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How to Leverage Google My Business to Increase Restaurant Bookings

When someone searches for a place to eat, the first thing they often do is look up restaurants on Google. If your restaurant’s Google My Business (GMB) profile isn’t optimized, you could be losing potential diners to competitors with a stronger online presence. GMB is one of the most powerful (and free) tools to increase visibility, attract local customers, and increase restaurant reservations on Google. But simply having a profile isn’t enough—you need to optimize it strategically to stand out and drive bookings.

Here’s how to make the most of Google My Business and turn searches into reservations.

Complete and Optimize Your Profile

A fully optimized GMB profile is the foundation of success. Start by ensuring all key information—restaurant name, address, phone number, website, and business hours—is accurate and up to date. Select the most relevant category for your restaurant, such as “Italian restaurant” or “seafood restaurant,” to help Google match your business with the right searchers. Use high-quality images of your food, interior, and menu to make your listing more appealing. The more complete and engaging your profile, the more likely people are to choose your restaurant over competitors.

Enable and Promote Online Reservations

Google My Business allows restaurants to integrate reservation platforms like OpenTable, Resy, or Google’s own “Reserve with Google” feature. Enabling this option makes it easier for potential customers to book a table directly from your listing without having to visit your website. If you take reservations, make sure this feature is set up and working properly. Additionally, promote online bookings by including call-to-action phrases in your business description, posts, and Q&A section—such as “Book your table today for an unforgettable dining experience!”

Encourage and Respond to Customer Reviews

Positive reviews are one of the biggest factors influencing whether someone books a table at your restaurant. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews by asking them in person, through social media, or via email follow-ups. Responding to all reviews—both positive and negative—shows that you value customer feedback and helps build trust. A well-maintained review section not only boosts credibility but also signals to Google that your restaurant is active and engaging, which can improve your ranking in local search results.

Use Google Posts to Engage and Attract Diners

Google Posts allow you to share updates, promotions, and events directly on your GMB listing. Treat this feature like a mini-social media platform to highlight seasonal specials, happy hour deals, or upcoming events. These posts appear in your restaurant’s Knowledge Panel and can entice potential customers to make a reservation. Since posts expire after seven days, updating them regularly keeps your listing fresh and engaging. A strong posting strategy can make your restaurant stand out and give customers another reason to choose you over competitors.

A well-optimized Google My Business profile can significantly increase your restaurant’s visibility and reservations, but managing it effectively takes time and expertise. At BYK Digital, we specialize in restaurant digital marketing, ensuring your GMB profile, social media, and website work together seamlessly to increase restaurant reservations on Google. Contact us today to learn how we can help you maximize your restaurant’s online presence and boost your bookings!

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