How Online Reviews Drive Restaurant Branding Success
Nearly 90% of diners read online reviews before choosing a restaurant.
And that’s not all. The amount of positive feedback your restaurant receives also plays a role in figuring out how much customers are willing to spend at your place.
Online reviews are crucial for restaurant branding. They offer valuable insights from customers who were previously hard to come by traditional word-of-mouth marketing. Potential diners rely on these reviews to decide where to eat, making them a powerful tool for attracting new customers.
Let’s have a look at the numerous benefits of online reviews for restaurants.
- Powerful marketing tool :
When it comes to building trust with potential customers, nothing beats the power of social proof marketing. Think of online reviews as free advertising. If you provide top-notch customer service, the reviews will do the talking for you. They’re like personal recommendations from friends and family. While your own advertising efforts are important, having other customers vouch for your quality products is invaluable. - Rise in restaurant’s visibility :
Nowadays, people rely more on online reviews to discover new restaurants. If your restaurant has no reviews, chances are people won’t take the risk of visiting. Plus, restaurants without any buzz won’t catch Google’s attention. This means they won’t show up on the first page of search results when people are looking for restaurant recommendations.
- Increase in revenue :
A recent study shows that a half-star improvement in a restaurant’s rating can boost bookings during peak hours by up to 49%. Even if there are no changes in the food quality, price, or service, positive online reviews alone can significantly impact a restaurant’s success.
- Enhance Online Reputation :
By monitoring and responding to online reviews consistently, as well as encouraging customers to leave feedback, you can shape how your restaurant is perceived online. It’s a great way to manage your reputation and attract more customers. - Handle negative reviews easily :
It’s not always easy to deal with negative reviews, especially when they’re out there for everyone to see. But here’s the thing – if you handle them well and show that you’re committed to resolving any issues, it can work in your favor. Other customers will notice your efforts and give you a thumbs up.
How to Skyrocket your Online Reviews like a Pro
1. Encouraging customer reviews : Encouraging customers to share their experiences is crucial to influence online restaurant reviews. Here are a few effective methods to achieve this:
Place a noticeable sign within your restaurant, urging customers to leave a review.
Include a personalized note on the receipt, kindly requesting customers to leave a review and conveniently linking them to your restaurant’s profile on popular review platforms.
Show appreciation by offering customers a special discount or a complimentary item for taking out the time to leave a review.
2. Respond to reviews
Responding to reviews plays a key role in maximizing the impact of online restaurant reviews. It shows the restaurant’s dedication to its customers and appreciation for their input, regardless of whether it’s good or bad. Professional & timely responses to reviews can also foster customer loyalty and can bring new customers.
3. Keep an eye on reviews
It’s important to keep an eye on reviews to understand what customers think about your restaurant. By monitoring reviews, you can see what areas need improvement and what you’re doing well. Plus, identifying loyal customers who leave positive reviews can help you build relationships and turn them into brand advocates.
4. Take it as feedback
Restaurants can greatly benefit from using online reviews as a source of feedback. It allows them to pinpoint areas that need improvement. By carefully analyzing the feedback provided in these reviews, restaurant owners and managers can gain valuable insights into what their customers appreciate and dislike about their menu, service, or overall operations.
5. Share positive customer review
Positive reviews are a great way to boost your restaurant’s image. You can display them on your website, social media accounts, and other promotional platforms to attract new customers. By sharing these reviews, you can help establish credibility with potential customers.
So, if you want to make your restaurant into a 5-star establishment then boosting your restaurant’s online reviews is a must.
And we at Marketing Platter have the perfect secret sauce just for you to improve your restaurant’s branding.
Reach out to us today & get a free 30-min strategy call from us.
