Google Online Ordering button in a cell phone internet browser

Running an independent restaurant is no easy feat. Between managing staff, perfecting recipes, and ensuring diners have a great experience, there’s always something to do. One tool that’s helped simplify things is the “Order with Google” button. It’s been a convenient way for your diners to place orders directly through Google. But now, there’s a big change underway and it’s important for you to know what to expect and how to prepare (hint: it involves setting your preferred ordering partner) .

What’s Changing?

You might already be familiar with the “Order with Google” button. It’s been a handy tool for your diners to place pickup or delivery orders directly through Google. This process made ordering quick and easy without needing to leave the Google platform.

However, starting in July, this is going to change. When someone clicks the “Order” button on Google, they won’t be able to build a cart and pay right there anymore. Instead, they’ll be redirected to either your restaurant’s website or a third-party site like DoorDash, GrubHub or UberEats, depending on which services you use. This means diners will need to complete their order on these external sites instead of on Google.

Why the Change?

Google initially created the “Order with Google” feature to simplify online food orders and help restaurants get more business. But over time, they noticed something important: people prefer to complete their orders directly on restaurant or partner websites. So, to make things easier for both diners and restaurant partners, Google decided to stop handling the entire ordering process. Instead, they’ll now send users directly to restaurant or third-party sites to place their orders.

What Does This Change Mean for Restaurants?

This change might seem small, but it can have a big impact. There’s now a higher chance that diners  will choose  popular third-party marketplaces like DoorDash or UberEats. While these platforms are convenient, they come with a hefty price tag. Each order processed through these sites can cost you a double-digit commission fee, cutting into your profits. Plus, marketplaces like DoorDash and UberEats won’t give you access to your own customer data. Without this data, you miss out on the chance to drive repeat orders and build loyalty. 

What Can I Do to Protect Myself from High Fees?

Luckily, there’s a way to steer your diners toward the most profitable ordering option for your restaurant. By setting a preferred ordering partner on your Google Business Profile, you can guide diners to the best place to order. This not only helps you avoid high fees but also ensures a better experience for your diners. ChowNow’s research shows that diners are four times more likely to pick an ordering method when it is marked as Preferred by Business.

How to Set Your Preferred Ordering Partner

Laptop desktop showing how to set a preferred ordering partner on Google

Setting your preferred ordering partner on your Google Business Profile is simple. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Google Business Profile.
  2. Click on “Food Ordering.”
  3. Click the pencil icon next to your preferred partner.
  4. Click the pencil next to “Set as preferred.”
  5. Toggle the button on.
  6. Click “Save.”

Now, when diners search for your restaurant, they’ll see a “Preferred by business” badge indicating the best way to order. This small change can make a big difference in your bottom line.

Changes to the “Order with Google” button are coming soon, and it’s important to understand how they might affect your restaurant. By setting a preferred ordering partner, you can direct diners to the most profitable and customer-friendly option. This helps you avoid high fees and maintain control over your valuable customer data. Take action now to protect your profits and keep your diners happy.