Field Day

Three Reasons Why Your Reels Aren't Performing for Your Restaurant

Blake Pope

October 26, 2025

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So, you’re posting Reels because someone told you it would help your brand grow. You’re showing off your food, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and jumping on trends. But nothing is happening. Your Reels aren’t getting the traction you hoped for, and you’re wondering what’s going wrong.

Here are three reasons why your Reels might be falling flat and how you might be able to turn things around.

"Your Reels aren’t getting the traction you hoped for, and you’re wondering what’s going wrong."

1. You’re Not Hooking Viewers in the First Two Seconds

Social media is fast-paced, and your audience makes snap decisions about whether to keep watching or scroll away. Within the first two seconds of your Reel, you need to grab their attention. This is your hook, and it’s non-negotiable.

A great hook can be:

• Eye-catching text that teases what’s to come.

• Mouth-watering visuals of your signature dish or a sizzling cooking moment.

• A catchy line or invitation like, “Think you’ve had the best pizza in Charlotte? Think again!”

We use proven advertising and copywriting techniques to stop viewers in their tracks and keep them engaged, entertained, or informed.


2. Your Visuals and Editing Are Subpar

Reels thrive on strong visuals and dynamic editing. If your footage looks unprofessional, poorly lit, or shaky, viewers will move on. The same goes for editing that feels slow, choppy, or lacks creativity.

Here’s how to level up your visuals:

• Shoot in high resolution with proper lighting to showcase your food and restaurant at its best.

• Use a mix of wide shots, close-ups, and action shots to create variety.

• Keep your editing fast-paced with smooth transitions, captivating music, and on-brand text overlays.

When your visuals look polished and your editing feels professional, your Reels will not only attract attention but also build credibility for your restaurant.


3. You’re Repeating Trends That Don’t Fit Your Brand

Jumping on trends can seem like the easiest way to go viral, but not every trend aligns with your brand or audience. If your Reels feel out of place or forced, viewers will notice, and your engagement will suffer.

Focus on trends that complement your restaurant’s personality and values. For example:

• If you’re a fine dining establishment, a meme-worthy trend might not fit your elevated brand.

• If your target audience is foodies looking for authentic experiences, focus on showcasing unique ingredients, cooking techniques, or behind-the-scenes moments.

Authenticity is key. Reels that resonate with your audience and align with your brand will perform better and build stronger connections.

The Solution: Revisit Your Strategy and Content Process

If your Reels aren’t performing, it’s time to take a step back and reassess your approach. An expert can help you refine your strategy, improve your content, and create a process that works for your restaurant and audience.

At Field Day, we specialize in crafting Reels that combine stunning visuals, smart editing, and on-point branding. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your content, we’re here to help.

Let’s make your Reels work for you. Contact us today to get started!

Blake Pope

October 26, 2025

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