07 Aug 10 Twitter Tips you Can Learn from North Carolina Food Trucks
Although I’m considerably biased, the North Carolina food trucks scene around the Triangle is one of the best. I figured I’d combine my two loves of social media and food trucks into one blog post. Here are 10 North Carolina food trucks (in alphabetical order) you should follow on Twitter along with 10 social media best practices:
1. American Meltdown
One of my favorite things about social media is how easy it is to share content, not only within platforms but across them. American Meltdown received a lovely compliment from one of its fans on Facebook. Being the savvy social media users that they are, they were able to easily share this sentiment on Twitter.
Anytime pal http://t.co/pxd7ou884O — American Meltdown (@AmericanMLTDWN) July 16, 2014
The one thing I would have added would be a screenshot in addition to the link, but that’s just me.
2. Chick-N-Que
One of the best characteristics about Twitter is its ability to easily inform your followers about events in real time. That is especially helpful when your generator isn’t functioning properly. Although, I’m sure Chick-N-Que followers were disappointed they weren’t able to consume some amazing barbecued chicken, they were informed and were probably more understanding of the circumstances.
Well, generator NOT cooperating. We will not be at Gateway Centre. Urggh. Is it the summer heat it what? — Chick-N-Que (@Chick_N_Que) July 15, 2014
3. Chirba Chirba
It probably doesn’t make a lot of sense for most restaurants to comment on the weather every time it rains, but when you’re in North Carolina, it’s a different story. Inclement weather is a big deal in the South. And if you can throw in a clever pop culture reference like Chirba Chirba did here, you’re golden.
Cloudy with a chance of #DUMPLINGS! — Chirba Dumpling (@ChirbaChirba) July 21, 2014
4. The Humble Pig
Having food trucks cater events is getting more and more popular. It’s always good to make sure your customers are always thinking of you in any situation where food is needed. In the case of The Humble Pig, making sure their customers know they cater weddings could mean huge business opportunities in the future.
Happy Wedding Day Josh & Amory! #ncbbq #nchistory #civilwarhomestead #myjobisawesome @ Richfield,… http://t.co/hE8VcJImY6 — The Humble Pig (@thehumblepig) July 26, 2014
5. Klausie’s Pizza
If anyone takes the time to write about your brand, you should almost always give them a shoutout. The YouTube channel Street Food Diaries is doing short documentaries about all of the local North Carolina food trucks. Klausie’s Pizza was happy to share the video.
LOVE DETROIT PIZZA? Watch @stfoodiediaries new episode It’s about @klausiespizza Enjoy IT! http://t.co/AxPBfHrfhX via @youtube #foodtrucks — StreetFoodieDiaries (@StFoodieDiaries) August 23, 2013
6. Kokyu BBQ
Food trucks are often present at music shows and festivals. Like Kokyu BBQ, making sure to acknowledge the bands performing is a smart move. Actions like these help expose you to entirely new fan base.
Teenage Fanclub taking the stage @mergerecords 25th ~~~ @TeenageFanclub ~~~ #rockincarrboro #funinthesun #gettako… http://t.co/oxzQU3BIHw — KoKyu BBQ (@KoKyuBBQ) July 26, 2014
7. Monuts Donuts
The thing I love the most about Monuts Donuts‘ Twitter account is that they regularly show pictures of their doughnuts. If your food tastes as good as it looks (in this case, they do), there isn’t a much better way to promote your product than with visuals.
Monday Monuts pic.twitter.com/wtObmV7Beg — MonutsDonuts (@MonutsDonuts) July 28, 2014
8. Only Burger
Knowing the location of a restaurant can be tricky when it’s mobile. That’s why I love how Only Burger adds a link to the end of their tweets to show exactly where they are going to be cooking their delicious burgers. If you’re trying to brainstorm ways to inform your customers about where you are, Twitter provides several options. Now that Twitter has become more image-friendly, you could also include a screenshot of a Google Maps result or a picture of your truck near a local landmark. And now that Twitter supports GIFs, maybe you could think of a fun way to share your location in the form of a short, looping video.
We’re headed to NCSU Centennial Campus for lunch today. 11:30-1:30. Come on by. http://t.co/JOwiLiFHwd — OnlyBurger (@onlyburger) July 16, 2014
9. The Parlour
It’s always great to see food trucks support each other and local business in general. In the case of this latte art competition, The Parlour was sure to mention all major parties involved including the venue, sponsor, and fellow food truck, American Meltdown. And guess what? It was retweeted by all of them. Always try to collaborate with others in your industry. It can pay off when they reciprocate.
Don’t miss @CarrboroCoffee’s Latte Art Throwdown tonight at @goldenbeltarts, with @AmericanMLTDWN & @TheParlourBus pic.twitter.com/iASTsbtY2B — The Parlour (@parlourdurham) July 24, 2014
10. Pie Pushers
If you make awesome food (like Pie Pushers) for long enough, someone is going to sing your praises. Make sure you share positive comments from your fans. It’s like bragging about yourself except you never have to feel guilty because someone else did it for you.
10 Twitter Tips from North Carolina Food Trucks
1. Share content across different social media platforms.
2. Use the real-time benefits of Twitter to inform your followers (delays, changing locations, etc.).
3. Comment on local events. It will make you seem like a part of the local community.
4. Make sure your customers know all of the different services you offer.
5. If anyone takes the time to write about your brand, you should always give them a shoutout.
6. Actions like these help expose you to entirely an new fan base.
7. If your food tastes as good as it looks, there isn’t a much better way to promote your product than with visuals.
8. If you’re trying to brainstorm ways to inform your customers about where you are, Twitter provides several options.
9. Always try to collaborate with others in your industry.
10. Make sure you share positive comments from your fans.
I know left out some amazing food trucks. Which ones do you wish were on the list and why do you like following them on Twitter?