they’re easy to understand, easy to join, and offer a clear reward.

5.3 Use Offline Promotions to Drive Digital Adoption

📲 Turn your physical restaurant into a promotional channel for your app.

🔖 Concrete actions:

• Place QR codes on tables that say:“Scan and order from the app to earn points.”
• Use stickers or labels on delivery boxes:“Your next order? Straight from the app (with a discount!).”
• Print physical loyalty cards that tie into your digital points system.

These efforts help educate customers who don’t yet know about your app and encourage them to give it a try.o: es la mejor herramienta para crear clientes leales y hacer que regresen sin depender de terceros.

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6. Invest in Digital Advertising

Your app won’t download itself. While organic content is essential, a strong digital advertising strategy accelerates growth, especially during launch phases or special promotions.

Investing in well-targeted ads is one of the most effective ways to turn followers and website visitors into active users.

6.1 Facebook Ads & Instagram Ads with Custom Audiences

📍 Geo-target your ads: Reach people who live or work near your restaurant.

👥 Use custom audiences:

• Followers of your social media accounts.
• People who’ve interacted with your posts or profile.
• Past customers or users who’ve already downloaded the app (for special offers).

💡 Sample ad copy:

“Live nearby? Order from our app and skip the extra fees. Download it today!”

These ads should include clear calls to action, like “Download” or “Order Now”.

6.2 Remarketing Campaigns

Not everyone downloads the app the first time they see your ad. But if they visited your website or interacted with your social media, you can retarget them with remarketing campaigns.

🔁 These campaigns tend to have a very high ROI, since they’re aimed at people who have already shown interest.

🎯 Sample remarketing ad:

“We know you love great food (at a better price). Download our app and enjoy your favorite rolls without hidden fees 🍣📱.”

6.3 Test, Measure, and Adjust

You can start small by testing which messages, images, and audiences perform best. The key is to track performance constantly:

• Cost per install.
• Cost per order via the app.
• Increase in sales from your own channel.

💰 Remember: Every peso you invest in bringing customers to your app is an investment in your independence.

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7. Final Tip: It’s Not Just About Having an App, But Creating a Culture of Use

Having your own app is not the finish line — it’s the beginning of a new chapter for your restaurant. For it to truly work and deliver results, you need to educate, motivate, and get your customers used to using it.

Here are some practical tips to make that happen:

7.1 Make the App Part of Your Daily Routine

📲 Train your staff to always mention the app when taking orders or handing out food.

🧾 Add the QR code for app downloads to receipts, packaging, and menus.

📍 Place signs at the register:

“Do you have our app yet? Order through it next time and earn points.”

7.2 Reward Those Who Use It

🎁 Offer small incentives like desserts, drinks, or symbolic discounts to customers who order through the app.

💬 Publicly thank users on social media who share their experience using the app.

7.3 Be Consistent

Creating a culture of use takes time. The key is to stay consistent with your messaging:

• Keep reminding your audience that the best prices and promotions are in the app.
• Post weekly content that highlights the app.
• Use every touchpoint — both physical and digital — to invite people to use it.

Remember: You’re not just promoting another app. You’re building your own sales channel, free of third-party commissions, where you have full control and your customers enjoy the best experience possible.