How to Use Local SEO to Attract Hungry Diners to Your Restaurant
Last updated Nov. 17, 2024
Written by Iftekhar Chowdhury. In collaboration with oDeskStudio
Imagine this: It’s Friday night. Your restaurant is prepped, your chef has whipped up specials that could make anyone’s mouth water, and the lights are dimmed just right. But there’s one problem—your tables are empty.
Why? It’s not your food or ambiance—it’s your visibility. In a world where diners decide where to eat based on a quick Google search, if you’re not visible online, you’re invisible to your customers.
That’s where Local SEO comes in. It’s the secret ingredient that helps restaurants like yours show up at the top of search results and in front of hungry locals. And today, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to do it.
What Is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter for Restaurants?
Let’s cut to the chase. Local SEO is all about optimizing your online presence to attract customers in your area. For restaurants, it’s a game-changer.
Here’s why:
- 76% of people who search for something “near me” visit a business within a day.
- When someone searches “best pizza near me,” Google decides which restaurants to show based on how well their Local SEO is optimized.
If you’re not showing up, your competitors are.
The Secret Sauce: 7 Local SEO Strategies to Dominate Your Market
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Your Google My Business (GMB) profile is like your online storefront. It’s the first thing diners see when they search for restaurants near them.
Here’s what to do:
- Claim your listing (if you haven’t already).
- Add your restaurant name, address, and phone number (NAP)—and make sure they’re consistent across all platforms.
- Upload drool-worthy photos of your dishes, ambiance, and menu.
- Encourage customers to leave reviews (more on this later).
Pro Tip: Include keywords like “authentic Italian restaurant in [City]” in your description.
2. Leverage Local Keywords
Think like your customers. What would they type into Google?
- “Best tacos near me”
- “Family-friendly restaurants in [City]”
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic to find local keywords and sprinkle them throughout your website, menu pages, and blog posts.
3. NAP Consistency Is Non-Negotiable
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number. Make sure these details are consistent across:
- Your website
- GMB listing
- Social media profiles
- Online directories like Yelp
Even small discrepancies can confuse Google—and cost you rankings.
4. Online Reviews: Your Golden Ticket
Did you know that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations?
Here’s how to use reviews to your advantage:
- Ask satisfied diners to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor.
- Respond to reviews (both positive and negative) to show you care about your customers.
- Highlight glowing testimonials on your website and social media.
Pro Tip: Include specific keywords in your responses to reviews. For example: “Thanks for loving our New York-style pizza here at [Restaurant Name]!”
5. Create a Mobile-Friendly Website
Picture this: Someone’s walking down Main Street, craving sushi, and they Google “sushi near me.” If your site takes forever to load or doesn’t look good on their phone, you just lost a customer.
Here’s what to do:
- Optimize your site speed.
- Make sure your menu is easy to read on mobile.
- Add a “Click-to-Call” button for quick reservations.
6. Use Location Pages
If you have multiple locations, don’t lump them all into one page. Create separate pages for each location with details like:
- Address
- Hours of operation
- Special menus or events
Pro Tip: Embed a Google Map on each location page for extra SEO juice.
7. Local Link Building
Getting backlinks from local websites can supercharge your Local SEO.
- Partner with local food bloggers or influencers.
- Host events and ask local media to cover them.
- Get listed in local directories.
The ROI of Local SEO for Restaurants
Here’s the kicker: Local SEO isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s an investment.
Restaurants that invest in Local SEO see:
- Increased foot traffic
- More reservations and takeout orders
- Higher revenue
For example, one small café I worked with boosted their Google search visibility by 85% in just three months by optimizing their GMB profile and gathering reviews.
Final Thoughts: Take the First Bite
Local SEO for restaurants isn’t just about ranking higher—it’s about filling your tables, delighting your customers, and growing your business.
So, what’s your next step? Start with the basics: claim your GMB listing, get those reviews rolling in, and optimize your website for local keywords.
Before you know it, your restaurant will be the top result when someone types, “best restaurant near me.”
Hungry for success? Let’s make it happen.