SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is essential for restaurant websites. As digital marketing continues to rise, so does the contest for web visibility. If potential customers can’t find your restaurant online, you’re missing out on a huge demographic. That’s why we’ve narrowed down five important reasons to use SEO.
1. Website traffic
Traffic is the most important focus of a website other than web design. Up to 64% of website traffic comes from organic search, so if you’re not using SEO tactics, you’re not getting found. The internet is a sea of information; it’s easy for customers to get lost and distracted. Search engines find your site using crawlers that identify key phrases, then index them for users’ organic searches. If these crawlers can’t find your site, neither can potential customers. And if people don’t find your site, they’re not going to sign up for your newsletter or see your sales.
2. Competitive edge
SEO isn’t new. Most businesses are familiar with it and its importance. Likely, your competitors are already using SEO, which is all the more reason for you to get on board with a strategy of your own. And if you’re focusing on local SEO, the playing field is much smaller. Local search is becoming more and more important, and finding your niche can put you ahead of competitors focusing on a broader scale. Now’s the time. The longer you wait, the more you risk other businesses cementing their positions and keywords.
3. Better rankings
When over 70% of clicks happen on the first search results page of Google, you don’t want to be past page two. That means that over 70% of users find what they’re looking for on that first page, which is why you need to use SEO to get there. Using local keywords and having up-to-date location information are two important steps to take to get Google to notice your site. Be aware of bounce rates, too. If your site doesn’t offer a good user experience, it won’t rank as well.
4. Mobile
Speaking of the user experience, one of the most important factors of website success is whether or not it’s mobile responsive. Responsive web design keeps your HTML and URL the same on web and mobile devices. Google favors websites that are mobile responsive, so consider that when forming your SEO strategy.
5. Inbound marketing leads
SEO and inbound marketing work hand in hand. And while some inbound strategies require lots of attention, SEO requires initial setup, but can then work on its own for a while. It’s an affordable method of bringing in business. What’s more, effective SEO brings customers to you. You really can’t go wrong.
SEO for ROI
You know why SEO is important for the success of a website and your business overall. Being found in search is one of the best ways to find new customers when they’re seeking out your products or services. While SEO is increasingly important, maintaining rankings and working to constantly push out competitors is an arduous process. If you don’t have time to stay up-to-date on Google’s algorithm changes, cleaning up metadata, keyword research, and link building, consider outsourcing to someone who has this as their main focus.
Learn more about The Marketing Kitchen’s SEO packages in our Tools and Services.
About Ann Rakowiecki, the Marketing Chef and the Marketing Kitchen
I work with small business owners on marketing strategy and execution. I firmly believe that a small business owner should have access to the same marketing systems and tools that the big guys have. Using data, a heaping helping of experience, and a dash of intuition, I’ll help you hug your current customers and invite new customers to your business. Think about preparing a meal for family and friends… it’s like giving them a hug.
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I’d like to connect with you to learn what you do and how we can work together to perfect your marketing recipe.
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