Google My Business is an invaluable tool for restaurant owners looking to attract more customers and improve their restaurant's online visibility.

A well-maintained Google business profile will get your restaurant to the top of the local search results, make you stand out on Google Maps, and provide essential information like your restaurant location, menu items, operating hours, and positive reviews that build trust with potential customers.

Having a complete and optimized GMB listing means your restaurant can be found more easily by people searching for places to eat nearby. Whether someone is looking for an Italian restaurant or a local spot with the best reviews, your restaurant's GMB listing can help influence their decision to dine in or order from you online. It also makes it easier for customers to leave reviews, ask questions, and find your business website.

And not only that: having a Google business profile is completely free, and maintenance is a piece of cake!

In this guide, we'll walk you through the complete setup process for your Google My Business account and show you how to add high-quality photos, write a compelling business description, and use relevant keywords to make your restaurant stand out in local search results.

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool from Google that allows business owners to create and manage their business listing on Google Search and Google Maps.

For restaurants, this means controlling how their business appears when people search for places to eat nearby. When someone searches on Google for a local restaurant or types in terms like "pizza near me," the results often show a map with highlighted businesses, and these come right from GMB profiles.

A restaurant's Google business profile displays critical information like address, phone number, operating hours, business description, food and venue images, menu items, and links to online ordering.

It also displays customers' Google restaurant reviews, making it easier for potential customers to decide to visit (or avoid) your restaurant. A complete GMB profile can influence where your restaurant appears in local search rankings and create a strong impression that encourages customers to visit or place an order.

With a well-managed GMB listing, restaurant owners can keep their business information accurate, answer questions from customers, and respond to both positive reviews and negative restaurant feedback directly through the platform.

Why should restaurants have a Google My Business account?

• Your restaurant will be easier to discover. Having a Google My Business account makes it easy for new customers to find you through Google Search and Google Maps,. Appearing in the local pack (the top three results that show up on a map in Google search results) can drive more customers to your restaurant.
• An optimized Google business profile contributes to better local SEO. This means your restaurant is more likely to appear when someone searches using relevant keywords like "Italian restaurant in [city]" or "best tacos near me." The more complete and active your business listing is, the more likely Google is to consider it relevant to searchers. This visibility leads to increased traffic, both online and in-person.
• A GMB account helps with reputation management. Google reviews directly impact how potential customers perceive your restaurant's reputation. Positive reviews build trust, while the ability to respond to negative reviews well shows professionalism and care. Engaging with customers through your business account helps build loyalty and credibility.
• A GMB account impacts the customer decision process greatly. Essential information like your restaurant's menu, dine-in or takeout options, service area, operating hours, and even upcoming events are readily available to anyone searching. Adding high-quality images and answering frequently asked questions makes your restaurant more appealing and inviting.

In short, a GMB listing is a powerful tool for increasing your restaurant's online presence, foot traffic, and deliveries. It helps with attracting customers and providing them with everything they need to make an informed decision about where to eat.

Good to know: Top restaurant review sites to register on in 2025.

How to create a Google My Business account for your restaurant

Step 1: Create a Google account for your business

It's a good idea to set up a separate Google account specifically for your restaurant, even if you already have a personal Google account. This helps you manage your business information, track performance metrics, and keep your restaurant's communications organized.

To create a Google account for your business:

• Go to accounts.google.com/signup
• Choose a username that represents your restaurant (e.g., yourrestaurantname@gmail.com)
• Fill out the required fields, including a secure password
• Verify your phone number and recovery email for security purposes

Once the account is created, you can use it to sign into Google My Business and manage your restaurant's profile.

Step 2: Create your business profile for free on Google My Business

After setting up your Google account, the next step is creating your restaurant's Google My Business profile. Here's how:

1. Go to google.com/business and click on "Manage now."
2. Enter your restaurant's name. If your business appears in the dropdown, you can select it and claim it. If not, continue to create a new listing.
3. Choose your business category—start typing and select a relevant one like "Italian restaurant," "sushi restaurant," or "pizza place."
4. Enter your restaurant's physical location and address. If you offer delivery or takeout, you can also define a service area.
5. Add your restaurant's contact information, including your phone number and business website (if you have one).
6. Set your operating hours and days. Make sure they reflect holidays and seasonal changes if applicable.
7. Opt-in to allow customers to message you through your profile.
8. Add high-quality images of your establishment, food, logo, and menu.
9. Review your information and submit your business profile for verification.

Step 3: Verify your business profile

Verification can be done by postcard, phone, or email, depending on what Google offers you:

1. Postcard verification: Google will send a postcard to your restaurant's physical address with a verification code. This usually takes about 5 business days. Once you receive it, log in to your GMB account and enter the code to verify your listing.
2. Phone verification: If your business is eligible, Google may offer instant verification by phone. You'll receive an automated call with a code, which you then enter into your GMB dashboard.
3. Email verification: In some cases, Google lets you verify your listing via email. If this option appears, Google will send you a verification link or code directly to your business email address. Simply follow the instructions in the message to complete the verification process. Once verified, your restaurant's Google business listing will be live and start appearing in local search results and on Google Maps.

Step 4: Edit and optimize your profile to stand out

Once your restaurant's Google business profile is verified, it’s time to fine-tune your listing so it appears in relevant local search results and appeals to potential customers. Optimization helps your GMB profile show up more often in Google Maps and search results, giving you a better chance of attracting customers.

Write SEO-optimized restaurant description

Your business description is one of the first things potential customers will see when they click on your restaurant's GMB listing. This makes it an important space to include relevant keywords naturally, describe what makes your restaurant unique, and help Google understand when to show your profile in local search results.

An SEO-friendly business description helps your restaurant appear in more relevant searches, builds credibility, and encourages users to learn more or place an order directly from your Google business listing.

Here's how to write a great description:

• Include specific keywords: Use relevant keywords like "family-friendly pizza place," "Mexican restaurant in [city]," or "vegan brunch spot" that reflect your restaurant's identity and local appeal.
• Describe your restaurant clearly: Share what kind of food you serve, whether you offer dine-in, takeout, or delivery, and any special features like outdoor seating, happy hour, or pet-friendly policies.
• Mention your target audience or theme: If you cater to families, offer a romantic setting, or focus on fast service for office lunch breaks, be sure to mention it.
• Keep it concise and readable: You have 750 characters, so make each word count. Aim for 2–3 short paragraphs or one longer paragraph.
• Avoid keyword stuffing: Use keywords naturally. Writing for customers, not just search engines, helps your profile feel more authentic.

Add high-quality images

Photos can help your restaurant make a strong first impression. Adding high-quality images to your Google business profile gives potential customers a better feel for your dining experience and encourages them to visit.

Businesses with more images tend to receive more clicks and direction requests, which can translate into more customers. Make sure the photos accurately reflect your brand and create a visual experience that invites people to dine in or order online.

Start by uploading a clear and appealing profile photo. This could be your restaurant's logo or a recognizable dish.

Next, add a cover photo that showcases the interior or exterior of your restaurant. Include pictures of popular menu items, your team in action, happy diners (with their consent), and special features like outdoor seating, decor, or seasonal events.

Images should be well-lit, sharp, and relevant. Avoid cluttered or dark photos. Update your photos regularly to show freshness and keep your listing active.

Ask your customers for reviews

Customer reviews are one of the most influential factors in a restaurant's Google business profile.

Positive reviews build trust with potential customers, improve your visibility in local search, and shape your restaurant's reputation. Encouraging satisfied diners to leave reviews regularly ensures your profile stays fresh and relevant.

The best time to ask for a review is shortly after a great restaurant experience.

You can ask in person, include a QR code on receipts or menus, or follow up with a polite email or text message if you have customer consent. Make the process easy by providing a direct link to your Google reviews page.

If you want to save time and manage reviews more effectively, consider using a review response service like ResponseScribe.

We help restaurants manage customer feedback by combining AI with a human touch to craft thoughtful replies. Responding to both positive and negative reviews shows you care about customer experiences, and it also boosts engagement on your listing.

As reviews serve as a reliable form of word-of-mouth marketing, they significantly influence customers and impact how frequently your restaurant appears in local search results, as well as whether potential customers choose your establishment over nearby businesses.

Regularly update and maintain your GMB profile

Keeping your Google business profile accurate and up to date is essential for local SEO and customer satisfaction.

Make it a habit to review your business information regularly, especially before holidays, weekends, or any special events. Ensure that your opening hours reflect seasonal changes or special closures.

If your restaurant is hosting events or running promotions, update those details as well. Double-check your phone number, business address, and links to your online ordering or reservations page.

Outdated or incorrect information can lead to confusion and missed business opportunities. Regular updates signal to Google that your listing is active, which can help improve your visibility in local search and the local finder.

Plus, an up-to-date profile creates a smoother experience for customers trying to find or contact your restaurant. You don't want them to show up to eat only to find your establishment closed!

Step 5: Add your restaurant menu

Adding your menu to your Google My Business listing helps customers decide in your favor and boosts your restaurant's online presence. An organized and appealing menu helps your restaurant stand out in local search results and gives customers all the information they need to place a food order or plan their visit.

Here’s how to add it step-by-step:

1. Log in to your Google My Business account.
2. From the dashboard, click on the "Info" tab in the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll down until you see the section labeled "Menu" or "Menu URL."
4. If you use a third-party menu service, insert the direct link to your menu here.
5. If you want to add items manually, go to the "Menu" section under "Products" (some categories may show this differently).
6. Click “Add menu section” and create categories like Appetizers, Entrees, Desserts, or Drinks.
7. Add items under each section along with prices and a brief description.
8. Optionally, upload photos of the dishes to make the listing more appealing.

Step 6: Enable reservations with Google

Enabling reservations through your restaurant's Google business listing makes it easier for customers to book a table directly from Google Search or Google Maps without needing to visit a separate website. This convenience can help increase table bookings, reduce booking friction, and attract new customers who prefer making instant reservations.

To enable reservations through Google:

1. Log in to your Google My Business account.
2. In the left-hand menu, select "Bookings."
3. If your restaurant uses a supported third-party booking provider (such as OpenTable, Resy, or TheFork), connect your account with Google.
4. Follow the prompts to authorize the connection and sync your reservation system.
5. Once connected, customers will see a “Reserve a table” button directly on your business profile.

Step 7: Create and share Google Business posts

Google Business posts are a powerful way to keep your business listing fresh, promote upcoming events, highlight seasonal menu items, or notify customers of special hours and limited-time offers. These short updates appear directly in your restaurant's Google business profile and can influence how potential customers engage with your listing.

Each post stays live for seven days (except Event posts, which last until the end of the event). To keep your restaurant’s GMB listing active, post regularly.

You can also repurpose content from your business website, social media platforms, or email marketing campaigns to save time. Posts improve your local visibility, support your restaurant’s online presence, and show Google that your business is active and relevant in local search.

To create a post:

1. Sign in to your GMB dashboard.
2. Click “Posts” in the menu.
3. Choose a post type—Update, Offer, Event, or Product.
4. Write a brief, engaging description. Use relevant keywords like “dine in,” “takeout available,” or “brunch special.”
5. Add a call-to-action button such as “Order online,” “Book,” or “Learn more.”
6. Upload a high-quality image or graphic.
7. Publish the post.

Spread the word about your delicious offers with ResponseScribe

Responding to customer feedback can take up valuable time—but it’s too important to ignore. A single negative review, if left unanswered, can damage your restaurant's reputation, while timely, thoughtful replies can turn satisfied guests into loyal customers.

That’s where ResponseScribe comes in. It’s a review response service designed specifically for busy restaurant owners who want to stay on top of their Google reviews and build a trustworthy business profile—without having to write every response themselves.

Here’s what ResponseScribe does for your restaurant business:

• It monitors 50+ review platforms. Google Maps, Yelp, Facebook, Tripadvisor, OpenTable—you’ll never miss a review again.
• It writes custom replies using a combination of AI and human editing. Every response sounds natural, polite, and on-brand.
• It helps you respond quickly. Most reviews are replied to within a few hours, so customers feel heard while the experience is still fresh.
• It protects your reputation. Suspicious or inappropriate reviews are flagged for removal, helping you maintain your credibility.
• It saves you hours every week. With ResponseScribe handling the replies, you and your staff can focus on creating better dining experiences.

Great reviews build trust. Responding to them builds relationships. Let ResponseScribe help you do both—faster and smarter.

Want to see it in action? Book a demo today and discover how effortless review management can be.

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