Having a solid, current, and optimized Google Business Profile is a key element for any restaurant’s marketing strategy. These are the listings that show up on Google Maps and in the local section of search results. They inform potential customers of what you’re all about, and include photos, hours, reviews, and contact info.
As a restaurant owner, your Google Business Profile is one of the most important tools you have to reach nearby customers who are actively looking for a place to eat. It’s free, it’s powerful, and when it’s set up and managed correctly, it can drive more calls, more reservations, and more walk-ins.
Here’s how to use it to your advantage.
Start by Claiming Your Google Business Profile
Before you can optimize anything, you need to make sure your profile exists and that you control it. If you haven’t claimed your restaurant on Google yet, head to google.com/business and start the process. If someone else has already claimed it (a former employee, a third-party service, or an eager customer), you can request access and go through a verification process.
Once you’re in, fill out every field you can. Your name, address, and phone number should match exactly what’s on your website and other listings. Add your hours, including holiday and seasonal changes, and make sure your location pin drops in the right place on the map. Inconsistent or missing info can confuse customers and hurt your ranking.
Add High-Quality Images of Your Restaurant and Food
When people are hungry, they tend to make quick decisions. Your profile needs to help someone decide whether to eat at your place, and photos play a big part in that. Add images that show off your food, your space, your patio, and your staff in action. Skip the stock images and show what people can expect when they walk through your door.
Consider hiring a professional photographer for this; food photography is notoriously tricky to master.
Link Everything + Add Keywords
If you offer online ordering, make sure that’s connected. If you accept reservations, include a booking link. If you’re known for your weekend brunch, taco Tuesday, or house-made pasta, work those keywords into your business description so they show up in searches.
Keep Your Google Business Profile Up-to-Date
Google gives businesses the option to post updates, kind of like a mini social feed. It’s not something every restaurant uses, but that’s why it works. When you post specials, events, or seasonal updates, you’re signaling to both Google and your potential customers that your business is current and engaged.
Keeping up on updates also helps to respond to reviews. A quick “Thanks for the kind words” or “We’re sorry to hear that and hope you’ll give us another shot” goes a long way. People pay attention to how businesses handle feedback, and Google does too.
Handling Google Business Profile Misinformation
Sometimes things go wrong. Your hours might update incorrectly, your location pin might be off, or you might get hit with a spammy or inaccurate review. But you do have some control.
From your dashboard, you can suggest edits, flag reviews that violate policy, and make changes at any time. It’s also worth checking your listing every couple of weeks to make sure everything still looks right, especially if you’re going through seasonal changes or renovations.
Use the Data from Your Profile
Once your profile is up and running, you’ll get access to insights like how many people saw your listing, how many clicked to call, and how many requested directions. Use these numbers to your advantage; they tell you how people are finding you and what they’re doing once they do.
If you see a spike in visits after a post about your new happy hour menu, do more of that. If no one’s clicking your reservation link, double-check that it works and is easy to find. Google’s data is a free way to understand what’s working and what isn’t.
Your restaurant already delivers a great experience once people are at the table. Your Google Business Profile helps them get there. When it’s accurate, up to date, and thoughtfully maintained, it becomes a powerful driver of new business.
If you’re a Restaurant Den client, we can help you set up and optimize your Google Business Profile as part of your website package. Get in touch to learn more.
