Erik Shellenberger shares expert tips on structuring menus online to attract more customers. Discover the pros and cons of PDF, live text, and image-based menus, and understand the importance of alt tags, meta descriptions, and search-friendly formatting. Whether you use WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix, this guide will help you boost your website's performance.

In this insightful episode of the Restaurant and Bar Marketing Podcast, Erik Shellenberger dives deep into how customers will search for restaurants and bars in the future. Using ChatGPT, Erik explores evolving trends such as voice-activated AI searches, influencer-driven recommendations, advanced personalization, and even augmented reality experiences.

Learn how AI will revolutionize how diners find their next favorite spot—shifting from generic searches like 'restaurants near me' to hyper-specific queries such as 'find a rooftop bar with live music' or 'vegan sushi near downtown.' Erik also discusses the growing importance of online reviews, personalized AI recommendations, and the role of social platforms like TikTok and Instagram in shaping consumer decisions.

Discover the power of future-proofing your online presence with actionable insights, including:

• The significance of accurate listings
• Leveraging influencers as modern word-of-mouth marketing
• Adopting cutting-edge technologies to meet customer expectations

Whether you're a restaurant owner, marketer, or foodie, this episode is packed with tips to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of dining trends.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated with the latest marketing strategies for the restaurant and bar industry!

How does your restaurant website look to Google? Scan your restaurant here in 30 seconds!

The Future of AI Restaurant Searches: How Hungry Customers Will Find You. The Bold New World of Personalized Searches. Erik breaks down how AI-powered searches are revolutionizing how customers discover restaurants and why this shift matters for business visibility.

From Keywords to Conversations AI searches are moving beyond traditional keyword searches like “restaurants near me.” Instead, they’re becoming conversational, mimicking how people ask questions in real life. For example: “Where can I find a dog-friendly brunch spot with outdoor seating nearby?” These searches combine keywords but focus more on the user’s intent, requiring businesses to provide rich, specific information to stay competitive. Importance of Feeding AI the Right Data AI relies on multiple data sources to ensure accuracy.

Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and local directories all play a role. However, AI doesn’t trust one platform—it cross-references data. If your information isn’t consistent or complete across platforms, your restaurant may not appear in search results. To optimize visibility: Answer Google Business Profile attributes: Update parking options, amenities, and dining features regularly. Fill out profiles on all platforms: Consistency is key to AI trust. Use your website as a source: Add detailed copy, including FAQs, to clearly explain what you offer. The Role of Reviews and Ratings AI prioritizes businesses with a high reputation. For searches like “best pizza in West Hollywood,” only businesses with a 4-star Google rating or higher will rank.

Respond to reviews promptly (within 24 hours) to build trust and engagement.

Prepare for Voice and Suggestive Searches Voice commands via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant will dominate.

AI may even suggest options based on past searches, like, “You’ve looked for sushi before; here are top-rated spots nearby.” By optimizing online content and maintaining accurate, consistent data, your business will stay ahead in the AI-driven restaurant search landscape. Adapt now to lead the way! 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Conversational Searches 03:10 Past Searches Affect Suggestions 06:03 Professional Reputation Management 08:43 The Word "Best"