Positive restaurant reviews: how to use and improve them

Google, Facebook, Instagram, TripAdvisor, forums.—your restaurant is always up for discussion amongst past and potential customers. Good restaurant reviews have the means to create a good buzz for your business. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of user reviews. 

A positive review left on one of these platforms is feedback from a satisfied customer. They may comment on the quality of your menu, the general atmosphere of the restaurant or even a nice interaction with a member of the team. Most customers search for their next restaurant using these platforms and the positive reviews left by previous customers. It's a way of rewarding the service you provide, but also of reassuring future customers by giving them the green light to try out your establishment. 

If your customers have an exceptional experience in your restaurant, they won't hesitate to let the whole world know about it. It’s reviews like these that can be the key to getting your restaurant off the ground. 

How can I get positive feedback?

The answer might be obvious—offer your customers a top-notch service to keep them happy—but it goes further than that. A satisfied customer is a customer who will return to your restaurant perhaps once, perhaps every day, but that doesn't mean they'll leave you a positive review. If you want to encourage a customer to leave a good review, there are some steps you can take to up your chances. 

You can ask your customers directly to leave you a review on the platform of your choice, for example, or you can use the positive reviews you've already received to attract others. Here's how it works:

Using positive reviews to benefit your business

Have you just received a positive review on Google? Congratulations! Now take a deeper look into the review. Is it reliable? Is it the opinion of a real customer? Can you link this review to the customer in question? The waiter who dealt with it? Decipher all the aspects of these reviews to get the best out of them and identify the relevant reviews from those that could be detrimental to you. 

The more positive reviews you have, the better your e-reputation (the way your brand is viewed on the web by the public) will be, and the better you will be referenced online.

Having these existing reviews attached to your restaurant name across several platforms will create a strong first impression for your restaurant, giving you even more credibility. 

The same goes for reviews received on specialist platforms such as TripAdvisor or Yelp. Any rating you receive is useful for your restaurant. Once you've made your analysis, it's important to respond to these reviews to keep up momentum. It's a way of showing that you're available and, above all, listening. There is no perfect answer—be natural! Thank your customer or let them know that you enjoyed their visit, but above all, add a personal touch that reflects your establishment. 

How do reviews on social networks work?

Social networks have become valuable platforms for developing your business. On the one hand, they allow you to give your business visibility, but they are also platforms for direct exchanges with your customers. 

Today, social networks play a huge role in our daily lives. A customer who wants to share the experience they had in your restaurant will do so in the blink of an eye on social networks: blogs, stories, comments, ratings—all different ways of getting your business out there. 

In the same way as Google reviews, comments or mentions made about you deserve your attention. A personalised response is always welcome. Don't hesitate to be responsive whenever you can. You could, for example, assign community management to someone in your team who is more familiar or comfortable with using social networks. This person can take time to respond to comments, moderate them and create a closer link with your customers. Showing your presence on social networks, both in managing your account and in your relationship with your subscribers, will help you get the most out of them for your business. 

The more 'relaxed' side of social networks even allows you to adopt a slightly friendlier approach, but this depends on the nature of your business. Don't hesitate to repost photos taken by your customers, of places or dishes; this will create a special relationship with your customers, who will feel valued.

Food influencers: how can you use them to promote your restaurant? 

Influencers are everywhere these days, but what exactly do they do? Simply put, they influence. They can also influence a huge boost for your business. In a way, they are opinion formers who will influence people's consumption habits for marketing purposes. In the foodsphere, they play a vital role. They will set trends by influencing the latest trendy restaurants, the most unusual bars to go to, the best croissant in town and much more. 

An influencer who appreciates the atmosphere of your restaurant or a dessert won't hesitate to spread the word. They'll post a positive message on Facebook, for example, or a story about their dish on Instagram. This will give you a significant advantage, with great visibility for your business.

One positive comment can make your business shine. Whether it's a Google review, social networks or forums, a positive review is a link you can establish with your customers that extends beyond the door of your restaurant. You gain in credibility and visibility, giving your business a great advantage!