Most venues already have a Google listing, but few are using it properly. As such, you could be missing out on a steady stream of loyal customers. Thankfully, making sure you are up to scratch and utilising the feature to your advantage only takes a few minutes out of your day.

Local SEO Tips: How to Show Up for ‘Bars Near Me’

More people are deciding where to eat or drink by pulling out their phones and typing ‘bars near me’ or ‘places to eat nearby’, check out our tips on local marketing and SEO for food businesses to make sure you show up in their searches.

Most hospitality businesses already have a website, but having a website and having a website that actively drives bookings are two very different things. With an average of 59% of diners now preferring to book their table online, it’s more important than ever to have an effective website.

5 Things That Make Your Website Disappear from Google

If your bar, café or restaurant website isn’t showing up in Google the way it used to, or never really has, it’s not because you need to understand complicated algorithms. Read 5 things that might mean your business isn’t getting found online and some quick tips to change it.

Your menu is one of your hardest-working tools. It’s often seen before a customer ever steps inside, usually on a phone, often in a hurry, and sometimes while comparing you with three other venues nearby. We break down how to write menu descriptions that really sell to customers.

The 5-Second Test: Does Your Homepage Make People Hungry?

If someone landed on your website and gave it five seconds of attention, would they know what kind of food you serve? Would they click off the website feeling hungrier? We explain how to make those first 5-seconds count and turn a casual browser into a paying customer.

Ask yourself, does your site turn curious browsers into confirmed customer bookings? If it’s not an emphatic yes, these top tips will help you review your current website and make sure that when your website gets found online, you’re also being chosen.

Free Website Audit Template: A Simple Checklist for Hospitality Websites

Use our free website audit template, designed specifically for independent cafés, pubs and restaurants. A clear action plan that will help you review your website from a customer’s point of view and spot the things that most often stop browsers turning into bookings.

When trade slows, many venues also slow their social media activity. However, quieter periods are often when social media is most useful. You don’t need elaborate campaigns or heavy discounts. Small, timely reminders can be enough to turn someone scrolling on their phone into a same-day customer.

How Often Should Your Venue Post on Social Media?

Understand how often your venue should post on social media with practical guidance designed for independent cafés, pubs and restaurants. Learn how to strike the right balance so you stay visible without overwhelming your followers, and build a consistent, manageable posting routine that keeps your business front of mind.

When it comes to social media, you don’t need constant creativity. Every day, your venue is full of shareable moments – from what’s cooking in the kitchen to what your team is recommending. A quick 10-minute content planning session can give you a week or two of post ideas in one go, keeping your social media active without the stress.

Instagram vs TikTok vs Facebook: What Actually Works for Hospitality?

Trying to keep up with every social media platform can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re busy running a hospitality business. The reality is you don’t need to be everywhere to be effective. In this guide, we break down how platforms actually work for cafés, pubs, and restaurants – so you can focus your time where it matters most and reach the customers who count.

Email doesn’t always get as much attention as social media, but for hospitality businesses, it’s often one of the most effective ways to bring people back – especially when it’s used simply. You’re not trying to reach strangers; you’re reminding people who already know you to visit again, which is what makes it so valuable.

How to Collect Guest Data Without Annoying Them

You want to stay in touch with your customers without making the experience feel intrusive or uncomfortable. The key is finding the right balance – asking at the right time, in the right way, and making it clear why it benefits them. When done well, most guests are happy to share their details.

When it comes to building loyalty in hospitality, it’s easy to focus on apps, discounts, and reward schemes. But in reality, customers are far more likely to return because of how a place makes them feel. Creating that connection doesn’t have to cost a thing – often, it’s the small, thoughtful touches that make all the difference, turning one-off visits into lasting habits.