If your restaurant isn’t showing up when customers search “restaurants near me,” you’re missing out on valuable foot traffic. That’s where local SEO for restaurants comes in — optimizing your online presence so your business appears in local searches and maps.
Research shows that 46% of all Google searches have local intent, and the vast majority of these searches result in a visit to the business within a day. By understanding how local SEO works, restaurants can turn online searches into real-life diners.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
The first step in local SEO is claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP). Make sure your:
- Name, address, and phone number are accurate
- Business hours are up to date
- High-quality photos of your restaurant, food, and dining area are uploaded
Adding your menu and accepting reservations online also boosts engagement. If you’re using tools like Waitly, you can link your booking system directly, making it easier for customers to act after finding you online, much like our strategies in How to Reduce No-Shows and Last-Minute Cancellations with Tech.
2. Include Keywords Strategically
Use keywords like “local restaurants near me”, “best [cuisine] near me”, and your city or neighborhood name on your website, menus, and blog posts. The title tags, meta descriptions, and headings should include these keywords naturally.
3. Add Reserve with Google
While Google won’t share what goes into ranking websites and businesses, many experts have observed that Google prefers restaurants that allow users to book reservations right on Google’s platform.
4. Leverage Reviews
Online reviews are one of the most important factors in local SEO. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and other relevant platforms. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows engagement and builds trust. According to Search Engine Journal, businesses with active reviews appear higher in local search results.
5. Build Local Backlinks
Backlinks from local blogs, news outlets, or community websites signal to search engines that your restaurant is relevant in your area. Collaborate with local influencers or sponsor events to earn these links.
6. Ensure Mobile-Friendliness
Most “near me” searches happen on mobile devices. Make sure your website loads quickly, displays correctly on phones, and makes it easy for visitors to view your menu, get directions, or place an order.
Final Thoughts
Local SEO for restaurants is not just about being found online. It is about connecting with customers at the exact moment they are ready to visit. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, leveraging reviews, and maintaining a mobile-friendly website, you can turn online searches into real-life diners.
Using tools like Waitly makes it even easier to capture those customers and manage bookings seamlessly once they find you online.
