Keeping your Google Business Page up to date

For small shops like cafés, restaurants, ice cream spots, vintage boutiques, etc, your online presence is often the first impression customers get. It’s not enough to just open your doors anymore; you need to make sure people can actually find you and know what to expect before they step inside! You don’t need to hire an expensive agency to pull this off. A few simple updates can make a huge difference.

Your Google Business Profile isn’t set-and-forget

One of the most common mistakes small businesses make is creating a Google Business Profile and abandoning it. That profile is what shows up on Google Maps, and it’s usually the first thing people see when deciding where to eat, shop, or grab coffee. If your profile is outdated—or worse, empty—you’re quietly pushing customers away. A survey by BrightLocal found that 87% of consumers used Google to evaluate local businesses in 2022. That means your profile is essentially your storefront.

Add good photos

If you’ve put effort into making your space look nice, show it off. Upload photos of your interior, exterior, food, or products. People want to see the vibe of your shop before visiting. A cozy café with warm lighting or a vintage store with unique displays showcasing its offerings can win customers over with just a few images. In fact, according to Google, businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.

Upload your menu (and keep it updated)

This might be the single biggest problem with restaurant profiles: no menu. Or worse, an ancient one from four years ago. If people can’t see what you serve, they’ll move on to a place that makes it easy. I almost always check menus online before picking where to eat. If your menu is missing, you’re probably losing customers. A study by BentoBox found that 93% of people check menus online before dining out—proof that skipping this step can cost you real business.

Ask for reviews

We all know online reviews are powerful. A steady stream of good reviews builds trust and keeps you visible. Don’t be shy about asking for them. You can even print a small sign to display near your checkout counter that reminds customers to leave feedback, or follow up with a non-intrusive marketing push after a visit. An easy way is to create a free QR code linked directly to your Google reviews using ratemybusiness.ca.

Use the Q&A section

Google’s Business Profile has a question-and-answer section that most shops ignore. Use it. Add answers to common questions: “What’s your most popular dish?” “Do you have vegetarian options?” “Is parking available?” Giving customers answers before they ask removes friction and saves you and your staff from fielding phone calls or messages for FAQs.

Don’t skip the basics

Small details matter for both customer convenience and Google’s algorithm. Double-check your profile has:

• Correct location

• Opening and closing hours

• Price range per person

• An order online button (if you offer it)

• Replies to reviews, even short ones

These might seem minor, but they make your profile more reliable—and reliable profiles rank better.

Add your website (if you need one)

If you already have steady customers, a website adds credibility. It can house your menu, showcase events, and link to your loyalty program. If you don’t have one yet, don’t panic. Focus first on optimizing your profile. Later, if you want a website, hire a freelancer rather than a large agency—you’ll likely get better value and more attention to detail. And if you’re not quite ready for a full site, some tools (like many POS systems, or CHCKN’s free link-in-bio style page) give you a simple way to direct people to key information.

Consider local help if you need it

If keeping your profile updated feels overwhelming, hire someone local to manage it for you. Freelancers are a solid choice, and platforms like Upwork make it easy to find someone qualified. While Fiverr or PeoplePerHour are options, Upwork tends to provide more professional results.

Keeping your online presence updated doesn’t take much time, but it makes a huge difference. Customers check your profile before they check out your shop—so make sure what they see reflects the business you’ve worked hard to build.