Why Restaurants Need an Optimized Google Profile

If you run a restaurant and don’t have your Google Business Profile set up right, you’re leaving money on the table.

People Google everything. That includes where to eat, what’s open now, and who has the best tacos. Your Google profile is what shows up when they search.

Here’s why it matters—and how to fix it.

People Are Searching Local—Constantly

If someone’s hungry, they’re not digging through websites. They’re typing “sushi near me” and picking something from the map pack.

98% of consumers used the internet to find information about local businesses in 2022. 

That little box with your name, hours, photos, and reviews? That’s your Google Business Profile. It’s often the first and only thing people see before they decide.

If it’s not accurate—or worse, not optimized—you’re missing out.

Your Profile Is More Than a Listing

It also acts like your digital business card. If you want to understand how important that is, this guide breaks it down.

A Google Business Profile isn’t just your name and number. It’s a living snapshot of your brand.

It shows:

• Your hours
• Photos of your food and space
• Menus
• Reviews (and your responses)
• Online ordering options
• COVID updates
• Location info and map

The more info you add, the more legit you look. Google wants to help people make decisions fast. If you’re giving them more to work with, they’ll reward you with better visibility.

Bad Info = Bad Experience

Let’s say someone sees you’re open till 9pm. They show up at 8:30 and the doors are locked.

You just lost a customer. And probably got a 1-star review.

Same thing if your phone number doesn’t work, your menu link is broken, or the address leads to an empty lot.

Optimizing your profile isn’t extra. It’s basic.

Good Profiles Get More Views (And More Orders)

Google’s algorithm likes profiles that are complete, active, and accurate. That means:

• Adding real photos
• Updating hours for holidays
• Posting updates (yes, like social posts)
• Responding to reviews

It’s not just a “set it and forget it” thing.

The more active you are, the more you show up. The more you show up, the more people walk in or order online.

It Helps Your Local SEO

Google wants to connect people with the best, closest, most relevant result. Your profile is a huge part of that.

Local SEO isn’t just for your website. Your Google Business Profile is your SEO presence for a lot of people.

More complete profiles with good reviews and photos rank higher.

You don’t need a full-time SEO nerd. Just do the basics:

• Make sure your info is consistent with what’s on your site
• Add your main keywords in the description (naturally)
• Pick the right category for your restaurant
• Use all the features Google gives you

Want to get deeper into how this works? Moz breaks it down pretty well.

Reviews Are Social Proof

People trust people.

Good reviews = trust. Bad reviews with no reply = doubt.

If someone posts a bad experience, respond. Stay cool. Fix it if you can.

And if someone posts a great one? Say thanks. It shows you care.

Also: ask for reviews. Most people are happy to leave one—they just don’t think of it unless you ask.

Photos Matter More Than You Think

Photos of your food, drinks, staff, and space help people picture the experience. It’s like showing instead of telling.

Google says businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their website. Source

That’s free visibility. Use it.

Menu Links and Online Ordering

People are lazy. Make it easy.

Connect your menu link. Add an order button. Sync your profile with your delivery partners. Add direct ordering if you have it.

One click to order beats five clicks to a confusing website every time.

You Control the Narrative

If you don’t manage your Google profile, Google will still show one. But it’ll be filled with info other people add.

Photos from five years ago. Hours that are wrong. Reviews you never answered.

Don’t let the internet speak for you. Take control of the listing.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

You can manage your profile manually. Or you can let someone (like Ad Pages Solutions) handle it for you.

We make sure your info is accurate, up to date, and doing what it should—bringing people through the door.

Because your Google Business Profile is one of the most important pieces of your online presence. And most restaurants treat it like an afterthought.

Don’t be that restaurant.

Fix it. Optimize it. Stay on top of it.

People are looking. Make sure you show up.