Deli: 100+ content ideas for social media [template]

Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best delis in the world use strategically to attract customers.

We know you're busy running your deli and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.

But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new customers to your counter.

To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for deli owners.

Get the content idea list made for deli owners

A lot of delis manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.

Content that always work well for a deli

We have studied dozens of delis’ social media accounts when building our strategy pack for delis - here is what seems to always work.

Content Type	Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Deli
High-Quality Sandwich Photos	Visually appealing images of sandwiches and other deli items can make potential customers crave the food, encouraging them to visit the deli.
Behind-the-Scenes Videos	Showcasing the preparation of sandwiches, salads, and other deli items builds trust and creates a connection with the audience.
Customer Testimonials	Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to try the deli.
Specials and Promotions	Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and combo deals can attract new customers looking for value.
User-Generated Content	Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity.
Local Collaborations	Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the deli to a broader, local audience.
Event Announcements	Promoting upcoming events, such as tasting sessions or community gatherings, can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences.
Seasonal and Holiday Posts	Highlighting seasonal items or holiday specials can attract customers looking for unique options during those times.
Interactive Content	Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit.
Recipe Shares	Sharing recipes of popular deli items can intrigue food enthusiasts and motivate them to try the original dish at the deli.
Daily Specials Updates	Regularly updating followers with daily specials keeps the deli top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits.
Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories	Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand.
Food Preparation Tips	Sharing tips and tricks from the deli can engage followers who are food enthusiasts and home cooks.
Sustainability Initiatives	Highlighting sustainable practices or locally sourced ingredients appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
Customer Spotlights	Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group.
Contests and Giveaways	Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers.

Some delis make 5x more profit than you!

We have studied the strategies of the best delis in the world. Replicate them now!

How can deli owners make great content on social media?

What to Prioritize

You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your deli offerings are essential.

People eat with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the food looks fresh, and the presentation is inviting.

Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.

Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.

Show the real side of your deli. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.

If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or seasonal items. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.

Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.

What Doesn’t Matter as Much

Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.

Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your deli’s “image” and what your audience likes.

If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your deli, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for deli owners.

How to Do It Fast and Efficiently

First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.

Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.

Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.

Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your deli. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.

Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.

Low-budget content ideas for delis on social media

Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for delis, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize your social media presence.

Consider incorporating some of these ideas into the marketing plan of your deli.

Content Type	Tips to Make It More Affordable
Smartphone Sandwich Photos	Use natural light by positioning sandwiches near windows during the day. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO.
Customer Testimonials	Ask happy customers to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free cookie or drink as a thank-you.
User-Generated Content	Encourage customers to share their deli experiences by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your deli on Instagram.
DIY Recipe Videos	Film short, simple recipes of your popular sandwiches or salads using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories	Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily prep or introduce the team during slow hours.
Daily Special Posts	Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily specials using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a mouth-watering photo.
Staff Spotlights	Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the deli.
Simple Polls and Questions	Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite sandwiches or suggestions for new menu items.
Local Event Promotions	Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience.
Community Involvement Posts	Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations.
Customer Spotlights	Highlight loyal customers with their favorite sandwiches. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your deli.
Homemade Food Photos	Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, napkins, and props from dollar stores.
Sustainability Tips	Share eco-friendly practices such as composting or using local ingredients. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva.
Behind-the-Scenes Prep	Record short clips of the kitchen prep work, such as slicing meats or assembling sandwiches. Compile them into a quick video using free tools.
Simple Contests and Giveaways	Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free meal. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free sandwich.
Seasonal Dish Posts	Highlight seasonal ingredients and dishes using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the dish to add interest.

Copy the tactics of the best delis in the world!

There are delis that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!

Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for delis

Investing in high-quality social media content for your deli can be a game-changer. Many delis might not take this step, giving you a unique opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal customer base.

Content Type	Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers
Virtual Sandwich-Making Classes	Hosting live or recorded virtual classes where your deli experts teach viewers how to make your signature sandwiches can create a sense of community and attract a global audience.
Interactive 360° Deli Tours	Offering virtual 360° tours of your deli, including the kitchen and preparation areas, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person.
Limited Edition Sandwiches	Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal sandwiches available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers.
Chef’s Counter Experience	Offering an exclusive experience where customers can sit at the counter and interact with the sandwich makers while they prepare their meals can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth.
AR Menu Integration	Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your menus where customers can see a 3D representation of sandwiches can enhance the dining experience and attract tech-savvy customers.
Themed Deli Events	Hosting themed events, such as a "Build Your Own Sandwich" night or a charcuterie board workshop, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions.
Food Challenge Contests	Organizing food challenge contests (e.g., eating a giant sandwich in under 30 minutes) can create viral moments, attracting competitive eaters and spectators.
Collaborative Pop-Up Events	Partnering with other local chefs or delis to host pop-up events can introduce your deli to new audiences and create a buzz in the community.
Story-Driven Social Media Posts	Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your ingredients, the farmers you source from, or the personal journey of your sandwich makers can create an emotional connection with customers.
Interactive Ingredient Selection	Allowing customers to choose ingredients for a custom sandwich via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the creations they helped design.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives	Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as zero-waste sandwiches or sustainable sourcing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention.
Food Truck Pop-Ups	Operating a mobile deli truck in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main deli later.
Recipe Subscription Service	Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly recipes and ingredient kits to make your deli’s sandwiches at home can create a loyal customer base.
Immersive Culinary Workshops	Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced sandwich-making techniques from your experts can attract food enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity.
Flash Mob Dining Experiences	Organizing flash mob dining events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous diners looking for unique experiences.

Content that never works well for delis on social media

Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many deli owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new customers for your deli.

Content Type	Why It Never Works for Delis	Do This Instead
Generic Stock Photos	They lack authenticity and can make the deli appear unoriginal or untrustworthy.	Use real photos of your sandwiches, staff, and deli to create a genuine connection with your audience.
Overly Promotional Posts	Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers.	Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested.
Unrelated Content	Posting content that has nothing to do with food or the deli confuses followers and dilutes your brand.	Keep your content focused on your deli, food, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest.
Low-Quality Videos	Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your deli's quality and professionalism.	Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your deli positively.
Political or Controversial Posts	These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash.	Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on food, community, and your deli's unique offerings.
Too Many Hashtags	Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered.	Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience.
Automated Replies and Messages	They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction.	Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback.
Overly Staged Photos	Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable.	Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting.
Constant Self-Promotion	Only talking about your deli can bore followers and reduce engagement.	Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content.
Negative or Defensive Responses	Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers.	Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input.
Ignoring Social Media Trends	Being out of touch with current trends can make your deli seem outdated and unappealing.	Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited.
Excessive Posting	Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows.	Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates.
Complex or Confusing Promotions	Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation.	Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with.
Ignoring Comments and Messages	Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty.	Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your deli.

Make your deli more profitable

We have studied the strategies of the best delis in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!

Why social media can be a big pay-off for your deli

We understand that as a deli owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.

The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.

The day-to-day demands of running a deli are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.

It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.

That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for deli owners like you.

Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your deli. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small delis on social media.

We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your deli's visibility online.

With our marketing pack, you can invest in your deli's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.

Your deli could make more money!

Most deli owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.