OrderMage

Be Where Your Guests Are Looking: SEO for Restaurants Made Easy

You cook great food, the staff works hard, but something still feels off? Guests are dropping off or coming in by chance instead of intentionally? Maybe it’s time to fire up a different burner – the online one. The days when someone walked in just because they happened to pass by are gone. Today, it’s all about Google, Instagram, and whether your menu is even online.
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1. Google Profile – The Cornerstone of Your Online Visibility

Check your listing:

If you don't yet have a profile on Google (formerly “Google My Business”), we highly recommend setting it up as soon as possible. Claim your business and gain full control over your listing. Don’t let just anyone manage your information.

Fill in all essential details:

Opening hours, phone number, website, address… Google needs to know exactly who you are and what you offer. The more complete your profile, the easier you’ll be to find. Customers need to quickly get the information they came for.

Choose the right category:

Italian, vegan, family-friendly… The right category helps Google match you with the right people. Share everything relevant – the more Google knows, the better.

Collect reviews:

People trust others’ experiences. Ask satisfied guests to leave a review, and make sure you respond to every single one – even the less flattering ones. It shows that feedback matters to you. You might even offer a small reward, like a discount code, for the first few reviews to encourage participation.


2. A Website That Works on Mobile

Responsive design:

Most people search for restaurants on their phones. If your website looks off on mobile, you’re losing guests. Not everyone is patient with tech – if it doesn't work smoothly, they’ll give up.

Loading speed:

Your pages should load fast. Slow websites drive people away. Optimize your images and code.

Clear layout:

Menu, contact, location – these should be easy to find. If a visitor gets lost, they won’t bother coming back.

Of course, this isn’t directed at you personally – but if your website or online menu is slow, it’s something worth addressing. If you don’t have a solution, feel free to reach out to us. Our clients' websites are optimized, clear, mobile-friendly... we aim to please both business owners and their customers.


3. Be Visible in Your Local Area

Speak your local language:

Use phrases like “best burger in Ostrava” or “family restaurant in Vinohrady” on your website. That’s how people search – and how Google connects them with you.

Each branch should have its own page:

If you run multiple locations, give each one its own page with unique content. Each branch targets a different audience – no point in showing your Brno location to someone in Prague.

Use structured data (schema):

Ask your webmaster to implement schema markup – it helps Google understand your business better and show it in the right context in search results.


4. Content That Grabs Attention

Tell your story:

Share behind-the-scenes updates, publish a recipe, or highlight kitchen moments. Google and your guests love fresh, authentic content. Social media is great for this – you'll pop up in people’s feeds, stories, or reels without them even searching.

High-quality photos:

Well-shot food photos sell. Ideally, use professional shots taken in your restaurant. People want to see what they’re about to eat. This works especially well when the customer doesn’t even know they’re hungry yet – then 

boom

 – they see your photo and it's a win-win.

Online menu:

Make sure your menu is easily accessible online. It can be a PDF, but it must be clear and current. This works similarly to food photos – who doesn’t enjoy browsing the menu to see what else is on offer?


5. Social Media – Your Digital Service Staff

Stay active:

Post your lunch specials, kitchen moments, or upcoming events. Use quick formats like Reels, InstaStories, or Facebook Stories – not every photo is timeless, and many are relevant only for the day.

Tag your location:

Each post should include your restaurant’s location – and ideally, your guests will tag you too.

Share user content:

When a customer posts about your place and you reshare it, they’ll feel appreciated – and likely post again. This builds trust and strengthens the relationship.


6. Backlinks and Collaboration

Work with food bloggers:

An article or mention from someone with reach can bring new traffic and backlinks to your website. Offer them a free meal – it doesn’t always have to be a paid partnership.

Get listed in online directories:

Yelp, TripAdvisor, Zomato and others – make sure you're visible wherever guests look.

Be active in the community:

Catering for local events, collaborating with markets, being present in your neighborhood – all of that leads to mentions and links online that boost your visibility.


7. Track What Works – and Adjust as Needed

Use analytics:

Google Analytics and Search Console help you see where your traffic comes from and what people are looking for.

Don’t fear changes:

If something isn’t working, change it. SEO is not a one-time thing – it’s an ongoing process.


8. Email – A Proven Way to Stay on Customers’ Minds

Collect contacts:

Via reservations, loyalty cards, or your website – every contact counts.

Send regular newsletters:

Keep your customers updated about new menus, special events, or seasonal offers. But keep in mind – send emails like the ones you enjoy receiving. Don’t overdo it. If it feels like spam, people will unsubscribe quickly.


We hope this article taught you a thing or two and that these tips will help you grow your business – even if just a little. Wishing you lots of happy customers and full tables!