How to Create and Optimise Your Google My Business Listing
Your Google My Business (GMB) listing is just as important as your restaurant's physical storefront. When people search for places to eat, Google Business listings are on top of search results and on Google Maps, making it crucial to have an optimised profile. Want to know how to create a Google Business page and make the most of it? Follow this step-by-step guide.
Why Your Restaurant Needs a Google Business Listing
Increase Your Restaurant’s Online Visibility
Google is the most used search engine in the world. In fact, a staggering 84% of people use it. Having a Google My Business listing is a free and quick way to attract new customers to your restaurant. There are many ways to boost your visibility on the internet. For instance, you can use social networks or optimise your website's SEO. However, the fastest way is to create a Google My Business account.
Improve Customer Engagement
With Google My Business, you can answer customers directly in the "Reviews" section. Thanks to this feature, if a customer types your business name into Google, you will appear first on the search page and in Google Maps.
What is Google My Business and Why is it Important for Small Businesses?
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business, previously Google Business Manager, is a free service from Google that allows all restaurants and businesses to create their own business listings. The information shown here is particularly well-referenced by Google and receives a natural visibility boost. Google My Business listings can display key details, like your restaurant's menu, contact information, hours and location.
How to Setup a Google Business Account
Before you can start optimising, you first need to add your business to Google by setting up a Google Business listing. Here's how:
1. Sign in and add your business
Sign in to your Google Account.
Visit Google My Business.
Click on "Manage Now" and select "Add My Business to Google".
Enter your restaurant's name and click "Next" .
2. Choose your business category
Select a relevant category, such as "Italian Restaurant", "Vegan Café" or "Seafood Restaurant." Be specific to increase your chances of showing up in relevant searches.
3. Add your location
Click 'Yes' when asked if you have a location customers can visit. Enter your restaurant's address exactly as it appears elsewhere online to ensure consistency. If you offer delivery or catering, indicate that you serve customers outside your physical location.
4. Add contact & website information
Provide your phone number and a link to your restaurant's website or online menu. Ensure this information is accurate and consistent with other online listings.
5. Verify your business
Google will send a code for verification via mail, email or phone to confirm your listing. Follow the instructions and verify your restaurant to make your listing active.
Optimising Your Google My Business Listing for Visibility
Creating a profile isn't enough. You need to optimise it to appear higher in search results and attract more customers. Here's how:
1. Provide detailed and accurate information
"Less is more" does not apply to Google My Business. If a consumer is lucky enough to come across your restaurant in a Google search, they will need all the information they can get to be convinced to come to your place. Add a detailed restaurant description with relevant keywords (e.g., 'best pizza in London' or 'top-rated sushi restaurant'). You should include your opening hours, menu offerings and payment methods to provide a complete picture to potential customers. Make sure you update your details regularly to reflect any changes in your business.
2. Photos, photos, photos
Add as many high-quality photos as possible to your account. We advise that you present your best dishes and the general vibe of your restaurant. Photos of staff also attract more customers.
3. Select the right business category and attributes
The majority of the views on a restaurant or business's Google My Business listing come from discovered searches. In other words, by indicating a specific category, such as "Mediterranean restaurant", you have a better chance of being discovered by a web user. Add secondary categories, if applicable, such as 'Takeaway Restaurant', 'Vegetarian Restaurant' or 'Cocktail Bar'.
4. Keep your business information consistent across platforms
Inconsistency in a restaurant's online information is a disqualifying criterion in a search. If Google detects an inconsistency between the times you indicate on your listing, your website or your Tripadvisor account (or other), it will penalise your business listing. By penalise, we mean that your ranking on Google will be lower, resulting in other restaurants being favoured in the first results.
5. Get more customer reviews & engage with customers
If you have just created your Google My Business page, you will notice that it is difficult to optimise your page if the restaurant does not have a review. You can request satisfied customers to leave Google reviews by sharing a direct link. Make sure you reply to positive and negative reviews to show engagement and improve your reputation.
Ready to optimise your Google My Business Listing? A well-optimised Google My Business listing is essential for restaurant owners looking to attract local customers, increase bookings and boost online visibility. The steps above will guide you on how to set up Google My Business effectively, optimise your restaurant's listing and improve your Google search ranking.
Discover How to Optimise Your Business
Google My Business Listings FAQs
Why is Google My Business important for small businesses?
Google My Business (GMB) is essential for small businesses, as it boosts online visibility, helping potential customers find your restaurant on Google Search and Maps. A well-optimised Google Business listing enhances credibility, drives local traffic, and increases engagement through reviews and direct interactions.
How do I verify my Google My Business listing?
To verify your Google Business listing, sign in to Google My Business, enter your business details and request verification. Google will send a verification code, which you can enter into your GMB account to confirm your business.
What are the best ways to optimise a Google My Business listing?
To optimise Google My Business, ensure your profile is complete with accurate details, high-quality photos and a compelling business description. Choose the right business category, use Google Posts, update your operating hours and encourage customers to leave Google reviews.
Does Google My Business help with SEO?
Yes, Google My Business is crucial for local SEO. A well-optimised Google Business listing helps your restaurant appear on Google Maps, the Local Pack and relevant search results. Regular updates, positive Google reviews and accurate business information improve your search rankings.
