Need a quick win on social media that actually moves the needle?
Here’s my proven framework restaurant brands can use to boost engagement, grow your Instagram following, and turn email subscribers into active fans—all in just 7 days!
It’s called Comment to Win—and it works.
WHAT IT IS:
A giveaway where people enter by commenting on your Instagram post. Tag a friend? That’s a bonus entry.
Simple, fast, and effective.
WHY IT WORKS:
When someone comments, the algorithm takes notice—Instagram loves that kind of engagement. And when they tag a friend? Now you're getting in front of brand-new potential guests without spending a dime.
If you're smart, you're also using this contest to light up your email list and give those subscribers a reason to follow you on social. Best part? You can use it to spotlight whatever matters most right now—your new menu drop, your rewards program, a seasonal LTO—whatever you need to push.
And ... its not a discount or promo!
THE 7 DAY PLAN
Day 1 – Instagram Post
- Announce the giveaway.
- Offer a prize
- Give them an A or B choice to comment upon (Example: "Cheese or Pepperoni")
- Keep the instructions simple: “Comment to enter. Tag a friend for a bonus entry.”
- Use a craveable image or short video of the prize.
Day 2 – Email Send
Send an email to your subscribers to promote the Instagram giveaway. Include a direct link to the post and reinforce the deadline.
Day 3 – Instagram Story
Re-share the post to Stories. Use tools like countdowns and stickers to boost attention.
Day 5 – Instagram Story Reminder
Post another reminder in Stories. Create urgency: “Only 2 days left to enter.”
Day 7 – Winner Announcement
Announce the winner in Stories and/or on the Feed.
If possible, show the winner picking up their prize—it makes great content!
Pro Tips
1. Keep the prize valuable but manageable. A $25 gift card or signature menu item works great but a $50 or $100 gift card works better!
At Handcraft Burgers and Brew we use Free French Fries for a year as a prize! Thankfully our awesome loyalty partner Spendgo makes it easy to power that reward!
2. Do it monthly! Why not? Its good for engagement, its not another menu item feature or meme and its a reward for your guests!
3. Use it as a vehicle to promote you rewards program, a limited time offer or a menu item that drives retention.
PS Need more marketing tricks, tips and tactics?
Come find me at these events.
I’ll be speaking, podcasting, and helping operators like you dial in your marketing.
- Marketing Executive Group (MEG) – May 14–16 (Chicago, IL)
- National Restaurant Show – May 17–20 (Chicago, IL)
- Restaurant Marketing Workshop – June 2–3 (Indianapolis, IN)
- QSR Summit – June 17-18 (Chicago, IL)
Need help? Got questions? Email me: rev@brandedstrategic.net
- Rev Ciancio
WHAT DOES REV DO?
*I help restaurants to build guest marketing programs.
*I help hospitality tech companies with lead generation and content marketing