Best SEO Practices to Gain and Retain Your Restaurant Visibility
A strong online presence isn’t just helpful for your restaurant—it’s essential.
Did you know that over 60% of consumers use Google to find dining options? If your restaurant isn’t ranking well in search results, you’re missing out on hungry customers.
But here’s the good news: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can change that. When done right, it’s a powerful tool to attract more diners and keep them coming back again and again.
So, how do you make sure your restaurant stands out online? Let’s break it down.
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What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization—it’s the process of improving your website and online presence so Google (and other search engines) recommend you first when people search for restaurants like yours.
Think of it like this: If your restaurant were a physical location, SEO would be the bright, eye-catching sign that makes people stop and walk in.
Why is SEO Important for Restaurants?
The restaurant industry is highly competitive, and standing out requires more than just delicious food and great service. If customers can’t find you online, they’ll never get the chance to experience what you offer.
Here’s how SEO benefits your restaurant:
- Increases Visibility: SEO helps your restaurant appear in local searches when people look for dining options nearby.
- Boosts Credibility: A higher search ranking builds trust with potential customers.
- Drives More Traffic: More visibility means more potential customers visiting your website and, ultimately, your restaurant.
- Enhances User Experience: SEO involves optimizing your site for fast loading, easy navigation, and mobile-friendliness, ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.
Key Actions to Improve Your Restaurant SEO
1. Perfect Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first thing potential customers see—it’s where they find essential details about your restaurant. While filling it out may seem simple, many businesses overlook this critical step, missing a major SEO opportunity.
A well-optimized GBP boosts your restaurant’s visibility, helping you rank higher in search results and attract more customers.
- Keep your info accurate & consistent
- Inconsistencies confuse Google—and customers. Name, address, phone number should match across all platforms (website, social media).
- Upload high-quality photos
- People eat with their eyes first—great visuals = more clicks. Show off your food, ambiance, and picture of your menu.
- Add relevant attributes
- Delivery options? Outdoor seating? Vegan-friendly? These help Google recommend you for specific searches.
- Add your menu
- Google can suggest your restaurant when people search for dishes you serve.
- Link to your website & ordering system
- Make it easy for customers to book a table or order online.
2. More Google Reviews
Never underestimate the power of Google Reviews—they’re often the first thing customers check to decide if your restaurant is worth visiting.
Why do reviews matter?
✔ 88% of diners rely on Google reviewswhen choosing a restaurant.
✔ 91% of guests would avoid dining at a spot with a rating below 4 stars.
Positive reviews build trust, improve your search ranking, and directly influence customer decisions. Encourage happy diners to leave feedback—it’s one of the easiest ways to boost credibility and attract more guests.
Some Ways to Get More Google Reviews:
- Ask In-Person
- Train your staff to politely request reviews from satisfied customers as they're paying their bill. A simple, "We're glad you enjoyed your meal! Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review?" can work wonders.
- Make It Effortless
- Place QR code tent cards on tables that link directly to your Google review page. This removes friction and lets happy customers leave feedback while the experience is still fresh.
- Automate the Process
- Set up automated review requests through:
- Your POS system (like Front Station)
- Email receipts for online orders
Pro Tip: While you can't pay for reviews, you can incentivize them legally by offering entry into a monthly drawing or a small freebie (like dessert) for verified reviews.
3. Optimize Your Website with Keywords
Most restaurants miss out on a golden SEO opportunity: their website homepage. Don’t just create an online brochure—transform it into a powerful search magnet.
How to Do it Right:
- Use cuisine and location specific phrases like:
- "Authentic [cuisine] in [city]"
- "Best [signature dish] near [landmark]"
- "[Neighborhood]'s top [type] restaurant"
- Website Placement
- Headline: "Award-Winning Tacos in Downtown Miramar"
- Subheaders: "Family-Owned Italian Kitchen Serving North Park Since 2012"
- Call-to-actions: "Book Your Waterfront Seafood Dinner in San Diego"
Help customers find your restaurant by aligning keywords with your the type of food you serve and location.
4. Add Key Features to Your Website
People love effortless experiences. The easier you make the process, the more likely customers will complete their booking or order. Thats why its crucial your having key features to your website to boost your customers.
- Must-Have Features:
- Online Reservations: Make booking easy with tools like Front Reserve, Resy, or OpenTable.
- Online Ordering: Keep customers on your website and increase revenue with direct ordering like Front Eats, which is directly linked to your domain.
- Mobile-Friendly Design: More than half of restaurant searches happen on mobile devices—ensure your website is responsive.
- Fast Load Speed: Slow websites turn customers away. Compress images and optimize your website to load in under 3 seconds.
5. Leverage Social Media for SEO
Social platforms like Tiktok and Instagram are becoming the norm search engine for younger audiences like Gen Z and Millennials to find where to eat next. Having social account that link to your website or key feature like booking reservation can play a huge part to increase your ranking. Social media is a powerful tool to drive traffic to your website, increase brand awareness, and improve SEO. Google considers social signals when ranking sites.
SEO-Friendly Social Media Strategies:
- Post High-Quality Content Regularly: Share food photos, behind-the-scenes videos, and customer testimonials.
- Use Local Hashtags: Hashtags like #BestPizzaNYC or #ChicagoEats help boost local visibility.
- Engage With Customers: Respond to comments, encourage user-generated content, and share positive reviews.
- Link Back to Your Website: Share blog posts, menu updates, and reservation links to drive traffic to your site.
Avoid These SEO Mistakes
- Use an External Online Ordering System
- Don't send customers to a third-party site for ordering like Uber Eats or Doordash. Keep customers on your website to increase conversions and SEO value.
- Use Too Many Images & Videos
- Too many images/videos = slow load time on your website. Aim for less than 2 seconds to load by compressing images and limit video usage for faster browsing. 40% of visitors leave if a page takes more than 3 seconds to load.
- Use PDF or JPG Menus
- Avoid using PDFs or images for your menu. Google can’t read text inside images or PDFs. Publish your menu in text format or use an online ordering system for easy navigation and better SEO.
Conclusion
With the right approach, with these easy SEO Do’s and Don’ts, your restaurant’s website can climb the rankings and bring in more customers.
SEO isn’t just about ranking higher—it’s about driving real customers to your restaurant and keeping them engaged. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, website, and online presence, you’ll:
✔ Rank higher in local searches (so more diners find you)
✔ Build trust with reviews & high-quality photos
✔ Convert lookers into bookers with seamless online ordering & reservations
But why stop there? The right tools can automate and supercharge your growth.
ZBS POS: The All-in-One Restaurant Solution
Want to make SEO work even harder for you? Pair it with ZBS POS, a powerful system that helps you:.
- Online Ordering (Direct on Your Website!)
- Skip third-party fees and keep customers on your site (better for SEO + more profit).
- Integrated with ZBS Online Ordering solutions Front Eats and Kwick POS, so orders flow straight into your POS.
- Waitlist & Reservations
- Let guests book tables directly from Google or your website—no more missed opportunities.
- Syncs with Google Business Profile for real-time availability.
- Professional Website Building
- No coding needed! Get a fast, mobile-friendly site with built-in SEO features.
- Includes menu integration, online ordering, and reservation widgets.
- Point of Sale (POS) That Boosts Efficiency
- Track sales, manage inventory, and streamline operations—all while improving customer experience.
SEO + the right tech = more visibility, more orders, and more repeat customers. Get started today with ZBS POS & watch your restaurant thrive!
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as legal, accounting, tax, HR or other professional advice. You are responsible for you and your businesses' legal and regulatory compliance. Contact your attorney, accountant, or any other relevant professional for specific advice related to your own needs and circumstances.
