Dish-Specific Google Reviews are the lifeblood of any modern restaurant. They’re the digital word-of-mouth that can make or break your business. But simply having reviews isn’t enough; you want impactful reviews. That’s where specific mentions of your delicious dishes come in!
At FoodCus, we’re here to help you not only get more Google reviews but also make them truly work for you. Let’s explore the best strategies to boost your review count and why getting those mouth-watering dish names in there is so incredibly important.
The Best Ways to Boost Your Google Reviews
Getting customers to take a few moments to share their positive experience requires a strategic approach. Here are our top tips:
- Deliver an Exceptional Experience, Consistently: This is the foundation. No amount of prompting will generate genuine positive reviews if your food, service, and ambiance aren’t consistently excellent. Focus on:
- Food Quality: Is every dish perfectly prepared, fresh, and flavourful?
- Presentation: Do your dishes look as good as they taste?
- Service: Are your staff friendly, attentive, and efficient?
- Ambiance: Is your dining environment welcoming and enjoyable?
2. Make it Effortless: The Direct Link is Your Best Friend!- The fewer clicks, the better. Generate a direct link to your Google review page from your Google Business Profile.
- How to get your link: Log into your Google Business Profile manager. On the home screen, look for “Get more reviews” or “Share review form” and copy the provided link. You can also use a URL shortener like Bitly to make it even cleaner.
3. Train Your Staff to Ask (Gently & at the Right Time):- Your servers are on the front lines! Train them to identify happy customers (e.g., clearing empty plates, receiving compliments).
- Example Phrases: “I’m so glad you enjoyed the [Dish Name]! If you have a moment, we’d love for you to share your experience on Google – it really helps us grow!” or “We truly appreciate your feedback! A quick Google review would mean the world to us.”
- Crucial: Emphasize that staff should never pressure guests or offer incentives for positive reviews (Google’s policies forbid this).
4. Leverage QR Codes:- Place QR codes linked directly to your Google review page on table tents, menus, receipts, or even at the hostess stand.
- A simple “Loved your meal? Scan to leave a quick review!” message works wonders.
- Place QR codes linked directly to your Google review page on table tents, menus, receipts, or even at the hostess stand.
- Your servers are on the front lines! Train them to identify happy customers (e.g., clearing empty plates, receiving compliments).
- The fewer clicks, the better. Generate a direct link to your Google review page from your Google Business Profile.
- Food Quality: Is every dish perfectly prepared, fresh, and flavourful?
- Utilize Digital Touchpoints:
- Website: Have a prominent “Leave a Review” button or link on your website’s homepage, contact page, or footer.
- Email Signatures: Include a review link in all business emails.
- Online Ordering/Reservation Confirmations: Send a polite follow-up email or SMS a day or two after a visit or order, thanking them and including the review link.
6. Respond to Every Review (Good & Bad):- This shows you value customer feedback and are actively engaged.
- Positive Reviews: Thank them enthusiastically, perhaps mentioning the dish or experience they highlighted.
- Negative Reviews: Respond promptly, professionally, and empathetically. Apologize for any shortcomings and offer to resolve issues offline. This demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.
7. Social Media Reminders:- Occasionally post on your social media channels (Facebook, Instagram) reminding followers to leave a Google review if they’ve recently dined with you. Share excerpts of great reviews you’ve received.
- This shows you value customer feedback and are actively engaged.
- Website: Have a prominent “Leave a Review” button or link on your website’s homepage, contact page, or footer.
Step 1: Create or Sign In to a Google Account (Business-Specific!)
It’s best practice to create a Google Account specifically for your business if you don’t already have one. This helps keep your business communications and management separate from personal accounts.
- Go to accounts.google.com/signup.
- Choose a username that represents your restaurant (e.g., [email protected]).
- Fill out the required fields.
Step 2: Start Your Google Business Profile
Now, let’s head to the Google Business Profile manager.
- Go to business.google.com and click “Manage now.”
Enter your restaurant’s name. As you type, Google might suggest existing businesses. If your restaurant appears, select it and proceed to claim it. If not, click “Add your business to Google.”
Step 3: Input Your Core Business Information
Accuracy is key here! Ensure consistency with your signage and other online listings.
- Business Name: Use your official restaurant name.
- Business Category: This is crucial for search visibility. Start typing and select the most relevant category (e.g., “Italian Restaurant,” “Sushi Restaurant,” “Pizza Place,” “Cafe”). Be specific! You can add secondary categories later.
- Physical Location: If customers visit your restaurant, select “Yes” and enter your precise address. If you’re a delivery-only or service-area business, select “No” and define your service areas (cities, postal codes you deliver to).
- Contact Information: Add your primary phone number and your official restaurant website (if you have one). If you don’t have a website, you can link to your social media page (e.g., Facebook or Instagram).
Why Dish Names in Reviews Are a Game-Changer
Now, let’s talk about the secret sauce for truly effective reviews: getting customers to mention specific dish names!
1. Hyper-Specificity for Future Diners:
- Imagine a potential customer searching for “best pasta in [Your City].” A review that says, “The pasta was great!” is good. A review that says, “The Spicy Seafood Linguine was absolutely incredible – perfectly cooked pasta and so much fresh seafood!” is a powerful testimonial.
- This helps new customers make informed choices and encourages them to try specific, highly-rated items.
2. Enhanced Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization):- When customers include dish names, ingredients, or specific culinary terms in their reviews, it signals to Google that your restaurant is relevant for those keywords.
- For example, if multiple reviews mention your “wood-fired pizza” or “gluten-free options,” Google is more likely to show your profile when someone searches for those terms. This boosts your visibility in local search and Google Maps.
3. Authenticity & Credibility:- Reviews that are generic (“Good food, great service”) are helpful, but reviews that mention specific dishes feel more authentic and trustworthy. It shows the reviewer had a genuine experience and isn’t just leaving a quick, unthoughtful comment.
4. Valuable Feedback for You:- Knowing which dishes are consistently praised (or criticized) provides invaluable insights for your kitchen. It helps you identify your standout items and areas for improvement.
- Reviews that are generic (“Good food, great service”) are helpful, but reviews that mention specific dishes feel more authentic and trustworthy. It shows the reviewer had a genuine experience and isn’t just leaving a quick, unthoughtful comment.
How to Encourage Dish-Specific Mentions:
- Prompting: When asking for a review, gently suggest, “We’d love to hear about your favourite dish!” or “If there was a particular dish that stood out, feel free to mention it!”
- Signage/QR Codes: Add a line to your review prompt: “What was your favourite dish?”
- Responses: When responding to a positive review, if they don’t mention a dish, you can ask in your reply: “We’re so glad you enjoyed your meal! Was there a specific dish that you loved the most?” (Though focus on positive interaction, don’t demand a second review.)
- Showcase It: Highlight reviews that do mention dish names on your social media or website. This subtly teaches others what kind of reviews are most helpful.
Your Google reviews are a dynamic asset. By proactively encouraging more reviews and guiding customers to mention those delicious dish names, you’re not just building your online reputation – you’re building a more discoverable, credible, and ultimately, more successful restaurant.
What’s your restaurant’s most talked-about dish? Let’s get it mentioned in your next Google review!
Step 6: Optimize Your Profile for Maximum Impact
Verification is just the beginning! A complete and engaging profile attracts more customers.
- Business Description: Craft a compelling “elevator pitch” for your restaurant (up to 750 characters). Highlight what makes your food and ambiance unique. Use relevant keywords naturally. Avoid links or promotional content here.
- Photos & Videos: A picture is worth a thousand meals!
- Upload high-quality photos of your food, interior, exterior, staff, and signature dishes.
- Include a great logo and a captivating cover photo (recommended size: 1024 x 575 pixels).
- Businesses with appealing photos get more engagement.
- Menu: This is essential for restaurants!
- Use the menu editor to add sections, dishes, descriptions, and prices.
- You can also link directly to your online menu or a third-party ordering platform.
- Attributes: Select relevant attributes that describe your offerings and amenities (e.g., “Dine-in,” “Takeout,” “Delivery,” “Outdoor Seating,” “Wi-Fi,” “Vegetarian Options,” “Good for Groups”).
- Google Posts: Use this feature like mini-social media posts to announce specials, events, new menu items, or promotions. Post regularly to keep your profile active.
- Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and always respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, professionally and promptly. This builds trust and shows you value feedback.
- Messaging (Optional): Enable customer messaging to allow direct communication with potential diners.
- Q&A Section: Monitor and answer questions customers post. You can also “seed” this section with frequently asked questions about your restaurant.
- Online Ordering & Reservations: If you use third-party platforms for online ordering or reservations, integrate them directly into your GMB profile for seamless customer experience.
Pro-Tips from FoodCus
- Consistency is King (NAP): Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are identical across all your online listings (website, social media, directories).
- Regular Updates: Keep your hours, menu, and photos up-to-date. Google favors active and well-maintained profiles.
- Encourage Reviews: Politely ask happy customers to leave you a Google review.
- Monitor Insights: Regularly check your GMB insights to understand how customers are finding you and interacting with your profile.
Setting up your Google My Business profile is a crucial step in attracting more customers to your restaurant. By following these steps and actively managing your listing, you’ll ensure your delicious food and inviting ambiance are easily discoverable by hungry diners searching online.
Ready to get cooking with your online presence? Start setting up your Google My Business profile today!