Why GMB (GBP) Traffic Drops: Causes & Solutions for Restaurants

A decrease in Google My Business (GMB) traffic for a restaurant can be attributed to various factors. GMB traffic refers to the number of people viewing or interacting with a restaurant’s listing on Google. Here are some potential reasons for a decline in GMB traffic:

1. Seasonal Variation: Restaurants often experience fluctuations in traffic based on seasons. For example, there may be fewer customers during the summer months if the restaurant specializes in hot, heavy meals.
2. COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic has significantly impacted the restaurant industry, causing restrictions, lockdowns, and changes in consumer behavior. This could lead to a decrease in restaurant foot traffic and online searches.
3. Competition: An increase in the number of restaurants in the area can lead to more competition for online visibility and customers’ attention, which may reduce GMB traffic.
4. Negative Reviews: Negative reviews on platforms like Google Maps can deter potential customers. Addressing and mitigating these reviews is crucial to maintaining online reputation and traffic.
5. Change in Business Hours: If a restaurant has altered its operating hours, failing to update this information on GMB can lead to confusion and reduced traffic.
6. Inaccurate Information: Incorrect address, phone number, or website links on GMB can cause potential customers to give up on trying to contact or locate the restaurant.
7. Algorithm Changes: Google periodically updates its algorithms, affecting the search results and ranking of businesses. A restaurant’s GMB traffic may decrease if it doesn’t adapt to these changes.
8. SEO Issues: Poor search engine optimization (SEO) practices on the GMB listing or the restaurant’s website can make it less visible to potential customers.
9. Website Issues: A slow or poorly optimized website can frustrate users and lead them to abandon their search for a restaurant.
10. Lack of Updates: Regularly updating GMB with new photos, posts, menu changes, and special offers can help maintain user engagement. A lack of updates may cause users to lose interest.
11. Reputation Management: Failing to actively manage and engage with customer reviews and questions on the GMB profile can lead to a decrease in traffic.
12. Shift in Customer Behavior: Changes in how consumers search for restaurants or make reservations, such as increased use of food delivery apps or social media, can affect GMB traffic.

To address a decline in GMB traffic, it’s essential for a restaurant to monitor its online presence regularly, make necessary updates, engage with customers, and adapt to changing market conditions. Utilizing digital marketing strategies and social media can also help increase visibility and attract more customers.

Elite SEO Company can empower local businesses to stay current with updates and secure a prominent niche ranking, ensuring they remain prominently visible to their valued customers.