Afleveringen
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Learn how to optimize your restaurant menu for better SEO and search engine ranking!
Erik Shellenberger shares expert tips on structuring menus online to attract more customers. Discover the pros and cons of PDF, live text, and image-based menus, and understand the importance of alt tags, meta descriptions, and search-friendly formatting. Whether you use WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix, this guide will help you boost your website's performance.
Don't miss these essential tips to improve your restaurant's online presence! -
Explore the Future of Restaurant and Bar DiscoveryWays Customers Will Find Restaurants in the FutureInsights from Erik Shellenberger
In this insightful episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, Erik Shellenberger dives deep into how customers will search for restaurants and bars in the future. Using ChatGPT, Erik explores evolving trends such as voice-activated AI searches, influencer-driven recommendations, advanced personalization, and even augmented reality experiences.
Revolutionizing How Customers Search for RestaurantsLearn how AI will revolutionize how diners find their next favorite spotâshifting from generic searches like 'restaurants near me' to hyper-specific queries such as 'find a rooftop bar with live music' or 'vegan sushi near downtown.' Erik also discusses the growing importance of online reviews, personalized AI recommendations, and the role of social platforms like TikTok and Instagram in shaping consumer decisions.
Future-Proofing Your Online PresenceDiscover the power of future-proofing your online presence with actionable insights, including:
The significance of accurate listingsLeveraging influencers as modern word-of-mouth marketingAdopting cutting-edge technologies to meet customer expectationsWho Should Watch?Whether you're a restaurant owner, marketer, or foodie, this episode is packed with tips to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of dining trends.
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The Future of AI Restaurant Searches: How Hungry Customers Will Find You. The Bold New World of Personalized Searches. Erik breaks down how AI-powered searches are revolutionizing how customers discover restaurants and why this shift matters for business visibility.
From Keywords to Conversations AI searches are moving beyond traditional keyword searches like ârestaurants near me.â Instead, theyâre becoming conversational, mimicking how people ask questions in real life. For example: âWhere can I find a dog-friendly brunch spot with outdoor seating nearby?â These searches combine keywords but focus more on the userâs intent, requiring businesses to provide rich, specific information to stay competitive. Importance of Feeding AI the Right Data AI relies on multiple data sources to ensure accuracy.
Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and local directories all play a role. However, AI doesnât trust one platformâit cross-references data. If your information isnât consistent or complete across platforms, your restaurant may not appear in search results. To optimize visibility: Answer Google Business Profile attributes: Update parking options, amenities, and dining features regularly. Fill out profiles on all platforms: Consistency is key to AI trust. Use your website as a source: Add detailed copy, including FAQs, to clearly explain what you offer. The Role of Reviews and Ratings AI prioritizes businesses with a high reputation. For searches like âbest pizza in West Hollywood,â only businesses with a 4-star Google rating or higher will rank.
Respond to reviews promptly (within 24 hours) to build trust and engagement.
Prepare for Voice and Suggestive Searches Voice commands via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant will dominate.
AI may even suggest options based on past searches, like, âYouâve looked for sushi before; here are top-rated spots nearby.â By optimizing online content and maintaining accurate, consistent data, your business will stay ahead in the AI-driven restaurant search landscape. Adapt now to lead the way! 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Conversational Searches 03:10 Past Searches Affect Suggestions 06:03 Professional Reputation Management 08:43 The Word "Best"
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In this episode, Erik dives into a powerful tool that shows you where you rank on Google from any location. Whether you're targeting a bustling tourist spot, a local neighborhood, or a specific area your business wants to dominate, this tool offers invaluable insights. The key feature discussed is the GMB Everywhere Google Chrome extension, which lets you view search results as if you're standing in any location across the country. Erik demonstrates how this works with examples like "Mexican restaurants" and "sushi near me." He explains that using ânear meâ is unnecessary as itâs implied in the toolâs functionality. By using the "Teleport" feature, you can pinpoint a locationâlike LA's Hollywood Walk of Fameâand instantly see which businesses dominate Google rankings in that area. For instance, Erik highlights how El Compadre ranks well due to its long history and strong SEO performance. This tool allows business owners not only to see their rankings but also to analyze their competitors in different parts of town. Erik emphasizes the importance of experimenting with multiple keywordsâat least five or sixâto understand where your restaurant ranks best and which keywords need improvement. This knowledge is crucial for optimizing your online presence and attracting targeted customers from specific locations. Whether you're looking to outrank competitors, understand local search dynamics, or fine-tune your keywords, this episode provides actionable insights to help you get ahead in the game. Tune in, install GMB Everywhere, and start discovering how to rank higher on Google from any location! Optimize your search strategy todayâtarget the customers you want where they are.
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In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, host Erik Shellenberger reveals how to avoid the #1 restaurant website mistake that many owners unknowingly make. He explains that a restaurant websiteâs main goal is to attract new customers and increase foot traffic. However, many popular platforms like Pop Menu, BentoBox, and SpotHopper may look appealing, but they lack essential SEO tools to rank well on search engines. These platforms prioritize aesthetics and ease of use, but at a high monthly cost, they often fail to bring in more customers due to poor search visibility.
Shellenberger advocates for WordPress as the best platform for restaurants. To avoid the #1 restaurant website mistake, he recommends leveraging WordPress's flexibility and robust SEO plugins, like the All-in-One SEO Optimization Tool. This allows restaurant owners to optimize their sites fully, improve search rankings, and keep ongoing costs low. Instead of opting for platforms that strip essential SEO features, Shellenberger suggests focusing on a website thatâs easy for search engines to understand and rank. By building a WordPress site with SEO in mind, youâll ensure your restaurant website is more visible, functional, and effective in driving new business.
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Erik Shellenberger dives deep into how to blog effectively and get more shares by leveraging AI. Many restaurant and bar owners hear the advice to start a blog, but few understand the real strategies behind making a blog successful. The main goal of blogging is to get found by your target audience on search engines like Google, YouTube, and other platforms. However, many people overlook the essential steps needed to achieve that visibility.
To create an effective blog, you must start with an interesting and relevant topic. Avoid generic posts like "Happy hour from 3 to 7" or simple cocktail photos, as they won't engage readers or perform well on search engines. Instead, choose topics that people will search for, such as current events, local festivals, or charity partnerships related to your restaurant. The more engaging and unique the content, the better chance it has of gaining traction.
Once you have a compelling topic, SEO optimization is the next crucial step. This involves using tools like the All-in-One SEO plugin and analyzing your headlines for effectiveness. Your headline should include common, uncommon, emotional, and power words to maximize its impact. Tools like ChatGPT can help generate headline ideas, but itâs essential to refine them to achieve higher search rankings.
Schemes and structured data are also vital components. When you create a blog, make sure to include structured data (schema markup) to help search engines understand your content better. Adding this extra layer of detail increases the chances of your blog appearing in top search results, which is key for getting more shares and traffic.
Donât forget to share your blog across multiple platforms. Optimize your content for YouTube by using relevant tags and integrating the blog post with video content. This multi-channel approach helps your content rank higher across different platforms.
Blogging effectively takes time and effort. Itâs not just about creating content but doing it in a way that ensures people find, read, and share it. Follow these tips, and youâll be on your way to blogging success that drives traffic and engagement.
How to Blog Effectively and Get More Shares â Discover the secrets to a successful blog today.
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Learn more about SEO for Restaurants at Bar Marketing Basics.
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In this video, Erik Shellenberger, a restaurant reputation management expert, takes a bold stand against 1 Star Yelp Reviews and How Restaurant Owners REALLY Want to Respond.
He humorously but candidly addresses the issue of unfair negative reviews, which can damage businesses while lacking constructive feedback. Shellenberger begins by acknowledging that mistakes happen in the restaurant and bar industry; no one is perfect. He points out the absurdity of some reviews, like penalizing a restaurant for parking issues unrelated to the business itself.
These reviews can significantly impact a business, costing them as many as 30 customers per negative review. A major frustration Erik discusses is that many reviewers donât give establishments a chance to fix the issue. Common complaints about cold food, delayed service, or drink preferences could often be resolved on the spot if patrons spoke up. He stresses that without feedback, businesses lose the opportunity to improve.
Managing expectations is another key point. Shellenberger emphasizes that customers should understand the nature of the venue theyâre visiting. Itâs unreasonable to leave a 1-star review because a nightclub is loud or because fine dining is costly. For customers on a budget, he recommends sticking to more affordable options rather than bashing upscale establishments for their pricing.
Additionally, Erik touches on underage patrons writing negative reviews after facing consequences for breaking laws, such as having fake IDs confiscated. He encourages personal accountability, advising viewers to recognize their own role in negative experiences.
View this podcast on the Bar Marketing Basics Youtube channel
Learn more about SEO for restaurants at Bar Marketing Basics.com
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Optimizing your Google My Business for restaurants is crucial for boosting your local search visibility and attracting more customers. In todayâs episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, Erik Shellenberger discusses effective strategies for improving your restaurant's ranking on Google, starting with a well-optimized Google Business Profile.
The Importance of Google My Business for RestaurantsGoogle My Business (now called Google Business Profile) plays a pivotal role in helping potential customers discover your restaurant. When users search for terms like ârestaurants near meâ or âbest Italian restaurant in [city],â Google My Business profiles appear prominently in search results. This is known as discovery traffic, where undecided customers find your restaurant through relevant searches, making it a key area to focus on for growth.
How to Optimize Your Google Business ProfileTo begin optimizing your profile, visit google.com/business and ensure your restaurant is listed under the correct email. If your profile strength isn't complete, it's time to take action. Make sure all your restaurant information is filled out, including business hours, location, and categories. Erik emphasizes using all 10 categories available in Googleâs listing settings. For instance, if your restaurant serves multiple cuisines, include all relevant categories to improve your chances of ranking.
Using Photos to Boost EngagementPhotos are an important part of Google My Business for restaurants. Ensure the images you upload are high quality and resized properly (Erik recommends 1500 pixels on the longest side). Photos of your restaurantâs interior, dishes, and menu should be well-optimized for Googleâs standards. Naming your photos using SEO keywords relevant to your restaurant's location and specialty, such as âbest pizza in Phoenix,â will further enhance your profileâs searchability.
Responding to ReviewsErik also highlights the importance of responding to both positive and negative reviews. This not only shows potential customers that you care but also signals to Google that your profile is active, which can improve your ranking. Reviews are becoming more important with the rise of AI-driven search engines, so being proactive will keep your restaurant ahead of the competition.
Final Tips for Google My Business SuccessErik suggests using tools like ChatGPT to generate SEO-friendly descriptions and keywords for your profile. Regularly updating your profile, responding to reviews, and adding fresh photos will all contribute to better Google visibility.
By following these steps, you can ensure your restaurant ranks higher in local searches and attracts more customers.
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In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, host Erik Shellenberger dives into essential strategies for optimizing restaurant websites for better visibility, emphasizing the importance of SEO over aesthetics. According to Erik, many restaurant owners prioritize high-quality photography and sleek design but neglect the crucial element of search engine optimization (SEO), which is key to driving traffic and increasing revenue.
Erik recommends using WordPress as the go-to platform for building or upgrading restaurant websites due to its flexibility and ability to integrate with powerful SEO tools. Unlike other website builders like Wix or Squarespace, WordPress is free and allows full customization, which is critical for long-term SEO success.
To maximize visibility, Erik emphasizes the use of the All-in-One SEO plugin, which helps analyze and improve a website's SEO score by guiding users through best practices like proper header tags (H1, H2), SEO-friendly titles, and effective meta descriptions. He also shares tips on analyzing competitorsâ websites using SEO tools to better understand what works and what doesnât.
Erik further explores the role of AI tools like ChatGPT for generating effective headlines and content that rank well on search engines. He discusses using AI to create SEO-optimized tags, analyze keywords, and generate high-traffic headlines for restaurant websites. Erik encourages restaurant owners to update their websites regularly, keep content fresh, and continually improve SEO metrics to maintain high rankings on Google.
Finally, Erik advises restaurant owners to ensure they have control over their website's SEO configuration, avoiding over-reliance on web developers who may disappear over time. By managing their own SEO setup, restaurant owners can make continuous improvements and track progress effectively.
This approach ensures that restaurant websites are not only visually appealing but also attract the right audience through strong SEO practices, leading to increased traffic, customer engagement, and ultimately higher revenue.
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The Best Website Platforms for Restaurants: How to Choose Wisely
When it comes to finding the best website platforms for restaurants, it's important to choose a solution that enhances visibility and user experience without unnecessary costs. Website platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, PopMenu, and BentoBox each have their strengths, but they differ significantly in terms of SEO capabilities, ease of use, and long-term value.
WordPress: Offers unmatched flexibility and SEO optimization with no monthly fees, making it the best platform for restaurants seeking control and visibility.
Wix & Squarespace: Both offer easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interfaces but have limited SEO options. They are better for smaller operations that donât aim to dominate local search results.
PopMenu & BentoBox: These platforms offer concierge services with built-in features like review management, but come with high monthly fees and limited SEO flexibility, which can hurt long-term visibility.
Why SEO Matters More Than DesignWhile an attractive website is important, the ultimate goal is visibility. Potential customers must be able to find your restaurant on Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, where SEO plays a key role. WordPress, with its endless customization and plugin support, provides better long-term SEO results than other platforms. While platforms like PopMenu offer fancy features, their SEO shortcomings make them less effective for high-competition areas.
ConclusionChoosing the right platform for your restaurantâs website is crucial to long-term success. For most restaurants, WordPress is the best option due to its flexibility, cost-efficiency, and strong SEO performance. For those needing simplicity, Wix and Squarespace offer a reasonable solution, while more expensive platforms like PopMenu and BentoBox can provide convenience but lack the SEO muscle to compete effectively.
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In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, Erik Shellenberger dives into the crucial role of reputation management for bars and restaurants. Discover expert tips on how to effectively respond to reviews on Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor, and why managing your online presence is more important than ever with the rise of AI. Erik shares actionable insights on how to handle negative reviews, flag false ones, and craft responses that appeal to potential customers. Learn how to turn feedback into free marketing and boost your restaurant or barâs reputation. Check out more tips and services at BarMarketingBasics.com.
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In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, host Erik Shellenberger shares expert strategies for holiday promotions. Learn how to effectively pivot your marketing efforts to make your bar or restaurant stand out during the holidays. From over-the-top decorations to creative drink presentations, Erik explains how to generate free press, organic social media buzz, and attract influencers to promote your venue. Discover actionable tips to stop customers from scrolling and pack your establishment without breaking the bank. Perfect for bar and restaurant owners looking to increase visibility this holiday season!
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In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, host Erik Shellenberger shares a hilarious yet eye-opening account of a nightmare Yelp reviewer targeting one of his clients, La Antica Pizzeria de Michele in Hollywood, California. Erik dives into how to handle serial complainers, like Alexander Mendoza, who leave multiple one-star reviews and often seek free meals. Learn actionable tips on reputation management, responding to reviews, and how to protect your business from damaging false claims on Yelp and Google. Whether you're a restaurant owner or a marketing professional, this episode provides valuable insights into combatting difficult reviewers while maintaining your reputation.
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Join us on an epic 3-month RV road trip from Scottsdale, Arizona, to San Diego, California! Join us as we explore the country's most unique restaurants and bars starting with the California coast, with stops in Yosemite, San Francisco, Malibu, Newport Beach, and more. From tiki bars like Smugglerâs Cove to hidden gems like Mothership, and top picks like Born and Raised, discover the incredible places we visited. Watch as we dive into the most interesting spots, including speakeasies, fine dining, dive bars, and must-visit coastal restaurants. Don't miss out on this adventure and let us know where we should head next!
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Welcome back to the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast with Erik Shellenberger, recorded in Los Angeles, California! In this episode, Erik breaks down the recent changes to Google's algorithm and how it impacts your restaurant or barâs Google Business Profile impressions and clicks. If you've noticed a drop in your numbers, you're not alone! Erik explains how Googleâs new measurement rules, from impression counting to get directions clicks, are affecting everyone in the industry.
In this episode, youâll learn:
Why your Google Business Profile impressions are dropping and what it meansHow Googleâs algorithm changes in 2024 impact search visibility for restaurants and barsWhy accurate tracking of clicks and impressions is essential for your SEO strategyWhat changes you need to make to stay ahead in Google search resultsHow AI is taking over and why Google could lose 25% of its search volume by 2026For more SEO insights and AI marketing strategies, visit Bar Marketing Basics and scan your business for free!
Subscribe for more expert marketing tips for restaurants and bars, and stay updated on the latest trends in Google and AI!
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Welcome to the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast! In this episode, Erik Shellenberger dives deep into how AI will revolutionize how your restaurant or bar is found online. Learn about SEO, search engines, and AI's role in ranking your business above the competition.
By 2026, Google is expected to lose 25% of its search volume to AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Erik explains how you can position your business for success in this AI-powered world and how consistency, visibility, and accuracy are key to ranking at the top.
Learn SEO tactics, optimize your Google Business page, TripAdvisor, and other platforms, and ensure your information is consistent across the web. Donât let AI skip over your businessâget ahead with these crucial marketing tips.
Chapters from Erikâs books on SEOTips for optimizing your business listings for AIHow to rank ahead of the competition with AI search
Visit Bar Marketing Basics to scan your restaurant or bar for SEO errors. Get a detailed report and learn how Erik helps businesses like yours succeed online.
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In this episode of the Restaurant & Bar Marketing podcast, Erik Shellenberger dives into the elusive concept of the "It Factor" that makes some bars and restaurants irresistibly appealing. Drawing parallels with Apple products and the emotional appeal they create, Erik explains how aesthetics, service, ambiance, and layout contribute to the success of a venue. He shares insights from his experience in Old Town Scottsdale and highlights how even two similar bars can have drastically different outcomes simply due to the "It Factor." Discover how to apply these principles to your business and create an unforgettable customer experience that keeps people coming back.
Key Takeaways:
What defines the "It Factor" in bars and restaurantsThe importance of aesthetics, lighting, and layout in creating appealHow great service can turn regular customers into loyal followersWhy some venues thrive while others with similar offerings struggleTips on borrowing successful elements from top-tier venues to enhance your own establishment -
In this episode of the Restaurant & Bar Marketing podcast, host Erik Shellenberger shares a powerful speech designed for front-of-house staff, showing them how to increase their tips by adopting a âruthlessly self-servingâ mindset. This episode is all about putting more money in your pocketânot just improving the business. Erik explains how being prepared, remembering customer details, and providing a personalized experience can drastically boost your income. Whether youâre a server or bartender, this episode will show you how to make more money without working a minute longer than you do now. Speech starts at 1:28 if you'd like to skip directly to it.
Key Takeaways:
How being âruthlessly self-servingâ can increase your tipsPractical strategies to create repeat customers and grow your earningsWhy staying off your phone improves customer perceptionHow to turn a one-time customer into a regular by showing genuine interest -
In the next episode of the Restaurant & Bar Marketing podcast, Erik Shellenberger discusses a key concept from his first book: the Fishbowl vs. the Ocean. Erik explains why relying solely on social media and existing databases (the "fishbowl") isn't enough to drive new business. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of targeting all potential customers (the "ocean") using Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. Drawing from his years of experience in restaurant marketing, Erik shares insights on why social media often fails to bring in new traffic and how data-driven strategies can better position restaurants for success. Learn why focusing on the "ocean" of undecided consumers can help your restaurant grow beyond its regular customers.
Key Takeaways:
Fishbowl vs. Ocean: What it means for your restaurantâs marketing strategyWhy social media isnât enough to bring in new customersThe importance of Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor in restaurant visibilityHow to optimize marketing for tourists and new customers -
Today on the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, Erik Shellenberger reveals how Yelp's algorithm can hurt small businesses by flagging positive reviews and favoring negative ones. Using real examples like the Peach Cobbler Factory in Cincinnati, Erik explains how Yelpâs flawed system filters reviews, impacting businesses' online reputation and Google rankings. Erik also discusses the importance of Google reviews, the role of AI in review management, and how restaurant owners can maintain genuine customer engagement. If you're a restaurant or bar owner, this is a must-listen to understand Yelp's potential impact on your business.
Key Takeaways:
Yelp's review filtering system explainedReal-life examples of Yelpâs impact on businessesHow AI and reviews affect your Google rankingTips for managing and responding to online reviews - Laat meer zien
