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 “restaurants near me.” Instead, they’re becoming conversational, mimicking how people ask questions in real life. For example: “Where can I find a dog-friendly brunch spot with outdoor seating nearby?” These searches combine keywords but focus more on the user’s 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 doesn’t trust one platform—it cross-references data. If your information isn’t 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 “best pizza in West Hollywood,” 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, “You’ve looked for sushi before; here are top-rated spots nearby.” 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"

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 “near me” is unnecessary as it’s implied in the tool’s functionality. By using the "Teleport" feature, you can pinpoint a location—like LA's Hollywood Walk of Fame—and 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 keywords—at least five or six—to 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 today—target the customers you want where they are.

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 website’s 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 that’s easy for search engines to understand and rank. By building a WordPress site with SEO in mind, you’ll ensure your restaurant website is more visible, functional, and effective in driving new business.