Strategic Use of Visual Content to Enhance Online Engagement: Insights from a Restaurant in Nottingham
As part of my Master’s research project, I explored how visual content can be used strategically to enhance online engagement for restaurants.
This portfolio features two practical case studies:
• Tropicana Restaurant – my primary project partner
• Mokad Restaurant – included due to content limitations at Tropicana
Both restaurants serve African and multicultural audiences, and I worked on photography, social media posts, reels, and analytics. This portfolio captures my creative approach, challenges faced, and the outcomes.
Tropicana Restaurant – Main Case Study
RESTAURANT: TROPICANA RESTAURANT, NOTTINGHAM
ROLE: CONTENT CREATOR (PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY, CONTENT PLANNER)
DURATION: MARCH 23RD – MAY 31, 2025
TOOLS: PHOTOSHOP, CAPCUT, CANVA, LIGHTROOM, INSTAGRAM ANALYTICS, SONY CAMERA, RGB LIGHTS
GOAL: INCREASE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH AUTHENTIC, CULTURALLY RICH CONTENT ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, AND TIKTOK
🔹 Results & Reflections
Although Tropicana’s internal management was inconsistent, I gained valuable insights into what works on social platforms.
Best-performing content: Food close-ups and cultural shots
Lessons learned:
Repurposing content = efficient output
Short = visually addictive videos outperform static posts
Captions with cultural context increased authenticity
Mokad Restaurant – Supplementary Case Study
🔹 Project Overview
Restaurant: Mokad Restaurant (Pre-project internship)
Role: Graphic Designer, Video Editor, CONTENT CREATOR
Timeline: SEPT – NOV 2024
Goal: Promote ambience, menu items, and daily specials
Tools Used: Canva, CapCut, Meta Ads, PHOTOSHOP, AFTER EFFECTS
🔹 Content Created
For Mokad, I created branded templates, reels of food preparation and ambience, and social media ads. This experience gave me a benchmark to compare design consistency and message clarity with Tropicana.
Value to Research
Including Mokad in my research allowed me to compare content output quality, platform engagement, and brand consistency. Their internal team collaboration enabled smoother execution, which contrasted with the limitations I experienced with Tropicana.
Key Research Insights
• Strategic, authentic visuals drive higher engagement
• Food-focused ASMR and cultural content had the highest response
• Content repurposing is key when working with limited assets
• Engagement depends not only on creative output, but also internal management and platform behavior
GAME JAM 2025
Game Jam 2025 – My Role
I captured event photos and designed promotional posters for Game Jam 2025, ensuring the visuals highlighted the event’s energy. Working collaboratively, I refined designs based on feedback, contributing to the event’s visual identity.
