ALaCarte.Direct
Your Google Maps listing is often the first point of contact between a customer and your restaurant. Yet 90% of restaurant owners make mistakes that cost them customers.
Why Google Maps Matters
- 92% of consumers use Google to search for a restaurant
- 76% of local searches lead to a visit within 24 hours
- 28% of "restaurant near me" searches convert into a booking
Mistake #1: Incorrect Opening Hours
The problem
There's nothing more frustrating than turning up at a restaurant that's closed when Google says "Open".
Impact
- -15% in trust after a bad experience
- Negative reviews guaranteed
Solution
- Log in to Google Business Profile
- Check ALL your opening hours (including bank holidays)
- Set up special hours
Mistake #2: No Photos (or Poor-Quality Ones)
Impact
- Listings with photos get 42% more direction requests
- Listings with photos get 35% more clicks to the website
Solution
- Professional photos: Invest £150–400 / $200–500
- Categories: Exterior, interior, dishes, team
- Keep it fresh: Add new photos 4×/year
Mistake #3: Wrong Business Category
You run a "French fine dining restaurant" but you're listed as just "Restaurant".
Solution
- Choose a specific primary category: "French restaurant", "Pizza restaurant"
- Add secondary categories: "Restaurant with outdoor seating"
Mistake #4: An Empty Description
Write a description of up to 750 characters that includes:
- Your unique selling point
- Your signature dishes
- Your atmosphere
- Local keywords
Mistake #5: Ignoring Reviews
Best practices
- Reply to ALL reviews (positive and negative)
- Response time: Within 24–48 hours
- Personalise: No copy-paste replies
- Encourage: Politely ask happy customers to leave a review
Google Maps Checklist
- ☐ Opening hours verified (regular + special)
- ☐ 10+ quality photos
- ☐ Specific primary category
- ☐ 750-character description
- ☐ Reviews answered within 48h
- ☐ Link to digital menu
- ☐ Correct phone number
Bonus: Link Your Digital Menu
Google lets you add a link to your menu. Use your ALaCarte.Direct digital menu rather than a PDF!
Optimise your Google Maps listing and create your free digital menu.
