Twenty years ago, restaurant marketing was simple. The local ice cream parlor could choose between print media, radio, or a local TV station. Business owners today have to consider Google optimization for restaurants as well.
That’s both a good and bad thing. Advertising online is generally cheaper than through traditional media, but it’s not easy to convince Google to rank your restaurant website well, especially for those all important “near me” searches.
A low page rank equates to poor visibility online and, since most customers look for a new restaurant through Google, less foot traffic.
For the local business owner, local search engine optimization is crucial.
Not sure where to begin?
Using Google My Business (GMB) is a simple hack that won’t cost a dime. In this post, we’ll explain how optimizing your restaurant’s Google listings drives more reservations for your restaurant.
5 Restaurant SEO Tips to Help Your Website Rank with Google Maps
- Claim your GMB Listing and verify it with the post card Google send you.
- Fill in all the fields with your business contact informaiton and hours or operation
- Upload and geo-tag at least 10 photos of your restaurant (not stock photos) each month, and then add them a a Google my Business Post
- Have someone ask common questoins and then have the restaurant owner answer them in the Q & A Section
- Make sure your website is connected to your Google my Business listing, and then embed the Google map with your CID code in the footer of all pages on your website.
Following these SEO for restaurant strategies will greatly improve your local visability.
Tourists or New Residents Searching for Restaurants “Near Me” Through Google Optimization
Clients looking for somewhere to eat want a business nearby. They’ll use search terms that include town or neighborhood names or a generic, “Near me.” A complete and active profile on Google My Business is the best way to ensure that you rank better in local searches.
Set aside a little time to optimize your Google My Business profile. Make sure that you have your business name and all your business information. Check that these details all tie in with the information on your website and on directory pages.
Next, write an enticing business description and add an eye-catching cover photo. Then make sure that your business listing is as complete as possible. Complete every field, and then go through the verification process and secure your listing on Google Maps.
The last step is optional but will establish authority and credibility for your Google My Business Page. Now that you have all the basics in place, Google will start to send more traffic your way. Now you can optimize Google my Business by taking more advanced steps.
How Restaurants Can Optimize Google My Business
Using a Booking Link is an excellent way to optimize Google My Business. Customers these days want businesses to simplify things for them. When they click on results for a restaurant business in Google search, they want the ability to call or book a table immediately.
You’ll need to use an online scheduling system such as Yelp Reservations. When it’s set up, activate the reservation feature on your GMB page to make things easier for your customers.
The Menu Feature on Google my Business
People look online to see what your business offers. Using the menu feature on your GMB page is critical.
You may either:
- Create a direct link to the information on your website.
- Add a menu button that lists the items on your GMB page. You’re able to divide the menu up into categories, such as entrees, appetizers, and drinks.
Display Videos of Customer Testimonials (Even Better than Text)
One of the top GMB strategies is to add pictures and videos. These add visual interest and also provide social proof. Encourage regular customers and their guests to share their experiences at your business. You’ll receive genuine reviews that make your Google listing and restaurant seem more credible.
Display of Photos Lets You Show off Your Best Dishes
Use images to show off your best dishes, the decor, the view, and everything unique to your business to make your Google business listing pop.