Local SEO, or local search engine optimization, is crucial for restaurants because it helps your business show up in search listings when people are looking online for food nearby and in the moment. Local SEO importance as part of your overall digital marketing strategy can’t be overstated. Here’s why it matters so much:
People search for food locally and immediately
This is the top reason why you need local SEO. Most people looking for a place to eat are using phrases like “best tacos near me” or “pizza open now.” Local SEO ensures your restaurant shows up in those results, especially in Google Maps and the “local pack” (those top 3 listings under the map).
Local SEO drives foot traffic
When your restaurant shows up high in local results, more people are likely to walk through the door. They’re often searching on their phones while they’re already out and about.
Local SEO boosts online visibility
Strong local SEO helps you compete with bigger chains without paying for ads. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, getting reviews, and using local keywords, you can rank high organically.
Google Business Profile is key
This listing shows your hours, photos, menu, reviews, and more. When optimized, it becomes a powerful tool that answers customers’ questions before they even hit your website.
Online reviews matter — and local SEO helps them shine
Good reviews improve your ranking in search and attract more diners. Local SEO strategies encourage and showcase these reviews where people are looking.
Local SEO helps you show up for voice searches
People asking Siri or Google Assistant “Where can I get Thai food nearby?” are relying on local SEO signals to get accurate results.
Menus, hours, and updates need to be accurate
With strong local SEO, your business info stays current across all platforms (website, social media, local listings like Chamber of Commerce, and Google profile), reducing the chance of someone showing up when you’re closed or not finding the dish they’re craving.
Local SEO Checklist for Restaurants
Use these local SEO best practices to make sure your restaurant shows up on Google’s suggestion, and on the top.
Optimize your restaurant Google Business Profile
This is the most important step. It’s what shows up when people Google you, or search for food nearby. It includes your hours, reviews, location, menu, and photos.
How to do it:
- Go to google.com/business
- Claim or create your business listing.
- Fill out everything: restaurant name, address, phone, hours, website, and category (like “Mexican Restaurant” or “Farm-to-Table”).
- Add a detailed description — mention your specialties, style, and what makes you unique.
- Upload great photos (food, inside/outside the restaurant, team, menus).
- Add your menu link, if you have one.
- Keep hours and holiday closures updated at all times.
- Turn on messaging, so people can ask quick questions.
Get reviews, and respond to them!
Reviews help you rank higher and influence where people decide to eat. Google rewards businesses that engage with their customers.
How to do it:
- Ask happy customers to leave a review on Google. You can even make a little card or sign with a QR code that links to your profile.
- Encourage people to mention what they liked, for example “the burger,” “the view,” “friendly service,” because Google picks up on keywords in reviews.
- Respond to every review by thanking them and staying polite with any negative ones. This shows that you’re engaged and care.
Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) are consistent everywhere
Google checks to see if your business info is the same across the web. If it’s mismatched, it can lower your ranking or confuse customers.
How to do it:
- Check everywhere you’re listed online — Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook, your website, etc.
- Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same in all places (even small changes like “St.” vs “Street” can matter).
- If something is wrong, claim the listing and update it.
List your restaurant on popular directories
Being listed on multiple trusted websites (directories) helps people find you and boosts your credibility with Google.
Places to list include: Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook, Apple Maps, Bing Places, OpenTable, Resy or other reservation platforms, local food blogs or tourism websites.
You don’t have to do all of this at once, just start with a few major ones.
Have a mobile-friendly website
Most customers are searching from their phones. If your site is slow or hard to use on mobile, people will bounce.
What to check:
- Is your website easy to read and navigate on a phone?
- Can someone see your menu, hours, and phone number right away?
- Is your address clickable to open in Google Maps?
- Can they easily call you with one tap?
If you’re not sure, open your site on your phone and pretend you’re a hungry customer trying to find info fast.
Add local SEO keywords to your website
This helps search engines know where you are and what kind of food you serve. Don’t overdo it — just write naturally while including your town name and what you offer.
It’s easy. Just go to your homepage and about page, and add keywords like “Thai restaurant in Truckee,” “Best brunch spot near Donner Lake,” “Family-owned bakery in North Lake Tahoe,” or “Pizza by the slice in Reno.”
Use schema
Schema is extra code that tells Google detailed info like your hours, type of business, and menu. You don’t need to do it yourself, but if you have a web designer or helper, ask them to add “local business schema” to your site. Most restaurant owners will need to ask a web professional to help with this. We can help.
Post updates regularly
Google loves fresh content, and people like to see what’s new. Posting updates to your Google Business Profile (yes, you can post there!), Facebook, Instagram, and your website/blog, helps you show up more often. You can post new menu items, seasonal dishes, holiday hours, upcoming events, behind-the-scenes photos, specials and promotions.
Track how you’re doing
You want to know what’s working and what to improve. Set a monthly reminder to check your info and reviews. You don’t need to be everywhere, just be accurate and active where it matters. If you’re short on time, prioritize Google, Yelp, and your website.
Popular tools for tracking local SEO efforts are your Google Business Profile Insights (shows how many people found you in searches, called, or asked for directions), Google Analytics (optional, more advanced), or simply ask customers how they found you! Often you’ll hear “Google,” “Maps,” or “I saw your reviews.”
And that is how to do local SEO. The benefits of local SEO are huge for restaurants and should be part of your marketing strategy. We specialize in helping restaurants rank higher in Google searches. Get in touch to find out how.
