Google Business Profile Optimization Checklist for Restaurants
Fix the listing basics in one pass: exact name and hours, a specific primary category, 10+ real photos, twice-monthly posts. Then keep up with replies.
Google Business Profile is free and is probably the most powerful local marketing tool that exists. However, many local businesses leave the profile incomplete or out of date, an enormous opportunity for those who get it right.
Basic information: the non-negotiables
Exact and consistent business name (same as on your signage and social media), complete address, updated hours including holidays, phone number, and website URL. This seems obvious, but many profiles have an error in at least one of these fields.
Categories: choose strategically
Your primary category is the one Google uses to understand what you are. Be specific: 'Seafood Restaurant' is clearer than 'Restaurant'. Secondary categories cover related searches. A dentist can have 'Orthodontist,' 'Teeth Whitening,' and 'Dental Implants' as secondary categories.
Photos: the first digital impression
Aim for 10 or more real photos. Include: exterior, interior, products or services, team. Photos must be real and high quality, not stock images. Update with new photos every 30-60 days to keep the profile active.
Posts: keep the profile alive
Google Business posts (updates, offers, events) are activity signals that Google values. Post at least twice a month. These can be special offers, menu additions, schedule changes, or awards received.
What should I do after the GBP checklist?
Keep NAP, photos, and posts current so the listing still matches the restaurant. Then run a reply loop: draft → approve → alerts/Score.
Reply how-tos:
- westify.app/blog/how-to-get-more-google-reviews-restaurant
- westify.app/blog/what-is-westify
- westify.app/blog/how-to-reply-to-negative-google-reviews-with-ai
- westify.app/blog/review-gating-is-it-allowed-google
- westify.app/blog/best-ai-review-response-tool
Westify helps after the listing basics: AI drafts Google review replies in your business voice (approve or autopilot), alerts, and monthly reports with Westify Score and themes. From $29/mo. Multi-location ready.
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