We are living in a world where we constantly rely on Google to make our decisions including what meal to eat next. SEO for restaurants has now become a MUST-DO- they need it to fill up their tables.
You simply cannot deny the fact that 46% of all online searches have a local intent. 80% of the total mobile users are seeking local businesses especially when they are on the go.
If you run your own restaurant, but are struggling to draw in more customers, it is time to focus on local SEO for restaurants.
Continue reading, and you’ll come across some of the best local SEO practices to increase your restaurant’s visibility in local searches and steer customers its way.
Create and Optimize Your Restaurant’s GBP Listing
If you don’t have your restaurant’s GBP (Google Business Profile) yet, make one right away. It serves as your business’s digital storefront.
Restaurants and cafes with optimized and structured GBP listings have higher chances of being visible in the Google Map and Local Pack results.
Make sure your GBP listing has authentic NAP: name, address and phone number. These three must also be consistent across all your social platforms.
Every few days, update your restaurant’s profile with the following to optimize it and continue pulling in more visitors.
- Quality images of the restaurant showcasing its ambience
- Mouth-watering images of the dishes especially your best seller
- Menu updates and images
- Any new or special item you add to your menu
- Events or attractions
- Operating hours and schedules on holidays
Keep a track of your restaurant’s visitors and customers before and after these optimizations to effectively assess the impact of the local SEO practices, and find growth areas.
Optimize Your Website’s Content for Local SEO
The major chunk of your restaurant’s customers comes from the local market. A powerful tip to improve SEO for restaurants is to constantly optimize your website’s content with local keywords.
Look for the keywords your target audience uses in their search queries. Next, strategically incorporate them in your website. For instance, adding keywords such as ‘best burger joint in MiddleTown’ or ‘best gyro vendor in New York’ can significantly increase your visibility in local searches.
Make it a point to have such phrases in the following sections and elements of your website:
- Homepage
- About Us section
- Menu descriptions
- Meta tags and descriptions
- Image alt text
Use tools such as UberSuggest and Google Keyword Planner to identify the best and trending local search terms.
Transform your real estate business with authentic leads
Focus on Your Website’s Mobile Responsiveness
The majority of all restaurant-based searches take place through smartphones. People are in search of menus, reviews, good places to dine-out, and directions of restaurants they wish to try.
If your website isn’t mobile responsive, chances are your target market may never check it out. This would also explain its huge bounce rate.
Mobile-friendly websites are efficient, load quickly, have easy-to-click buttons and very clear call-to-actions (CTAs.) Examine your website for these aspects. In case they are missing, start working on them right away.
Build More Trust with Online Reviews
Don’t forget to ask your diners to leave positive reviews, and ensure to respond to them to build and enhance your credibility.
Nowadays, restaurant-goers depend on online reviews to find good places to dine and hang out with friends and family. Around 99% of customers read them prior to choosing a restaurant.
The more positive reviews you have, the better influence your eatery will have too. Plus, your rankings will start climbing up as well.
So what should you do?
- Train your restaurant’s staff to ensure your customers get excellent service
- Once your customers proceed to bill payment, politely request them to leave a review
- Offer incentives such as discounts or a free beverage or a side such as hash browns or fries to limited number of customers posting reviews
- Engage with each and every review
- Thank your customers for trusting you
- Ensure to address negative feedback right away and improve the suggested issue in the review
As you start receiving more positive reviews, you begin to gain more trust in the online sphere. This also signals Google to perceive you as a popular and credible restaurant, and enhances your reliability for potential diners too.
Trust An Expert to Work on SEO for Restaurants
Local SEO for restaurants is imperative. You cannot make-do without it anymore. Now that you have a better idea of its importance, why don’t you start working on it?
But hey, when you do make this decision, make sure to choose an expert. Look for an SEO expert who has worked with restaurant and cafe owners, and has experience in the field. With a professional by your side, you will find it easy to get more traction for your restaurant and effectively increase its search rankings.
