15 Ways SEO Can Fill Your Restaurant Tables (No Tech Talk!)

• 1. Your First Step: Claim and Perfect Your Google Business Profile
• 2. Show Google What You’ve Got: Add Local Keywords to Your Homepage
• 3. Invite Happy Diners to Leave Google Reviews
• 4. Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly
• 5. Menus Matter: Add an Easy-to-Read, Text-Based Menu
• 6. Use Mouth-Watering Photos to Get Clicks and Visits
• 7. Optimize Your Metadata: Be Clear and Catchy
• 8. Build Your Restaurant’s Digital Presence with Directory Listings
• 9. Get Found Fast: Speed Up Your Website
• 10. Online Ordering: Make It Easy to Find and Use
• 11. Target the Right Audience with Local SEO Strategies
• 12. Make Your Contact Info Visible Everywhere
• 13. Create Content That Attracts New Guests
• 14. Don’t Ignore Social Media: Link It to Your Website
• 15. Monitor Your SEO Progress and Tweak Your Strategy
• Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Local Visibility with Orders.co
• FAQs

Key Takeaways

• Claim and perfect your Google Business Profile to drive foot traffic and online orders.
• Use local keywords on your homepage to attract nearby diners searching for your cuisine.
• Encourage happy customers to leave Google reviews to build trust and boost visibility.
• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly for on-the-go customers searching on smartphones.
• Add a text-based, easy-to-read menu to improve SEO and user experience.
• Use high-quality, mouth-watering photos to entice clicks and visits.
• Optimize your metadata to make your restaurant stand out in search results.
• Get listed on popular directories like Yelp and TripAdvisor for better visibility.
• Speed up your website to improve user experience and boost search rankings.
• Make your online ordering system easy to find and use to increase conversions.
• Target the right local audience using location-specific SEO strategies.
• Make your contact information visible across your site for better accessibility.
• Create engaging blog content to keep customers informed and attract new guests.
• Link your social media to your website to boost engagement and SEO.
• Regularly monitor your SEO performance and make tweaks to stay ahead.

You already know your food is amazing. 

And your service? Top-notch. 

But here’s a little secret: great food alone won’t pack your place. 

Nowadays, people need to find you first. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in.

Think of SEO as the invisible host that brings customers right to your doorstep. 

When diners search online for their next meal, you want to be the restaurant they find. 

SEO helps make that happen—and guess what? It doesn’t need to be complicated or overwhelming.

Restaurants that put even a little effort into SEO often see a big bump in foot traffic and online orders. 

This guide is packed with simple, easy-to-follow tips that can help boost your visibility and keep your tables full.

Let’s get started and get your restaurant noticed!

1. Your First Step: Claim and Perfect Your Google Business Profile

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First things first, Google is your best friend—literally. 

Your Google Business Profile is like your restaurant’s online front door. If it’s not accurate or complete, you’re missing out on tons of foot traffic and online orders.

Claim Your Profile: If you haven’t claimed it yet, stop everything and do it now. It’s easy—just go to Google Business Profile, search for your restaurant, and follow the prompts to claim it.

Double-Check the Essentials:

• Restaurant name: Must be consistent everywhere. Google loves consistency.
• Hours: Don’t just list your opening hours—update them for holidays or special events. No one likes showing up to a closed restaurant!
• Phone Number: Is it correct? Can someone call and easily make a reservation or ask about the menu? Double-check it!
• Website Link: Add your custom website here so customers can explore your full menu, book tables, or order online.

Menu Link: Direct your customers straight to your online menu. If you offer delivery or takeout, make sure that’s clear.

Photos Matter:

• Include photos of your best dishes (think mouthwatering pizza or sizzling fajitas).
• Don’t forget interior shots. Show customers what they can expect—a cozy atmosphere, family-friendly vibes, or a bustling bar scene.
• Keep it fresh—upload new pictures regularly.

Max Out the Attributes: Does your place offer vegetarian options? Is parking easy? Are you wheelchair accessible? The more details you provide, the more likely you’ll show up in searches like “best gluten-free pizza near me.”

By perfecting your Google Business Profile, you’re taking the first big step to filling more seats in your restaurant—without paying for ads!

Read Also:

• From Reviews to Reservations: Navigating Google My Business for Restaurants
• The Digital Front Door: Optimizing Your Restaurant’s Google My Business Listing

2. Show Google What You’ve Got: Add Local Keywords to Your Homepage

Local keywords tell Google exactly where and what deliciousness you’re serving.

Here’s how to do it:

Sprinkle in Location and Cuisine Keywords

• Add phrases like “Best [cuisine] in [city]” in natural places on your homepage. For example, if you run an Italian restaurant in Seattle, use phrases like “Best Italian food in Seattle” or “Authentic pasta dishes in downtown Seattle.”
• Don’t Overdo It: Keep it conversational. You don’t need to repeat “Pizza in Brooklyn” 15 times. Instead, find natural ways to work it into your headline, meta descriptions, or even image alt text (yes, Google notices those, too!).

Where to Add Keywords

• Page Title: This is what shows up on Google when someone searches, so include something like “Best Pizza in LA – [Your Restaurant Name]”.
• Headings (H1, H2, etc.): These are signposts for Google to understand what your page is about. Use something like, “Enjoy the Best New York-style pizza in [City].”
• Content: Your homepage blurb should naturally mention your location and food specialty. For example, “Serving fresh, handcrafted tacos in the heart of Austin since 2005.”

Pro Tip:

Test out which keywords work best using free tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest. 

Start with simple terms like “Best brunch in [your city],” and see what similar phrases people are searching for.

Read Also:

• Dominate Your Local Market: Essential Local SEO Strategies for Restaurants

3. Invite Happy Diners to Leave Google Reviews

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Happy diners = better visibility. Positive reviews bring new guests through your doors and give Google a big thumbs-up that your restaurant is trustworthy and loved. 

Make It Easy for Customers to Leave Reviews

• Ask politely: After a meal, especially if your guests are smiling, simply ask, “We’d love to hear your feedback on Google!”
• Follow up with an email: If you collect emails for online orders or reservations, send a friendly follow-up email with a direct link to leave a review. A quick message like, “We hope you enjoyed your experience! If you have a moment, we’d appreciate a review on Google.”
• Use a QR code: Place a QR code on your receipts or table tents that links directly to your Google Business Profile. It’s quick and convenient, and diners can do it while they’re still at the table!

Why Do Google Reviews Matter for SEO?

• More Reviews = Higher Ranking: Google tends to favor businesses with plenty of good reviews. They act like mini-votes of confidence for your restaurant. 
• Reviews Improve Trust: New customers trust real feedback. A glowing review list influences Google and convinces potential customers to choose your place over others.
• They Signal Freshness: Google values up-to-date information, and fresh reviews are one way to show that your restaurant is still popular and active.

How to Encourage Reviews Without Sounding Desperate

• Make it a part of your service: Train your staff to ask for reviews at natural points—when regulars leave, after serving a popular dish, or when you’ve gone above and beyond.
• Offer an incentive: Think of offering something small (like a dessert or drink on their next visit) for leaving a review—just make sure it’s about feedback, not asking for 5 stars directly.

“Your feedback helps us improve and brings new faces through our doors. Thank you for supporting us!” – this kind of message feels genuine and invites honest opinions.

Pro Tip:

Make sure you respond to reviews—especially the negative ones. A simple, polite response shows you care and can even help flip a bad review into a good one. 

Plus, Google loves seeing that engagement!

Read Also:

• A Curated List of the Best Restaurant Review Websites for 2024
• Protecting Your Reputation: Strategies for Effective Restaurant Review Management

Responding to Reviews: Best Practices for Positive and Negative Feedback

Positive Reviews

• Start with a Thank You:
  • Example: “Thank you so much for your kind words, [Customer Name]! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your meal at [Restaurant Name].”
• Highlight Something Specific They Mentioned:
  • Example: “We’re glad to hear you loved our wood-fired pizza; it’s a customer favorite!”
• Invite Them Back:
  • Example: “We can’t wait to serve you again soon—our new seasonal menu will be launching next month!”
• Personalize It:
  • Reference their experience to make it feel less automated.
  • Example: “It was great seeing you last Friday. We hope you enjoyed the live music!”

Negative Reviews

• Acknowledge the Issue:
  • Example: “We’re sorry to hear about your recent experience, [Customer Name].”
• Apologize, Even if It’s Not Your Fault:
  • Example: “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and understand how frustrating this must have been.”
• Offer a Solution or Next Steps:
  • Example: “We’d love the opportunity to make it right. Please reach out to us directly at [contact info] so we can arrange a better experience for you.”
• Keep it Professional and Calm:
  • Never argue or get defensive, as this can negatively affect your business.
• Show You’re Listening:
  • Example: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’ve already addressed it with our team to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

4. Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly

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Why Mobile-Friendly Design Matters for Restaurants

• On-the-Go Diners: People searching for “best sushi near me” are often out and about, ready to decide quickly. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, they’ll bounce right back to Google and choose another option.
• Google Prefers Mobile-Friendly Sites: Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning it primarily considers the mobile version of your site when deciding how to rank it. 
• Clear Navigation is Key: On a small screen, a confusing or cluttered layout is a no-go. Simple, clickable buttons like “Menu,” “Order Online,” and “Reservations” should be front and center and easy to find without any frustrating zooming or scrolling.

What Makes a Website Mobile-Friendly?

• Responsive Design: This means your website adapts to different screen sizes automatically, ensuring it looks great on any device—whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.
• Fast Loading Speed: Nobody wants to wait for a slow website. A delay of just a few seconds could mean diners give up and move on. Compress images and keep things light to make sure your website loads in under 3 seconds.
• Thumb-Friendly: Make sure buttons are big enough and easy to tap. No one wants to try hitting a tiny button with their thumb only to accidentally click something else.

Quick Fixes to Improve Mobile Usability

• Test Your Site on Different Devices: Not all phones display sites the same way, so check your website on both Android and iPhones. If something looks off, it’s time for an adjustment.
• Simplify Your Layout: Keep your mobile version clean with just the essentials. Prioritize information like your menu, hours, location, and contact options.
• Mobile Menu: Think of this as your mini ambassador—this is often the first thing mobile users look for. Make sure it’s easy to view and loads quickly.

Pro Tip: Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test Tool to check how your website performs on mobile devices. It’s free, fast, and gives you instant feedback.

5. Menus Matter: Add an Easy-to-Read, Text-Based Menu

Your menu is the most important page on your website. Whether they’re checking out your daily specials or browsing the dessert options, diners want to see your menu clearly and quickly.

But here’s the thing: Google also needs to “see” your menu. If your menu is an image or a PDF, it’s practically invisible to Google. That’s a problem.

Why an HTML-Based Menu is the Key to SEO Success

• Google Loves Text: By using an HTML-based menu, you’re ensuring that Google can easily index all your dishes and show them in relevant search results (like when someone searches for “best veggie burger in [City]”).
• Faster Load Times: PDFs and images can slow down your site, especially on mobile. HTML menus load faster, improving the user experience and keeping diners on your page instead of bouncing to another site.

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Tips for Creating an SEO-Friendly Menu

• Keep it Simple: Use clean fonts and clear headings, and break your menu into categories (like appetizers, mains, and desserts) to make it easy to scan.
• Use Keywords: Include the names of your signature dishes and popular items that people might search for (e.g., “authentic Margherita pizza” or “vegan lasagna”). Google will match these to local search queries.
• Update Regularly: If you have seasonal specials or new menu items, make sure your online menu stays current. 

Read Also:

• The Art of Crafting Profitable Restaurant Menus: A Comprehensive Guide
• Boost Your Restaurant’s Bottom Line: Innovative Menu Management Strategies
• Printed QR Menus: Trust, Memory, and Rising Market Value for Restaurants

SEO-Friendly Menu Structure

Menu Element	SEO Best Practice	Example	Why It Works
Main Menu Heading (H1)	Use a single H1 tag for the page’s main title, incorporating the primary keyword (e.g., “Menu” + restaurant type + location).	“Our Authentic Italian Menu – Fresh Pasta in Boston”	Google gives importance to the H1, helping your page rank for key terms like “Italian menu” and “Fresh pasta Boston.”
Section Headings (H2)	Break the menu into sections using H2 tags. Use keywords related to dish types (e.g., “Appetizers,” “Main Dishes,” and “Desserts”) to make it scannable.	“Appetizers – Fresh Bruschetta, Garlic Bread”	Organizes the page for users and search engines, improving readability and relevance for specific food terms.
Subheadings (H3)	For popular items, use H3 tags to describe individual dishes or categories within a section (e.g., vegan options, gluten-free).	“Vegan Specialties – Dairy-Free Pizza, Lentil Soup”	Provides clarity to Google about specific offerings, increasing chances of ranking for niche searches like “Vegan pizza.”
Item Descriptions	Ensure item descriptions are keyword-rich, focusing on ingredients or specialties that people might search for.	“Handmade Ravioli – Stuffed with Fresh Ricotta & Spinach, Served with Basil Pesto”	Helps Google match your dish descriptions to specific searches, like “Handmade ravioli with basil pesto.”
Alt Text for Menu Images	Add descriptive alt text for each image, describing the dish and ingredients while including location-specific keywords.	“Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad – Freshly Made in Our Boston Location”	Improves image SEO by associating the dish with keywords relevant to local searches.
Internal Links	Link from the menu to other important pages like your reservations page, ordering system, or promotions.	“Order Online” or “Book a Table Now”	Increases the chances of conversion and helps with page ranking by improving the internal linking structure.

6. Use Mouth-Watering Photos to Get Clicks and Visits

In the restaurant world, people eat with their eyes first. The more tempting your food looks online, the more likely it attracts clicks, reservations, and visits. Great photos can be the difference between someone scrolling past your restaurant or choosing it for their next meal.

Photo Tips to Tempt Diners

• Use Natural Lighting: Forget the harsh flash! Use natural light to make your dishes look vibrant and fresh. Position plates near a window or in a well-lit part of your restaurant.
• Keep it Simple: A clean, uncluttered background keeps the focus on the food. Less is more when it comes to highlighting your dishes.
• Show Off Your Space: Don’t just photograph the food. Show off your dining area too. A cozy atmosphere or chic décor can attract customers who are searching for a specific vibe or ambiance.
• Capture Variety: Make sure to photograph a range of dishes, from appetizers to mains to desserts. Show off your best-sellers and signature dishes. And don’t forget to take photos of your seasonal or daily specials!

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Make Your Photos Work for You

• Optimize for Search: Add descriptive alt text to your images, like “fresh seafood pasta at [Your Restaurant Name] in [City].” This helps Google understand what’s in the photo and can improve your restaurant’s chances of showing up in local searches.
• Integrate Into Your Site: Use these photos across your website, especially on your homepage and menu pages. Images of your food paired with a text-based menu will give customers a taste of what they’ll experience in real life.

Want Professional-Level Photos?

If snapping your own shots feels daunting, consider hiring a local photographer. 

Many professional photographers specialize in restaurant photography and can make sure your food looks as irresistible on the screen as it does on the plate.

Read Also:

• Lighting Tips for Your Restaurant’s Menu Photos

7. Optimize Your Metadata: Be Clear and Catchy

When potential diners search for places to eat, they’ll see your meta title and meta description in the search results. 

Making these elements clear, catchy, and keyword-optimized can encourage more clicks and boost your website’s traffic.

What is Metadata?

• Meta Title: This is the clickable title that appears in search engine results. 
• Meta Description: This is the short blurb below your title. It gives diners a quick snapshot of what your restaurant is all about. 

How to Write Metadata That Draws Diners In

Keep It Concise:

• Meta Title: Aim for 50-60 characters. Be clear and get to the point—think of it as the headline that will catch a potential customer’s eye.
• Meta Description: Stick to 140-160 characters. You don’t have much space, so make it count with compelling details.

Include Local Keywords:

• Incorporate location-based keywords like your city or neighborhood to appear in local searches. For example, “Best Italian Restaurant in Downtown Denver.”
• This helps Google show your restaurant to people searching for specific types of cuisine in their area.

Be Engaging and Unique:

• Meta Title Example: “Authentic Italian Cuisine in [City] | Fresh, Handmade Pasta Daily”
• Meta Description Example: “Visit [Restaurant Name] for the best Italian dishes in [City]. Enjoy fresh pasta, hand-tossed pizzas, and a cozy atmosphere. Reserve a table today!”

Add a Call-to-Action (CTA):

• Including a CTA like “Order now,” “Book a table,” or “Check out our menu” encourages users to take action directly from the search results.
• Example: “Looking for the best seafood in [City]? Visit us today or order online for delivery!”

Avoid Keyword Stuffing:

• While keywords are essential, avoid overloading your meta title and description. Google values readability and a natural flow over keyword-heavy text.

Make It Personal:

• Use your description to highlight what makes your restaurant unique. Maybe you offer special dietary options or have a signature dish that stands out.
• Example: “Serving up fresh, vegan-friendly options in [City]. Try our customer favorite—spicy cauliflower wings!”

Quick Tips for Metadata Success

• Update Regularly: Ensure your metadata reflects any seasonal changes (like new menu items or special events).
• Use Google’s Preview Tool: Tools like Google Search Console or other online preview tools can help you see how your metadata will appear in search results.

Metadata may seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on whether someone chooses your restaurant over another. 

8. Build Your Restaurant’s Digital Presence with Directory Listings

When people search for a new place to eat, popular directories like Yelp, OpenTable, and TripAdvisor often pop up first. 

Why Directory Listings Matter

• Increased Visibility: Listing your restaurant on well-known directories ensures more people find you, especially those browsing apps like Yelp or TripAdvisor.
• Reputation Boost: Reviews on these platforms carry weight. Good reviews build trust and credibility.

Key Platforms to Focus On

• Yelp: A go-to for restaurant reviews. Add as much detail as possible—menu items, high-quality photos, and any special offers. For restaurants, a one-star increase on Yelp can lead to a 5-9% boost in revenue.
• TripAdvisor: Great for reaching tourists or locals looking for popular spots in their area.
• OpenTable: Excellent if your restaurant offers reservations. It’s a seamless experience for diners to find and book directly.

How to Make the Most of These Listings:

• Claim Your Business: Start by claiming your listing if it’s already there, or create one from scratch. Fill out all fields—hours, menu, website link, and more.
• Be Consistent: Ensure that every piece of info is identical across all platforms. If your restaurant has different hours for the weekend, list that. Consistency builds trust with your customers and Google.

Read Also:

• Restaurant Data Consistency Across Listings: Why Accurate Information Matters

Pro Tip: Update your listings regularly—especially during holidays or special promotions. It keeps your restaurant relevant and top-of-mind for potential customers searching for their next dining spot.

9. Get Found Fast: Speed Up Your Website

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Nobody likes waiting, especially hungry diners searching for a place to eat. If your website takes longer than 3 seconds to load, you could be missing out on potential customers. 

Plus, a slow site negatively impacts your Google ranking, meaning fewer people will even see your restaurant in search results.

Practical Ways to Boost Your Website Speed

1. Optimize Images: Use tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim to compress images without losing quality. Large image files are often the biggest culprits of slow load times.
2. Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): CDNs like Cloudflare help load your website faster for visitors, no matter where they are.
3. Minimize Plugins: If your site is loaded with plugins, especially unnecessary ones, they can slow things down. Remove or deactivate any that aren’t essential.
4. Enable Browser Caching: This allows repeat visitors to load your site faster because their browser remembers parts of your website from their last visit.
5. Choose a Faster Hosting Provider: Your web hosting service plays a big role in how fast your website runs. Upgrading to a higher-speed server can make all the difference.

Quick Tip: You can test your current site speed using free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. These tools also offer suggestions on how to make your website even faster!

Read Also:

• Building a Stellar Online Presence: Key Features for Your Restaurant’s Website
• The Best Restaurant Website Builders for Your Business

10. Online Ordering: Make It Easy to Find and Use

If you have an online ordering option on your website, it needs to be front and center. Why? 

Because if customers can’t find it easily, they might bounce to a third-party app or a competitor.

Why Online Ordering is a Must

• Boost Conversions: A clear, user-friendly online ordering system can significantly increase your revenue by allowing customers to place orders directly with you.
• Reduce Dependency: When customers order directly from your site, you avoid those steep commissions, keeping more profit in your pocket.
• Cater to Convenience: Many diners prefer to order from the comfort of their home. By offering a simple, intuitive online ordering experience, you’ll attract more of these customers.

How to Make Your Online Ordering Stand Out

1. Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Place your online ordering button above the fold—that means your customers should see it without having to scroll down. Make it bold and eye-catching with clear text like Order Now or Place Your Order.
2. Simple Navigation: Don’t overwhelm your customers with too many steps. The fewer clicks it takes to order, the better. If possible, integrate one-click reordering for repeat customers.
3. Highlight Promotions: If you’re running a special deal or offering a discount for online orders, make sure that’s the first thing customers see. Use banners or pop-ups to grab attention and encourage orders.
4. Direct Integration: Instead of linking out to another platform, make sure your online ordering system is fully integrated into your website. This gives a seamless user experience and keeps customers on your site longer.

Quick Tip

Use an online food ordering system, like the one offered by Orders, to ensure a smooth, branded experience for your customers. When diners order directly from your site, they’re more likely to become repeat customers.

Read Also:

• How Restaurant Online Ordering Software Transforms Your Business
• The Comprehensive Guide to Streamlining Your Online Ordering System
• How to Increase Restaurant Sales with Online Ordering
• Mastering Restaurant Online Ordering: Strategies for Maximizing Efficiency and Profit

11. Target the Right Audience with Local SEO Strategies

Local SEO is the secret sauce that ensures your restaurant shows up when nearby customers search for food. 

How to Leverage Local SEO

Use Location-Specific Keywords

• Include phrases like best tacos in [Your Neighborhood] or pizza near [Local Landmark] throughout your site.
• Add these to your homepage, menu pages, and Google Business Profile to make sure you’re capturing people searching for spots in your area.

Mention Local Landmarks

• Diners often search for food near popular landmarks like stadiums, parks, or tourist spots. If your restaurant is close to any well-known place, mention it! For example, only a block away from [Local Park] or across from [Famous Building].
• This helps Google connect your restaurant with hyper-local searches.

Encourage Local Reviews

• Local diners leaving reviews can further boost your rankings in your area. Ask happy customers to drop a review and mention the specific location or neighborhood, e.g., The best dining spot in [Neighborhood].

Host and Promote Local Events

• Hosting events at your restaurant, like food festivals, live music, or local charity fundraisers, can help you attract nearby customers.
• Create specific landing pages for these events to drive traffic and include local keywords related to the event (e.g., “Live Jazz Night in [City]” or “Food Festival near [Landmark]”).

Collaborate with Local Businesses

• Partner with nearby businesses like local breweries, bakeries, or farms. This can lead to shared promotions, cross-linking, and shout-outs on their platforms.
• For example, if you’re sourcing ingredients locally, mention the local supplier’s name and their location, e.g., “Our pastries are made with flour from [Local Farm] just 5 miles away.”

Create Localized Landing Pages for Multiple Locations

• Create a separate page for each location if your restaurant has multiple branches. Include unique content and location-based keywords, such as “[Restaurant Name] in [City] – Menu, Hours, and Directions.”
• Include Google Maps for each location, clear directions, and local references to enhance visibility.

Geotag Social Media Posts

• Geotag your social media posts with your restaurant’s location. This makes it easier for local users to find you on platforms like Instagram or Facebook and improves your visibility for location-based searches.

12. Make Your Contact Info Visible Everywhere

Imagine a potential customer finding your website, loving your menu, but struggling to find your phone number. Frustrating, right? 

Not only does this create a bad experience for them, but it also hurts your SEO.

Here’s why: Google loves relevance and accessibility—and having your contact information easy to find signals that your website is trustworthy and well-maintained.

Where Should You Display Contact Information?

Header: Place your phone number, address, or a “Contact Us” link right in the website header. Make it visible on every page—people shouldn’t have to search for it.

Footer: In addition to the header, your website footer is prime real estate for your NAP (name, address, phone number) details. It’s a go-to spot for visitors looking for basic information. Bonus: It helps with local SEO since search engines scan this data for relevance.

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Dedicated Contact Page: Create a simple, easy-to-find contact page that includes:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Restaurant location (with a map for extra convenience)
• Operating hours

Pro Tip: Make It Clickable!

Most users are on their phones when looking up restaurants. Ensure your phone number is clickable so users can tap to call without hassle. The same goes for your email address—let them tap it to open their mail app.

13. Create Content That Attracts New Guests

Want a simple way to bring in more diners and keep your regulars excited? Start a blog! 

It’s a powerful tool for your restaurant’s success.

What Can You Blog About?

• New Dishes & Menu Updates: Highlight new seasonal items or share the inspiration behind your dishes. Guests love a sneak peek into your kitchen!
• Local Events: Is your restaurant involved in a community event or hosting a live music night? Write about it! This builds excitement and attracts locals searching for things to do.
• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Give your audience a taste of what goes on behind closed doors. Show how your signature dishes are made or introduce your team members.
• Restaurant News: Share fun updates—did you renovate, get featured in a magazine, or win an award? Let your customers know.

How Does Blogging Boost SEO?

• Fresh Content: Google loves websites that are regularly updated with fresh content. A blog ensures your site stays active, giving you a leg up in search results.
• New Keywords: Blogging allows you to naturally add more relevant keywords to your site, like “Best brunch spot in [City]” or “Outdoor dining in [Neighborhood].” This helps attract new searches.
• Engage Your Audience: Blogs keep your guests engaged and on your site longer. This signals Google that your website provides value, further boosting your ranking.

14. Don’t Ignore Social Media: Link It to Your Website

Social media is a key part of your restaurant’s online visibility and SEO strategy. 

Why Link Social Media to Your Website?

• Boost Engagement: Cross-promotion between your site and platforms like Instagram or Facebook can create more engagement. The more people interact with your social posts and website, the better your online presence.
• Build Trust: Linking your social media accounts directly to your site adds credibility and transparency. Customers can see you’re active, real, and engaged with your audience.

How to Connect Your Social Media and Website

• Social Icons on Every Page: Make sure your Instagram, Facebook, X, and other social links are visible in your website’s header or footer. These small icons are a subtle but powerful way to link visitors directly to your profiles.
• Embed Feeds: Want to keep things fresh on your site without constant updates? Embed a live Instagram or X feed that shows your latest posts. This can engage visitors without them having to leave your site.
• Promote Specials & Events: Share content from your blog or website on your social media. Running a special event? Link it back to a landing page on your site where guests can learn more.
• Call-to-Action Buttons: On your social profiles, always link back to your website with buttons like “Order Now,” “View Menu,” or “Book a Table.” It turns casual scrollers into paying customers.

Pro Tip: Run promotions or exclusive offers through your social media but make sure the full details are on your website. This brings people directly from social to your site—boosting both engagement and SEO.

Read Also:

• Advanced Social Media Marketing: Leveraging Social Platforms for Restaurant Growth
• Social Media Strategies for Boosting Your Restaurant’s Online Presence
• 8 Tips to Grow Your Restaurant Brand on Social Media

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15. Monitor Your SEO Progress and Tweak Your Strategy

SEO isn’t a one-and-done deal—it’s more like a slow-cooked dish, constantly needing a little attention to make sure it comes out just right. 

Why You Should Track Your SEO Progress

• See What’s Working (and What’s Not): You need to know which strategies bring in traffic and which need adjusting. Are your local keywords driving diners to your restaurant, or are your competitors getting all the clicks?
• Spot Trends Early: Monitoring tools help you see trends. Maybe more people are searching for “outdoor dining” or “vegan options” in your area. Being able to adapt quickly to changes can give you the edge.
• Save Time and Money: By tracking your SEO progress, you’ll avoid wasting time on things that aren’t working. You can focus your energy (and budget) on the strategies that drive the most business.

Tools You Can Use

1. Google Analytics: Track how visitors find your site, which pages they spend time on, and where they drop off. You can also see how much traffic is coming from organic search results.
2. Google Search Console: This tool helps you monitor and maintain your site’s presence in Google Search results. You can see which search queries bring visitors to your site and get insights into your performance.
3. SEMRush: If you want to go beyond the basics, SEMRush offers tools for detailed keyword research, tracking backlinks, and even spying on your competition’s SEO strategy.

How to Use These Insights

• Tweak Keywords: If you notice certain keywords performing well, add more content or pages around those terms. If something isn’t working, try adjusting it to match new trends.
• Improve User Experience: Track how long visitors stay on your site. If they leave too quickly, look at the page and think how you can make it more engaging. Maybe better images, clearer text, or a more obvious call to action?

Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Local Visibility with Orders.co

When it comes to making your restaurant the first stop for hungry locals, SEO can truly set the table. But why stop at just optimizing your Google rankings? Take things a step further with Orders.co’s Restaurant Local Business Optimization.

Here’s how Orders.co makes the difference:

• Expand Your Reach: Ensure your restaurant is accurately listed across 80+ platforms, from Google to Yelp and beyond, giving you more visibility where it counts.
• Accurate and Consistent: With all your listings synced and updated automatically, you can rest easy knowing your customers always have the right information.
• Direct Orders: Boost your profits by driving customers to your own custom ordering website—no middlemen means no extra fees, just more cash in your pocket.

Ready to fill those tables and get your restaurant buzzing? 

Schedule a demo today, and let us show you how we can take your restaurant SEO efforts to the next level.

FAQs

1. What is restaurant SEO?

Restaurant SEO refers to optimizing a restaurant’s website and online presence to improve its visibility in search engine results. This includes using relevant keywords, improving website performance, and ensuring accurate local listings, all of which help attract potential customers searching for restaurants online.

2. Why is SEO important for restaurants?

SEO for restaurants is critical because it helps attract new customers by making the restaurant more visible in search engine results. When someone searches for “best pizza near me,” optimized restaurants have a higher chance of appearing at the top of search results, driving foot traffic and online orders.

3. How can local restaurant SEO help my business?

Local restaurant SEO focuses on optimizing a restaurant’s website and online listings to appear in local searches. This includes using location-specific keywords like “best sushi in [City]” or “restaurants near [Landmark].” Properly executed, it helps attract nearby diners looking for dining options.

4. What are some key strategies for improving restaurant search engine optimization?

To improve restaurant search engine optimization, focus on:

• Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile
• Using relevant keywords (e.g., “best Italian food in [City]”)
• Gathering and responding to customer reviews
• Ensuring your website is mobile-friendly and fast
• Regularly updating your menu with SEO-friendly text

5. How does Orders.co help with restaurant SEO?

Orders.co provides tools to enhance your restaurant’s online visibility by ensuring accurate and consistent business listings across multiple platforms. This boosts your local SEO, making it easier for customers to find your restaurant through searches.

6. What is the benefit of using Orders.co’s Local Business Optimization?

Orders.co’s Local Business Optimization tool ensures your restaurant’s information is updated across directories like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, improving your local SEO for restaurants and increasing your chances of appearing in local searches for hungry customers nearby.

7. How can I improve my restaurant website SEO?

Restaurant website SEO can be improved by:

• Adding local keywords to your homepage and menu pages
• Using text-based menus instead of PDFs
• Optimizing metadata with engaging, keyword-rich descriptions
• Compressing images to speed up your website’s load time

8. What are the best keywords for restaurant SEO?

The best keywords for restaurant SEO include a mix of location and cuisine-related terms like “best Italian food in [City]” or “family-friendly restaurants near [Landmark].” Using local keywords in your content helps your restaurant rank higher in relevant searches.

9. How does mobile optimization impact SEO for restaurants?

A mobile-friendly website improves your restaurant search engine optimization because Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing. This means your restaurant’s website should load quickly, be easy to navigate, and provide seamless access to essential information like your menu and contact details.

10. What is the role of online reviews in restaurant SEO?

Online reviews significantly impact SEO for restaurants. Positive reviews increase your restaurant’s credibility and visibility in search results. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, signals  Google that your business is active and engaged with its customers, which helps boost rankings.

11. Can Orders.co help with online ordering?

Yes! Orders.co provides an easy-to-use online ordering system fully integrated into your website. This allows customers to order directly from your site, avoiding third-party app fees and improving user experience, which contributes to better SEO performance.

12. How does local SEO for restaurants differ from general SEO?

Local SEO for restaurants focuses specifically on optimizing your restaurant’s online presence for local searches. This includes using location-specific keywords, optimizing your Google Business Profile, and ensuring consistent information across online directories. It’s essential for attracting diners who are nearby and ready to eat.