How to show up on Google Business Profile for "Best Restaurants" Searches

Attracting hungry customers in your local area is the lifeblood of your restaurant. When someone searches for "best restaurants in [Your City]," appearing prominently on Google Business Profile (GBP) is prime real estate.

This post will guide you on a strategic path to achieve just that, whether you're aiming to capture diners in the sunny Algarve ("best restaurants in Lagos, Portugal") or a bustling American metropolis ("best restaurants in Cleveland").

While the specific location in the search query changes, the fundamental principles of optimising your GBP remain the same. Let's dive into the key strategies you need to implement.

Understanding the Goal:

Our objective is to make your restaurant appear in the top local results when users search for phrases like:

• "best restaurants in Lagos Portugal"

• "best restaurants in Cleveland"

• "best [your cuisine type] in [your city]"

• "restaurants near me" (which often favors highly optimized GBPs)

  
  

Here's your local strategy blueprint:

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile to the Core

Your GBP is your digital storefront. It needs to be complete, accurate, and compelling.

• Claim and Verify Your Listing: If you haven't already, claim your Google Business Profile and go through the verification process. This gives you control over your listing.

• Complete Every Section Meticulously: Don't leave any fields blank! Provide accurate information for:

  • Business Name: Use your official business name.

  • Address: Ensure it's precise and matches your physical location.

  • Phone Number: Use your primary business phone number.

  • Website: Link to your official restaurant website.

  • Category: Choose the most accurate primary category (e.g., "Italian Restaurant," "Seafood Restaurant"). Also, add relevant secondary categories to further specify your offerings (e.g., "Pizza Restaurant," "Family Restaurant").

  • Hours of Operation: Keep these up-to-date, including holiday hours.

  • Services: List all the services you offer (e.g., "Dine-in," "Takeout," "Delivery," "Outdoor Seating," "Catering"). Use keywords here!

  • Attributes: Select all applicable attributes (e.g., "Wheelchair accessible entrance," "Good for groups," "Live music").

  • From the Business: Write a compelling and informative description of your restaurant. Naturally incorporate relevant keywords like your cuisine type and location (e.g., "Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at [Your Restaurant Name] in the heart of Lagos. We offer fresh seafood and traditional dishes...").

2. Target Relevant Keywords Strategically

Think like your potential customers. What words would they use to find a restaurant like yours in their location?

• Keyword Research (Simple Approach): Brainstorm different ways people might search for you. Consider your cuisine, ambience, and specialities. For "best restaurants in Lagos, Portugal," relevant keywords might include: "Portuguese seafood Lagos," "fine dining Lagos Algarve," "family restaurants near me Lagos," "best cataplana Lagos."

  
  

• Incorporate Keywords Naturally: Don't stuff keywords unnaturally into your GBP description or other sections. Focus on providing helpful information while subtly including relevant terms. Use them in your services list and your "From the Business" description.

3. Leverage High-Quality Photos and Videos

Visuals are crucial for restaurants. Entice potential customers with mouthwatering images and videos.

• Upload High-Resolution Photos: Showcase your best dishes, your restaurant's interior and exterior, and even your team.

  
  

• Categorise Your Photos: Google allows you to categorise your photos (e.g., "Food," "Interior," "Exterior," "Menu," "Team"). This helps users find what they're looking for.

  
  

• Consider a Virtual Tour: A 360° virtual tour can give potential customers a realistic preview of your space and encourage visits.

  
  

• Short Videos: Upload short, engaging videos showcasing your food preparation, ambience, or special events.

4. Encourage and Manage Google Reviews Actively

Reviews are a significant ranking factor for GBP. Positive reviews build trust and improve visibility.

• Ask Satisfied Customers: Politely encourage happy customers to leave a review on your Google Business Profile. Make it easy for them by providing direct links.

  
  

• Respond to All Reviews (Positive and Negative): Show that you value customer feedback. Thank those who leave positive reviews and address negative feedback professionally and constructively. This demonstrates excellent customer service.

  
  

• Aim for a High Star Rating and Review Count: The more positive reviews you have, the higher your chances of ranking well for "best restaurants" searches.

5. Create and Optimise Google Posts Regularly

Google Posts allow you to share updates, promotions, events, and even showcase specific menu items directly on your GBP listing.

• Regular Updates: Post frequently (at least once a week) to keep your listing fresh and engaging.

• Highlight Specials and Promotions: Announce limited-time offers, discounts, and special menus.

• Promote Events: If you host live music, themed nights, or other events, create Google Posts to publicise them.

• Showcase Menu Items: Feature your popular dishes with enticing photos and descriptions. Include a call to action like "Order Now" or "Learn More."

• Use Relevant Keywords in Your Posts: This can further enhance your visibility for specific searches.

6. Ensure NAP Consistency Across the Web

Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) should be identical on your Google Business Profile, your website, and all other online directories and citations (e.g., Yelp, TripAdvisor, local directories).

• Audit Your Online Presence: Search for your restaurant name on Google and identify all online listings.

  
  

• Update Inconsistent Information: Ensure your NAP is uniform across all platforms. Inconsistencies can confuse Google and negatively impact your ranking.

7. Optimise Your Website for Local SEO

Your website and GBP should work together seamlessly.

• Local Keywords on Your Website: Incorporate the same relevant keywords you're targeting on your GBP into your website content, especially your homepage, menu pages, and contact page.

  
  

• Embed a Google Map: Embed a Google Map of your restaurant's location on your contact page.

  
  

• NAP Information on Your Footer: Display your consistent NAP information in the footer of every page on your website.

  
  

• Schema Markup (Local Business): Implement local business schema markup on your website. This structured data helps Google understand key information about your restaurant.

Putting It All Together for "best restaurants in Lagos Portugal" and "best restaurants in Cleveland":

The strategies outlined above apply universally. The key difference lies in the specific keywords you target and the local relevance of your content and engagement.

• For "best restaurants in Lagos Portugal": Focus on Portuguese cuisine terms, local attractions, and the specific neighborhoods within Lagos. Engage with local Portuguese food bloggers and online communities.

  
  

• For "best restaurants in Cleveland": Target Cleveland-specific neighbourhoods, popular local dishes (e.g., pierogi, Polish Boy), and engage with Cleveland food-focused social media accounts.

By consistently implementing these local SEO strategies for your Google Business Profile and website, you'll significantly increase your chances of appearing prominently when users search for "best restaurants in [your target location]," ultimately driving more hungry customers to your door.