In this blog post, we’re diving into how to set up and optimize your restaurant’s Google Business Profile for maximum exposure. There are three key parts to this process that we’ll go over, all within one blog post. So, let’s dive right in!
Part One: Using Google Posts with Offers
One of the most effective strategies I’ve seen for increasing sales is using Google posts to promote online ordering through your website. My friend Sarah, the owner of Flavorful Bites, used this strategy to generate over $3,000 in additional monthly sales. Her team spent less than 5 minutes per week on it!
Sarah wanted to drive more orders directly through her website rather than through third-party platforms. She knew that if her regulars understood the benefits of ordering directly, they would do so. She utilized her Google Business Profile to promote a special offer: Save 20% on your first order on our website or app using code FLAVOR20. This offer displayed prominently on her profile with an eye-catching image, significantly boosted her sales without any paid ads. By using tools like owner.com, she tracked the new sales generated from this feature.
Google is promoting this feature heavily, so using Google posts not only helps promote your offer but also increases your restaurant’s search exposure. This is an excellent way to promote specials, upcoming events, or new menu items.
Step 1: Access Your Google Business Profile
- Sign In to Google My Business: Go to Google My Business and sign in with the account associated with your business.
- Select Your Business: Choose the business you want to manage if you have multiple locations.
Step 2: Create a New Post
- Navigate to the Post Section: On the left-hand menu, click on “Posts.”
- Choose the Type of Post: Select “Offer” from the available options. This is specifically designed to promote discounts and special offers.
Step 3: Enter Offer Details
- Add Your Offer Information: Input details about your offer. For example, “Save 20% on your first order on our website or app using code FLAVOR20.”
- Set an Expiration Date: Specify the duration of your offer. This ensures that the offer is visible for a limited time and encourages prompt action.
- Include a Call-to-Action: Add a button with a call-to-action like “Order Online” or “Learn More” to guide customers to your website or app.
- Add an Eye-Catching Image: Upload an image that highlights your offer. Visuals can grab attention and make your post more appealing.
Step 4: Publish Your Post
- Review and Publish: Double-check the details and click “Publish” to make your offer live on your Google Business Profile.
- Monitor Performance: Track the performance of your post through Google My Business insights or tools like owner.com. This helps you understand the impact of your offer and adjust future posts accordingly.
By following these steps, you can effectively use Google posts with offers to drive more orders directly through your website. This strategy not only boosts sales but also enhances your restaurant’s search exposure, making it easier for customers to find and engage with your business.
Part Two: Leveraging the Q&A Section for Restaurant’s Google Business Profile
The Q&A section on Google Business Profiles can be a powerful tool. My friend Alex, the owner of Cozy Diner, uses this feature to great effect. When you Google “diner in Springfield,” her restaurant appears at the top, thanks in part to her active use of the Q&A section.
Alex initially used the Q&A feature to help customers, not realizing the marketing benefits. It turns out that answering questions like “Does this restaurant offer vegan options?” or “What’s the best place to park?” not only helps customers but also boosts the restaurant’s Google rankings. It reduces the number of repetitive phone calls, saving time and labor costs, and makes your restaurant stand out in search results.
How To Find Q&A Section in Google My Business?
The Q&A section on Google Business Profiles is part of your Google Business Profile management tools. To find and utilize this feature, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Google Business Profile: Go to Google Business Profile and log in with the account associated with your business.
- Select Your Business: Choose the business you want to manage from the list if you have multiple locations.
- Access the Q&A Section:
- From your dashboard, navigate to the “Info” tab.
- Scroll down to find the “Questions and Answers” section.
- Click on “See Questions” to view existing questions and add new ones.
Part Three: Utilizing the Attributes Feature
Google recently introduced the attributes feature for business profiles, allowing businesses to select categories that apply to them. This feature can significantly increase your Google exposure. For example, my mom’s bakery saw a surge in impressions after tagging it with attributes like “women-owned” and “free parking.”
Customers often search for specific attributes, such as “gluten-free options” or “veteran-owned businesses.” By ensuring these attributes are filled out in your Google Business Profile, you can increase your visibility and attract more customers.
How to Utilize the Attributes Feature in Google Business Profile?
- Sign In to Google Business Profile:
- Go to Google Business Profile.
- Log in using the account associated with your business. If you don’t have a profile, you’ll need to create one first.
- Select Your Business:
- If you manage multiple locations or businesses, choose the one you want to update from the list of your businesses.
- Navigate to the Attributes Section:
- On the dashboard, click on the “Info” tab. This section contains various fields and options for managing your business information.
- Scroll down or look for the “Attributes” section. Depending on the layout, this may be directly visible or under a submenu.
- Add Relevant Attributes:
- Click on the “Attributes” section to edit or add information.
- You’ll see a list of available attributes. Select those that accurately describe your business. For instance, if you offer vegan options, select “Vegan options available.” If you have free parking, add the “Free parking” attribute.
- Save your changes once you’ve selected all the relevant attributes.
Bonus Tip: Using the Share a Review Feature
Google has recently made it easier for businesses to request reviews. Unlike Yelp, which discourages businesses from asking for reviews, Google allows you to share a link directly from your Google Business Profile dashboard.
My friend Jamie, the owner of BBQ Delight in San Diego, uses this strategy effectively. He sends an automatic email to customers after their order, asking them to leave a review with a link to his Google profile. This simple strategy has garnered him over 2,000 positive reviews in less than 14 months, making his restaurant a clear leader in the local barbecue scene.
To incentivize reviews further, some restaurants run raffles, offering a chance to win a gift card for those who leave a review. This approach can quickly boost your review count and improve your restaurant’s reputation.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for more ways to drive new customers from Google, check out our other post on SEO for restaurants. It covers advanced tips like using strategic alt text on images and the key components of a restaurant homepage. With these strategies, you can optimize your Google Business Profile and attract more customers to your restaurant.
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