Do you operate in the food sector and want to attract more customers to your establishment or generate more orders online or by phone? You need to take care of your e-reputation, your visibility on the Internet, and in particular the reviews published on your Google Business Profile (e.g. Google My Business). Such (positive) reviews are an essential source of information for consumers, and have a major impact on their purchasing or ordering decisions.
We explain this in video, otherwise the text is just after ...
Summary and contents of the page
How can caterers exist and be visible on the Internet?
When Internet users type in words related to your catering business (generally caterer + town), the Google search engine shows them the caterers with the best local listings. If you want to exist on the Internet, you need to optimize your company's SEO to gain maximum visibility. It's a good idea to create a google my business page to boost your visibility, sales and brand awareness.
Google My Business appears to be a free web tool (unlike paid Google ads) that helps to improve your Google ranking in geographically targeted searches. Your Google business listing is therefore highly visible (if you follow our method) when a potential customer searches for a caterer in a given area. This is also where customer reviews will encourage future customers to work with you. So you need collection methods and scenarios for past and present customers to attract future ones.
What's more, with a google my business listing created, customers have access to directions to your outlet via Google Maps (which is now integrated into most cars). This solution is therefore a perfect tool for all local businesses, especially caterers.
Last but not least, we'd like to add a little graphic flair to your listing: your business listing should include photos of your achievements and successful services, so that your business listing becomes a real online brochure.
What do a caterer's customers look for on the Internet or in Google?
In a sector such as catering or event management, customers can discover a provider or service through tastings. This can also be done through advertising, not forgetting the classic word-of-mouth channel. However, the vast majority of your future customers will come to you via search engines such as Google (95% market share in France) or Bing (the remaining 5% of crumbs).
As a result, visitors to your Google listing or website can be converted into customers more easily than you might think. Your customer expects your site to be active, responsive, attractive and pleasant. One of the best ways to do this is to use a free quotation form, with enough questions to show the maturity and seriousness of the customer. And even without a website, it's possible to do this with Google My Business and free Google tools.
On this point, your google business profile (the new name for Google My Busisess) must be able to provide consumers with information on the company's activity, location and opening hours. It must be populated with informative, high-quality content. Your google profile should also offer customers the possibility of interacting by leaving opinions and questions. It should also facilitate direct contact with your company.
What kind of problems could affect a caterer and its Google My Business rating?
- Food poisoning linked to a poorly preserved product.
- Presence of undeclared ingredients.
- Delay or error in orders for important events.
- Quality of dishes lower than promised.
- Just take another look at"le sens de la fête" to get more ideas for problems ;-)
Why are online reputation and e-reputation important for caterers?
In the online market for services, the caterer, like many other professionals, has an interest in nurturing its digital reputation. The almost universal use of digital devices has made the web a key sales space, and therefore one of the first points of entry for customers. The Internet has conquered every sector, and there are still few brands without a digital presence. That's why it's so important for a caterer to have a web presence, as online ordering and purchasing is becoming a very common practice.
Moreover, consumers are increasingly inclined to check the opinions of others about a product or service before purchasing it. A poorly managed e-reputation on the web can be the source of major financial losses and eventual bankruptcy. An investment to grow and work only with the best (customers or service providers).
Are you looking to optimise your Google listing? To get real and good customer reviews?
Discover the simple method that will allow you to always be first and ahead of your local competitors in Google My Business
