A good meal cannot earn a booking from someone who never finds you. Before spending on ads, check what a hungry person actually sees when they search nearby.
Search like a guest
Open a private browser window and search for your venue type plus your suburb. Then try the terms your guests might use: “dinner near me”, “private dining” or “coffee open now”. Note where you appear and what the listing shows.
- Is the address and opening time accurate, including public holidays?
- Does the primary category describe what you actually are?
- Can someone get to a menu or booking in one tap?
Your photos are part of the answer
A listing of old menu shots tells a different story to a room full of life. Show the entrance, the space, the food in context and the people behind the service. Keep images current as the venue changes.
Make reviews a habit, not a campaign
Ask at a natural moment after a good experience. Reply to reviews with care, including the difficult ones. Avoid incentives or scripts; a steady, genuine flow is more useful than a one-off push.
Measure the next step
Watch calls, directions, website visits and bookings alongside visibility. A ranking alone does not tell you whether people are choosing the venue. Start with a monthly check and look for patterns.
