3 Ways AI Can Improve Local Restaurant's Reviews & Reputation

Big chains are tapping into the power of AI to boost profits and enhance customer experience.

McDonald's and IBM teamed up in 2021 to automate their drive-thru service using an AI voice system, addressing labor shortages and reducing wait times.

Starbucks has its own AI platform called Deep Brew, which optimizes store operations, personalizes recommendations, and creates innovative products based on customer preferences.

But AI isn't just for the big players. Here's three ways that you too can leverage its potential, to improve your reviews and elevate your restaurant's reputation.

 

1. Monitor & Consolidate Reviews

You know how time-consuming and exhausting it can be to keep up with reviews from different platforms, right? Well, AI can automatically monitor and aggregate reviews, saving you heaps of time and effort.

But wait, there's more. AI can also give you a consolidated view of all their feedback, highlighting important trends, popular dishes, and recurring issues. Imagine a virtual personal assistant that can sift through reviews and pick out the juicy details for you.

You can make data-driven decisions based on real feedback, which will improve your offerings and overall customer experience. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to 5-star reviews!

Here are some platforms to check out:

  • MonkeyLearn: A super user-friendly tool that can easily be integrated into your existing systems, that helps you quickly understand the sentiment behind customer feedback. Whether it's positive, negative, or neutral, MonkeyLearn breaks it down for you, helping you uncover valuable insights from your reviews.
  • Lexalytics: A specialized sentiment analysis tool tailored specifically for customer feedback and reviews.
  • Google Cloud Natural Language API: An API that uses advanced natural language processing techniques understand the sentiment within the text. It goes beyond simply identifying words and phrases, and focuses on comprehending the overall meaning and emotional tone of the text.

2. Analyze Customer Sentiment

AI can analyze your customer reviews across different online platforms. And their super-smart algorithms go beyond just reading the words; they actually understand the sentiment behind them. By understanding how your customers feel, you can take appropriate actions to enhance their experience and build up your restaurant’s reputation.

This powerful knowledge lets you quickly identify areas for improvement and address any negative feedback. You can tackle issues promptly so customers don’t slip through the cracks.

Here are some platforms to consider:

  • ReviewTrackers: Its unique selling point is its ability to gather reviews from multiple sources and provide valuable insights and analytics. You can conveniently track and analyze customer feedback from different platforms all in one place, to get a thorough understanding of your restaurant's reputation.
  • Reputology: Get real-time monitoring and management of your restaurant's online reviews across multiple platforms, to stay up to date with the latest feedback as it happens. 
  • Yext: A comprehensive platform for online review monitoring, reputation management, and analytics, all in one platform.

3. Personalized Customer Service

Harness the power of AI with chatbots and virtual assistants that take customer service to the next level. These digital helpers are masters at handling inquiries and dishing out personalized recommendations. They're like your trusty sidekicks, providing real-time support, answering questions, suggesting delicious menu items, and keeping customers in the loop about special offers and events. With this tailored assistance, it's way easier to keep your customers happy and build an outstanding reputation for your restaurant. 

Here are some platforms to consider:

  • Chatfuel: Create your own AI-powered chatbots for personalized customer interactions on messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger.
  • Conversica: Get AI-powered virtual assistants that can engage with customers through email or chat to provide personalized recommendations and assistance.
  • Ada Support: An AI chatbot platform that can be integrated into your restaurant’s website or messaging apps to provide real-time customer support.

    So, what are you waiting for? Go and get those 5-star reviews and be the talk of your local town. 

    Or if this article left hungry for more ways to take advantage of AI, check out why Chat GPT could be a secret weapon for you restaurant here. Or if Chat GPT is old news, here are five AI tools that are even better for restaurant owners.