The Power of Local SEO for Restaurants
When it comes to marketing a restaurant, it’s essential to implement a few specific strategies that will directly affect how many people you get through the door.
Even if your social media is beautiful and your website is ranking on Google, you may still find that your struggle to attract local traffic—in other words, traffic that might be likely to visit you!
Today, we’ll be discussing the importance of using a local SEO strategy as a restaurant owner.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO is a specific type of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) that makes your website more likely to appear in local searches. So, for example, while your restaurant website may appear in a search for “modern Italian dining,” it may not appear in a search for “Italian restaurant in Etobicoke.”
With more and more diners discovering restaurants online, it’s crucial to pay attention to your local SEO. In fact, as of 2018, a staggering 94% of diners reported to Tripadvisor that they select where to eat online. Of course, the culture around eating out has changed quite a lot this year, but if anything, your online presence will be more important than ever.
How Can You Use Local SEO to Help Your Restaurant?
Get Into Google’s “Snack Pack”
In a Google search for restaurants, you’ll see a section at the top of the page that includes three restaurants with map pinpoints. Getting your restaurant into the snack pack can do wonders for footfall in your restaurants. Most people will trust restaurants in the “snack pack” and will click on these websites before continuing to browse through the other results of their search.
Defining your location is a key factor in getting into this elite Google “pack” as Google will prioritize restaurants that are physically close to the searcher. It would be best if you also optimized your keywords for local searches that include things like “near me,” “King St.,” “Etobicoke,” and so on. Finally, make sure you focus on getting good reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. Consider offering a discount or a complimentary starter or dessert in exchange for leaving a review.
Claim Your Business on Google My Business
Merely claiming your restaurant on Google Maps can help Google to find your business and display it on relevant local searches. Type your business name into Google Maps, select the link that says, “Claim this business,” and follow the steps. This way, if and when potential customers search for your business, they’ll be given your website, contact information, and opening hours via Google Maps.
Use Keyword Selection to Compete With Other Local Eateries
Using localized keywords is essential if you want to compete with other nearby restaurants. Local keywords will help your website to appear high up in local searches—ie. The searches that matter!
Use Other Local Business Websites for Link Building
If you want to optimize your local SEO, you will need to build links to and from your site to other local businesses that Google already rates. A great way to discover commonly used local keywords is to use the Google Adwords Keyword Tool. Type in a few search terms that you think people may use, and Google will give you a long list of other relevant keywords to implement across your website.
Questions About Local SEO and Real Estate? CHI Real Estate Is Here
We are hospitality business brokers™ who help clients buy and sell restaurants and commercial properties. Our name stands for Commercial, Hospitality, Investment, but it’s also CHI, aka, the life force. Our clients are empowered to make well-informed decisions and negotiate excellent deal terms.
Get in touch with the team at CHI Real Estate Group by calling 647-347-9723.