1min
Picture a couple strolling through rainy London, their umbrellas battered by gusty wind. They’re hungry and keen to find a cozy restaurant nearby. One quick search for “best local restaurants” reveals a list of eateries, star ratings, and customer feedback right at the top of their Google results. Where do they go next? Likely the place with a stack of great reviews, an appealing menu, and a friendly vibe. That’s the power of Google reviews.
According to a 2023 report by Podium, 93% of consumers say online reviews influence their purchasing decisions. In the UK, where dining culture is a lively mix of traditional pubs, trendy bistros, and global fare, standing out in local search results is essential. Potential diners trust those little gold stars on Google because they provide immediate social proof: real people sharing their experiences about your establishment.
If you’re running a restaurant, consider your reviews the modern equivalent of word-of-mouth—just digitised and on full display for every hungry browser. Now, let’s explore how to gather more positive feedback and, in turn, boost your credibility, footfall, and revenue.
You could have the flashiest Google Business listing in the UK, but if your actual dining experience is underwhelming, your reviews will show it. Before you push customers to leave feedback, take a hard look at what’s happening on the ground.
Quality service is the foundation of positive reviews. If the experience itself is lacking, no strategy or tool will magically convert disappointed customers into raving fans.
You’d be surprised how many restaurateurs haven’t fully claimed their Google Business listing. This free platform is a direct link between you and your potential customers. If you haven’t already:
Restaurants with a complete profile tend to receive more clicks and calls. Keeping your information accurate—and your images appealing—lays the groundwork for attracting positive reviews from day one.
We all know that satisfied customers often say they’ll leave a review, but never get around to it. Life happens. The secret is to prompt them at just the right time—when the meal is fresh in their mind and they’re still basking in the afterglow of good service.
Timing matters. If someone’s just had a delightful meal, that’s the moment they’re most likely to act. Make sure your prompt is friendly, genuine, and never pushy.
No one wants to fiddle around on their phone searching for the right spot to leave a review. Eliminate this friction by making the review process as straightforward as possible. That’s where sunday can help.
Imagine this: Your diner receives the bill, scans a QR code powered by sunday, pays in seconds, and sees a quick prompt that reads “Love your meal? Share your thoughts on Google!” Right there, a link whisks them away to your Google Business listing. It’s seamless, quick, and user-friendly. The result? A higher chance of them leaving a glowing review and even adding a tip for your staff if they wish.
Technology should serve as a helpful sous-chef in your quest for more positive reviews, not as a barrier. Make it convenient, and your customers are more likely to follow through.
A diner in Edinburgh might rave about your locally sourced haggis. A tourist in Brighton could be smitten by your fresh seafood catch. Each person’s positive experience is rooted in how personally you cater to them.
When diners feel special, they’re more likely to gush about it online. That personal touch can be the difference between a three-star “It was okay” review and a five-star “You must try this place!” testimonial.
Don’t just collect reviews—engage with them. Replying to every review, whether positive or negative, demonstrates that you value feedback. According to BrightLocal, 97% of consumers read businesses’ responses to reviews. So keep these tips in mind:
This open communication demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement. New customers see that you care about every diner’s experience, not just the shining five-star reviews.
User-generated content (UGC) is essentially free publicity. When diners share pictures of your mouth-watering plates, it not only enriches your restaurant’s Google listing but also adds authenticity. Consider these approaches:
These snapshots can lead to short captions or updates that turn into glowing reviews. It’s organic marketing at its best—straight from your customers’ cameras and keyboards.
Sometimes, a bit of structured promotion helps gather fresh feedback. You don’t want to spam or harass your guests, but a well-planned campaign can work wonders:
Balance is essential. Encouraging reviews shouldn’t feel like arm-twisting. Keep it optional, light-hearted, and respectful of your customers’ comfort zones.
Just like you’d check the freshness of your produce, you should monitor the health of your online reviews. Keeping tabs helps you make quick course corrections and spot recurring issues early:
Consistent monitoring lets you identify patterns. Whether it’s a star dish everyone loves or a persistent hiccup in your service, data from reviews offers invaluable insights for improvement.
Don’t let your best reviews hide on Google alone. Share them widely:
This cross-pollination not only celebrates your loyal patrons but also encourages new diners to head over to Google and share their own experiences.
Sometimes, complaints happen. That’s part of the restaurant business. But how you handle them on-site can make a big difference online. Train your team to address issues promptly and politely:
Resolving a complaint on the spot often prevents negative reviews from ever surfacing. In some cases, you might even turn a disgruntled diner into a loyal ambassador for your brand.
In the ultra-competitive UK dining scene, a stellar Google rating isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s a powerful way to stand out to potential customers. Many people rely on quick searches for their next bite—so why not be the restaurant with an abundance of positive feedback?
From ensuring high-quality service to responding to every review, each step outlined here helps you cultivate a warm rapport with your guests. When you add technology like sunday into the mix, you simplify the customer journey: scanning a QR code to pay, dropping a quick review, and even leaving a tip becomes effortless.
By focusing on genuine interaction, quick responses, and an efficient, technology-friendly approach, your restaurant can attract, satisfy, and retain customers who cheer about your brand online. After all, those glowing stars on Google aren’t just pixels on a screen; they represent real stories from real people about the meals and moments you create.
Ready to transform your dining room into the talk of the town—both offline and on Google? Start with these simple steps, keep at it, and watch as the positive feedback rolls in. Bon appétit, and happy reviewing!
Drop us your details below and we’ll reach out within the next 24
Say goodbye to bad ratings and hello to 5*s. Get to know your customers with our integrated rating & review feature, which allows you to get more reviews, better ratings and more visibility online.
