As we move into the new year, it’s a perfect time to make sure your restaurant's online presence is in top shape. With customers increasingly relying on the web to decide where to eat, your Google Business Profile and other online listings are key to standing out. So, how can you ensure your listings are optimized for success?

We spoke with our partners at Google to get the low down on what Restaurants should focus on when it comes to shining online. Here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead of the competition and make the most out of your Google listings in 2025, with some exclusive tips straight from the Google team.

Why Listings Management Matters

Before we dive into the tips, let’s cover why listing management should be a top priority. Your restaurant’s online listings—whether on Google, Yelp, Facebook, or a niche dining app—are the first point of contact for many potential guests. What they see there matters. From hours of operation to photos of your menu, the accuracy and freshness of the information directly impact a customer’s decision to visit your restaurant.

But manually updating each listing across multiple platforms is an absolute headache. Great news: platforms like Marqii allow you to update your hours, holidays, ordering links, specials, photos, and more, all from one central dashboard. Then we send those updates to all your listings across the web, ensuring your information is always accurate, no matter where your guests search.

Ready to take your listings to the next level? Follow these tips for 2025.

1. Claim, Verify, and Manage Your Google Business Profile

If you haven’t already, the first step to optimizing your Google Business Profile is to claim and verify your listing. This gives you control over the information that appears when guests search for your restaurant. Verifying your business ensures that all updates and changes are accepted by Google and displayed accurately.

To begin claiming your listing, go to Google and search for your business name and address.

Tip from Google: Make sure your profile is actively managed. Set reminders to check in regularly and ensure your information is up to date, especially during seasonal changes or holidays.

2. Fill Out All Available Information

Completeness is key when it comes to your online listings. Make sure you’ve filled out every section of your Google Business Profile. This includes your address, phone number, hours, business description, and attributes like whether you offer delivery or outdoor seating.

Google prioritizes listings that give a comprehensive look at the business, so don’t skip any fields. The more information potential customers have, the more likely they’ll choose your restaurant.

3. Update Special Hours

One of the most overlooked aspects of Google Business Profiles is updating special hours for holidays or events. You don’t ever want a customer arriving at your restaurant for a special occasion, only to find the doors locked because of an unlisted holiday closure. It’s frustrating and could lead to negative reviews.

With Marqii, you can set future holiday hours in advance, so you have peace of mind knowing everything is scheduled. 

Tip from Google: Even if you are open regular business hours on a holiday like Memorial Day, you still want to confirm that your hours are staying the same. This signals to Google that they can trust your hours are correct and the dreaded “holiday might affect these hours” or “hours may differ” won’t appear on your listing. 

4. Highlight Booking and Ordering Partners

If your restaurant offers online reservations or delivery through partners like OpenTable or DoorDash, make sure to highlight those on your Google Business Profile. Guests are often looking for the quickest and easiest way to secure a table or order their favorite dishes, so make it easy for them.

By featuring these partners prominently, you can drive more online orders and reservations directly from your profile.

5. Write a Great Business Description

Your business description is a chance to tell your restaurant’s story. It’s not just about listing your menu items – it’s about showcasing your unique personality and what makes your dining experience stand out.

Keep it concise but engaging. Highlight what makes your restaurant special, whether it’s your locally-sourced ingredients, signature dishes, or commitment to excellent service. Has your burger won best in state? Include that. Insert those keywords into your description for an added SEO boost.

6. Showcase Your Social Media Updates

One of the exciting new changes for 2025 is the ability to integrate your social media updates directly into your Google Business Profile. This means you can keep your profile dynamic and engaging with fresh content without worrying about duplicating efforts.

For instance, if you’re promoting a new seasonal menu or hosting an event, your latest Instagram or Facebook post can appear on your Google profile to help spread the word.

7. Use Nearby Offers and Events

Google Business Profiles now allow restaurants to highlight nearby offers and events. If you’re running a promotion or hosting a special event, make sure to add it to your profile. This helps attract local customers who are searching for great deals or something special to do.

8. Leverage Visuals and Menus

Diners eat with their eyes first, so make sure your Google Business Profile is full of mouthwatering visuals. High-quality photos of your food, interior, and special events can help entice potential customers. But don’t stop at pictures – upload your full menu.

Google’s team emphasizes that the menu is the most important factor diners consider when choosing where to eat. Not only should it be comprehensive, but it should also be kept up-to-date with any new dishes or seasonal specials.

What Makes a Great Menu?

A great menu should be:

• Comprehensive: Include all of your offerings, from appetizers to desserts.
• Rich: Provide descriptions that capture the essence of your dishes.
• Fresh: Regularly update it to reflect new items, specials, or changes.

9. Engage with Reviews

Don’t forget to engage with customer reviews on your Google Business Profile. Replying to reviews – both positive and negative – shows that you care about your customers’ experiences. It’s a great way to build rapport and showcase your dedication to excellent service.

Google’s biggest takeaway for 2025: Upload your menu and reply to reviews. These two factors alone can significantly impact your online visibility and customer engagement.

Manage Listings with Marqii

By following these tips and taking advantage of Marqii’s listings management tool, you can make sure your online listings are fully optimized for 2025. Whether it’s updating your hours, uploading fresh menu items, or responding to customer reviews, Marqii helps keep your information accurate and engaging across all platforms.

Want to see how easy managing your listings can be? Schedule a demo today to learn how Marqii can help streamline your restaurant’s online presence and keep your guests coming back for more.