How to Get Your Restaurant on Google Maps

So, you’ve opened a restaurant and you’re enjoying the success so far, but you’re still looking for ways to promote your business. If you want to take your establishment to the next level, you need to put it on the map. Google Maps that is. If your business isn’t already incorporated into this web mapping service, it is a must. If you aren’t you risk falling behind your competitors in the area and losing potential business.

What Are the Benefits of a Google Maps Restaurant

When it comes to your restaurant Google Maps will open up a world of opportunities for you. You will look back later and wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. There are many benefits that you will see once you register your business. Some of these benefits are immediate while you might notice others later. They include:

• Delivery Services

This is one of the best boosts you’ll notice. Today’s consumers appreciate the convenience of eating out, but they also appreciate the convenience of getting food delivered directly to their door. There are a wide variety of delivery services out there, including DoorDash, PostMates, UberEats, and more. It may benefit you to research which delivery services operate in your area. Once you are officially in the system, these delivery apps/websites can use your information to navigate their drivers and interested customers to your store. Once you start taking more delivery orders, you will start to see a rise in your overall revenue.

• Convenience for Your Customers

As a savvy business owner, you understand that customer satisfaction is one of your top priorities. A large part of this is shaping the overall customer experience. But that experience isn’t defined only by a customer’s physical encounter in your restaurant; it also includes their digital experience. You want this process to go as smoothly as it would be if you were serving them in a person. That’s while researching your business. When they open Google Maps, restaurant seekers want to be able to find what they are looking for fast. If you are on the platform, customers can simply search your name. They will be connected with your address, phone number, links to reviews, photos from your menu, and more.

• You Are Easier to Discover

Once you are on Google Maps, you are more likely to be found by potential customers. For example, if someone looks up “great places to eat near me” while nearby your business, location services will offer you as an option. If someone is searching through an area, your logo and information are likely to appear without them having to enter your name directly. The service sometimes offers them photos of the food you serve, which may convince them to choose you. At the end of the day, this brings extra customers into your doors to make more money.

The Process

Now that you understand why should have your restaurant on Google Maps, you can start setting up. The process is simple and straightforward. Google has made so any business owner can use its services. Follow the steps below to take your business to the next level:

Claiming or Adding

• Claim a Restaurant via a Link

When you see a business on Google with all its correct information, that means the owner has a Google+ page through Google My Business. The first thing you’ll want to do to check on your status is Google your restaurant name. If you see something that matches you, check to see if a link appears that says “Are You the Business Owner?” If you do link, click on it and you will be able to claim that business. You will need to sign in to an account to do this. Once signed in, you can make needed edits to your information.

• Add Restaurant to Google Maps Yourself

If you don’t see the link mentioned above, navigate yourself to Google.com/business. From there, you should see a button that reads “Get On Google”. Once you click it, you will be prompted to log in to your account. After you log in, it will show you a map You can either search for your business or find it on the map itself or by entering your address.

Verification

Once you have claimed or added your page directly, the next step is verification. Before you verify, make sure that all the information about your restaurant is accurate. Once you submit for verification, Google begins the process on their end. They will send you a unique verification code. Typically, this is a physical code that is mailed to the address you’ve entered. This helps them ensure that the address is being used by those who claim to be using it. The mailing time can vary between a few business days to 1-2 weeks. While you are waiting on verification, it’s important not to make any major changes to your information. This includes things like changing your name, phone number, or category. If you do before you’re verified, it may delay the process or you may have to start over. After you’re verified, it will be easy to make necessary edits. After you’ve verified everything and reviewed it again, you’ll have control over your page.

How Search Engine Optimization Can Help

Now that you’ve established your official restaurant page on Google, it’s time to think about other strategies for boosting your online visibility. One of the best strategies is restaurant SEO. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a method for increasing your ranking on popular search engines such as Google. When you use it for a restaurant, you must craft your content with the restaurant industry in mind. Your potential customers are your target audience, so you must appeal to them. Some of the main types of content you’ll need include:

Onsite Content

This type of content is everything that can be found directly on your website site: This is your strongest source for SEO content.

• Articles– These are more formal pieces that you can include on your site that focuses on a specific subject. They are based on research and are less personal than a blog.
• Blogs– Blogs are similar to articles, but are usually informal. The writer of a blog can include things like personal anecdotes and opinions.
• Recipes-This is a great type of content, especially for restaurant owners. Include an item or two from your menu that food lovers could try at home. This also encourages readers to come in and taste for themselves.
• Press Releases– If you have a specific development or story you want to share, a press release is a great way to do it

Offsite Content

This includes any content that is still connected to your business but is found on external sites. This includes things like your social media platforms.

What Are You Waiting For?

Start today by setting up your business on Google Maps. It’s easy once you begin the process. These instructions will help you grow your business and increase your profits this year. Good luck!