Google Search remains one of the most common ways to look for a restaurant online. Research shows searches for ‘restaurant-related content’ jumped 33% year-over-year.
Roughly 40% of diners use Google Search to find new restaurants, while 38% use food delivery apps. In addition, over 60% of restaurant-related searches come from mobile devices.
But when people search for restaurants and bars, they look for different things.
Some search for images, videos, online reviews, while others search for locations or recommendations.
That’s why high-resolution images and videos are crucial for restaurants, bistros, bars, and other types of F&B concepts. With SEO, these formats are often featured by Google’s AI in search listings and can influence a user’s decision.
They can be the reason why a diner chooses one restaurant over the other.
Research shows “near me” searches for restaurants and food have surged 99% year-over-year, while “food near me open now” soared by 875%.
Many of the searches for restaurants are often location-based. Whether it’s a guest that’s looking to dine out now or in an hour, or a tourist making dining plans for an upcoming trip.
In this article, we’ll look at the top ways to drive traffic and diners from Google. We’ll walk you through the actionable steps to turn your Google Business Profile into a diner-magnet. (Your most powerful tool for attracting and converting diners.)
The foundation: Your Google Business Profile
Think of Google as your new word-of-mouth tool. Nearly 94% of diners rely on online platforms like Google and social media to find places to dine.
However, before a restaurant can start getting diners online, they need to have an online presence, including a Google Business Profile (GBP).
Formerly Google My Business, a restaurant needs to create and optimize its Google Business Profile. This includes adding detailed and up-to-date information like:
Business name and logo
Address(es), phone number(s), operating hours.
Selecting your categories, like restaurant or café or bar, cuisine served, dining style.
Adding high-quality photos of menu items, seating areas, interior and exterior.
Uploading your menu(s).
Your location(s) on Google Maps.
Responding to reviews on your GBP.
The path to restaurant reservations: Using Google’s booking tools
Your dining concept’s Google Business Profile isn't static; it's a living part of your restaurant marketing strategy.
Research found 62% of consumers searched for restaurants via Google search, while 51% cited [Google] “as the single best platform for researching restaurant information.”
The goal is to make it as easy as possible for a customer to book a table directly from your Google listing.
Here’s how:
Leverage "Reserve with Google"
Reserve with Google is a commission-free integration from Google that lets diners make online bookings via your GBP or via Google search.
Also known as Google Reserve, this feature is available through third-party restaurant reservation platforms, like Servme.
The integration displays real-time availability, gives you massive visibility across Google, and streamlines the user experience.
If you’re using Servme, you can also enable or disable the feature based on peak hours and weekends and collect deposits via Google Reserve.
Use Google posts
Post content via our GBP to inform guests about what makes your restaurant unique. You can add images, announce daily specials, promote upcoming events, or introduce new menu items.
These posts appear directly in your Google Business Profile and on Google Maps, acting as a dynamic billboard, capturing attention and encouraging guests to make a booking.
Add your menu
Your menu on Google is more than just a list of dishes. It's a critical conversion tool. A clear, accurate, and visually appealing menu with high-quality photos helps diners visualize their meal and make a decision.
Make sure your menu is up-to-date and easy to navigate. Consider uploading it as PDF for an easier search experience that increases reservations.
Building trust: The impact of online reviews
Online reviews are a popular way for customers to decide where to dine next. They are the digital word-of-mouth for restaurants.
Research suggests 92% of consumers read online restaurant reviews before making a decision, while 88% “trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.”
The larger the number of online positive reviews your restaurant has, the better social proof, credibility, and trust you have with potential diners. This also increases your visibility in local search results.
Manage reviews effectively
How you handle reviews is a reflection of your customer service. Respond to both positive and negative feedback politely and professionally.
Thank customers for their positive reviews and use constructive criticism from negative ones to show you value their input.
This builds trust and can turn a negative experience into a positive impression.
Collecting reviews
One way to collect online reviews is to ask guests to leave them on restaurant review sites like Tripadvisor, Zomato, or even Google.
If you’re using a restaurant reservation management system, like Servme, you can collect reviews via automated restaurant guest surveys.
You can also ask happy diners to leave reviews via a link on receipts or via a QR code at the table.
Start getting restaurant reservations with Google!
Your Google Business Profile is a powerful, free marketing tool that directly impacts your restaurant's bottom line.
From optimizing your GBP, enabling direct bookings via Reserve with Google, using dynamic content like Google posts, and effectively managing online reviews to attract diners.
Take control of your Google presence today to boost visibility, build credibility, and most importantly, fill your tables.
Use Servme to enable Google reservations and deposits seamlessly. Learn more now!
Nada Sobhi
Marketing
