Search Engine Optimization (SEO) might not be at the top of your list of ‘most interesting topics ever’ but it should be a key component of your digital marketing plan to enable you to reach your patrons and generate business for your restaurant.  One essential piece of SEO is to have a Google My Business page for your restaurant. 

What is a Google My Business page?

Google My Business page is an online profile that summarizes key information about your restaurant such as address, phone, website URL, menu, etc. Whenever a potential patron searches Google for your restaurant or even for local restaurants matching your cuisine (think ‘pizza restaurants near me’), they’ll find a Google My Business listing in their search engine results page.  

Why should a restaurant care about Google My Business page?

Google controls over 85% of all website searches so it’s important to take advantage of any services they have to offer.  It is simple to create a listing, it’s FREE to sign up and it will only take you a few minutes so the question really is…..why would you NOT have a Google My Business page?

Even if you don’t setup a Google My Business listing, but you have reviews then one will be created for you.  You want to be in control of all of the information that is being shown so if your restaurant already has a Google My Business listing, you’ll want to ‘claim it’.  See example below for Bob’s Family Restaurant.

How do you set-up a Google My Business page for your restaurant?

The good news is that it is very simple to setup a Google My Business page.  Here is a quick step by step guide that will help get you started?

Step 1: Open the Google My Business website on your web browser and click the green Manage Now button at the top right-hand corner of the screen.  If you don’t have a Google Account email address you’ll need to create one so click Create An Account.

Step 2: Input the name of your business as prompted, then click the Next button.

Step 3: Fill in the address details of your restaurant and click Next.

Step 4: Enter your business category, such as “Restaurant” and click Next.

Step 5: Provide your restaurant’s phone number and website URL to allow potential diners to get in touch and click Next.

Step 6: When asked if you would like to Stay in the Know select Yes to receive insider tips and recommendations from Google or No to opt out of extra advice.

Step 7: Next, you will be asked to verify your business. Click Continue and then choose your method of verification to prove your connection to the business.

A verification code will then be sent on a postcard by mail to the address you provided. Once received, input the verification code as instructed to complete the set-up process. That’s it!   You’re all set to begin managing your Google My Business listing!

If you’re having trouble setting up your Google My Business page, feel free to schedule a one on one consulting call and we can walk you through how to set it up via a video call.   Believe me when I say it is well worth the small effort to get this setup.