How Bars & Restaurants Can Easily Boost Local SEO with AI-Powered Listicles
- S3E29
- 10:42
- August 26th 2025
Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Hospitality Strategy Lab Podcast, hosted by Jason Littrell. In this episode, Jason dives into practical strategies for leveraging AI—specifically ChatGPT—for effective SEO in the hospitality industry. Whether you're a bar or restaurant owner looking to boost your local online presence without breaking the bank, or just curious about how digital tactics can drive more foot traffic, this episode lays out a step-by-step playbook you can implement in minutes.
**[00:00:00] – Introduction and Purpose**
Jason welcomes listeners to the show and explains that this is a bonus episode, focused on a crash course in AI-powered SEO specifically geared toward hospitality businesses.
**[00:00:45] – Understanding SEO for Hospitality**
He explains the fundamentals of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and why showing up in localized “near me” searches is critical for bars and restaurants.
**[00:01:45] – Listicle Strategy for SEO**
Jason discusses the power of listicles (“top 10s”, “best of”, etc.) for capturing search intent and relevance, highlighting the rise of this content format in search results and consumer media.
**[00:02:20] – Using AI (ChatGPT) for Content Creation**
He outlines his own tactic: using ChatGPT to swiftly generate top-10 lists (for example, “10 Automations Every Bar Needs”) as evergreen, schedule-ready content to boost search engine rankings.
**[00:03:09] – Implementation Tips for Operators**
Jason shares a hands-on, cost-effective hack for creating and scheduling listicle-style content for your business, so you don’t have to pay for pricey SEO agencies.
**[00:04:22] – Crafting Effective Prompts and Targeting Long-Tail Keywords**
He explains how to tailor your ChatGPT prompts for hyper-local and long-tail search terms (e.g., “10 Best Old Fashioneds in the Lower East Side”) to outperform bigger competitors on focused searches.
**[00:06:26] – Optimize for What Customers Actually Search**
Jason stresses the importance of using common, recognizable cocktail or menu item names over branded or esoteric ones, as these are what guests actually search for online.
**[00:07:52] – Building Community and Authority with Listicles**
He recommends tagging friends and neighbors in your lists, encouraging cross-promotion and link building, which increases SEO authority for everyone involved.
**[00:08:24] – Supercharge Your Content for SEO**
Jason gives practical optimization tips: alt tags for images, meta keywords, and even embedding quick videos to further enhance discoverability.
**[00:09:42] – Consistency and Long-Term Success**
He underscores how a simple, 15-minute-per-week content habit can yield strong, consistent ranking results over time, especially for businesses with limited budgets.
**[00:10:25] – Final Thoughts and Resources**
Wrapping up, Jason urges listeners to check out the Hospitality Strategy Lab community for more support and exclusive content.
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- https://hospitalitystrategylab.com
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Tune in and get the actionable strategies you need to turn local searches into loyal guests—and transform the way you approach hospitality marketing.
Hospitality Strategy Lab
Welcome to Hospitality Strategy Lab, the podcast where science meets service. Join host Jason Littrell as he dives into the cutting-edge world of hospitality with interviews from industry pioneers, tech innovators, and behavioral psychologists. Each episode explores how AI, automation, behavioral economics, and data-driven strategies can revolutionize guest experiences and drive repeat business. From practical tips to big-picture insights, we’re here to give you the strategies you need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry.
Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, this podcast is your playbook for creating habit-forming guest experiences and sustainable growth.
Tune in and transform the way you think about hospitality.
https://hospitalitystrategylab.com
https://kmsops.com
https://jlittrell.com
Jason Littrell is a world-class hospitality consultant, award-winning bartender, and founder of Hospitality Strategy Lab.
With years of experience working at renowned venues like Death & Co in Manhattan and advising top-tier hospitality brands, Jason has a deep understanding of what it takes to create unforgettable guest experiences and profitable bar programs.
As a pioneer in the use of AI, automation, and behavioral psychology in hospitality, he’s passionate about making advanced tactics accessible to operators who want to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry.
Through his podcast, Jason interviews industry leaders, tech innovators, and behavioral science experts, providing actionable insights and strategies to help you elevate your hospitality game.
Whether you’re a bar owner, restaurant manager, or hospitality operator, Jason’s engaging approach and wealth of knowledge make Hospitality Strategy Lab your go-to resource for mastering the art and science of exceptional service.
Ready to revolutionize your hospitality business? Tune in and learn from the best.