I may not be an SEO expert, but I once heard on a podcast discussing Google performance that inconsistencies in the restaurant name across various platforms can impact SEO and ranking. I'm wondering if this also applies to using "and" versus "&," as well as the importance of capitalization and using the full name consistently. For instance, how would this look on platforms like GMB, OpenTable, Yelp, etc. with a hypothetical name like "Harvest House Kitchen and Cocktails"?
Yes, consistency in your business name across all platforms is crucial for SEO and Google ranking. This is referred to as NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number). Using the same name, address, and phone number on platforms like GMB, OpenTable, Yelp, and others is vital.
In addition to consistency, it’s also advisable to use the full name, such as “Harvest House Kitchen and Cocktails,” rather than shortened versions. This helps with local search optimization, especially for terms like “cocktail spot.” While using “&” might seem stylistic, it’s best to avoid it as it can sometimes get converted into its HTML format, which looks odd.