A series of articles to help you understand the best social media marketing strategies for restaurants . Today we're starting with Google My Business , an essential tool for increasing visibility and attracting new customers on Google.
Google My Business: The digital business card for your business
If you run a restaurant, bar, or other food-related business, having a Google My Business listing is essential. A well-optimized website is essential for getting found by new customers and improving your online visibility. Here's a detailed guide to setting it up and making the most of it.
Card Creation and Verification
To get started, visit Google My Business and follow these steps:
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Click "Manage Now" and enter the name of your venue.
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Choose the most appropriate category (e.g. Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria, Bar, etc.).
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Please add the exact physical address.
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Enter a phone number and website, if available.
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Complete the verification process by email, phone, or postcard.
Optimizing basic information
A complete and accurate listing increases your credibility in the eyes of Google and customers. Be sure to include:
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Opening hours (updated also on holidays!)
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Restaurant Description : A strong description can make all the difference. Be sure to highlight what makes your restaurant special, such as its culinary specialties or unique atmosphere. Use relevant keywords that customers might search for, such as "vegan restaurant" or "Neapolitan pizzeria," and make the text clear and engaging, such as "cocktail bar with a panoramic view" or "trattoria serving traditional cuisine."
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Secondary categories , if relevant (e.g., "Takeaway", "Home Delivery").
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Business Attributes : Attributes help customers quickly understand the services you offer. Consider including available services such as "takeout," "delivery," or "reservations required."
Adding Quality Photos and Videos
Images are essential for attracting customers. Try to upload as many well-curated images as possible to your listing, including photos of the venue, as well as the interior and well-lit exterior. You can include photos of your venue both empty to better illustrate the layout, and crowded during opening hours. Don't forget to include dishes and drinks. More representative, they're not always easy to photograph; here, you can hire a professional photographer or take help from the many tutorials you can find online. It's also a good idea to include photos of your staff to create a personal connection with your customers.
Review Management
Reviews significantly impact a restaurant's online reputation and can determine its success or failure. To best manage them, it's essential to adopt a proactive approach: always respond with courtesy and professionalism, encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback, and carefully monitor comments for any potential issues. Furthermore, avoiding fake reviews is essential to maintaining credibility and avoiding the risk of Google penalties. Some recommendations:
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Always reply Respond promptly and in a friendly tone to both positive and negative comments. Showing appreciation for positive feedback strengthens customer relationships, while a constructive response to negative feedback demonstrates care and a willingness to improve, increasing trust in your business.
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Encourage customers to leave reviews after a good experience, perhaps by offering a small incentive like a discount on their next visit or a free dessert. Communicate the importance of their feedback and make the process easy, for example, with a QR code on the table or a direct link sent via email or social media.
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Avoid fake reviews : Google could penalize you.
Direct Bookings via Google My Business
Facilitate the booking process by integrating systems that allow customers to:
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Book directly from Google , adding a "Book a table" button to simplify the user experience.
Strategic Use of Google Posts for Promotions and News
Google My Business offers a "Posts" section to share:
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Special offers and targeted discounts to build customer loyalty and attract new visitors. Use limited-time promotions to create a sense of urgency, and experiment with discounts on tasting menus or happy hours to increase traffic during less crowded times.
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New dishes on the menu : Announcing the introduction of new dishes is a great way to pique the curiosity of regular customers and attract new ones. Accompany each update with appetizing images and detailed descriptions to build anticipation.
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Special Events : Hosting themed evenings, tastings, or collaborations with guest chefs can be an excellent marketing strategy. Promote these events well in advance and use the Posts section of Google My Business to update your customers in real time.
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Important Updates : Always keep your customers informed of any changes to your hours, special closing days, or changes in management. Clear and up-to-date information reduces the risk of negative reviews due to misunderstandings and improves the customer experience.
Activating Messaging and Reservations
Google My Business lets customers contact you directly via chat or book a table. Enable:
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The messaging function , promptly responding to questions.
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The booking system , if available, to simplify the process for customers.
Constant Monitoring and Updating
Keep your profile updated to maximize visibility:
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Opening Hours : Please update them promptly if there are any changes.
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New Photos & Offers : Regularly upload quality images and current promotions.
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Statistics and Interactions : Monitor how many people view your listing and how many take specific actions like clicking your phone number, requesting directions, or booking a reservation. Analyze peak days and times to optimize your marketing strategies. Also, study frequently asked questions from customers to improve communication and respond more effectively to their needs.
Optimizing your business's Google My Business listing is an effective strategy for attracting new customers and improving your online reputation. With a few tweaks and regular updates, you can increase your visibility and build local customer loyalty.
Start leveraging the full potential of Google My Business for your business's success today!