The restaurant business revolves around customer interest and customer satisfaction. Nothing boosts a business more than positive reviews and recommendations from customers; this is especially true when it comes to the restaurant business. Restaurants are fueled by the public’s perception of their quality of food, style, and atmosphere. In a world where everyone uses technology to reach all the information available through the internet, positive online reviews are extremely helpful for restaurants. These online reviews not only boost a restaurant’s reputation, but also help restaurant owners, chefs, and management understand what they are doing well and what they can improve upon. Restaurants should not only ask their customers for online reviews, but they should monitor their reviews to make sure they are providing the best service and quality they possibly can.

One of the absolute best reasons to ask satisfied customers for their feedback is that happy customers rarely feel compelled to write a review on their own. On the other hand, angry or dissatisfied customers often take it upon themselves, with no persuasion at all, to write a negative online review. When people are angry, they want to vent and they want to make their opinions heard. Content customers will be satisfied by simply leaving a decent tip for the wait staff and going home. However, with a little encouragement a happy customer will gladly write a glowing review of a restaurant that will encourage others to visit.

Not all reviews are going to be affirmations of a restaurant’s impeccable hospitality and immaculate quality. Sometimes reviews are going to be negative; sometimes they will just fall into the neutral category. This is why restaurants need to monitor their reviews closely. By responding to or, at the very least, addressing the concerns or complaints of a negative or neutral review, a restaurant can improve their service. When this happens, customers will notice. Customers know that restaurants won’t be perfect all the time. However, restaurants that monitor their reviews and use them to improve the character of their work will see their business improve.

The best way to generate new business is to get customers to advertise to their friends, family, and neighbors. People are far more likely to try a new restaurant if someone they know and trust recommends it. Earning the respect and affirmation of customers is what a restaurant should be trying to do regardless of reviews. However, asking for online reviews and monitoring reviews as they are submitted allows restaurants to enhance and polish their services. In turn, this influences customers to recommend a restaurant to their circles.

One of the first things a potential customer will do before they choose a place to eat is ask for or seek out recommendations. The easiest place to turn is to online services like Yelp. People want to know what others are saying about the restaurants nearby. How is the food? What is the atmosphere like? What do people who eat there like about it? When these questions get answered, the restaurant is abundantly more likely to receive the business of a potential customer. When a restaurant is able to attract new customers and impress them, those new customers are likely to post online reviews or give suggestions of their own. They are also likely to visit that particular restaurant again.

Online reviews allow people who had no previous knowledge of a restaurant to find and enjoy their service. This means that a restaurant’s circle of influence will be able to expand to new customers faster and more efficiently. Online reviews are an integral part of the restaurant business and by asking customers to write about their experience and monitoring what they say, restaurants can improve their service and expand their business.