How to Use Social Media for Local SEO in Restaurants

Social media isn’t just for brand awareness—it’s a powerful tool for Local SEO. The right social strategy can increase Google rankings, boost engagement, and attract more diners.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to use social media to improve Local SEO for your restaurant.

1. Optimise Your Social Media Profiles

Google considers social media signals when ranking businesses. A well-optimised profile strengthens your Local SEO strategy.

Fix It:

• ✅ Use your restaurant name + location in profile names (e.g., “The Grill House – Manchester”).
• ✅ Keep business hours, address, and contact details consistent across all platforms.
• ✅ Add a link to your website and ensure it’s optimised for local search.

2. Post Location-Specific Content

Google ranks businesses with hyper-local content higher in search results. Social media is the perfect place to highlight:

• 📍 Neighborhood events or local collaborations.
• 📸 User-generated content featuring your restaurant.
• 🍽️ New menu items with city or district hashtags.

3. Use Local Hashtags & Geotags

Hashtags and geotags help social media content appear in local searches. Popular location-based hashtags include:

• ✅ #BestBrunchLondon (City-based searches)
• ✅ #ManchesterEats (Local foodie searches)
• ✅ #NYCFoodies (Niche food communities)

4. Encourage Reviews on Social Platforms

Facebook and Instagram reviews boost credibility and impact Google rankings.

Fix It:

• 💬 Ask happy customers to leave a review on your Facebook page.
• 📱 Share positive Google reviews in Instagram Stories.
• 📩 Send direct messages thanking reviewers and encouraging future visits.

5. Partner with Local Influencers

Micro-influencers (1,000–10,000 followers) have higher engagement rates and strong local influence.

Fix It:

• ✅ Offer free meals in exchange for a social media post.
• ✅ Host influencer tasting events to generate buzz.
• ✅ Collaborate on giveaways to boost engagement.

6. Monitor Social Media Mentions

Engaging with local customers on social platforms signals to Google that your restaurant is active and relevant.

Fix It:

• ✅ Use Mention or Sprout Social to track brand mentions.
• ✅ Respond to every comment and direct message.
• ✅ Repost user-generated content (with permission) to increase reach.

Final Thoughts: Boost Local SEO with Social Media

By optimising social profiles, posting local content, and engaging with customers, your restaurant can rank higher and attract more diners.

➡️ Need expert help? Click on the menu above to claim your free Local SEO audit.