Instagram is Your Host—So What Is It Saying About Your Brand?

You put so much effort into your space—every chair, every garnish, every track on the playlist is intentional. But if someone finds you on Instagram first (and they will), all of that gets reduced to one thing: your grid.

In 2025, your Instagram is your host. It’s greeting guests, setting expectations, and convincing people—within seconds—whether your bar, restaurant, or hotel is worth the visit.

So… what is your feed actually saying?

At Billy Boy Studio, we work with NYC hospitality brands to make sure their digital front door is as compelling as the real one. Here’s how to audit your Instagram and turn it into your best brand ambassador.

1. Your Grid Is Your Lobby

Think of your Instagram profile like the entryway to your business.

If your grid is:

• Dark and cluttered

• Inconsistent in tone or quality

• Overloaded with flyers or promos

• Missing key information

…you’re leaving a bad first impression.

Fix it:

Treat your first 9 posts like a digital moodboard. A mix of:

• Interior shots

• Signature dishes/drinks

• People enjoying the space

• Seasonal moments

• Reels with vibe-setting music

• Branded announcements or specials (stylishly designed)

This is your chance to say, “Here’s what we’re all about.” Don’t waste it.

2. Your Bio = Your Elevator Pitch

Too many bars and restaurants have bios that say either too much… or absolutely nothing.

A good Instagram bio includes:

• What you are (e.g. Rooftop Cocktail Bar | Wood-Fired Pizza | Boutique Hotel)

• Where you are (neighborhood + city)

• Why someone should care (your hook or vibe)

• A clear CTA (reservation link, contact button, etc.)

Example:

✨ Elevated cocktails. Skyline views. Open ’til late.

📍 Williamsburg, NYC

🔗 Book your table ↓

Clean. Friendly. Effective.

3. Your Content Should Feel Like a Night Out

Would you want to hang out with your own brand?

If your feed feels overly promotional or one-note (just food photos, just flyers, just static interiors), it’s not building anticipation—it’s building boredom.

Fix it with variety:

• Action shots (cheers, service, crowds)

• Mood-setting reels (behind the bar, live music, lighting)

• Storytelling posts (meet the chef, weekly cocktail, staff picks)

• Guest shoutouts and UGC

Your feed should have energy. It should feel alive.

4. Are You Easy to Book or Visit?

The most beautiful feed in the world means nothing if people can’t figure out how to reserve a table, find your hours, or know where you are.

Checklist:

• Is your booking/reservation link working and easy to find?

• Are your hours and location accurate in your bio or highlights?

• Do you have a branded story highlight for key info?

• Are you using Linktree (or a branded alternative) to house everything?

Streamline the user journey—make discovery effortless.

5. Highlights = Your Concierge Desk

Think of Story Highlights like curated departments in your hospitality experience.

Top-performing categories include:

• Menus – Show off food, drinks, specials

• Events – Weekly programming, upcoming happenings

• Space – Interiors, outdoor seating, private rooms

• Vibe – Guest shots, candid Reels, music

• Info – Hours, address, how to book

• Press – Quotes, features, partnerships

We create branded highlight covers and stories for every BBS client to ensure their info doesn’t just exist—it sells.

6. Captions: You Have a Voice—Use It

Dry captions are a vibe killer. Hospitality is all about warmth, tone, and personality—your captions should reflect that.

Fix it:

• Write how you (or your team) actually speak

• Tell short stories or give a little context to the visual

• Use calls to action (Tag your crew. Book via link. Drop a ❤️ if you’re in.)

• Keep it short, clean, and emotionally on-brand

Captions aren’t filler—they’re your digital host talking directly to the guest.

7. Don’t Be a Billboard—Be a Host

If every post is a flyer or a promo, your feed becomes a chore. Hospitality isn’t about selling—it’s about making people feel something.

Your Instagram should:

• Welcome people

• Set expectations

• Get them excited

• Offer clarity

• Reflect the energy of your brand

You wouldn’t scream drink specials at someone walking into your bar. Don’t do it on Instagram either.

Bottom Line: Hospitality Starts on Instagram

Before they book a table, people book your vibe. That means your Instagram needs to feel like your space: inviting, polished, fun, and easy to engage with.

At Billy Boy Studio, we help hospitality brands look alive online—from content creation and strategy to branded templates and full-feed redesigns. If you want your Instagram to actually work for your brand—not against it—we’re the ones to call.

📩 Ready for your digital host to actually greet people?

Let’s transform your Instagram. Visit www.billyboy.studio or DM us @BillyBoyStudio