1min
Picture this: it’s a drizzly Thursday evening in Manchester, and a hungry diner types “Italian restaurant near me” into Google. Within seconds, a neat little box appears, showcasing options with star ratings, contact details, and directions. That box is your Google Business listing. It’s the front door to your restaurant in the digital world. If you’ve claimed and optimised it, you’re welcoming potential customers with open arms. If not, you’re missing out on a chance to shine.
In the UK, nearly 46% of all Google searches have local intent (source). That means almost half of all searches are users looking for places or services near them. If your Google Business listing isn’t up to scratch, you risk losing those customers to your competitors. Not good for business, right?
Let’s walk through the key steps to make your Google Business listing irresistible. We’ll explore best practices, offer insider tips, and even show you how sunday can help enhance your online presence.
Before you whip up your listing like a perfect soufflé, you need to claim and verify it. This step is straightforward but essential.
Once verified, you’re in control of how your restaurant appears in Google Search and on Google Maps. This is the digital equivalent of hanging your own sign outside your restaurant, making it official and welcoming to everyone searching for good food.
A Google Business listing with half-baked details won’t impress. Customers want clear, consistent information. Think of it as the foundation of your online menu—it needs to be accurate, appetising, and easy to read.
Use your official restaurant name. Then, choose the most relevant primary category—“Italian Restaurant,” “Burger Restaurant,” “Gastro Pub,” or whatever best describes your eatery. Avoid keyword stuffing, like “Italian Restaurant Pasta Pizza London.” Google frowns upon that, and it can hurt your ranking.
Ensure your phone number, address, and website are correct. Triple-check your postcode, especially if you’re in a large city with multiple branches. If you have multiple locations, create separate listings for each one. Consistency across platforms (Google, your website, social media) helps build trust and improves local SEO.
Is your restaurant family-friendly? Do you offer vegetarian options? Are you wheelchair-accessible? Add relevant attributes, as these mini highlights can convince a prospective customer to choose your place over another. It’s also a great spot to showcase any unique features—like a rooftop terrace or Sunday roast specials.
Great visuals are like the perfect garnish on a well-plated dish—they elevate the overall experience. High-quality images and short videos can whet a customer’s appetite before they’ve even stepped through your door.
Google encourages businesses to add photos regularly. Restaurants that post photos get 42% more requests for directions (source—see Google’s own guidelines). So keep your gallery fresh. Consider updating it every month or whenever you add a new dish to the menu.
In the restaurant world, your menu is often the star of the show. Making it easy to find can turn a casual browser into a paying customer.
Remember, an accurate menu builds trust. If a customer shows up expecting a well-priced paella and finds out it’s off the list or three times the price, you’re risking a negative review. Keep everything fresh, just like your ingredients.
Ever turned up to a restaurant on a bank holiday only to find it closed? Not a pleasant feeling. Avoid frustrating your customers by keeping your opening hours updated.
When hours are accurate, Google will display them with a note like “Open soon” or “Closing soon,” adding a touch of urgency and clarity for hungry visitors.
According to a BrightLocal survey, 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. That’s huge. Good reviews are like a five-star rating from a top food critic—they can build your reputation swiftly. Even a few strong, well-written reviews can make your listing stand out.
Here’s how to get them rolling in:
Remember, every piece of feedback is an opportunity for growth. Even a negative review can become a positive if you respond gracefully and make genuine improvements.
Engaging with reviews is like greeting guests at the door: it sets the tone for their experience and shows you care. Here’s how to do it well:
Always sign off in a friendly manner. Something like “Best regards” or “We look forward to hosting you again” adds a personal touch. Remember, your responses aren’t just for the reviewer; future customers will read them, too.
Google Business has a “Posts” feature that lets you share offers, updates, and events. Think of it as a mini billboard that can appear right on your listing.
These posts can boost engagement and encourage more clicks through to your website. Keep your posts short, direct, and visually appealing. Updating them regularly signals to Google that your business is active and relevant.
Running a restaurant is fast-paced. Between juggling stock levels, staff schedules, and table bookings, optimising your Google Business listing might feel like another hefty item on your plate. That’s where a little tech-savvy help can make a big difference.
sunday is one such tool. Imagine: your diners scan a QR code, pay seamlessly, and get a gentle nudge to leave a review. In the same flow, they’re also prompted to leave a tip—no awkward fumbling for cash or waiting for the card machine. It’s a triple win: faster table turnover, more tips for your team, and fresh, authentic reviews that bolster your Google Business ranking.
And because sunday automatically integrates with your POS, you can keep track of all these transactions and feedback in one place. That’s efficiency working on your behalf, freeing you to focus on the real star of the show—your food and service.
Much like how you wouldn’t serve stale bread, you don’t want stale information on your Google Business listing. Make a habit of checking your listing at least once a month:
Staying up to date signals to Google—and to your customers—that you’re an active, attentive business. It keeps your listing well-seasoned and ready to impress new visitors.
Optimising your Google Business listing is like fine-tuning the ambience in your dining room. It’s not just about being online, but about offering a welcoming space where potential diners can find exactly what they need. With accurate details, eye-catching photos, enticing menus, and a strategy to gather authentic reviews, your restaurant can stand out in a crowded market.
If you want an easier way to guide customers towards that glowing online feedback, sunday is ready to help. By simplifying payment through a quick QR code scan, you’re also opening a smooth pathway to higher tips and genuine Google reviews. The result? Your listing climbs the rankings, new customers take notice, and your regulars keep coming back for more.
After all, you’ve poured your heart into your menu and décor—why not ensure your online presence is just as inviting? Start today, and let your Google Business listing become the perfect digital showcase for your passion, your food, and your unique restaurant experience.
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