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What NOT to Do on Social Media for Your Food Truck
- Rees Walther
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Social media can be one of the most powerful tools for growing your food truck business, but only if you use it correctly. While great photos, engaging posts, and consistent updates can bring in more customers, certain mistakes can actually drive them away.
At Rocket Ribs and BBQ, we’ve learned that some common social media missteps can make marketing less effective—or even hurt your reputation. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here’s a list of what NOT to do on social media when promoting your food truck.
🚫 1. Ignoring Comments & Messages
The Mistake:Customers often ask questions like:
❌ "Where are you parked today?"
❌ "What are your specials?"
❌ "Do you offer catering?"
If you don’t respond, they may assume you’re unavailable and move on to another food truck.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Check your comments and messages daily.
✅ Even a quick “We’ll be at [Location] today from 11 AM-3 PM! Hope to see you there!” keeps engagement high.
✅ Set up auto-replies on Facebook and Instagram for quick answers when you’re busy.
🚫 2. Posting Inconsistently
The Mistake:If you only post once in a while, customers won’t remember to check where you are. Social media platforms prioritize active pages, so if you’re inconsistent, your posts won’t even show up in people's feeds.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Post at least 4-5 times per week and update your stories daily.
✅ Schedule posts in advance using tools like Meta Business Suite, Buffer, or Later.
✅ Even a simple “We’re open! Come grab some BBQ at [Location]!” keeps your page active.
🚫 3. Using Low-Quality Photos & Videos
The Mistake:Posting dark, blurry, or unappetizing food pictures can make your food look unappealing. Remember, people eat with their eyes first!
What to Do Instead:
✅ Use natural light when taking food photos.
✅ Focus on close-up shots to show texture and juiciness.
✅ Invest in a good phone camera or a basic DSLR for better quality images.
✅ Avoid excessive filters—keep your food looking real and delicious!
🚫 4. Posting Only Salesy Content
The Mistake:If every post is just "Buy our food!" or "Come eat here!", followers will lose interest. Social media is about connection, not just selling.
What to Do Instead: ✅ Mix up your content:
Behind-the-scenes footage of food prep
Customer testimonials and reactions
Polls & questions (e.g., "What’s your favorite BBQ side—Mac & Cheese or Pit Beans?")
Fun team moments (e.g., “Meet the pitmaster behind the brisket!”)
✅ Use the 80/20 rule—80% engaging content, 20% sales/promotional posts.
🚫 5. Forgetting to Update Location & Hours
The Mistake:Customers rely on social media to know where to find your truck. If you don’t post location updates, you might miss out on potential sales.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Post your weekly schedule every Monday (and pin it on your profile).
✅ Post a daily location reminder in the morning.
✅ If you change locations last minute, update ASAP so customers aren’t left guessing.
🚫 6. Overusing Hashtags (or Using the Wrong Ones)
The Mistake:Using too many hashtags (or irrelevant ones like #FollowForFollow or #InstaGood) can make your post look spammy and reduce engagement.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Stick to 10-15 relevant hashtags that actually help your reach, such as:
#[YourCity]Eats (e.g., #MinneapolisEats)
✅ Use geotags so people in your area see your posts.
🚫 7. Not Engaging with Your Followers
The Mistake:If you only post content but never like, comment, or reply, your page will feel robotic and unapproachable.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Like and reply to comments—it encourages more interaction.
✅ Repost customer content and tag them (they’ll appreciate the shout-out!).
✅ Ask followers questions (e.g., “What BBQ dish should we add next?”).
🚫 8. Ignoring Negative Reviews or Complaints
The Mistake:Deleting or ignoring a bad review makes your business seem unprofessional.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Respond professionally and calmly to negative feedback.
✅ Offer to resolve the issue privately via DMs.
✅ If the complaint is unreasonable, don’t argue—a professional response shows others that you care.
Example Response:"We’re sorry you had a less-than-perfect experience. We’d love to make it right! Please DM us so we can fix this for you."
🚫 9. Not Leveraging Stories & Reels
The Mistake:If you only post traditional photo updates, you're missing out on the best engagement tools that platforms prioritize.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Use Instagram & Facebook Stories daily for behind-the-scenes and quick updates.
✅ Post Reels showing food prep, customer reactions, or "a day in the life" at your truck.
✅ Try Live Videos for Q&As, menu previews, or events.
🎥 Example Reel Ideas:
Brisket slicing in slow motion
A before & after of an empty truck vs. a packed lunch rush
A customer taking their first bite and reacting
🚫 10. Not Running Targeted Ads (Even a Small Budget Helps!)
The Mistake:If you never boost posts or run ads, you're missing a huge opportunity to attract new customers.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Boost high-performing posts ($10-$20 can reach thousands of potential customers).
✅ Use geotargeting to reach people in your food truck's location.
✅ Promote limited-time deals like “$5 off your first order!” to attract first-time buyers.
Final Thoughts: Social Media is About Connection
Marketing your food truck isn’t just about posting photos—it’s about engaging, being consistent, and showing personality. Avoid these common mistakes, connect with your audience, and watch your food truck’s following (and sales) grow!
🔥 Quick Recap:
✅ Post consistently (at least 4-5 times per week).
✅ Reply to comments & messages—don’t leave customers hanging!
✅ Use high-quality food photos & engaging videos.
✅ Update your daily locations & hours.
✅ Mix up content—don’t just post sales pitches.
✅ Respond professionally to negative reviews.
🚀 What’s the biggest social media mistake you’ve seen food trucks make? Drop a comment below!
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