The Power of Google (Google My Business) for Local Restaurants
- Google accounts for over 90% of the search engine market
- 7 out of every 10 Google searches for food happen on mobile devices
- Google reviews are more valuable than those of any other platform
- Listings that include customer reviews have greater credibility, leading to increased visibility
What is Google My Business?
No doubt you know that Google is the largest search engine in the world. It controls 90.46% of the search engine market share worldwide. But Google My Business narrows searches down to one specific area. GMB gives you the power to list your restaurant—and makes it easier than ever for customers to find you. It’s like the massive Google search engine, but it specifically focuses on your local area.
Local search results are by far one of the most valuable online resources available today, so take advantage of them.
Did you know that Google gives companies free business profiles? This service really is free! Your profile will let you easily connect with customers across Google, and that lets you see how they interact with your business on Google. When used correctly, these tools increase the effectiveness of customers’ local search results. You can post photos and special offers highlighting what makes your business unique. This, in turn, gives customers a reason to choose you over your competitors. Your GMB listing is one of the easiest, most effective ways to create online visibility. It also ensures that customers searching for dining options find you.
To ensure you glean all you can from this valuable Google tool, Tría offers expertise and guidance on how to set up your GMB page—and maximize its potential.
How Does a Google Listing Benefit My Business?
When someone Googles off-premise dining options, your listing will be much more visible if it’s set up correctly. Seven out of every 10 Google searches for food happen on mobile devices. The most common search is “Food near me.” The more complete, active, and informative your listing is, the more often you will appear in top results. You can even update your address, phone number, hours of operation, website address, and any other information critical for customers to find and connect with your business. And don’t forget to keep your listing updated with fresh content like photos, special offers, and promotions. This makes it easier for customers to find and choose you. As you can see, GMB is a great platform to increase business, and Tria will help you set it up and be sure it is running to its full potential.
Google My Business Reviews
Google reviews are more valuable than those of any other platform. The quality and quantity of Google reviews are one of the most influential factors for local Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This means that when customers search for local food options, any reviews you receive directly impact where you show up on the list. Or, in other words, how well Google ranks you. The better (and more plentiful) the reviews, the higher your ranking, and the closer you rise to the top of the list in someone’s search.
As previously stated, Google is the largest search engine platform in the world. So it’s no surprise how great of an impact Google can have on a restaurant. For this reason alone, it makes sense to spend the bulk of your efforts on getting excellent Google reviews. When a customer scans Google search results for local restaurants, the listings that include customer reviews represent greater credibility. Those listings also receive a higher percentage of clicks than the ones without reviews. In fact, a recent “Local Consumer Survey” stated that 88% of consumers trust reviews written by other consumers as much as they trust recommendations from personal contacts. If you want to learn more or take a more active role in your GMB reviews, speak to a Tria coach or go to GrowwithTria.com. There you will find an in-depth training course that offers reviews’ coaching, and templates for responding to reviews.
Your Website & Google My Business
A website is a prerequisite to unlocking the full benefits of GMB. If you don’t currently have a website, you can always get a free Google website with your GMB page. Google automatically creates a simple website for you, with information from your Business Profile, and it auto-updates as you make profile changes. If you lack the time or expertise, the Tría team can quickly help you get set up and running. You can choose from a variety of attractive site themes.
Just remember: the most important element of your website is its ability to provide your customers with a seamless online ordering experience—because that, in turn, will increase your revenue.
Now that you’ve been introduced to the powerful influence and benefits of Google My Business, please take some time and dive deeper into Tria’s detailed training guide. This guide will help you with GMB fundamentals, and it discusses customer reviews, as they relate to Google ratings and the success of your business.
