Local SEO for Restaurants: How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Key Insights: Local SEO for Restaurants

-Long-Term Benefits: Optimizing your Google Business Profile requires initial effort but brings long-lasting rewards. Accurate information and consistent updates will enhance your restaurant's online presence, attracting more local customers and boosting revenue.

-Enhanced Visibility: An optimized profile increases your restaurant's visibility in local search results, drawing more potential customers. In fact, 78% of local mobile searches result in an offline purchase within 24 hours. Higher visibility leads to more foot traffic and sales.

-Competitive Edge: Many competitors are already using local SEO strategies. By not optimizing your profile, you risk falling behind. A complete, regularly updated profile helps you stay competitive in the crowded restaurant marketplace.

-Customer Engagement: An optimized profile engages both new and existing customers. Features like reviews and posts allow interaction, building trust and loyalty, leading to repeat visits and positive referrals.

In today's digital world, 89% of hungry customers turn to online searches on their mobile devices to find restaurants near them (according to a restaurant study from 20219 presented on thinkwithgoogle). To make sure your restaurant shows up at the top of those searches, you need a strong local SEO (search engine optimization) strategy.

One of the most important tools in your restaurant local SEO arsenal is your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This free profile allows you to manage how your restaurant appears in Google Maps and the regular Google search results. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, you can significantly improve your online visibility amongst the right target audience and therefore, attract more customers.

Optimizing Your Google Business Profile for Restaurants

Follow our step-by-step plan below to boost your restaurant's local search visibility and start your journey to the top today.

1. Claim and Verify Your Profile

The first step is to claim your existing Google Business Profile(https://www.google.com/business/) or create a new one if it doesn't exist.

Step-by-Step Verification Process:

1. Search for your restaurant on Google
2. If your business appears, click "Claim this business" or "Own this business?"
3. If not found, visit business.google.com(https://business.google.com/) and click "Add your business"
4. Complete the basic information form
5. Choose your verification method (most restaurants receive a postcard with a verification code)
6. Enter the verification code when received (typically within 5-14 business days)

Troubleshooting Tips: -If your postcard doesn't arrive within 14 days, request a new one -If someone else has claimed your business, use the ownership request process -For faster verification, ensure your website domain matches your email address

Pro Tip: While waiting for verification, you can still edit your business information, but it won't be publicly visible until verification is complete.

2. Fill Out Your Profile Completely

Accurate and Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number): Ensure your NAP information across Google Business Profile, website, and other online directories is identical. Even small inconsistencies like "St." vs. "Street" can negatively impact your ranking and damage your reputation.

Detailed Business Description: Craft a compelling description that highlights your cuisine, ambiance, unique offerings, and relevant keywords like "family-friendly Italian restaurant" or local keywords, such as "best brunch spot in downtown Chicago."

Example of an Effective Restaurant Description: "Luigi's Trattoria offers authentic, made-from-scratch Italian cuisine in the heart of downtown Chicago. Our family-owned restaurant specializes in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and house-made pasta using recipes passed down for generations. With our warm, rustic ambiance, extensive wine selection, and outdoor patio seating, we're the perfect spot for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or business lunches. Visit Chicago's most authentic Italian restaurant for a true taste of Italy."

Category Selection: Choose the most relevant primary category that accurately represents your restaurant type (e.g., Italian Restaurant, Mexican Restaurant, Vegan Restaurant).

Then select additional secondary categories that apply to your business (e.g., Pizza Restaurant, Wine Bar, Catering Service).

Keyword Research Tip: Research what terms local customers use when searching for restaurants like yours. Tools like Google Trends, Semrush, or even Google's autocomplete can help identify popular local search terms to incorporate into your business description.

Interested in learning more about how we help hundreds of restaurants around the world?

3. Showcase Your Restaurant with High-Quality Photos and Videos

Visual content is crucial for restaurants - businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks than those without (according to Google).

Photo Optimization Guidelines: -Image Resolution: 720px minimum, 1080px recommended -File Size: Keep under 5MB per image -Format: JPG or PNG formats work best -Quantity: Upload at least 10 photos across different categories

Must-Have Photo Types:

Photo Type	Description	Best Practices
Cover Photo	Your restaurant's main image	Exterior shot during peak hours or signature dish
Interior	Dining area, decor, ambiance	Capture during good lighting, when moderately full
Exterior	Building facade, signage, entrance	Take during daylight and evening hours
Food	Signature dishes, popular menu items	Use natural light, proper styling, close-ups
Staff	Chefs, servers (with permission)	Action shots of food preparation or service
Private Spaces	Event rooms, patios, special areas	Show different setups/arrangements

Video Content Ideas:

-Chef preparing signature dishes -Behind-the-scenes kitchen tour -Customer testimonials -Special events or themed nights -Quick tour of your space

Pro Tip: Update photos seasonally to showcase new menu items, seasonal decorations, or special events to keep your profile fresh and engaging.

4. Enable Features to Enhance User Experience

Google Business Profile offers several restaurant-specific features that improve customer experience and increase conversions.

Online Ordering

Enable direct ordering through your profile to streamline the customer experience. Restaurants with this feature enabled see an average 28% increase in online orders.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Log into your Google Business Profile
2. Click "Edit Profile"
3. Select "Food ordering" under the Services section
4. Choose your preferred ordering method: -Link to your own ordering system -Connect with supported delivery partners -Set up Order with Google

Reservations

Integrate a reservation system to simplify the booking process.

Compatible Reservation Systems

-OpenTable -Resy -Yelp Reservations -TheFork -Google's own booking feature

Menu

Add your complete menu directly to your profile for easy access.

Menu Best Practices

-Keep the format simple and easy to read -Include prices and descriptions -Organize by meal type or category -Update regularly with specials -Include popular or signature items

5. Build Trust and Credibility with Reviews

A report by Reputation revealed that 54% of their survey participants trust online reviews even more than personal recommendations by friends and family, and especially more than traditional marketing efforts by businesses. Thus, it is highly important that you build a credible review portfolio and maintain a steady flow of incoming customer feedback. The same report revealed that 65% of respondents consider reviews as a crucial part of their purchasing decision. A strong review profile with positive customer feedback can, therefore, significantly impact your visibility and conversion rate.

Encourage Reviews

-Train staff to politely ask satisfied customers for reviews -Include QR codes on receipts linking directly to your review page -Send follow-up emails after visits with review links -Offer small incentives like a discount on next visit (where legally permitted)

Effective Review Response Templates

For Positive Reviews: Thank you [Customer Name] for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled you enjoyed the [specific item or experience they mentioned]. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to serve you again soon. - [Manager/Owner Name]

For Negative Reviews: Hello [Customer Name], thank you for bringing this to our attention. We sincerely apologize for your disappointing experience with [specific issue]. We hold ourselves to higher standards and would appreciate the opportunity to make this right. Please contact [name] directly at [phone/email] so we can address your concerns personally. - [Manager/Owner Name]

Pro Tip: Respond to all reviews within 24-48 hours. Quick, thoughtful responses demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and can often turn a negative reviewer into a repeat customer.

Why Responding to Reviews Matters

Responding to customer reviews isn't just about good manners - it's a powerful strategy. When you take the time to reply, especially to negative feedback, you show customers that their opinions matter and that you're committed to improving.

In fact, 67% of consumers say that negative reviews make them think twice about a purchase. But here's the silver lining: 85% of people consider a thoughtful response to their negative review to be highly important, and 33% say they'd consider changing their review if the business replies appropriately within 24 hours.

To sum up, by responding promptly and professionally, you can turn a bad review into a second chance.

6. Keep Your Profile Up-to-Date

An outdated profile can frustrate potential customers and damage trust. 73% of consumers lose trust in businesses with inaccurate local listings according to a study by Placeable.

Regular Updates

-Set a monthly calendar reminder to review and update your profile -Immediately update any permanent changes to hours, services, or offerings -Regularly refresh photos (at least quarterly)

Holiday Hours

Google allows you to set special hours for holidays, ensuring customers always know when you're open. This feature is especially crucial for restaurants, as holidays are often peak dining times with modified schedules. If you don't set holiday hours, even if you are just open as usual, Google will display something like "hours may vary," which can leave your potential customers with uncertainty. Thus, make sure you set your hours correctly.

Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Holiday Hours

1. Log into your Google Business Profile
2. Go to "Edit profile" then find "Special hours"
3. Add all upcoming holidays with modified schedules
4. Save changes

Menu Updates

When adding new menu items, include: -High-quality photos -Detailed descriptions with relevant keywords -Pricing information -Special dietary information (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)

Seasonal Update Checklist

-Update seasonal menu items and specials -Refresh photos to reflect current season -Adjust hours for seasonal changes (patio season, tourist season) -Update description to mention seasonal offerings -Create Google Posts highlighting seasonal specialties

7. Utilize Google Posts

Google Posts allow you to share updates, offers, events, and more directly on your Google Business Profile. Posts with images get 2x more engagement than text-only posts.

Types of Posts:

Post Type	Best Uses for Restaurants	Duration
What's New	Menu updates, staff changes, renovations	7 days (on the main overview tab)
Events	Special dinners, live music, holiday celebrations	Until event ends
Offers	Happy hour specials, discounts, loyalty programs	Custom (up to 14 days)
Products	Feature specific menu items or catering packages	Does not expire

Good to know: Even for posts that "expire," they're not deleted — they just stop showing on the main overview of your GBP. Visitors can still see them under the "Updates" tab on mobile or desktop if they dig deeper.

Best Practices: -Use high-quality images (750 x 540 pixels recommended) -Include a clear call to action -Keep copy concise but descriptive (150-300 characters) -Post consistently (at least weekly) -Ensure images comply with Google's policy

Effective Restaurant Google Posts Calendar:

Week	Post Type	Content Idea
Week 1	What's New	New menu item highlight
Week 2	Offer	Mid-week special or happy hour
Week 3	Event	Upcoming live music or tasting event
Week 4	Behind-the-scenes	Chef preparing signature dish

Measuring Your Success

After implementing these optimization strategies, track these key metrics in your Google Business Profile Insights:

-Views: How many people saw your profile -Searches: Direct keywords (by name) vs. Discovery keywords (by category, cuisine, business in city, etc.) -Actions: Website clicks, direction requests, calls, and message requests -Reviews: Volume and sentiment trends (e.g. number of 5 vs. 1 star reviews)

Customer Success Story

Since partnering with Obenan in February 2024, Banh Mi, a Vietnamese restaurant in Antwerpen, has seen a great improvement in their online visibility and local SEO performance:

• 29.88% Increase in Mobile Maps Impressions Year-over-year growth in local searches from mobile users.
• 191.8% Growth in Discovery Keywords Rising from 199.6K to 582.4K non-branded search terms found on Google, leading to significantly more exposure.

What Made the Difference?

Obenan’s AI agents work in the background, continuously learning and improving the business's online presence. They focus, among other things, on:

• Targeted keyword integration across business descriptions, reviews, and responses
• Optimization of the online presence across the web, not just Google listings but many renowned business directories
• Improved indexing for better search visibility
• A stronger online reputation, resulting in higher customer conversions
• Fresh content production and continuous output of new updates (Google Posts)

Banh Mi’s success shows how a fully optimized digital presence can turn search visibility into real-world customer visits.

Remember: Local SEO is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your profile's performance, adapt your strategy based on new insights, and stay up-to-date with the latest Google Business Profile features to maintain a strong local online presence.

Free Resources

To help you implement these strategies effectively, we've created several free resources:

• Free Review Calculator - calculate how many review you need to collect to improve your average ranking
• Free Business Schema Generator
• How to Claim Your GBP - get started with Google Business
• Which Google Business Categories Should You Choose?
• Sharing Access of Your GBP - grant co-workers or restaurant managers access to the GBP
• How to Request Review Removal - Report and request removal of fake or unfair reviews

Let Us Handle Your Restaurant's Local SEO

Optimizing your Google Business Profile is an ongoing process, but it doesn't have to be a time-consuming chore. Our powerful Local SEO AI agents can handle many of the tasks outlined above, saving you valuable time and resources.

What the Obenan Agents Will Work on 24/7 in the Background?

-Manage your online presence across multiple platforms -Automatically reply to reviews in your brand's tone of voice -Create and schedule Google posts automatically to always have seo-friendly, fresh content -Generate detailed performance reports to identify improvement opportunities -Maintain consistent NAP information across all directories

With Obenan's intelligent AI agents that work 24/7 in the background, you can focus on what you do best - creating delicious food and providing exceptional customer service - while our agents take care of the local-SEO-heavy-lifting. These agents are part of an ever-evolving ecosystem that continuously learns and adapts, taking on all the automation work and basically evolving your business in the background, ensuring accuracy and growth at all times.

Don't let competitors outrank you in local searches. Take action today!