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      What Are Keywords?

      Keywords are words and phrases people use to search for information online. E.G. "best restaurant near me." Your website and Google Business Profile needs to include the most important keywords so potential customers can find you in Google searches.

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      Types of Keywords

      There are two main types of keywords: headline keywords and long-tail keywords.

      • Headline keywords are short, general terms that are used by a lot of people. For example, if you own a pizza restaurant, some headline keywords you might use include "pizza," "restaurant," and "food."
      • Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific terms that are used by fewer people. For example, some long-tail keywords you might use include "best pizza in [city name]," "vegan pizza near me," and "pizza delivery for parties."

      As you read this... Potential customers in your area are searching for their next stop for today, this week, or this month... with keywords. How are you stacking up?


      How to Choose Keywords

      This is why SpotHopper asks you, "what are the most important things to you and your business?" Or "What are the 4 most special things about your business?"

      Building an online presence is about focusing on what you offer to the world better than anyone else around you - and sharing that fact with the world.

      • Your keywords need to both be relevant to your business and be terms that people are actually searching for within your area. You can use a keyword research tool like Google Keyword Planner to help you find the right keywords.

      Once you have a list of keywords, you need to use them throughout your website.
      You should include them in your website's title, meta descriptions, and throughout your content (Ask your dedicated rep about this). 

      You should also use keywords in:

      • Your website's menus
      • Social media posts
      • All online marketing
      Within our industry, it is extremely important to have them listed in your Google Business Profile - whether it is within your description or within your review comments.

      Why are Keywords Important?

      Keywords are important for two main reasons.

      • First, they help search engines like Google understand what your website is about. When people search for keywords that are relevant to your website, your website will be more likely to appear in the search results.
      • Second, keywords help people find your website when they are searching for information about your restaurant. If your website includes the right keywords, people who are looking for a restaurant like yours will be more likely to find it. This is especially true regarding your Google Business Profile and the comments included on it. The restaurant industry and consumer behaviors within it are specific and therefore have best SEO practices that follow.

       

      How Can Keywords Increase Your Revenue?

      By increasing your online visibility, keywords can help you increase your restaurant's revenue in a number of ways.

      • Attract more customers: When people find your website through search engines, they are more likely to visit your restaurant in-person and make a purchase. 
      • Increase website traffic: The more traffic your website has, the more potential customers you will have.
      • Improve website ranking: A higher ranking in search engines means that your website will be more visible to potential customers, which can lead to more sales.


      How to Easily Update Your Keywords 

      1. Navigate to the "Website" tab of your SpotHopper platform.

      2. Click on the "Website Content" Header.

      3. Scroll down to and click on "Manage your SEO phrases"

      4. Edit Your SEO settings from the following page:

      • Since you have quick access to the screen seen above, it is best to add your seasonal keywords, like "large patio for parties" in this section.
      • You can make a ticket for your rep in the top-right corner of the platform, via the 'question mark' icon, and request that they hardcode keywords that are true for your restaurant long term. 

       


      Conclusion

      Keywords are an important part of any website, but they are especially important for restaurant websites and Google Business Profiles. By using the right keywords, you can increase your online visibility and attract more customers to your restaurant. This can lead to increased revenue and a more successful business.

      Here are some additional tips for using keywords to improve your restaurant's online visibility:

      • Use a variety of keywords, including headline keywords and long-tail keywords.
      • Use keywords throughout your website, including in your title, meta descriptions, and content. 
      • Encourage your customers to include keywords in Google Reviews or respond with keywords yourself. It's easy to quickly respond to reviews with SpotHopper's Reviews and Responses.
      • Update your keywords regularly to reflect changes in search trends. It's both an art and a science.
      • Use keyword research tools to help you find the right keywords.

      By following these tips, you can use keywords to improve your restaurant's online visibility and increase your monthly revenue.