We're all familiar with the term "SEO" or search engine optimization.  Since we're in a constantly evolving online world, SEO has evolved into "GEO" which is Generative Engine Optimization.  A fancy word for an AI powered search.  Our guests are already transitioning over to using AI tools like ChatGPT, Google's Gemini or newer platforms like Deepseek to find restaurants. The question is, are we giving them the info they're looking for?? This is a quick run-down on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) for restaurants.

Give the people (and AI) what it wants.

I've been preaching the importance of being found ahead of our competitors online for decades now. The volume of these searches is steadily increasing.  Where they go to perform a search is rapidly shifting.  The classis Google "restaurants near me" search is being replaced with more descriptive and focused searches like "show me sushi restaurants within walking distance of my location with a great happy hour menu and a dog-friendly outdoor patio."

If we don't let these search engines know that we do offer exactly that, we'll be skipped right over like day-old sushi rolls.  So how do we do it?

On-page GEO (code and content inside your website)

It all starts with your website.  Very simple homepage copy is becoming more and more ineffective.  Stop mentioning vague or grandiose statements that don't mean anything like "The coldest beer and best food in the [city name] valley!"  Instead, go into depth and SAY something about what you offer.  "Award-winning sushi served on our temperature controlled outdoor patio with excellent views on the surrounding wilderness of [city name].  Located within walking distance from [local attraction] bring your four-legged friend and stop in to enjoy local favorites including our crowd-pleasing [dish name]."  Now expand on that and use another 200 words or so.

The next step is to apply this same idea to your About Us page.  If you don't have one, create a FAQ page addressing all of the questions a hungry diner in your area might ask. If you need help here, go to  Gemini and ask AI what your questions should be.  Ask it to include sample answers with details so you have something to base your answers off of.  Be thorough and in-depth here.  Avoid one-word answers!

That's the easy part.

AI computers want to make sure we are a trustworthy and reliable source of information.  Make sure all of your local listings are accurate and thorough.

This is the foundational element of both local SEO and GEO. The goal is to make your business information so accurate and consistent across the web that AI models and traditional search engines can't help but see you as an authoritative source.

Off-page GEO (directories other than your website)

• Google Business Profile (GBP): This is the single most important tool. Claim your profile and complete it meticulously. Include your full, consistent Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP). Add hours, a menu, high-quality photos, and business categories. Keep it updated with new specials, events, and holiday hours.
• Other Directories: Ensure your NAP is consistent on other platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook, and niche directories like OpenTable or Untappd. AI models pull information from all of these sources to build their responses.

• Use Schema Markup: This is a technical SEO tactic that provides search engines with structured data about your business. Think of this as a roadmap that we supply search engines. Use schema for your local business, menu, reviews, and events. This makes it much easier for both traditional and generative search engines to understand and display your information.  Schema is a huge help to boost your GEO for restaurants ranking.  This may require a bit of help.  Reach out to me for a full explanation of how this is implemented.
• Build Authority with E-E-A-T: Google's framework of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust is more important than ever. Showcase your expertise by creating content about your food and process. For example, a coffee shop could write about the journey of their beans, or a bar could share a blog post about how to make a classic cocktail.

Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Reviews are a major source of authority and trust signals for both customers and AI models.  I've said this one for decades as well.  It takes a second to say "thank you" to a 5-star reviewer.  And another second to invite them back in.  For the 1-star crowd, apologize and do your best to make it right.  This is a good opportunity to set the record straight for blatantly false reviews.

• Actively Request Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile and other relevant platforms. A simple sign on the table with a QR code linking to your review page is a great way to do this.
• Respond to All Reviews: Whether they are positive or negative, responding shows you care about customer feedback. It also provides more fresh, user-generated content for AI models to draw from. A good response to a negative review can even turn a disgruntled customer into a fan.

Utilize Social Media for Hyper-Local Engagement

Social media is a visual platform that is perfect for a local business.

• Visual Content: Post high-quality, "Instagrammable" photos and videos of your food, drinks, and space. This is essential for a business where the product is a visual experience.
• User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to tag you in their photos. This creates a valuable stream of authentic, free content that also builds community