Lifestyle jennathorne May 27, 2025 1 Comments

The Local SEO Strategy Guide for Restaurants – How to Rank on Google My Business

Example: Ala Rasi Istanbul Restaurant

In today’s digital-first world, your restaurant’s visibility online can significantly influence your foot traffic, reservations, and long-term growth. Local SEO is a game-changer, and one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal is Google My Business (GMB).

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a complete local SEO strategy for restaurants, using Ala Rasi Istanbul Restaurant—a beloved Turkish eatery—as a real-world example. We’ll also show you how they’ve optimized their online presence to attract more local customers.

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

Start by claiming your GMB listing at Google Business Profile Manager. Once claimed, every detail matters.

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

Ala Rasi Istanbul has meticulously optimized its listing by:

Business Name: Ala Rasi Istanbul Restaurant
Category: Turkish Restaurant
Address: Exact location pinned correctly
Phone Number: Local contact with prompt response
Website: Link to official site
Menu: Accessible via direct link or uploaded PDF
Opening Hours: Accurate, including weekends and holidays

You can find their exact location on Google Maps here:

👉 Ala Rasi Istanbul Location on Google Maps

Tip: Add relevant keywords in your business description like:

“Ala Rasi Istanbul offers traditional Turkish cuisine in Dubai, with a variety of dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish tea in a cozy atmosphere.”

2. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Images have a huge impact on engagement and decision-making. They help customers visualize the experience.

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

They upload:

High-resolution photos of their signature dishes like Adana Kebab and Turkish Delight
Interior decor reflecting Turkish heritage
Staff interacting with guests to showcase service quality
Occasional behind-the-scenes kitchen videos

Frequency Tip: Post new visuals weekly to stay relevant and show activity.

3. Collect and Respond to Reviews

Positive reviews improve trust and boost local search rankings. Engage with all reviews—good or bad.

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

Encourages customer feedback with QR codes on tables and receipts
Responds thoughtfully to every review
Offers a small incentive, such as a complimentary tea or dessert, for honest reviews

Example Response:

“Thank you, Omar, for your kind review! We’re so glad you enjoyed our Turkish breakfast spread. Hope to see you again soon at Ala Rasi Istanbul!”

4. Use Google Posts for Offers and Events

Google Posts are a great way to promote weekly specials, events, or seasonal campaigns.

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

Weekly “Family Feast Friday” promotions
Seasonal offers like “Ramadan Special Platter”
Event announcements like “Live Turkish Oud Performance on Saturdays”

CTA Suggestions: “Call Now,” “Reserve a Table,” or “Get Offer.”

5. Ensure NAP Consistency Across Directories

NAP = Name, Address, Phone number. It must be the same across all directories like Zomato, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

Their team audits all local listings to ensure the NAP info matches exactly with their GMB profile and Google Maps pin.

Tools to Use: Moz Local, BrightLocal, or Yext.

6. Create Localized Content on Your Website

Google loves hyper-local content that provides value to users in a specific area.

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

Their blog includes articles such as:

“Top 5 Turkish Dishes You Must Try in Dubai”
“Why Locals Love Turkish Coffee at Ala Rasi Istanbul”
“A Foodie’s Guide to Turkish Restaurants in Dubai”

Pro Tip: Embed your Google Maps location within your site, like this:

This helps boost geo-relevance for search engines.

7. Ensure Mobile Optimization

With most local searches done on smartphones, your website needs to be mobile-friendly.

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

Fast-loading, responsive site
“Call Now” button at the top of mobile view
Easy-to-navigate mobile menu and reservation form

Tip: Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to evaluate your website.

8. Implement Local Schema Markup

Local schema helps Google understand your business better, often enhancing your listing with rich snippets.

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

They’ve used LocalBusiness schema including:

Geo coordinates
Menu URL
Customer reviews
Price range
Opening hours

Tool: Try Schema Markup Generator to easily create this.

9. Engage in Local Link Building

Local backlinks signal trust and authority to Google.

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

Featured on local Dubai food blogs
Partnered with nearby hotels and tourism operators
Sponsored food events and collaborated with Instagram influencers in Dubai

Actionable Tip: Reach out to local travel guides and offer a free tasting session in exchange for a review or mention.

10. Track, Analyze, and Adjust

Monitoring your results is key to improving your strategy.

Tools You Should Use:

Google Business Profile Insights: To see how customers find your listing
Google Analytics: To track website traffic from local searches
Search Console: To see what keywords are driving organic visits

Ala Rasi Istanbul Example:

They noticed a spike in traffic when optimizing for the keyword “best Turkish restaurant in Dubai,” and started focusing their content around that phrase.

Final Thoughts

Local SEO can transform your restaurant from a hidden gem into a community favorite. Just like Ala Rasi Istanbul Restaurant, your business can take advantage of Google My Business to dominate local search results, increase visibility, and drive more hungry customers through your doors.

Don’t forget to guide customers directly to your restaurant using your Google Maps link:

📍 Find Ala Rasi Istanbul on Google Maps

Whether you’re running a cozy café or a fine-dining experience, local SEO is your gateway to standing out. Start with your GMB profile, serve great food, and let your online presence attract the crowd you deserve.