In today’s digital age, local search is one of the most important ways for restaurants to connect with potential customers. With the help of Google’s local search features, restaurants with multiple locations can target customers in specific areas and increase their visibility in search results. In this article, we will explore 10 strategies that restaurants with multiple locations can use to win on Google local search.
Claim Your Google Business Profile
The first and most important step in winning on Google local search is to claim your Google Business Profile. GBP is a free tool that allows you to manage your business information across Google, including in search results, maps, and Google reviews. By claiming your profile, you can ensure that your restaurant information is accurate and up-to-date, which is critical for local search success.
Optimize Your Profile
Once you have claimed your profile, the next step is to optimize it for local search. This includes adding high-quality photos, accurate business hours, and a detailed description of your restaurant. You should also include your restaurant’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) in a consistent format across all your online listings, including your website and social media profiles.
Encourage Customer Reviews
Google reviews are a crucial factor in local search rankings, so it is important to encourage your customers to leave reviews on your profile. You can do this by providing excellent service, asking customers to leave a review, and responding promptly and professionally to all reviews (even negative ones).
Use Local Keywords
When creating content for your website, social media profiles, and other online listings, it is important to use local keywords that will help your restaurant show up in local search results. This includes using location-specific terms like “best pizza in Brooklyn” or “Mexican restaurant in San Francisco.”
Create Location-Specific Pages
If you have multiple restaurant locations, it is a good idea to create location-specific pages on your website. This will help you target customers in specific areas and improve your local search rankings. Each location page should include the restaurant’s name, address, phone number, business hours, and a description of the menu and services offered at that location.
Use Structured Data Markup
Structured data markup is a type of code that helps search engines like Google understand the content on your website. By using structured data markup, you can provide search engines with detailed information about your restaurant, including your menu, reviews, and business hours. This can help improve your local search rankings and make your restaurant more visible to potential customers.
Build Local Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites to your website, and they are an important factor in local search rankings. To improve your local search visibility, you should focus on building high-quality, local backlinks. This can be done by reaching out to local bloggers, journalists, and influencers and asking them to link to your website.
Use Google Posts
Google posts are a feature of Google Business Profile that allows you to create short, timely updates about your restaurant. This can include information about new menu items, upcoming events, or special promotions. By using Google posts, you can improve your local search visibility and attract more customers to your restaurant.
Use Google Ads
Google Ads are a powerful advertising platform that can help you reach customers in specific areas and improve your local search rankings. By creating targeted ads that appear in search results and on Google Maps, you can attract more customers to your restaurant and increase your online visibility.
Monitor Your Google Local Search Performance
Finally, it is important to monitor your local search performance on an ongoing basis. This can be done using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, which can help you track your website traffic. You will also want to track how well your profile is doing in terms of analytics and key performance indicators.
When it comes to improving your local search relevance, it can be a lot to manage. At OneCom Media & Marketing, we specialize in Google Local Search services for restaurants across the country. If you are interested in seeing how Google Business Profile can improve your business, schedule a consultation with OneCom Media & Marketing’s team today.