Chef-mate We Can Better - skyscraper - both - 06.23

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt banner - both - 04.23

This Soup Can Do That Mushroom Dijon Chicken - both - skyscraper - 10.03.25

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - banner - both - 07.21

Nestle Minors Slow Simmered Stock - Free Sample - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Nestle Vitality - Build a Refreshing Beverage Program - banner - both - 04.20

Golden Tiger Vegetable Spring Roll - Elevate Dishes with Vibrant Flavor - OE - banner

Sugar Foods - Turn Up the Beets Crispy Beets - banner - both - 05.18

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper with chef - both - 04.23

Simplot Sidewinders - Bendy is Trendy - banner - both - 01.20

Jennie-O Take Burgers Over the Top with Turkey - skyscraper - both - 03.20

Basic American Crispy Craveable Operator banner ad - 12.17

Simplot GoodGrains - banner - both - 01.20

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Cooper Shreds Have Now Arrived - banner - 02.24

Nestle Stouffer White Mac and Cheese - banner - both - 08.18

Skyscraper Ad - MM - Cook - Operator

Entree Redi Wild Alaska Pollock - banner - both - 08.25

Simplot Pineapple Perfected - RoastWorks - banner - both - 08.20

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - skyscraper - both - 04.17

Rich's Plant-Based - Good Things Grow - skyscraper - both - 11.20

Kraft - Bold Flavor, New Home. - skycraper - both - 08.22

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Basic American Shred Competition operator banner ad - 12.17

Rich's Plant-Based - Good Things Grow - banner - both - 11.20

Banner Ad - 4 - PICs - Operator - supersized

Jennie-O No Basic Burger Here - banner - both - 03.20

Nestle Stouffers White Cheddar Mac and Cheese - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Performance Dairy Craveable Flavor and Time Savings - banner - both - 04.24

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Tyson - Bonici - Crave Chorizo - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Banner Ad - 2 - MM - Food calculator - Operator - Supersized

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - We Cook It - Operators Take Credit - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Simplot RoastWorks - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Simply Potatoes Low Sodium Mashed Potatoes - skyscraper - both - 09.23

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Full Case of Bacon No Grease - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Skyscraper Ad - MM -  Beat - Operator

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Style and Substance - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Simplot GoodGrains - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Performance Dairy Extra Melt - banner - both - 04.24

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Dress Your Table for Success - banner - both - 04.18

Seafood is Better - banner - both - 05.21

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Mac Pizza - banner - both - 04.19

A Family of Fine Cheeses - skyscraper - both - 08.22

This Soup Can Do That Tomato Chicken Tinga and Ratatouille - both - banner - 10.03.25

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt banner with chef - both - 04.23

Nestle Minors Slow-Simmered Stock - Free Sample - banner - both - 02.20

This Soup Can Do That Cream of Chicken Garlic Parm Chicken - both - banner - 10.03.25

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - banner - both - 04.17

Banner Ad - 3 - OE - Operator - supersized

Shrimp that Brings the Big Picture - skyscraper - both - 11.22

Jennie-O Premium Turkey Breast Products - Turkey that Turns Up the Quality - banner - both - 02.20

Ambrosia Chocolate - banner - both - 03.23

La Ranchera Birria Base - both - 09.24

Reel in Greater Appeal - skyscraper - both - 10.22

Rich's Plant Based Cooking Creme - banner - both - 02.18

Hormel - Fontanini - Handcrafted Family Recipes - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Dixie Ultra Surface Systems - skyscraper - both - 02.23

Performance Dairy Convenience and Consistency - banner - both - 04.24

Cargill - Truvia Serve America's Best-Selling Stevia Sweetener - skyscraper - both - 03.19

Nestle Vitality - Build a Refreshing Beverage Program - both - skyscraper - 04.20

General Mills - Gluten Free Options - banner - both - 03.18

Sugar Food Traina California Dried Fruits - banner - OE - 10.19

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - banner - both - 03.23

Nestle - Every Season is Pumpkin Season - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Grab 'n Go! Anytime. Every Time - banner - both - 07.23

Essity - Clean Dry Hands - banner - OE - 03.17

Nestle Stouffer's Comfort Foods Beyond Compare - video - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Sugar Foods - Turn Up the Beets Crispy Beets - skyscraper - both - 05.18

Check Out the Major Products Product Guide - skyscraper - OE - 03.22

Hormel - Fontanini - Handcrafted Meats - Unparalleled Flavor - banner - both - 02.20

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - Don't Labor Over Great Chicken - banner - both - 02.20

Wild Alaska Salmon Burgers - banner - both - 04.25

McCain - Tactical Takeout Webinar - skyscraper - both - 05.20

Savor the Experience - OE - skyscraper - 09.29 - 12.28.25

Sugar Foods - Add Savory Beet Notes Crispy Beets banner - both - 05.18

Deliver Flavor and Value with Galbani Mozzarella - skyscraper - both - 07.22

Simplot RoastWorks - banner - both - 01.20

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - skyscraper - both - 04.19

Wild Alaska Keta Salmon - skyscraper - both - 08.25

Find Fresh Inspiration - skyscraper - both - 08.22

Simplot - Delivery Solved - Conquest Fries - skyscraper - both - 08.20

Certified Cage-Free Egg Bites - Portable, Protein-Packed Breakfast - banner - both - 09.23

Simplot - Pineapple Perfected - RoastWorks - skyscraper - both - 08.20

Savor the Experience - OE - banner - 09.29 - 12.28.25

Ready to Eat Frozen Vegetables - banner - both - 03.23

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Mac Pizza - skyscraper - both - 04.19

Sugar Foods - Add Savory Beet Notes Crispy Beets skyscraper - both - 05.18

Empress 5-Compartment School Food Tray - 05.22

This Soup Can Do That Chicken Noodle - both - skyscraper - 10.03.25

Sugar Foods ecoStick Dispensers Beverage Station - skyscraper - both -10.16

Butterball - Quality, Versatility, and Consistency - banner - both - 07.19

Nestle - Hot Cocoa Bulk and Single-Serve Packets - skyscraper - both - 09.21

Catch of the Season - banner - both - 07.22

Entree Redi Wild Alaska Pollock - skyscraper - both - 08.25

Performance Dairy Clarified Butter - banner - both - 04.24

Sugar Foods Deliver It Better - banner - both - 04.20

Wild Alaska Salmon Burger - skyscraper - both - 04.25

Dixie Ultra Surface Systems - banner - both - 02.23

Catch of the Season - skyscraper - both - 07.22

The rise of Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) has inspired a wave of SEO experimentation. While some misused AI to create low-quality, algorithm-manipulating content, it ultimately encouraged the industry to adopt more strategic content marketing, focusing on new ideas and real value.
Now, as AI search algorithm introductions and changes stabilize, quality, trust, and real audience value are back at the forefront, leaving you to wonder what exactly is on the horizon for gaining visibility in SERPs in 2026.
In this year&rsquo;s SEO Trends 2026, we&rsquo;ve compiled expert advice and predictions on:
<ul>
<li>How to build SEO strategies that outlast algorithm turbulence</li>
<li>Why AI content quality, not quantity, now determines ranking success</li>
<li>The new rules for gaining visibility in a zero-click search environment</li>
<li>How to create audience-first content that earns trust and conversions</li>
</ul>
As we enter 2026, the search world may appear vastly different, yet these genuine, strategic areas of SEO are revitalized and thriving once again.
Our experts have plenty to say about what real, experience-driven SEO looks like in 2026, plus which opportunities you should seize in the year ahead.
Start planning your SEO strategy now.
Access your copy of SEO Trends 2026&nbsp;<a title="Marketing_and_Social_Media_SEO_Trends_Playbook" href="https://greatmenusstarthere.com/uploads/files/Marketing_and_Social_Media_SEO_Trends_Playbook.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> and discover what your key to SERP visibility right now.
Source: <a href="https://www.searchenginejournal.com/seo-trends/" target="_blank">Search Engine Journal</a>
Editor&rsquo;s Note: This article is for informational purposes only, and no endorsement of any vendor(s) should be inferred.

Great news, SEO practitioners: SEO isn’t dying. Bad content is.

SEO Trends 2026

In today's digital age, it&rsquo;s not enough to just have a great menu, location, and service. To truly stand out, your restaurant needs a strong online presence.
And we&rsquo;re not talking about just having a website and social media page. We&rsquo;re talking about making them work together, creating a beautiful symphony between your restaurant website and social media that brings in more customers through both channels.
Why This Matters for Your Brand and SEO
You might be thinking, "Do I really need to fuss with both?"
The answer is a resounding YES! Here's why:
Branding
Your website is your digital storefront. It offers a comprehensive look at your brand, your story, your full menu, and your unique vibe.
Social media, on the other hand, is your dynamic, interactive billboard. It's where you engage with customers, showcase daily specials, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, and let your personality shine.
When your restaurant website and social media work together, they reinforce your brand identity, making it more memorable and cohesive. Imagine seeing a mouth-watering dish on Instagram, then clicking through to a website that perfectly captures the same ambiance. That's brand synergy!
SEO 
Search engine optimization (SEO) is all about making it easy for people to find you when they're searching online. Your website is the core of your SEO strategy, with all your essential information like location, hours, and menu items. But your restaurant social media strategy plays a crucial supporting role.
When people share your content, click through to your website from social posts, or even mention your restaurant in their own social posts, it sends signals to search engines that your business is active and relevant. This can boost your search rankings, meaning more hungry customers will find you when they're searching for "restaurants near me" or "best pizza in town."
Doing It Yourself: A Recipe for Success for Small Restaurants
The good news is, you don't need a massive marketing budget to create synergy between your restaurant website and social media profiles. With a little bit of planning, even small operators can knock this out on their own.
Start by making sure you have consistent branding across all platforms. This is your foundation. Use the same high-quality photos, logos, fonts, and color schemes on both your restaurant website and social media profiles.
If your restaurant has a rustic, farm-to-table vibe, that should come across in both your website and your Instagram. This creates a seamless experience for your customers and strengthens your brand identity.
Cross-Promotion 
Don't be shy about sending traffic back and forth between your restaurant website and social media pages!
<ul>
<li>From social to website:&nbsp;Always include a link to your website in your social media bios. When you post about a new menu item, a special event, or reservation availability, make sure to add a clear call to action like "Learn more on our website!" or "Book your table now!" with a direct link. Instagram's "Link in Bio" is your best friend here.</li>
<li>From website to social:&nbsp;Embed social media widgets on your website so visitors can easily find your accounts to see your latest posts and follow you. Add social media icons that link directly to your profiles. Consider a pop-up or banner on your website inviting visitors to follow you on their favorite platforms for daily specials or behind-the-scenes fun.</li>
</ul>
Content That Connects
Think about your content strategy with both your restaurant website and social media outlets in mind.
<ul>
<li>Website as your hub:&nbsp;Your website is where you present content that remains the same for long periods, such as your full menu, your story, FAQs, and high-quality photos of your space and dishes.</li>
<li>Social media as your storyteller:&nbsp;Use social media to present &ldquo;breaking news.&rdquo; Share daily specials, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of your kitchen, spotlight staff members, feature some of your regular customers enjoying themselves at happy hour (with their permission!), and pose engaging questions to your community. You can then link back to your website for more details on things like catering menus or private event bookings.</li>
</ul>
More Helpful Restaurant Social Media Strategy Tips
Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)
Encourage your customers to tag you in their social media posts. When they do, share their photos and stories on your social media. You may even want to consider creating a "Fan Favorites" section on your website where you feature some of the best user-generated content (UGC). This not only provides fresh content but also builds community and trust.
Simplified Online Ordering and Reservations
If you offer online ordering or reservations, make sure these links are prominently displayed on both your restaurant website and social media profiles. The fewer clicks it takes for a customer to order their favorite dish or book a table, the better.
Google My Business (GMB) Integration
While not strictly website or social media, your Google My Business (GMB) profile is critical for local SEO. Make sure your restaurant website and social media links are always up-to-date on your GMB profile. This helps connect all the dots for search engines and customers.
When You Need a Helping Hand: Companies That Can Assist
While you can definitely do a lot on your own, sometimes it's helpful to get a little extra support. Several companies offer services that can streamline your online presence:
<ul>
<li>POS providers:&nbsp;Many modern <a href="https://backofhouse.io/pos-systems" target="_blank">point of sale (POS) systems</a> like <a href="https://backofhouse.io/vendors/toast" target="_blank">Toast</a>, <a href="https://backofhouse.io/vendors/square" target="_blank">Square</a>, and <a href="https://www.clover.com/deals/restaurant/?vn=product&amp;ckmid=103417&amp;traffsrc=brand&amp;a=144&amp;ocid=1024570&amp;agid=169448094407&amp;subid=2139530925.2139530925.1864840651&amp;s1=2139530925.2139530925.1864840651&amp;cpid=116352&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwmK_CBhCEARIsAMKwcD7oVLHvjr-lUCJixACNcNXJ2FtxRTMXHUP8JS400yGWZIiWnUxAcM0aAjyJEALw_wcB&amp;device=c&amp;cookiereset=1&amp;c=114008&amp;s3=p.g.755912633673&amp;s4=c&amp;s6=9192625&amp;s7=brand&amp;ls=g&amp;s20=116352&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21563477468" target="_blank">Clover</a> offer integrated website building tools, online ordering, and even marketing features that can help you manage your online presence more efficiently and effectively.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">Squarespace</a>&nbsp;&amp; <a href="https://backofhouse.io/marketplace#/2467182" target="_blank">Wix</a>: These <a href="https://backofhouse.io/resources/the-best-restaurant-website-builders-for-2025" target="_blank">website builders</a> are fantastic for small businesses because they are user-friendly and often come with built-in features for restaurant website and social media integration, online ordering (through integrations), and SEO tools.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.hootsuite.com/" target="_blank">Hootsuite</a>&nbsp;&amp; <a href="https://buffer.com/" target="_blank">Buffer</a>: If managing multiple social media accounts feels overwhelming, <a href="https://backofhouse.io/resources/social-media-for-restaurants-6-tools-for-success" target="_blank">social media management tools</a> like Hootsuite and Buffer allow you to schedule posts, monitor mentions, and analyze your performance across various platforms from a single dashboard.</li>
<li>Local Marketing Agencies:&nbsp;Many local marketing agencies specialize in helping small businesses with their online presence, including website design, SEO, and restaurant social media strategy. A quick search for "restaurant marketing agency [your city]" can help you find local experts. If you&rsquo;re in a small town, you may be able to find a student or other aspiring marketer to help; ask on your community Facebook page.</li>
</ul>
By putting in a little effort to synergize your restaurant website and social media, you're not just creating an online presence; you're building a thriving digital ecosystem for your restaurant. So go ahead &mdash; harmonize those platforms and watch your customer base grow!
Source: Dan Durkin, <a href="https://greatmenusstarthere.com/Editor&rsquo;s%20Note:%20This%20article%20is%20for%20informational%20purposes%20only,%20and%20no%20endorsement%20of%20any%20vendor(s)%20should%20be%20inferred." target="_blank">Back of House</a>

In today's digital age, it’s not enough to just have a great menu, location, and service. To truly stand out, your restaurant needs a strong online presence.

Create Synergy Between Your Restaurant Website and Social Media Accounts

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SEO Trends 2026

Create Synergy Between Your Restaurant Website and Social Media Accounts