Andrea AbbondanzaAs a restaurant owner, you know that being found online is just as essential as being discovered on the street corner. And when it comes to online discovery, there’s no platform quite as ubiquitous as Google Maps.
With over 1 billion active users worldwide, having your restaurant listed and ranked on Google Maps can improve an empty dining room to a steady flow of customers. So, what are the steps for ranking your restaurant on Google Maps? Read more!
Steps in Ranking Your Restaurant on Google Maps
Want to attract customers to your restaurant? Ranking on Google Maps can help. Below, we’ll break down the steps to improve your chances of being discovered by hungry diners in your area. Let’s dive in!
Claim and Complete your Google Business Profile Listing
To increase your restaurant’s visibility on Google Maps, it is crucial to claim and complete your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing. This allows potential customers to effortlessly find your establishment and access important information in Google searches.
Follow the steps below to claim your own listing:
- Create a designated Google account for your restaurant.
- Go to Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business).
- Write your restaurant’s name provided box.
- Add the link to your restaurant’s website.
- Enter the best-fitting business category for your restaurant.
- Enter your business address.
- Add your contact details.
- Finish and verify your restaurant.
By completing those steps, you’ll now have your restaurant’s Google Business page to improve your Google Maps ranking.
Properly Categorize Your Business
It’s important to categorize your business accurately to rank higher on Google Maps. Choosing the right category helps potential customers find your restaurant when they search for related keywords in local search results.
Let’s say you own a Mexican restaurant called “La Taqueria” in Los Angeles. To properly categorize your business on Google Maps, select the “Mexican Restaurant” category as it is the most relevant for your establishment.
Besides the primary category, you can insert additional categories that represent your restaurant. For instance, Mexican Restaurants can go with additional categories like Burrito Place, Quesadilla Restaurant, Margarita Bar, Nachos Restaurant, or Guacamole Restaurant.
Maximizing the Click-through Rate (CTR) of Your Map Listing
Maximizing the CTR of your Google Maps listing is crucial for ranking well on Google Maps. When users click on your listing, it signals to Google that your business is useful and relevant, which can lead to higher rankings.
A high CTR also means that your listing engages potential customers, leading to increased foot traffic and revenue.
Here are some ways to maximize the CTR of your Google Maps listing:
- Ensure your listing is complete and accurate with all essential details, such as business name, address, phone number, website URL, hours of operation, and images.
- Gather positive customer reviews to let Google knows your business is trustworthy.
- Run Google Ads for your business. This will increase your visibility on the Maps and attract more clicks to your listing.
Following these steps, you can provide accurate and engaging information about your business, encourage positive customer feedback, and boost your CTR on Google Maps.
Reviews
Google reviews matter—everybody knows it! Thus, encourage customers to leave positive reviews on your Google Maps listing.
Positive reviews signal to Google that your business is trustworthy and provides a good customer experience, which can help improve your ranking and attract more clicks.
Most importantly, remember to reply to all reviews promptly and professionally. Responding to either negative or positive reviews is crucial for your online reputation management for restaurants. It shows customers you value their feedback and tells search engines you’re an engaged business owner.
Familiarize Yourself With SEO
While being an SEO expert is unnecessary, familiarizing yourself with it can be beneficial.
To start it off, conduct basic keyword research and incorporate the relevant keywords into your content updates. Make sure to craft engaging, high-quality content that informs your restaurant’s specialty that will touch readers’ hearts.
Though quality matters most than quantity, it’s best to upload your content daily as a starter. This way, Google will know that your site is active.
Setup Your Social Media Channels
Take notes on the importance of social media! Utilizing social media to promote your business and engage with customers can also help improve your Google Maps listing ranking.
Setting up and running active social media accounts can improve your overall online presence, drive more traffic to your Google Maps listing, build engagement with your audience, and boost visibility on the platform.
Moreover, sharing relevant content that includes your business name and location can also help improve your Google Maps ranking.
Write Compelling Blog Content
Compelling blog content can improve your Google Maps ranking by incorporating relevant keywords and location information, building engagement and loyalty with your audience, increasing the size and relevance of your website, and boosting your online visibility.
Instead of directly promoting your restaurant, you can use the soft-selling method by creating a blog post comprising local attractions and activities, a particular niche, a service or product relevant to the local audience, an Instagram-worthy spots list, and a comprehensive guide to hidden gems in your city.
For instance, you can use these kinds of blog content titles:
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Adelaide
- How to Get the Best Pizza in Italy
- Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Spots in New York
- The Ultimate Guide to Sydney
- 9 Hidden Gems You Need to Visit in Manchester
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-reviewed place on Google Maps?
Based on 2020 data, the current most reviewed place on Google Maps is Masjid al-Haram, a mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It’s the largest mosque in the world and surrounds the holiest site in Islam, the Kaaba.
How do you get 5-star ratings on Google Maps?
To achieve a 5-star rating on Google Maps, prioritize excellent quality and exceptional customer service, encourage reviews, engage with feedback, ensure an accurate information, and foster a positive online presence.
Can I remove a 1-star rating on Google?
Removing a 1-star rating on Google is possible, but only in certain situations. Google only allows users to flag and report reviews that violate its policies, such as fake, spammy, inappropriate, or irrelevant reviews. Further, will review the flagged review and determine whether it violates its policies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, securing a top ranking for your restaurant on Google Maps is vital for attracting new customers and establishing a strong online presence.
By doing steps like optimizing your listing, managing reviews effectively, and engaging with your audience, you can improve your chances of appearing prominently in search results.
With dedication and a commitment to excellence, you can navigate to the top on Google Maps and elevate your restaurant’s success. And if you need professional assistance to improve your restaurant ranking in Google Maps, contact SEO for Restaurants now!
