Running a restaurant in India today? Then you know Zomato and Swiggy are your best friends. But here’s the catch – if your restaurant isn’t easy to find, you’re losing customers to the competition. So, how do you climb to the top of search results and make sure hungry customers spot you first? Let’s break it down in simple steps!
- Use the right keywords in your profile
Think about how YOU search for food. You probably type “Best biryani near me” or “Pizza delivery in Mumbai.” Your potential customers do the same!
Tips:
- In your restaurant description, use relevant keywords like “best Chinese in Delhi” or “veg biryani delivery.”
- List specialties like “Hand-tossed pizzas” or “North Indian thali” clearly.
- Add keywords to menu items as well (e.g., “Paneer Butter Masala – Authentic Punjabi Taste”).
Example:
A café in Bangalore increased online orders by 30% after adding keywords like “coffee and dessert near MG Road” in their Zomato bio.
- High-quality photos of food and ambiance
People eat with their eyes first! Clear, mouth-watering photos can boost orders significantly.
Tips:
- Upload at least 6-10 high-resolution images of your best dishes.
- Showcase the restaurant’s interior, packaging (for delivery), and even happy customers.
- Keep updating photos regularly to keep the profile fresh.
Example:
Restaurants with high-quality images see 35% more orders than those with poor or no images (source: Zomato Data, 2023).
- Get more positive reviews and ratings
Good reviews = Better visibility. A restaurant with 4.5 stars will always show up before a 3-star one.
Tips:
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews after dining or delivery.
- Respond to reviews, both good and bad, politely. Engagement increases trust.
- Offer small discounts (5-10%) in exchange for reviews.
Example:
A Mumbai-based restaurant improved its search ranking by 20% by increasing its rating from 3.8 to 4.5 within 6 months. They simply began requesting feedback from loyal customers.
- Run regular promotions and offers
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Promotions make your restaurant stand out on Zomato and Swiggy’s homepage.
Tips:
- Offer discounts on slow weekdays (e.g., ₹100 off on orders above ₹500 every Tuesday).
- Create limited time offers during festivals or cricket matches.
- Bundle deals like “Buy 1 Get 1” or “Family Meals” drive traffic.
Example:
A Hyderabad-based biryani chain saw a 50% spike in orders after running a 2-week biryani festival promo.
- Optimize your delivery radius
The bigger the delivery area, the more customers you can reach.
Tips:
- Expand delivery zones, especially during peak hours.
- Offer free delivery within a smaller radius to attract local customers.
- Use Zomato’s Gold/Pro or Swiggy’s Super programs for extra reach.
Example:
A small pizza outlet in Chennai doubled its daily orders by expanding its delivery radius from 3 km to 6 km.
- Update your menu regularly
An updated menu not only looks professional but also improves your searchability.
Tips:
- Add seasonal specials or limited-time dishes.
- Highlight bestsellers and combos.
- Use phrases like “new” or “popular” next to trending dishes.
Example:
A Delhi cafe’s visibility increased by 25% after introducing a new winter menu with hot chocolate and momos.
- Use sponsored listings
If budget allows, sponsored ads push your restaurant to the top of searches.
Tips:
- Target weekends or festival seasons when orders are high.
- Choose popular categories like “Pizza” or “Biryani” for promotions.
- Track ROI to ensure you’re getting value for money.
Example:
A new sushi bar in Pune gained 200% more visibility by investing ₹5,000/month in Zomato sponsored ads.
- Partner with food bloggers and influencers
Word-of-mouth still works wonders! Food influencers have huge followings that you can tap into.
Tips:
- Invite local food bloggers for a free meal in exchange for a review.
- Collaborate on Instagram and YouTube for better visibility.
- Use hashtags like #ZomatoIndia or #SwiggyIndia to boost online presence.
Example:
A Jaipur restaurant got featured on Instagram by a top food blogger and saw 1,000 new followers within 3 days.
Final thoughts
Making your restaurant more searchable on Zomato and Swiggy doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right mix of keywords, photos, reviews, and promotions, you can boost visibility and drive more orders. The competition is fierce, but with these simple steps, you’ll stay ahead in the game.
So, what are you waiting for? Start optimizing today and watch the orders roll in!