Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past ten years or so, you’re likely already aware of how important social media is to businesses today. Social media helps you get the word out about your business. New customers can use it to discover your restaurant. Plus, you can keep existing ones returning by making them aware of new specials, deals, and promotions. You might be wondering if learning how to set up a Google My Business page is worth your time.
But the truth of the matter is that social media is best for the organic discovery of your restaurant by customers. What does that mean? For example, a customer might see an advertisement for your restaurant, and take a look at your profile. Then they might decide that they’ll stop by the next time they’re looking for a bite to eat. But most people aren’t going to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and searching “restaurants near me” or “best places to get a burger”. These are things that they’re turning to Google for, and that’s why your restaurant’s Google My Business page is so important.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a feature that helps local customers discover your restaurant. Setting up your profile on this site is easy and relatively straightforward. Google My Business pages are linked to a Google account. You can add your business name, address, and other contact info, like phone numbers, as well as business hours, to your business’s profile. It’s extremely important to keep your business info updated on your Google My Business page if it changes in the future. Having incorrect information on your page can keep customers from being able to find you.
How to Take Your Page to the Next Level
Okay, now that you’ve got your basic page set up, it’s time to dive into the extra features that Google My Business offers. Keeping your page updated and full of fresh new content can help you appear higher in search results. This means that more customers will be able to find your restaurant. It also gives potential customers a sense of what your restaurant or bar offers, and an idea of what the environment is like.
A great place to start is by adding photos and videos to your Google My Business listing. Take photos of the inside of your restaurant as well as photos of the dishes you serve. You can also include a staff photo to add a personable feel to your page.
Google My Business Posts are another great feature you may want to consider implementing. These short blog posts are a great way to deliver extra bites of content, such as describing the process behind creating your newest dish.
Another feature of Google My Business is the ability to collect reviews (hopefully good ones!) to earn your business a star rating on Google Maps, continuing to increase your restaurant’s discoverability. Above all, Google My Business is an important staple of helping new and old customers alike be engaged with your restaurant, and it helps to keep your business on their radar when they’re in the market for a delicious meal.
