How To Get The Most Out Of Your Restaurant’s Google Business Profile

There are two reasons every restaurant operator should actively manage their Google Business Profile.

• It’s the first impression most customers will have of your restaurant.
• It directly impacts your visibility in local search and on Google Maps

An optimized business profile helps your restaurant show up in local search results, gives customers everything they need to make their decision on where to eat, and signals to Google that your restaurant is active, accurate, and worth recommending.

Restaurant operators who neglect their Google Business Profile are missing out on the 62% of customers who turn to Google when looking for a place to eat.

The solution is simple: claim your business profile and maintain it just like you do for every other part of your restaurant.

In this article, we’ll break down:

1. How vital your Google Business Profile is to your restaurant’s success
2. How to optimize your profile for maximum visibility
3. How to keep your business profile active and up-to-date

We’ll start with why your restaurant’s Google Business Profile is a bigger deal than most restaurant operators realize.

Why Your Google Business Profile Matters for Restaurants

To ensure we’re all on the same page, Google Business Profile (GBP) refers to your restaurant’s listing on Google Search and Google Maps.

This is ChowNow customer, Maple Block Barbecue’s Google Business Profile.

When potential diners are searching for a place to eat, they get on Google and type “best [cuisine type] near me” or “best [cuisine type] in [your city].”

What shows up, usually before websites, social pages, or anything else, is a Google Business Profile.

It gives people everything they need to make a decision about where to eat, including business hours, phone number, location, menu, photos, reviews, and links to online ordering, all in one place.

The goal is to fill out and optimize your business profile so well that your restaurant will consistently be at the top of that local search result.

An active, accurate profile helps you influence how Google will determine to rank your restaurant in search and also convince more customers to visit your restaurant or place an order online.

How to Optimize Your Profile for Maximum Visibility

Getting the most from your Google Business Profile starts with nailing down the basics: accuracy, thorough completeness, and consistent activity.

Claim and Verify Your Profile

If you haven’t done this yet, verifying your business is your first step and highest priority.

Claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile through your Google account gives you full access to update and manage your business information.

It’s also what tells Google that you’re the real owner; critical for both trust and control. Without verification, your restaurant may show outdated info or be edited by third parties, which can lead to serious problems.

Make Sure Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) Are Accurate

Your business name, business address, and phone number should match exactly across your website, social profiles, and anywhere else you appear online.

Even minor differences (like “St.” vs “Street”) can confuse Google and hurt your local search performance.

This consistency helps Google trust your listing, which improves your ranking in local search and Google Maps results.

It also prevents customer confusion; mismatched contact details are an easy way to lose a guest.

Choose the Right Business Categories

Selecting the correct primary and secondary categories helps Google understand what your restaurant offers so it can show your business listing to the right customers.

For most restaurants, “Restaurant” should be the primary category. Then, add specifics like “Italian Restaurant” or “BBQ Restaurant” depending on your cuisine.

These categories play a big role in how you show up in local search results.

Add High-Quality Photos and Update Them Often

Your GBP listing is often the first visual impression people get of your restaurant. Add high-quality photos of your food, staff, dining space, and even signage.

Google favors active listings that get updated regularly, and customers are more likely to visit when they can see what kind of dining experience to expect.

A blurry menu photo from 2018 isn’t a good look.

Keep Your Hours Up to Date, Including Holiday Hours

Your business hours should be accurate and up-to-date, especially during special hours or holidays.

Nothing drives away potential customers like showing up to a closed restaurant.

Reliable business hours helps you avoid confusion and also prevents negative reviews from frustrated diners.

Add Links to Your Menu, Online Ordering System, and Restaurant Website

Google lets you link directly to your menu, restaurant website, or online ordering platform.

Use this to your advantage by making it easy for customers to explore your menu and place a food order, or visit your website directly from your business profile.

Prioritize linking to your own direct online ordering system to streamline the experience and ensure you keep more of your profits, rather than having to share with third-party platforms.

Write a Compelling Business Description

Your business description is your elevator pitch.

Keep it short and conversational; highlight what makes your restaurant special, your approach to food, or your story. You can also naturally include keywords here to help with search relevance.

Think of this as a snapshot of your brand that quickly builds trust and interest.

Post Regularly with Offers, Events, or Updates

Google Posts let you share special offers, events, promotions, or important news directly on your Google Business Profile. Think of these as mini social posts that show up right in your profile.

These short updates help you keep your profile fresh, highlight what’s happening now, and give customers a reason to come back.

These are the essentials for getting the most out of your Google Business Profile, but to truly outshine your competitors and rank higher on Google, you can do what many operators overlook: collecting and using customer reviews.

How to Use Reviews to Boost Visibility and Trust

Online reviews do more than influence potential diners; they directly impact your visibility in local search.

Restaurants with frequent, positive customer interactions and active engagement often rank higher in both Google Search and Google Maps.

Ask for Reviews from Happy Customers

The easiest way to get positive reviews is to ask for them, and timing matters.

Train your staff to ask customers to leave a review after having a great dining experience. You can also send follow-up emails after placing an online order or getting a food delivery.

Don’t leave it to chance—prioritize making it part of your regular process to encourage customers who’ve had a good time to leave reviews.

Even a few fresh reviews per month can give your Google Business Profile a boost in local search traffic.

Respond to All Reviews, Especially the Negative Ones

Responding to reviews shows both Google and your customers that you’re engaged and care about feedback.

A thoughtful reply can turn a bad experience into a second chance, and public responses help future diners see your commitment to excellent customer service.

For positive reviews, a simple thank you and happy you enjoyed it goes a long way.

For negative reviews, respond promptly, acknowledge the concern, and, when appropriate, offer to make it right.

Never argue, blame, or ignore. More people than the person who left the review are reading your response.

This builds trust and increases the likelihood that potential customers will give your restaurant a try.

Maintaining an open and active dialogue in your reviews section helps your restaurant’s Google Business Profile stand out and demonstrates to both Google and potential guests that you care and are worth choosing.

Keep It Active and Current

It might feel like your Google Business Profile is a “set it and forget it” scenario because the core information like your address, phone number, and hours change very little, but making the effort to stay active signals to Google, and your customers, that your business is alive, engaged, and worth checking out.

Review Your Profile Monthly

Block out 15 minutes once a month to review your business listing. Look for outdated menu items, old promotions, or incorrect business information.

Make sure your operating hours, links, and photos still reflect what’s happening in your restaurant right now.

This simple routine keeps your restaurant on Google aligned with reality and helps you avoid customer complaints due to stale or incorrect information.

Update Photos, Posts, and Q&A Regularly

Upload new images seasonally or whenever your food presentation changes.

Fresh, high-quality photos of your dishes, interior, or team can help attract customers and increase engagement on your profile.

You should also post updates when running special offers, introducing new menu items, or hosting special events.

These mini updates through Google Posts keep your profile dynamic, which can help boost your presence in search and maps.

Lastly, check the Q&A section. Customers can ask questions about your business, and anyone can answer them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Google Business Profiles

What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile is a free listing that helps your restaurant appear in Google Search and Google Maps results. It displays your business information, like your menu, hours, address, photos, and more.

How do I get my restaurant to show up in Google Maps?

Start by claiming and verifying your Google Business Profile. Next, make sure your business address, contact details, and service area are correct. Keeping your profile updated and active helps improve your chances of appearing in Google Maps.

Can I add a menu to my Google Business Profile?

Yes, you can add a direct link to your menu, either on your website or through a supported ordering platform. You can also manually add individual menu items with prices if you want them to appear directly on your business listing.

How do I get more reviews on my profile?

Ask happy diners to leave reviews in person, via follow-up email, or by linking to your profile in digital receipts. More positive reviews help improve your visibility in local search results and build trust with potential customers.

How often should I update my profile?

Aim to review your business profile monthly. Check your business hours, update any special offers or holiday hours, and make sure all links still work. Regular updates signal to Google that your listing is active and relevant.

You can also read our article, How to Get More Google Reviews From Customers.

Optimize Your Google Business Profile as the First Step

The first step for every restaurant trying to strengthen their online presence and connect with new customers is optimizing their Google Business Profile.

Your GBP is almost always your customers’ first point of contact—take it seriously and you’ll make a great first impression.

Contact ChowNow to learn how a Restaurant Website and Direct Online Ordering System connected to your Google Business Profile can place you in front of more customers on Google and grow direct online sales.