If you’re running a food business, you already know that getting people to find you online is half the battle. Whether you own a restaurant, sell packaged goods, or run a catering service, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can help more hungry customers discover you.
But really—SEO can feel like a maze. So, here are three practical tips to get you started.
Hire Professionals
Look, you could try to do SEO on your own, but unless you enjoy endless keyword research and algorithm updates, it’s best to bring in the experts. A good SEO professional or agency will help you optimize your website, improve your Google ranking, and get more customers without you having to guess what’s working.
Think of it like hiring a chef—sure, you could cook, but if you want a Michelin-star-level meal, you need a pro. The same goes for SEO. They’ll help with things like keyword research – finding the words people actually use when searching for your food, website optimization – making sure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate, and a lot more.
Yes, SEO costs money, but when done right, it brings in more customers, meaning more revenue for your business.
Optimize for Local Searches
Most people looking for food online aren’t planning a meal months in advance. They want something now, and that’s where local SEO comes in. When someone types “best jollof rice near me”, you want to be the first business they see.
Here’s how to make sure you show up in local searches:
- Set up your Google Business Profile – Fill in your name, address, phone number, website, and opening hours. Add mouth-watering pictures, too!
- Get customer reviews – Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google. More (and better) reviews help your ranking.
- Use location-specific keywords – If you’re in Seattle, mention it on your website. “Homemade Ghanaian pastries in Seattle” is more effective than just “homemade Ghanaian pastries.”
Use Social Media and Blogging to Rank Higher
Your website alone won’t always get you to the top of Google, but content marketing can give you an extra boost. Regularly posting on social media and writing blogs can help you rank for more keywords and attract more visitors.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Blog about food topics – Share recipes, cooking tips, or behind-the-scenes stories from your kitchen. If people love your content, they’ll share it, bringing more traffic to your site.
- Use social media to drive traffic – Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are perfect for food businesses. Post drool-worthy photos and link back to your website for online orders or reservations.
SEO might sound technical, but at its core, it’s about making it easier for people to find and choose you. Start with these three tips, and soon, you’ll have more customers clicking, calling, and coming through your doors.
