Attract more guests from “near me” searches
As a restaurant owner or marketer, you probably know how important it is to have a strong online presence. And when it comes to online presence, having a full complete Google Business Profile is crucial.
Not only does it help potential customers find your restaurant, but it also provides them with important information like your hours of operation, menu, and customer reviews. When someone searches for what they crave in a “near me” search, you want your restaurant to come up at the top of those results. However, simply having a Google Business Profile isn’t enough. In order to make the most out of this tool, you need to optimize it. And here is exactly how to do it!
Here are five tactics that restaurants should use to master their Google Business Profile and ultimately attract more guests:
1. Claim and Verify Your Profile
First things first, and really, this should be table stakes, but let’s claim and verify your Google Business Profile. It’s like staking your claim in the online world! Head over to Google Business and search for your restaurant.
If you see it, hit “Claim this Business” and follow the steps to verify ownership. If it’s not listed yet, create a new profile by clicking “Add your business to Google.” Super easy!
2. Optimize Your Business Info
Now let’s give your profile some rocket fuel by optimizing your business information.
That means making sure your details like your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, your menu, are up-to-date and correct.
Don’t forget to add some crave-worth photos of your restaurant and menu items. A picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case, possibly a thousand new customers!
**Pro-Tip**: Typically one of the best converting photos of a restaurant on a Google Business Profile is a welcoming photo of the front door. That tells guests what to
look for!
3. Encourage Customer Reviews
Reviews from happy customers can help bring in more business, so let’s get some! Suggest to your guests that if they enjoyed their experience that they could share that as a review on your Google Business Profile by giving them a link or QR code.
Remember to respond to customer reviews, both good and bad. It shows that you’re listening and care about making their experience even better. It’s just good hospitality!
**Pro-Tip**: Use Google Translate to respond to customers who leave reviews in a foreign language in their native tongue.
4. Use Posts to Promote Your Business
Google Posts is a nifty feature that lets you share updates, promotions, and events directly on your Google Business Profile. Think of it as your own little megaphone to get your message out there!
Use posts to promote your menu items, announce special events, or highlight your top reviews. Just make sure your posts are engaging and relevant to your restaurant.
**Pro-tip**: Create a Google Post with a first-time order discount. Use a unique code so you can track it. You have their active attention, and this can be what puts that order across the line.
5. Incorporate Keywords into Your Profile
Incorporating relevant keywords into your Google Business Profile can help improve your visibility in search results. Seriously, and no one does this, even though its easy!
Think about the keywords and phrases that potential customers might use to search for restaurants like yours and make sure to include them in your profile’s description, posts, and other sections.
However, be careful not to overuse keywords or engage in “keyword stuffing,” as this can actually hurt your search rankings. Focus on using keywords in a natural and meaningful way that provides value to your guests.
By using these tactics, you’ll be on your way to creating a strong online presence that will make your restaurant stand out from the rest. So, let’s get started and give your Google Business Profile the love and attention it deserves!
Thanks for reading to the bottom. You are my favorite and that’s why I take the time to write and share this kind of info… I’m here to help you.
If you want more restaurant marketing secrets or have questions, send me a message on Instagram or LinkedIn … or just bring us on board to help with your marketing. rev@brandedstrategic.net
