In case you didn’t know, ghost kitchens became integrated into the US economy because of several trends. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is seen as the major driving force behind the widespread growth of the ghost kitchen market.
This trend of setting up ghost kitchens can be seen in many parts of the US, including New York. New York City alone has over a hundred ghost kitchens. Now, if you’re setting up a ghost kitchen of your own, get ready for the stiff competition you’re about to head into.
Here’s the question though: how do you get noticed by New Yorkers – some of the busiest people who are always in a rush? These people already have plenty of ghost kitchens, dine-in, and delivery options available around them. If that’s the case, how do you get them to notice your ghost kitchen and order from you?
You guessed it: SEO, or search engine optimization, is what your ghost kitchen needs to become popular amongst New Yorkers. Also, you can’t just do with any SEO. You need a localized SEO strategy tailored to New York’s vibrant, fast-paced environment. Let’s see how.
Why Local SEO is Essential for Your New York Ghost Kitchen
According to Miklos Roth, local SEO is a must if your business heavily relies on local customers. This checks out in the case of your NY-based ghost kitchen; it is catering mostly, if not only, to New Yorkers. Think of local SEO as the sauce that ties all your ingredients together. Without it, your ghost kitchen could get lost in the massive sea of New York restaurants, pop-ups, and food trucks.
When people in New York City are looking for takeout or delivery, they aren’t searching for food in general. They’re searching for something nearby that can get to them fast.
Optimizing your site for local SEO in New York ensures that you pop up in those crucial “near me” searches or map results. Showing up in such search results, that too at the top, is absolutely essential in a bustling metropolis like New York.
The Power of Keyword Research
You’ve got to figure out what New Yorkers are typing into Google when hunger strikes. Sure, you can start with the obvious, like “best takeout in New York” or “New York food delivery”. However, there’s a whole lot more you can do in terms of working out localized NY-based keywords.
The trick is to hone in on hyper-local keywords. Your New York-based SEO strategy should include long-tail keywords like “best tacos delivery in Brooklyn” or “vegan food around NYC.” These specific search terms help narrow down your audience and increase your chances of showing up in searches.
However, getting these keywords right is easier said than done. Partnering with an AI SEO Agency in New York is your best bet because such agencies use data-driven techniques for better results. Moreover, outsourcing is always better than hiring an in-house team when you run a small-scale business. You have experts doing the SEO heavy lifting without spending a fortune.
Creating Localized Content That Speaks New York
Now that you’ve got your keywords, it’s time to sprinkle them throughout your website content like a seasoned chef. However, here’s the twist: your content needs to resonate with New Yorkers specifically. That means using the right slang, referencing local landmarks, and crafting content that fits the fast-paced lifestyle of the city.
Let’s say you specialize in Italian food. Instead of a generic blog post titled “Why Everyone Loves Pizza,” write, “Why New Yorkers Will Always Choose a Slice Over a Pie.” After all, NY is famous for its $1 pizza slices.
Building Citations and Getting Those Coveted Reviews, Ideally from New York Locals
New Yorkers trust their fellow residents, so building up local citations and reviews is another crucial element of your SEO in New York.
The more places your ghost kitchen’s name and information appear online, the more credible you seem to search engines. This can be accomplished by listing your business in local directories, food blogs, or review sites like Yelp.
Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google or Instagram profile or food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. Positive reviews boost your SEO ranking and make your ghost kitchen more appealing to potential customers.
Cooking Up a Storm Across New York with Local SEO
In the vibrant, fast-moving food scene of New York City, SEO is more than just a tool: it’s your lifeline to staying competitive.
With the right NY-based SEO strategy, keyword research, and localized content, you can ensure that your ghost kitchen is top-of-mind for hungry New Yorkers. If needed, partner with a local New York SEO agency to handle all this. You can even roll up your sleeves and tackle the SEO part yourself.
Either way, don’t skimp on local SEO. After all, in a city like New York, visibility is everything, and your ghost kitchen deserves to shine.
