Do These 5 Steps to Increase Your Restaurants Visibility Online
In today’s digital age. It’s no longer enough for a local restaurant to rely solely on traditional marketing methods to attract new customers. After all, word-of-mouth promotion only works to an extent. To succeed, it’s imperative to have a skin in the online marketing game.
It doesn’t matter if you offer the most delectable dishes, the most Instagrammable location, or a dining experience worthy of a Michelin star, if prospective customers can’t find you, your chances of growing your business are virtually nil.
This SEO Premier article explores effective ideas tailored to the needs of an upcoming local restaurant. By implementing these strategies well, you can dramatically improve your restaurant’s online visibility and ultimately fill more seats in your establishment.
1. OPTIMISE GOOGLE MY BUSINESS LISTING
If you’re a restaurant owner, having no business listing on Google My Business is almost a mortal sin. Today, a Google My Business (GMB) listing is a crucial element of local SEO. Your GMB listing serves as a snapshot of your restaurant's vital information and can significantly impact your online visibility. To optimise your GMB listing:
- Verify your business: Ensure that your restaurant's GMB listing is claimed and verified by you. This adds authenticity and trustworthiness to your online presence.
- Update business information: Regularly update your GMB profile with accurate business hours, contact information, and photos.
- Encourage and respond to reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing and respond to them promptly.
- Add posts: Utilise GMB posts to showcase your daily specials, events, or promotions.
2. WRITE BLOGS WITH LOCAL CONTENT
Content is king in the world of SEO even in 2023. One unique approach to enhancing your restaurant's online visibility is to create a blog on your website and focus on local content. Write about topics related to your restaurant's location, such as local events, community news, or hidden gems in the area. This not only establishes you as a valuable resource but also enhances your chances of ranking for local keywords.
Incorporate relevant keywords in your blog posts, particularly long-tail keywords that are specific to your locality. Long-tail keywords, such as "best Chinese restaurant in [Your City]" or "Where to dine in [Your Neighborhood]," can attract local search traffic and help you connect with potential customers in your area.
3. LEVERAGE USER-GENERATED CONTENT FOR FREE PROMOTION
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful technique for boosting SEO and engaging with your customers. Encourage your restaurant's patrons to share their experiences on social media, review sites, and your website. You can even create a dedicated section on your website for customer reviews and testimonials.
Positive reviews and user-generated content not only boost your credibility but also improve your local search rankings. Google considers reviews and ratings when determining search results for local businesses. To encourage UGC, consider running social media contests, offering discounts to customers who share photos and reviews, and actively engaging with customers on review platforms like Google My Business.
4. CREATE LOCALISED LANDING PAGES
If you own a chain of restaurants located in different cities or neighbourhoods, consider creating individual landing pages for each of them. Each landing page should be optimised for local keywords and provide specific information about the restaurant's location, menu, and unique offerings.
These localised landing pages not only cater to potential customers searching for restaurants in specific areas but also help Google understand the geographic relevance of your business. Make sure to include essential local SEO elements like the restaurant's name, address, and phone number (NAP), as well as Google Maps integration. This can further improve your local search rankings and make it easier for customers to find you.
5. BUILD LINKS IN RELEVANT LOCAL SITES
Link building is a fundamental aspect of SEO, and local link building can have a significant impact on your restaurant's online visibility. If you can, focus on building relationships with local businesses and websites. Reach out to local bloggers, newspapers, and influencers who can review or write about your restaurant, link to your website, or mention you on social media.
Take it one step further by hosting events or partnering with local charities, schools, or organisations. These partnerships can lead to valuable backlinks and increased brand visibility in your community.
Whether your business is an upcoming local restaurant or you own multiple chains, establishing a robust online presence through proven SEO and local optimisation techniques can guarantee your success. The above steps, when done incredibly well, can set your restaurant apart and drive more traffic to your website. Good luck!
