Nowadays, we use Google for everything, don’t we? Using Google search is became so common while searching for food, shopping or selecting restaurant near by etc. and People are always searching for the next place to eat, drink, or socialize together. Make it simple for them to discover your restaurant, see what you offer, and make a reservation online. If you’re an owner of a newly opened small café, restaurant or bar then you can understand that online visibility and discoverability are the two major factors that really matters in the growth of the restaurant business.
If your potential customers are unable to find your restaurant while searching online on the Google search. They can never reach to your restaurant. It simply indicates that you’re loosing money on the table. That’s why you need to make it easy for potential customers to place food orders or make dine in reservations through your Google Business Profile on Google Search and Maps.
Hence, you must add your restaurant business to Google by creating a Free Google Business Profile for your Restaurant.
Google Business Profile for Restaurants
Google Business Profile Formerly known as Google my Business is a fee tool that lets businesses create a free Google business profile or listing, helping your potential customers find and obtain essential information about your restaurant or cafe business with ease.
It is a smart way to grab attention of the local customers who are searching for a restaurant. Every restaurant owner should create a Google Business Profile for their restaurants to reach locals near by.
Once you create and verified, your restaurant business profile appears automatically in Google search like this:
On Google search (At the top right-hand corner)
On Google Maps
On Google’s Local Pack (the first three business listings that appear when users type keywords related to your restaurant)
Here’s how you can create a Google business profile for your restaurant business
Creating a Google business profile for a restaurant business is almost the same. But some changes needed which is very important for optimize Your Restaurant’s Business Profile on Google.
- Log in to Google Account: If you don’t already have a Google Account, you’ll need to create one. If you do have one, log in to the account you want to use for managing your restaurant’s profile directly.
- Go to Google Business Profile: Visit the Google’s Restaurant Business Profile website.
3. Start the Setup: Click on the “Manage now” button or the “Start now” button, depending on the interface.
4. Enter Your Business Name: Now enter the name of your restaurant. Make sure to enter the accurate and official name of your restaurant business. Click on continue button after selecting “create a business with this name” or you can select from the list of already created business profiles and go ahead for claiming.
5. Choose service type: Now, select any of them depending upon your business requirements.
- If you have online retail business such as an ecommerce online store where customers can purchase products then checkmark ✅online retail.
- if you have a local store, where obviously your customer’s can visit your restaurant to dine in then checkmark ✅local store option.
- If you are a service provider that makes visit to customers then checkmark ✅Service business option.
I suggests you to choose, local store option which seems best for any bar, bakery, cafe, restaurant or food truck kind of business. Then click on Next button.
6. Category Selection: Choose the appropriate category that best describes your restaurant business. For instance, “Restaurant,” “Cafe,” “Pizzeria, “bar”, “bakery” etc. You can select one or more than one category that suits on your business.
Pro tip: If you are a food truck, select Mobile Caterer unless you have a permanent location, you may select Restaurant.
You can change your selected business category and add more categories later.
7. Enter Business Address Location: Now, enter your restaurant’s physical address fill all mandatory details. If you offer delivery-only services, you can also hide your address and provide service areas instead.
8. Pin Mark your location on Google Maps: Now, You have to pin your physical location address on Google maps. Just need to click on Adjust on the top right on the Google maps and then zoom the map and drag the location position the marker on the exact location spot where your business is located. And click next once confirmed.
8. Enter Contact Details: Now, its time to enter your restaurant’s phone number and website URL (if available). Providing accurate contact details is important for customers to get in touch with you. You can skip this step for later.
After that, you will get the following webpage (screenshot) below where you will see the following message.
Now, you can checkmark ✅on 2 options if you wish to get news and tips related to improving your business profile and also get invitations to participating in occasional survery’s released by the Google in future.
If you don’t want these things, leave it as it is and click on the “Continue” button at the bottom.
- Verify Your Business: Google will need to verify that you are the owner of the business. There are several verification options available, including receiving a postcard with a verification code by mail, phone verification, or email verification. Follow the steps for the selected verification method.
- Complete Your Profile: Once your business is verified, you can log in to your Google My Business dashboard. Here, you can add more details about your restaurant, such as photos, business hours, a description, and any special attributes like wheelchair accessibility or outdoor seating.
- Add Photos: High-quality photos of your restaurant, dishes, and interior can make your profile more appealing to potential customers.
- Set Business Hours: Specify your restaurant’s opening and closing hours for each day of the week.
- Write a Business Description: Craft a brief and informative description of your restaurant. Highlight your cuisine, ambiance, and any unique features that set your restaurant apart.
- Add Attributes and Services: You can showcase features like outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, vegan options, and more. These attributes help customers make informed decisions.
- Engage with Customers: Respond to reviews, answer questions, and engage with customers who interact with your business through the Google Business Profile.
- Regular Updates: Keep your profile up-to-date with any changes in business hours, menu, promotions, or special events.
- Utilize Insights: Google My Business provides insights into how customers are finding and interacting with your profile. Use this data to make informed decisions about your business.
Creating a Google Business Profile for your restaurant can significantly enhance your online presence and help attract more customers. Make sure to maintain your profile regularly and provide accurate and engaging information.
