If you want to grow as a restaurant in the 21st Century, having a strong online presence is as important as the quality of your dishes. Leveraging platforms like Google My Business (GMB) can significantly enhance your restaurant’s visibility and viability to attract new customers. This article explains how optimising GMB can potentially increase foot traffic to keep customers coming through the door.
Understanding Google My Business
Google My Business is a free tool that allows business owners to manage their online presence through Google’s diverse platform, including Search and Maps. By verifying and editing your business information, you can help customers find your restaurant and learn what you have to offer.
1. Claim Your Listing
The first thing you have to do is claim your listing. If your restaurant is already on Google Maps, make a claim to access control of the information being displayed. Once this is done, you should verify your listing to ensure that all relevant information is accurate.
2. Optimise Your Profile
- Accurate Information: Make sure that all your details such name, address, and phone number are up-to-date. Inconsistent information will lead to confusion and lower search rankings.
- Categories: You want to ensure that your business is appropriately classified (e.g., Italian Restaurant, Vegan Restaurant). This allows Google to point your customers in the right direction.
- Description: Write an engaging description of your restaurant to highlight special features and what makes your restaurant unique and worth visiting.
3. High-Quality Photos
Upload high-quality images of your dishes as well as pictures that celebrate the best elements of your restaurant. Let customers get a better understanding of the decor and ambience of your establishment.
4. Manage and Respond to Reviews
Encourage customers to leave reviews and always respond professionally, good or bad. Quick, prompt responses create the image of a restaurant that is engaged and attentive to their diners.
5. Post Regularly
Google Posts allows businesses to share content directly with their audience. Make it a point to share events, special offers, and popular items, giving customers a reason to visit.
6. Use the Q&A Feature
It’s great practice to respond to questions in the Q&A section. Directly engage with customers and give them the information they need to make an informed decision.
7. Google My Business Insights
One of the most underrated features of GMB is customer insights and how diners are interacting with your listing. Use the data to optimise performance and respond to what your customers are interested in. If you see requests for directions and parking, it’s a good time to add even more relevant location information.
8. Promote Events and Offers
Your GMB listing can be used a promotional outlet and it’s a great vehicle to celebrate discounts and special events. This is your chance to attract customers who are looking for a unique dining experience or a great night out on a budget.
9. Stay Updated with Google’s Features
Google continually updates its features. Make sure you stay aware of new tools that you can to use to promote your business.
10. Customer Engagement
You can also encourage customers to share photos and their positive experiences on social media. This gives your restaurant greater visibility and helps foster a thriving and active community.
Conclusion
In summary, as we move hard and fast into the digital age, restaurants must keep up with the times to stay afloat and on par with their competitors. Thankfully, there are many digital tools available such as Google My Business that can be used to build your brand, attract new customers, and increase foot traffic to your restaurant, which ultimately is the end goal.
Elevate your marketing game and ensure sustained success in the competitive culinary landscape.