12 tips to Increase your Restaurant Visibility
Better visibility for your Restaurant in the Netherlands
To increase restaurant, bar or coffee shop visibility, especially online, there are several strategies and types of searches you should focus on. Here are key approaches and search topics that can help elevate your restaurant's presence:
1. Optimize for Local SEO
Make sure your restaurant is easy to find on search engines, especially Google. Here’s how to do it:
Website: Create a beautiful, responsive website for your restaurant, bar or coffee shop. This will make you findable online, make customers discover your specialties, show your products, menu, photos and location.
Google My Business (GMB): Set up and optimize your Google My Business profile, ensuring it has complete information (hours, location, contact details, photos, etc.).
Search terms: "restaurant in [Amsterdam]" or "[fine dining restaurant] in [Paris]"
Local Keywords: Use location-based keywords in your website content (including menu pages, blogs, or promotions). This will help you rank for relevant local searches.
Search terms: "[restaurant name] [city]" or "best restaurant in [neighborhood]"
2. Focus on Food-Related Keywords
For people specifically searching for dining options, target food-related queries.
Cuisine-Specific Keywords: Depending on your restaurant’s offerings, use terms related to your cuisine.
Search terms: "Italian restaurant Amsterdam", "Sushi Rotterdam", "Vegan restaurant Utrecht"
Dietary Preferences: If you offer specific diets (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), target those keywords.
Search terms: "vegan restaurants in [city]" or "gluten-free restaurant [city]"
3. Promote Through Review Sites
In the Netherlands, review platforms like TripAdvisor, TheFork (IENS), and Google Reviews are essential for restaurants.
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews will help boost your visibility on these platforms.
Consider running paid campaigns or listing on local review platforms to increase your exposure.
Search terms: "[restaurant name] reviews" or "best restaurants on [platform]"
4. Social Media Optimization
Instagram & Facebook: Focus on platforms that are popular in the Netherlands for restaurant promotion. Hashtags like #eatingoutNL, #foodieNL, or city-specific hashtags can help people find your restaurant.
Social Media Paid Ads: Run Instagram or Facebook ads targeting specific demographics (e.g., location, interests, age).
Search terms: "[restaurant name] instagram" or "[restaurant type] near me"
5. Collaborate with Local Influencers
Partnering with Dutch food bloggers, influencers, and local celebrities can help boost your restaurant’s visibility. They often use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share food experiences.
6. Restaurant Delivery Services
If your restaurant offers delivery, make sure you are listed on popular delivery platforms in the Netherlands such as:
Thuisbezorgd.nl (Dutch equivalent of Uber Eats)
Uber Eats
Deliveroo
Being active on these platforms increases your online presence and allows customers to find you when they search for food delivery in their area.
7. Use Blog Content & Event Listings
Food Blogs: Write blog content about your restaurant’s specialties, seasonal dishes, or unique offerings. This can help in ranking for long-tail keywords.
Search terms: "best restaurants in [city] blog" or "restaurant reviews [city]"
Event Listings: If you host events (e.g., special dinners, cooking classes), list them on local event websites like Eventbrite, Uitagenda, and others.
Search terms: "[restaurant name] events in [city]" or "[restaurant name] dinner special"
8. Online Reservation Systems
Use booking systems like Formitable or Zenchef to make it easy for people to book a table online, which also boosts your visibility.
Search terms: "restaurants with reservations in [city]" or "[restaurant name] reservation"
9. Paid Advertising (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
Paid advertising can help boost your visibility significantly:
Google Ads: Bid on keywords like “restaurants near me,” “best [cuisine] in [city],” or “top-rated restaurant in [city].”
Facebook/Instagram Ads: Run targeted campaigns, specifically tailored to food lovers, tourists, or locals.
Search terms: Google Ads targeting food-related searches, e.g. “best Italian restaurant Amsterdam” or “romantic dinner in [city]”
At My Website Online, we can help you boost your visibility and reach new customers with paid advertising. Check out our offers here.
10. Leverage Local Food Directories
Get listed on food directories and platforms that cater to Dutch diners, such as:
Couverts.nl (restaurant reservation platform)
TheFork (IENS) (restaurant booking platform)
Eet.nu (Dutch restaurant reviews platform)
These platforms are highly visited by locals and tourists searching for places to eat.
11. Offer Special Deals & Promotions
Offer special promotions like lunch deals, seasonal menus, or limited-time offers and make sure they are visible online.
Create seasonal or holiday-specific offers (e.g., special Christmas or King's Day menus).
Search terms: "restaurant deals [city]" or "[restaurant name] holiday specials"
12. Content Marketing
Write about your restaurant, your chef’s journey, your sourcing of ingredients, or the unique experiences you offer. Quality content can help improve your SEO and attract customers.
Summary of Key Search Terms:
"best restaurant [city]"
"best [cuisine] restaurant in [city]"
"restaurant delivery [city]"
"[restaurant type] restaurants Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Den Haag"
"restaurants with vegan/gluten-free options"
"restaurant reservations [city name]"
"[restaurant name] reviews"
By optimizing for these strategies and using specific search terms relevant to the Netherlands, you can significantly increase your restaurant's visibility online and attract more customers.
