- Top Tips for Managing Your Restaurant’s Online Reputation
- The Must-Have Restaurant Review Giants
- Orders.co: Your All-In-One Guest Feedback Monitoring Solution
- FAQs
Key Takeaways
- 67% of people rely on reviews to decide where to eat, directly impacting your revenue and reputation.
- Engaging with both positive and negative reviews shows you care about customer feedback and are committed to improving.
- Offering incentives, using social media, and asking loyal customers directly are great ways to get more reviews without being pushy.
- Platforms like Facebook and Instagram help spread customer feedback quickly and act as informal review spaces.
- Reviews on Uber Eats, GrubHub, and DoorDash influence rankings and future orders, so keeping delivery standards high is critical.
- Use Orders.co’s Restaurant Guest Feedback Monitoring to gather reviews directly from your website and encourage customers to post on Google.
Picture this: A potential customer is hungry and pulls out their phone.
Within seconds, they’re checking reviews and deciding where to eat. Your online presence is either attracting them or sending them elsewhere.
Online reviews are the modern word of mouth, and 67% of people say these reviews directly impact their decision to visit a restaurant.
This means review platforms shape your restaurant’s reputation and directly affect your revenue.
Here’s the reality:
- First impressions happen online: Most customers form an opinion about your restaurant based on reviews before they even walk through your door.
- Visibility equals foot traffic: A high star rating and positive feedback can push your restaurant to the top of search results, driving more foot traffic.
- Reviews drive decisions: Customers trust online reviews almost as much as personal recommendations.
- It’s not just about praise—feedback is gold: Negative reviews aren’t always bad news. When managed well, they’re an opportunity to learn, improve, and even turn dissatisfied customers into loyal fans.
Your restaurant’s success is already being influenced by review sites. The question is: are you actively managing it?
Let’s dive into the top restaurant review sites that can make a big impact on your business.
But before we explore the platforms, it’s essential to master a few key tips for managing your restaurant’s reputation effectively.
Top Tips for Managing Your Restaurant’s Online Reputation
Here’s how to stay on top of it and turn reviews into a powerful growth tool.
Respond to Every Review (Yes, Even Negative Ones)
Engaging with every review shows customers you care about their experience.
Whether someone leaves glowing praise or points out an issue, a thoughtful response can strengthen loyalty.
- For positive reviews: Thank the customer and highlight something specific they mentioned to make your response feel personal.
- For negative reviews: Acknowledge the issue, offer a solution, and invite the customer back to give you another chance.
Consistency is Key
Make sure your profiles are always up-to-date. Whether adjusting hours, updating your menu, or adding new photos, customers rely on accurate information to make decisions.
Pro Tip: Set a schedule to check and update your profiles regularly.
Thank Your Loyal Customers
Publicly acknowledge your regulars when they leave a review. This makes them feel valued and shows potential diners that you appreciate loyalty.
Leverage Positive Reviews in Your Marketing
Don’t let glowing reviews just sit there. Share them on social media, in newsletters, or even feature them on your website. They act as real, credible endorsements.
Keep Your Team in the Loop
If your reviews =frequently mention certain aspects—whether good or bad—share this feedback with your staff.
Consistent comments about service or food can help you make necessary adjustments.
Encourage More Reviews
The more reviews you get, the more credibility your restaurant builds. You can gently remind satisfied customers to leave feedback through email follow-ups or in-person requests.
Be Quick to Respond
Timing matters. Responding quickly to both positive and negative reviews shows attentiveness and professionalism. Set a goal to reply to all reviews within 24-48 hours.
Learn from Competitors
Take a look at what’s being said about similar restaurants in your area. If a competitor is getting consistent praise for something you can improve on, take note and implement those changes.
Tips for responding to reviews and handling negative feedback:
Respond to every review: Yes, every review. Positive reviews deserve a quick “thank you,” while negative reviews require a thoughtful, solution-oriented reply.
- Example for negative reviews: “Hi [Name], thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’re sorry your experience wasn’t what you expected, and we’d love the chance to make it right. Please reach out to us at [email].”
Timely responses are key: Respond to reviews within 24-48 hours. This shows you value customer feedback and are actively engaged with your business.
Use negative feedback as a learning tool: Rather than getting defensive, approach negative reviews as free customer insight.
Read Also:
- From Reviews to Reservations: Navigating Google My Business for Restaurants
- The Digital Front Door: Optimizing Your Restaurant’s Google My Business Listing
Now, let’s dive into the top 8 restaurant review sites where your customers are most likely to leave feedback.
The Must-Have Restaurant Review Giants
These review platforms are the heavyweights in the industry.
They don’t just generate the most reviews; they also have the biggest influence on your restaurant’s visibility, reputation, and bottom line.
1. Google My Business
Why it’s crucial: When it comes to local SEO and credibility, Google My Business (GMB) is your golden ticket. With 81% of customers checking Google for reviews before visiting a place, this platform directly impacts how diners find you and whether they choose you over the competition.
How to claim and optimize your profile:
Claim your business: Visit the Google My Business homepage and either claim your restaurant or create a new listing.
Complete your profile: Fill out every field—hours of operation, menu links, location, and high-quality photos.
- Tip: Use professional photos of your dishes, interior, and exterior to make a solid first impression.
Use keywords strategically: Optimize your business description with relevant keywords like family dining, vegan-friendly, or takeout available. This boosts your chances of appearing in local searches.
Enable direct reservations: Link your GMB profile to your online reservation system so customers can book with just one click.
2. Yelp
Why it’s crucial: Yelp can be a revenue driver for your restaurant business. For restaurants, a one-star increase on Yelp can lead to a 5-9% boost in revenue. With 178 million monthly users, it’s a critical platform for attracting new diners, especially casual dining and quick-service restaurants.
How to manage your Yelp profile effectively:
Claim your listing: Go to the Yelp for Business Owners page to claim or add your restaurant.
Complete your profile: Accurate details, high-quality images, and a descriptive bio are essential to standing out on Yelp.
- Tip: Keep your menu up-to-date and include pricing.
Leverage the Yelp algorithm: Yelp’s review filter algorithm prioritizes reviews from users who are active on the platform. Encourage regular Yelp users to leave reviews for more visibility.
Focus on Image Quality Yelp users love visuals. Encourage customers to upload high-quality photos of their meals and dining experience.
Use Yelp Check-In Offers Yelp allows businesses to create special offers for customers who check-in.
You can encourage people to check in by offering a small incentive (like 10% off their next meal) to increase customer engagement.
Read Also:
3. TripAdvisor
Why it’s crucial: TripAdvisor is a top review site for travelers, with millions using it to discover restaurants nearby. Ranking high on this platform increases your restaurant’s visibility to out-of-town guests and can lead to a steady stream of new customers.
How to get featured in “Best Restaurants Near Me” lists:
- Claim your profile: Head to the TripAdvisor Management Center to claim or create your listing.
- Upload high-quality photos: Restaurants with more than 20 photos see significantly higher engagement on TripAdvisor.
- Incorporate local keywords: Include terms like best seafood in [city] or romantic dinner spots to rank higher in relevant searches.
Tip: Integrate TripAdvisor widgets on your restaurant’s website to showcase your reviews and ratings. This builds trust with potential customers and encourages guests to leave reviews after their visit.
Social Media as a Restaurant Review Hub
Social media platforms have become powerful restaurant review sites where customer feedback spreads rapidly.
These platforms offer a massive audience, real-time feedback, and the opportunity for engagement and discussion.
4. Facebook
Why it’s crucial: With 72% of people using Facebook reviews to choose where to eat, your restaurant’s Facebook presence plays a key role in their decision. Facebook reviews build trust and help you reach more customers, making it a must for boosting your online reputation.
How to encourage customer interaction through Facebook’s review system:
Ask for reviews: After a positive dining experience, encourage your customers to leave a review directly on your Facebook page. You can even add a reminder on your receipt or email follow-up.
- Example: “Enjoyed your meal? We’d love to hear about it! Leave us a review on Facebook.”
Using Facebook’s “Start Order” button for direct sales: Facebook goes beyond reviews with features like the “Start Order” button, which allows customers to place orders directly from your Facebook page.
Here’s how you can maximize it:
Add the button: Ensure your page prominently displays the “Start Order” button.
Promote it: Occasionally remind your followers that they can place orders directly from Facebook. It’s a seamless way to capture sales from engaged followers.
- Tip: Pair this with a special promotion, like “Order through Facebook today and get 10% off your meal.”
5. Instagram
Why it’s crucial: Though Instagram isn’t a typical review platform, it acts as an indirect one where customer feedback shows up in captions, comments, and posts.
Encourage diners to post: Create Instagrammable moments in your restaurant—whether it’s a beautifully plated dish, eye-catching decor, or a signature drink.
- Tip: Run a hashtag campaign, like “#DineAt[RestaurantName],” and encourage diners to tag their photos to be featured on your page.
Leverage positive posts: Share positive customer posts in your Instagram stories or feed. This highlights satisfied customers and serves as authentic, user-generated endorsements.
- Tip: Feature customer reviews or testimonials in your Instagram stories with a “Swipe Up to Order” link (if you have over 10K followers).
Delivery Platforms as Restaurant Review Sites
Delivery apps are now a must for restaurants, not only for boosting sales but also for building a good restaurant reputation.
Customers often leave reviews on these platforms, which can impact your ranking, visibility, and future orders.
6. Uber Eats
Why it’s crucial: Reviews on Uber Eats impact your restaurant’s visibility and performance rankings. High ratings boost your chances of appearing in top search results, while negative feedback can drop your ranking and decrease orders.
Order Accuracy Matters: Uber Eats reviews focus heavily on whether the order matches the description. Incorrect or missing items lead to low ratings, so triple-check every order before it goes out.
- Tip: Uber Eats also factors delivery speed into its ranking system. Ensure prompt delivery to avoid negative reviews related to wait times.
In-App Review Prompts: Uber Eats automatically asks customers to leave reviews after delivery. However, your delivery packaging or a polite message can encourage a positive response.
Read Also:
- Uber Eats 101: Ultimate Guide for Restaurants
- How Much Does Uber Eats Charge Restaurants? Fees And Commissions Explained
- DoorDash vs. Grubhub vs. Uber Eats: Comparing The Top Food Delivery Services
7. GrubHub
Why it’s crucial: Your restaurant’s rating on GrubHub directly impacts future customer trust and visibility on the platform.
Real-time order tracking: GrubHub allows customers to track their delivery in real-time, so ensure the updates (e.g., when food is picked up) are accurate.
- Tip: Use this feature to improve transparency and keep customers informed.
Accurate delivery estimates: GrubHub lets you set your own delivery times, so make sure they’re accurate based on how long it takes to prepare food and your driver’s availability. This helps you avoid late deliveries and keep customers happy.
GrubHub’s rewards system: GrubHub integrates with loyalty programs and offers incentives like “Perks” for customers.
Read Also:
- How Much Does Grubhub Charge Restaurants? A Detailed Breakdown
- How to Get More Orders on Grubhub: Proven Strategies for Your Restaurant’s Visibility
8. DoorDash
Why it’s crucial: DoorDash uses a combination of customer ratings and reviews to influence your restaurant’s ranking and visibility. More positive reviews mean better placement, which can directly increase your orders.
- Tip: DoorDash users often rely heavily on visuals. To entice customers, make sure your menu items are clearly described and accompanied by high-quality images.
DoorDash’s “DoubleDash”: Offer customers the option to order additional items from nearby businesses through DoubleDash, increasing your order value and overall customer satisfaction.
Read Also:
- Doordash 101: Ultimate Guide for Restaurants
- How Much Does DoorDash Charge Restaurants? Understanding The Costs
Orders.co: Your All-In-One Guest Feedback Monitoring Solution
With Orders.co’s Restaurant Guest Feedback Monitoring, handling customer reviews has never been easier.
We’ve worked alongside restaurant owners like you for years, and we know exactly what it takes to make managing feedback simple, effective, and, most importantly, stress-free.
Here’s How We Simplify the Process
When a customer orders directly through your custom ordering website (powered by Orders.co), they’re asked for feedback right away.
It’s immediate, relevant, and specific to their recent experience.
- Instant Pop-Up Feedback: As soon as a guest completes an order, they’re prompted with a quick question about their experience. No more wondering how it went—the feedback is captured while it’s fresh.
- Email Follow-Up: Shortly after their meal, we send a polite, non-intrusive email asking customers to rate their food experience. This approach helps ensure you receive valuable feedback from as many diners as possible.
Encouraging Reviews Where They Matter Most
We take it a step further by making it easy for your happiest customers to share their experiences.
Customers who rate 4 stars or higher receive a follow-up email, directing them to major review platforms like Google—helping you build a strong reputation where it counts.
Real-Time Alerts for Fast Action
To help address issues promptly, we send real-time notifications exclusively for lower-rated reviews.
This feature allows you to respond quickly to negative feedback, showing customers you care and are committed to improving their experience.
Feedback That Fuels Growth
At Orders.co, we know every piece of feedback is an opportunity to learn and improve.
With our tools, you can turn customer insights into actionable improvements—whether it’s refining your menu, tweaking service, or improving delivery.
Take control of your restaurant’s reputation today!
Let Orders.co simplify the way you collect, manage, and learn from guest feedback.
Schedule a demo, and see how our Restaurant Guest Feedback Monitoring can become your new favorite tool!
FAQs
What should I do to improve my restaurant’s rating on food review sites?
To improve your ratings on food review sites, ensure excellent service, respond to reviews promptly, and actively encourage happy customers to leave positive feedback.
What is the best restaurant rating system to trust for reliable feedback?
Google My Business and Yelp are often considered the best restaurant rating systems because of their large user base and impact on local SEO.
Which food review websites are most important for my restaurant’s reputation?
Focus on high-traffic food review websites like Google My Business, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. These platforms provide the most exposure and significantly impact attracting new customers.
How can I encourage more reviews on restaurant review sites?
You can encourage reviews on restaurant review sites by sending follow-up emails, offering small incentives, and placing reminders in-store or on receipts.
What are the best strategies for restaurant review management?
Effective restaurant review management involves monitoring feedback in real-time, responding to both positive and negative reviews, and using tools like Orders.co to streamline the process.
Are there any food review sites specifically for travelers?
Yes, platforms like TripAdvisor are popular food review sites for travelers. Being highly rated here can attract out-of-town guests who rely on reviews during their trips.
How does Orders.co help manage guest feedback on my restaurant’s website?
Orders.co simplifies restaurant review management by allowing you to collect guest feedback directly through your custom ordering website. As soon as an order is completed, customers can rate their experience, helping you stay on top of customer satisfaction in real-time.
