Erik Shellenberger’s Restaurant & Bar Marketing Podcast

Below is a list of the past podcast archives.

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  • How to Blog Effectively and Get More Shares October 22, 2024
    Erik Shellenberger dives deep into how to blog effectively and get more shares by leveraging AI. Many restaurant and bar owners hear the advice to start a blog, but few understand the real strategies behind making a blog successful. The main goal of blogging is to get found by your target audience on search engines […]
  • 1 Star Yelp Reviews and How Restaurant Owners REALLY Want to Respond October 20, 2024
    In this video, Erik Shellenberger, a restaurant reputation management expert, takes a bold stand against 1 Star Yelp Reviews and How Restaurant Owners REALLY Want to Respond. He humorously but candidly addresses the issue of unfair negative reviews, which can damage businesses while lacking constructive feedback. Shellenberger begins by acknowledging that mistakes happen in the […]
  • Google My Business for restaurants - A walkthrough October 16, 2024
    Optimizing your Google My Business for restaurants is crucial for boosting your local search visibility and attracting more customers. In today’s episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, Erik Shellenberger discusses effective strategies for improving your restaurant's ranking on Google, starting with a well-optimized Google Business Profile. The Importance of Google My Business for […]
  • The Hidden SEO Secrets of Top Restaurant Website Platforms Revealed October 16, 2024
    In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, host Erik Shellenberger dives into essential strategies for optimizing restaurant websites for better visibility, emphasizing the importance of SEO over aesthetics. According to Erik, many restaurant owners prioritize high-quality photography and sleek design but neglect the crucial element of search engine optimization (SEO), which is […]
  • The Best Website Platforms for Restaurants October 8, 2024
    The Best Website Platforms for Restaurants: How to Choose Wisely When it comes to finding the best website platforms for restaurants, it's important to choose a solution that enhances visibility and user experience without unnecessary costs. Website platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, PopMenu, and BentoBox each have their strengths, but they differ significantly in terms […]
  • How to maintain Your Restaurant’s Stellar Reputation using These Techniques October 4, 2024
    In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, Erik Shellenberger dives into the crucial role of reputation management for bars and restaurants. Discover expert tips on how to effectively respond to reviews on Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor, and why managing your online presence is more important than ever with the rise of AI. […]
  • Maximize Holiday Promotions: Expert Tips for Marketing Your Bar or Restaurant October 3, 2024
    In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, host Erik Shellenberger shares expert strategies for holiday promotions. Learn how to effectively pivot your marketing efforts to make your bar or restaurant stand out during the holidays. From over-the-top decorations to creative drink presentations, Erik explains how to generate free press, organic social media […]
  • Handling Nightmare Yelp Reviewers | The worst of the worst Yelpers September 30, 2024
    In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, host Erik Shellenberger shares a hilarious yet eye-opening account of a nightmare Yelp reviewer targeting one of his clients, La Antica Pizzeria de Michele in Hollywood, California. Erik dives into how to handle serial complainers, like Alexander Mendoza, who leave multiple one-star reviews and often […]
  • We explore the country's most unique restaurants and bars - Part 1 September 26, 2024
    Join us on an epic 3-month RV road trip from Scottsdale, Arizona, to San Diego, California! Join us as we explore the country's most unique restaurants and bars starting with the California coast, with stops in Yosemite, San Francisco, Malibu, Newport Beach, and more. From tiki bars like Smuggler’s Cove to hidden gems like Mothership, […]
  • Google Algorithm Changes 2024: Why Your Restaurant & Bar Impressions Are Dropping | SEO Tips September 23, 2024
    Welcome back to the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast with Erik Shellenberger, recorded in Los Angeles, California! In this episode, Erik breaks down the recent changes to Google's algorithm and how it impacts your restaurant or bar’s Google Business Profile impressions and clicks. If you've noticed a drop in your numbers, you're not alone! Erik […]
  • How AI Will Rank Your Restaurant or Bar in 2025 September 21, 2024
    Welcome to the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast! In this episode, Erik Shellenberger dives deep into how AI will revolutionize how your restaurant or bar is found online. Learn about SEO, search engines, and AI's role in ranking your business above the competition. By 2026, Google is expected to lose 25% of its search volume […]
  • Understanding the "It" Factor: Why Some Bars and Restaurants Just Have It, while others don't September 17, 2024
    In this episode of the Restaurant & Bar Marketing podcast, Erik Shellenberger dives into the elusive concept of the "It Factor" that makes some bars and restaurants irresistibly appealing. Drawing parallels with Apple products and the emotional appeal they create, Erik explains how aesthetics, service, ambiance, and layout contribute to the success of a venue. […]
  • Maximize Your Tips: Ruthlessly Self-Serving Tips for Front of House Staff September 16, 2024
    In this episode of the Restaurant & Bar Marketing podcast, host Erik Shellenberger shares a powerful speech designed for front-of-house staff, showing them how to increase their tips by adopting a “ruthlessly self-serving” mindset. This episode is all about putting more money in your pocket—not just improving the business. Erik explains how being prepared, remembering […]
  • Fishbowl vs. Ocean: Rethinking Restaurant Marketing Strategy September 16, 2024
    In the next episode of the Restaurant & Bar Marketing podcast, Erik Shellenberger discusses a key concept from his first book: the Fishbowl vs. the Ocean. Erik explains why relying solely on social media and existing databases (the "fishbowl") isn't enough to drive new business. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of targeting all potential customers […]
  • Yelp's Hidden Algorithm: How It Hurts Small Businesses September 14, 2024
    Today on the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, Erik Shellenberger reveals how Yelp's algorithm can hurt small businesses by flagging positive reviews and favoring negative ones. Using real examples like the Peach Cobbler Factory in Cincinnati, Erik explains how Yelp’s flawed system filters reviews, impacting businesses' online reputation and Google rankings. Erik also discusses the […]
  • AI in Restaurant Marketing: Boosting or Hurting Your Business? September 13, 2024
    In this episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, host Erik Shellenberger dives deep into how AI is shaping the marketing and operations of restaurants and bars. Erik discusses both the benefits and drawbacks of using AI tools like ChatGPT for marketing, customer engagement, and dynamic pricing. He highlights concerns about AI creating barriers […]
  • Boost Your Restaurant or Bar with AI: Simple Tips for Owners Using ChatGPT September 13, 2024
    In this episode, we show restaurant and bar owners how to boost their business using AI, specifically ChatGPT. Learn practical and easy-to-understand ways to leverage artificial intelligence for improving your marketing strategies, customer engagement, and overall operations. This guide breaks down AI technology in simple terms, making it accessible for any restaurant or bar owner […]
  • Introduction to the Restaurant & Bar Marketing podcast September 12, 2024
    Erik Shellenberger has been in the restaurant and bar industry  since he was thirteen years old and worked for his mother in the  food and beverage department at a Utah ski resort. Since then, he  has held every position from dishwasher to bartender to marketing  director and everything in between. With well over a decade […]

Erik Shellenberger’s Restaurant & Bar Marketing Podcast: Essential Insights for Success

Erik Shellenberger’s Restaurant & Bar Marketing Podcast is a must-listen for bar and restaurant owners looking to enhance their marketing strategies and boost business. With years of experience in the industry, Erik provides valuable tips, actionable advice, and in-depth strategies tailored specifically for improving your restaurant or bar’s online presence, customer engagement, and overall revenue. His episodes dive into everything from local SEO to reputation management and AI-powered marketing tools, making it a crucial resource for those serious about growing their establishment.

Key Topics on Erik Shellenberger’s Restaurant & Bar Marketing Podcast

1. Reputation Management

A recurring theme of Erik’s podcast is the critical role of online reviews in shaping your restaurant or bar’s reputation. With platforms like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor influencing consumer decisions, Erik emphasizes how crucial it is to manage and respond to reviews effectively.

By responding to both positive and negative reviews in a timely, professional manner, restaurants can improve customer satisfaction and build trust with potential diners. Erik advises against letting emotions guide your responses and instead suggests focusing on how review management affects local SEO rankings. His insights into how online reputation can drive more customers to your business are invaluable.

2. Boosting Local SEO for Restaurants and Bars

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a top priority in Erik’s podcast, especially when it comes to helping restaurants and bars appear higher in Google search results. Erik breaks down actionable SEO strategies, including optimizing your Google My Business profile, using relevant local keywords, and enhancing your online presence. His advice helps restaurant owners improve their visibility in “near me” searches like “best bar near me” or “top restaurant in [city].”

Erik also discusses how AI algorithms play a role in local SEO rankings and how your restaurant can stay ahead by adapting to these changes. His episodes focus on strategies that are not just theoretical but proven to work in the restaurant and bar industry.

3. Leveraging Marketing Tools for Maximum Impact

Erik shares the best marketing tools that bars and restaurants can use to drive more customers and increase profits. From social media marketing on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to using marketing routers that collect customer data, his advice covers the latest technologies that are reshaping restaurant marketing.

Erik Shellenberger’s Restaurant & Bar Marketing Podcast discusses the tools help restaurants engage with customers, collect valuable data, and send targeted promotions that increase loyalty. Erik’s practical tips on how to integrate these tools into your restaurant’s daily operations make it easier to build stronger connections with your customer base.

4. Paid Advertising for Restaurants and Bars

Paid advertising is a hot topic in Erik’s podcast. He delves into how to get the most value from paid advertising channels like Google Ads and Facebook Ads while cautioning against wasting money on platforms that don’t provide results, such as paying for enhanced visibility on Yelp.

Erik’s hands-on experience allows him to share insights into how restaurant owners can run cost-effective ad campaigns that actually bring in new customers, without falling into common pitfalls. His advice on testing, tracking, and tweaking ad campaigns helps bars and restaurants maximize their advertising budgets.

5. AI-Powered Customer Interaction

Erik discusses the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in customer interaction and marketing. While AI-driven review responses are becoming more common, Erik warns against relying too heavily on them. He explains that overly robotic responses can be spotted by customers and suggests keeping a balance between automation and human touch.

He also touches on the future of AI in restaurant marketing, including how AI can improve ad targeting, enhance customer experiences, and even predict customer behavior based on data.

6. Optimizing Reviews and Feedback

Effective review management is a cornerstone of Erik’s podcast. He explains how responding to positive and negative reviews can build your brand’s credibility and improve your restaurant’s SEO ranking.

Erik emphasizes that responding to all reviews is important for building customer trust and engagement. He also highlights how positive interactions with reviewers can turn one-time visitors into loyal, repeat customers, enhancing your restaurant’s reputation.

7. Avoiding Common Marketing Mistakes

Throughout his podcast, Erik highlights common marketing mistakes that restaurant and bar owners often make. From ignoring Yelp reviews to not optimizing their websites for local SEO, these pitfalls can significantly affect a business’s bottom line.

Erik provides detailed solutions to these problems, ensuring restaurant owners know how to avoid them and instead adopt proven, effective strategies.

8. Event-Based Marketing and Customer Retention

Event-based marketing strategies are also covered extensively in the podcast. Erik explains how promoting special events, happy hours, and exclusive offers can attract more customers and keep them coming back.

He also dives into loyalty programs and how they can be used to drive repeat business. His actionable tips help restaurant owners create engaging marketing campaigns that boost customer retention and increase profitability.

9. Real-World Case Studies

Erik frequently shares real-world examples and case studies from his experience working with restaurants and bars. These stories provide listeners with valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t in restaurant marketing, making it easier to apply these lessons to their own businesses.

10. The Future of AI in Restaurant Marketing

In his podcast, Erik explores how AI technology will continue to shape the future of restaurant and bar marketing. He discusses how AI tools can assist in everything from ad targeting to customer service, and how staying ahead of these trends can give your restaurant a competitive edge.

Conclusion: Why You Should Listen to Erik Shellenberger’s Restaurant & Bar Marketing Podcast

Erik Shellenberger’s Restaurant & Bar Marketing Podcast is a valuable resource for any restaurant or bar owner looking to improve their SEO, reputation management, and overall marketing strategy. Erik provides actionable tips, expert insights, and proven strategies that can help boost online visibility, increase foot traffic, and drive revenue.

If you want to stay ahead of the competition and implement successful marketing strategies, Erik’s podcast is essential listening. Whether you’re looking to enhance your digital presence, manage customer reviews, or optimize your local SEO, Restaurant & Bar Marketing Podcast will provide the tools you need for success.

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