Jul 12, 2023
9:15:00 AM

Online Review Best Practices for Restaurant Owners and Managers

My Review Concierge

In the fiercely competitive world of the restaurant industry, effective marketing is essential for attracting and retaining customers. With the rise of digital platforms and online communities, restaurants now have a plethora of tools and strategies at their disposal to reach their target audience. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best marketing efforts for restaurants, with a special focus on online review strategies that can make a significant impact on your business’s success.

Embrace Social Media

In today’s digital age, social media platforms are a goldmine for reaching potential diners. Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to showcase your restaurant’s unique personality, share mouthwatering food photos, and engage with your audience. Regular updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interactive posts can help build a strong online community around your brand. This is all about building awareness, which reflects the top of the consumer funnel.

Build an Eye-Catching Website

Your restaurant’s website is often the first impression potential customers will have of your establishment. Ensure that it’s visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Include essential information such as your menu, opening hours, location, and contact details. High-quality images of your dishes can entice visitors to step through your doors. While we’re talking about hours and address, be sure that your local listing details on popular search directories are kept current.

Content Marketing and Blogging

Create compelling blog content related to your restaurant’s cuisine, cooking techniques, or even profiles of your chefs. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also helps with search engine optimization (SEO), making it easier for potential customers to find you when searching online.

Leverage Email Marketing

Collect email addresses from interested customers and send them regular updates, special offers, and even exclusive recipes or cooking tips. Email marketing keeps your restaurant fresh in customers’ minds and encourages repeat visits.

Collaborate with Influencers

Teaming up with local food influencers can expose your restaurant to a wider audience. Influencers can review your food, share their dining experiences on social media, and drive traffic to your establishment. Make sure to choose influencers whose audience aligns with your target market.

Implement Online Ordering and Delivery

Incorporate online ordering and delivery options to cater to the growing demand for convenience. Partner with popular food delivery platforms or have an in-house delivery system to reach customers who prefer to dine in the comfort of their own homes.

Online Review Strategies

Online reviews have become a cornerstone of the restaurant industry. Positive reviews can boost your reputation, while negative ones can potentially lose you countless covers each week. Here are some strategies to manage and leverage online reviews effectively:

Monitor Review Platforms: Regularly monitor review sites like Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor, OpenTable, and social media platforms to stay updated on customer feedback. Use an online tool such as My Review Concierge to streamline this process and bring all of your reviews into one dashboard.
Respond Promptly: Engage with reviewers by responding to their feedback, both positive and negative. Express gratitude for positive reviews and address concerns in a professional and empathetic manner for negative ones.
Encourage Reviews: Politely encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. You can include a link to review platforms on your website or in follow-up emails. Managers can do table-talks and leave a business card with a QR card, and even servers and bartenders can engage your guests about the value of reviews.
Showcase Positive Reviews: Displaying positive reviews on your website and social media can instill confidence in potential customers and showcase the positive experiences others have had at your restaurant.
Learn from Feedback: Constructive criticism from reviews can provide valuable insights into areas of improvement. Use this feedback to refine your offerings and enhance the overall customer experience.

Effective restaurant industry is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a blend of traditional and digital strategies. Embracing social media, crafting a compelling website, engaging in content marketing, and harnessing the power of online reviews are just a few ways to stand out in the competitive culinary landscape. By implementing these strategies, you can not only attract new diners but also build a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more.

My Review Concierge (a service powered by The Reputation Lab) provides affordable tools and resources for responding to reviews, driving more reviews, and analyzing the data. Subscriptions are offered on a month-to-month basis and a demo of our dashboard can be scheduled by clicking here.