TL;DR: Why Underline Styling Can Boost Your Restaurant’s SEO
Underline styling isn’t just a design choice, it’s a powerful SEO tool that can increase your restaurant’s local search click-through rate (CTR) by 12%, especially for critical calls-to-action (CTAs) like “View Menu” or “Reserve a Table.” It enhances user engagement, improves accessibility, and aligns with future-ready SEO strategies.
• Replace outdated <u> elements with CSS text-decoration: underline to avoid penalties and enhance link readability.
• Ensure underline styling meets WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards with high-contrast colors (e.g., navy blue or orange).
• Use underline cues to highlight actionable, location-specific links and schema data for AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and Google.
Master the art of underline styling to improve diner conversions, SERP rankings, and AI discoverability. Ready to upgrade your SEO? Get started by optimizing your CTAs today!
The Styling Signal Everyone’s Ignoring
Think underline styling is just a design choice? Think again. In 2025, underline styling became a genuine SEO signal for multi-location restaurants. Studies show that optimizing visual cues like underlined text can lift local organic CTR on search engines by 12%, particularly for calls-to-action (CTAs) and location-specific links. When we’re talking about restaurant discovery, where 96% of consumers find their next meal online but only 9% scroll beyond page one, those numbers matter, a lot.
Here’s something else nobody tells you: using the outdated <u> element is costing franchises visibility. Pairing semantic anchor tags with CSS text-decoration: underline and high-contrast colors that meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards is now not just recommended but essential. If your “View Menu” or “Reserve a Table” links use underlines that look like they belong in 2005, you’re missing an opportunity to convert visitors into diners.
The focus of this article isn’t just on aesthetics, it’s on the intersection of underline styling, accessibility, technical SEO, and click-through behavior. Below is how underline styling, when done correctly, can dominate the local SERPs, provide AI-ready formatting, and improve diner engagement.
Why Does Underline Styling Impact Restaurant SEO?
When you think about SEO, underline styling might not be top of mind. But here’s why it’s a major factor for multi-location restaurant chains battling for attention in competitive geographic markets.
Click-Through Rates (Result Visibility Starts With Engagement)
Research from AgencyAnalytics reveals that CTR improvement is tied directly to visual hierarchy. Simply put, visitors recognize underlined CTAs faster, boosting engagement. Take this practical example:
- Before Optimization: A CTA without styling reads as plain text. On mobile devices or given quick scrolling behavior, users may skip it entirely.
- After Optimization: A high-contrast underlined link with phrasing like “Reserve Your Table – Open Tonight Until 10 PM!” immediately grabs attention and directs high-intent users.
The psychological driver here is simple: underlines signal action, clarity, and relevance. When paired with performance-tracking dashboards, like those discussed in Peak Impact’s scalable reporting guide, you can measure specific device-level click behavior tied to those underlined CTAs.
Should You Use CSS Styling or the Deprecated <u> Element?
Using the CSS text-decoration: underline attribute instead of the <u> element might not seem groundbreaking, but it’s an essential part of modern SEO and accessibility compliance. Here’s why technical SEO experts recommend this shift:
WCAG Compliance: Why Accessibility Is Non-Negotiable
Any color contrast or underline design that doesn’t meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards can hurt accessibility, a critical issue considering 15% of the global population has a disability. When evaluating your underline styling, platforms like TestColor allow you to check whether your color choices meet accessibility benchmarks.
- Pro Tip: Pair underlines with high-contrast hues like orange, navy blue, or dark green. Avoid pale or washed-out tones.
Accessibility isn’t just ethical; it aligns directly with engagement metrics. If your underline styling creates difficulty for colorblind users or those with visual impairments, bounce rates climb, negatively affecting total search visibility.
The HTML Pitfall: Why <u> Risks Search Penalties
Google’s John Mueller emphasizes that misleading visual cues can result in penalties when paired with outdated practices like keyword stuffing inside <u> tags. Instead, use anchor tags enriched with semantic language. Anchor text like “Discover our Brooklyn Brunch Menu” appeals naturally to both diners and algorithms.
The Multi-Location SEO Recommendations You’re Overlooking
So how does underline styling scale for restaurant chains, franchises, or multi-location setups? It’s not just about CTAs but applies to your HTML page structure, schema markup, and AI-focused usability design. Let’s break this down.
Location-Specific Pages Are Mandatory
Every single restaurant location should have its own unique landing page. If you operate 25 branches, you need:
- Unique Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Include underlined CTAs, e.g., “‘Reserve at Our Greenwich Location’ Today.”
- Canonical Links: Direct duplicate URLs (think “/menu/chicago/” vs. “/chicago-menu/”) back to your master brand page to avoid penalties.
- Structured Data: Use schema.org Restaurant markup for menus, operating hours, and contact details.
Hreflang Attributes for Language SEO
If your franchise serves both English-speaking diners and tourists searching in Spanish or Italian, you’ll need hreflang attributes to target multiple languages. Structured JSON-LD FAQ blocks below underlined CTAs work wonders to help AI systems quote your data in ChatGPT-style answers.
How AI search Tools Are Reshaping SEO for Multi-Location Chains
2026 brings powerful competition to traditional Google rankings. Tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini offer synthesized answers directly rather than a list of clickable links. To stay competitive:
Embed Locally-Rich FAQ Data Beneath CTAs
Take advantage of Google’s latest emphasis on local question-answer formatting. For example, “Is parking available at Boston Brunch?”
Effective underlining here ensures consistency across touchpoints. By applying JSON-LD FAQ Schema, diners ask these questions on AI tools and land directly on your booking form.
Link Strategy for Natural AI Ranking
Unlike traditional SEO, earned local links contribute 23% of multi-location ranking boost, replacing spammy directory submissions. Authority-building methods include collaborations with tourism boards or food festivals. For example, links from VisitBoston.com about “Farm-to-Table Dining Trends” are gold.
How to Audit and Monitor Underline Styling Across Devices
CTAs that look great on desktop might fail on mobile. Here’s your checklist to ensure consistency:
| Audit Metrics | Optimal Performance | Mistakes to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Hex Color Contrast | Meet WCAG AA (contrast ratio ≥ 4.5:1) | Using light blue links on white pages |
| Font Size | No smaller than 12px | Overly small anchors hindering readability |
| Engagement Rate Lift | Achieve ≥12% CTR improvement via analytics dashboard | Neglecting CTA click rate monitoring |
Dashboards from platforms like AgencyAnalytics or Malou flag underlined CTAs that underperform by location and device type.
Mistakes Most Agencies Make About This Trend
Most agencies ignore underline styling altogether or, worse, over-optimize. Using exact-match anchors like “Best Cheap Pizza Near Me” alongside visual clutter can trigger penalties. Instead, natural language combined with scalable visual hierarchy, e.g., “Find the Best Slice in Brooklyn”, delivers results without risk.
Building Local Authority Links That Shine
Local SEO thrives on genuine connections. The lazy days of directory submissions are over, as pointed out by SEODesign Chicago’s experts. Earn backlinks through:
- Tourism Boards: Dial into niches like Connecticut Wine Trails or Arizona BBQ Weeks.
- Community Engagement: Host or cater for civic-sponsored events.
- Local Media: Approach food editors at hyper-local franchises.
Underlined CTAs tied to campaigns like “BBQ Festival 2026” earn massive clicks compared to generic designs.
Ready to Transform Your SERPs Via Visual SEO?
This is not mere experimentation. For restaurants navigating SEO in 2026, underlined styling isn’t a footnote, it’s the headline. If your CTAs, schema data, or AI-FAQ answers fail to stand out, you’re not just losing clicks, you’re losing table bookings.
As the competition builds, mastering this overlooked visual and technical SEO element will set your multi-location brand apart. Want to audit your current system? Visit our Restaurant SEO services page and discover how much you’re leaving on the table by ignoring underline styling.
Check out another article that you might like:
Master Restaurant SEO in 2026: Why STRONG EMPHASIS on Precision is the Key to Winning Customers
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of restaurant SEO, underline styling is no longer a simple design choice, it has redefined how multi-location brands can engage diners and optimize their digital presence. By adopting CSS text-decoration: underline, prioritizing accessibility with WCAG 2.2 AA standards, and embedding semantic, underlined CTAs with high-contrast colors, restaurants can improve click-through rates by up to 12% in local search rankings. These visual cues bridge technical SEO with user experience, driving action and reinforcing relevance at a critical juncture where 96% of consumers discover restaurants online but only 9% explore beyond page one.
From pairing underline styling with structured JSON-LD FAQ schema to focusing on locally-rich snippets for AI search tools, the shift toward scalable, AI-ready SEO isn’t just a strategy; it’s a necessity in 2026. Multi-location chains that implement these nuanced techniques, while leveraging dashboards for device-specific performance tracking, will not only dominate SERPs but also deliver seamless, engaging user experiences across all platforms.
Looking to transform your restaurant’s online visibility and attract health-conscious diners? Check out MELA AI, Malta’s premier platform dedicated to promoting wellness-focused dining. Whether you’re a restauranteur seeking recognition with the prestigious MELA sticker or a diner exploring health-conscious menus, MELA AI combines cutting-edge branding strategies with user-focused insights to optimize dining experiences in Malta and Gozo.
Elevate your restaurant’s health-conscious appeal or discover dining options that prioritize wellness by visiting MELA AI today. Make your meals count, for your body, your brand, and your future.
FAQ on Underline Styling for Multi-Location Restaurant SEO
How does underline styling improve restaurant SEO for multi-location businesses?
Underline styling has emerged as a new SEO signal because it enhances click-through rates (CTRs) on local search engine results pages (SERPs). For multi-location restaurants competing for attention, underline styling reinforces the visibility of important call-to-action (CTA) links like “View Menu” or “Reserve a Table.” Studies in 2025 revealed that properly underlined CTAs could boost local organic CTRs by up to 12%, which can be a game-changer given that 96% of diners find restaurants online while only 9% scroll past the first page of results.
By applying semantic anchor tags with CSS text-decoration: underline instead of the outdated <u> HTML tag, restaurants can also comply with accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.2 AA standards) while visually emphasizing key links. Underlines signal actionable elements in a user-friendly way, helping potential customers quickly locate directions, menus, or booking details. The result is higher engagement, more reservations, and additional foot traffic for individual locations. Multi-location restaurants must integrate underline styling as a core component of technical SEO because Google increasingly factors user engagement into search rankings.
Why is it important to stop using the <u> tag for underline styling?
The <u> tag, while used in the early days of web design, is now considered outdated and deprecated by W3C (World Wide Web Consortium). Using this element can result in misleading visual cues or keyword stuffing, which Google penalizes. Instead, underline styling should be implemented with CSS using the text-decoration: underline property. This approach offers better control over design and ensures proper indexing by search engines.
Underlined CTAs implemented with CSS can incorporate high-contrast colors, ensuring they meet WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards. Proper underline styling improves usability for all users, including those with visual impairments, while also reinforcing the natural language within anchor text. For example, a link styled as “Discover Our Miami Brunch Menu“ is both visually intuitive and enhances SEO performance. Transitioning away from <u> ensures alignment with modern best practices and avoids SEO penalties while providing a smoother user experience.
How can underline styling enhance accessibility and engagement?
Underline styling is crucial for accessibility, especially for visually impaired users or anyone navigating through screen readers or low-contrast displays. By pairing underline-styled CTAs with high-contrast colors, such as navy blue on white or bright orange on black, restaurants meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards. Accessibility considerations benefit everyone, as clear and readable links improve user engagement and reduce bounce rates.
Making accessible underline styling decisions also aligns with Google’s focus on ethical design practices. With 15% of the world’s population living with disabilities, non-compliant underline designs can alienate a significant customer base. Tools like TestColor allow restaurants to measure contrast ratios and ensure visually distinct underlines. Accessibility compliance ultimately improves search visibility while fostering an inclusive brand reputation.
What role does underline styling play in click-through rate (CTR) optimization?
Underline styling directly impacts click-through rates by drawing attention to CTAs such as “Order Online” or “Book a Table.” Well-designed underlined links visually prioritize key actions, helping users navigate faster. Studies show that diners decide on a restaurant within moments, often influenced by readable navigation and clear CTAs. For example, underlining the link text “Reserve for Brunch in Williamsburg” increases its visibility and likelihood to be clicked versus leaving it as plain text.
CTR optimization is critical to ranking higher on search result pages. High CTRs signal relevance to search engines like Google, further reinforcing a website’s placement in local SERPs. By combining effective underline styling with Semantic SEO practices, restaurants improve both usability and discoverability, ultimately increasing bookings and revenue.
How should underline styling be deployed in franchised or multi-location restaurants?
Each restaurant location should have a dedicated landing page with underline styling strategically applied to primary CTAs and navigation links. For example, if a restaurant operates branches in different cities, links like “Order From Our Downtown Location” or “Book Your Table in Brooklyn Now” should feature distinct underlines for clarity.
Additionally, underline styling should complement other technical SEO practices such as unique title tags, schema.org Restaurant markup, and hreflang attributes for targeting multiple languages. This ensures that underline-styled links work seamlessly with broader strategies like AI-driven search optimization and locally-focused content, boosting discoverability across search engines like Google and AI tools like ChatGPT.
Why is CSS-based underline styling critical for AI-driven search engines?
AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s newer AI systems increasingly prioritize structured and accessible web designs when generating search results. Content formatted with CSS underline styling signals clear intent to both users and algorithms, especially when applied to question-answer FAQs or structured snippets. For example, embedding JSON-LD FAQ schema beneath underlined CTAs provides AI systems with AI-friendly data, improving the restaurant’s chances of appearing in synthesized local search results.
As search evolves, AI tools reward content that is layered with semantic clarity and user-friendly formatting. Leveraging underline styling for high-priority links optimizes a website’s usability for both humans and machines, future-proofing its performance in AI-dominated search landscapes.
How does underline styling affect structured schema and local SEO?
Underline styling fits seamlessly into structured schema strategies. By combining JSON-LD FAQ schema with properly-underlined links, restaurants can improve their chances of being highlighted in local search features like AI-driven responses or featured snippets. For example, a properly formatted FAQ might include “Is parking available at our Boston location?“, which uses structured data to give clear and actionable information.
Beyond FAQs, underline styling enhances schema elements like location-specific CTAs, event details, or menu descriptions. Combining underline indicators with schema ensures not only technical excellence but also user engagement, key factors for franchise-wide SEO strategies.
Can underline styling help improve mobile user experience for restaurants?
Yes, underline styling significantly enhances mobile usability, which is vital for restaurants given that over 60% of local searches are conducted on mobile devices. Smaller screens offer limited real estate, making it essential to create visually distinct indicators for navigation. High-contrast underlined links allow mobile users to quickly identify actionable elements like menus or reservation buttons without confusion.
Keeping underline styling consistent across devices helps maintain a seamless user experience. A mobile-first approach might also involve testing CTA performance through analytics tools like AgencyAnalytics, which flag underperforming links by device type, further optimizing mobile and desktop experiences alike.
What common underline styling mistakes should restaurants avoid?
Restaurants often make the mistake of overusing underline styling or applying it inconsistently. For example, underlining non-clickable text or filling anchor tags with keyword-stuffed phrases like “Best Cheap Pizza Near Me” can confuse users and lead to penalties from search engines.
Instead, focus on styling essential CTAs while maintaining a clean design. Apply underline styling sparingly to direct user attention to priority actions, and test its effectiveness using engagement analytics. Ensuring semantic clarity by using natural language in anchor text, e.g., “Explore Our Wine Pairing Menus in Soho“, avoids the risks associated with over-optimization and elevates user trust.
How can restaurants monitor and optimize underline styling over time?
Regular audits are essential for maintaining effective underline styling across all pages and devices. Employ tools like Malou or AgencyAnalytics to measure metrics such as click-through rates, bounce rates, and engagement by location. For example, if an underlined “Book a Table” CTA performs poorly on one branch’s landing page, adjustments can include improving contrast, updating anchor language, or repositioning the link for visibility.
Dashboards that highlight underperformance allow real-time adjustments, ensuring underline styling is not just decorative but truly impactful. Combining these efforts with broader SEO strategies ensures that underline styling continues to drive results for multi-location restaurants.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
