How to create a great Google Business profile for our catering business (Checklist)

2. Choose the right category

• Type “frituur,” “cafe,” or “restaurant” and pick the best match.

• You can add additional categories later, like “takeaway restaurant” or “breakfast service.”

TIP 💡: Look at what categories your competitors use.

3. Add your location

• Enter your address exactly as it appears on your storefront.

• Indicate whether customers can visit you in person.

• No fixed location (e.g., food truck)? Then set a service area instead.

4. Pin your location on the map

• Google will show a map.

•  Drag the pin to the correct spot, ideally right on your front door.

TIP 💡: Zoom in as much as possible. A few meters can affect navigation accuracy.

5. Add your opening hours

• Set correct opening hours for each day.

• Don’t forget closing days and holidays.

• You can also set special hours (e.g., during Christmas or local events).

TIP 💡: Add temporary hours during special events in your area (like an evening market). Customers appreciate accuracy, nobody likes a “closed today” paper sign on the door!

6. Add your contact details

• Phone number

• Website (if you have one)

• Link to reservations or your menu TIP: With Unipage you can link your website or digital menu, so it’s always up to date.

• Social media channels

No website yet? No problem, leave it empty for now.

7. Verify your business

Google must confirm that you’re the owner. Verification can happen via:

• Postcard (arrives within 5 days)

• Phone

• Email

Your profile becomes active only after verification. It may still take some time before it appears publicly.

8. Add photos

• Exterior of your business

• Interior

• Popular dishes or your menu

• Team photos

• …

Customers can also add photos when they leave reviews, another reason to encourage reviews!

9. Write a short description

Briefly describe what makes your business special, such as:

• “A local favorite in Beveren for over 30 years”

• “Lunch spot in the heart of Leuven”

• “Halal grill restaurant with a sunny terrace”

TIP 💡: Use keywords people search for (“vegetarian,” “cozy terrace,” “kids’ corner”). Every bit helps!

10. Ask customers for reviews

Reviews add photos, but those yellow stars matter even more. Ask satisfied customers to leave one.

• Make it easy: put a QR code on your counter, menu, or receipt.

• Respond to reviews, both positive and negative. (We wrote an article on how to handle negative feedback.)

11. Keep your profile up to date

Update your info whenever something changes:

• Opening hours

• Seasonal menus or promotions

• New photos or interior updates

TIP 💡: Use the “Updates” section to post daily specials or seasonal promotions. Free advertising!

12. Check how your profile looks

• Search for your business on Google or Google Maps.

• Check both desktop and mobile.

Verify:

• Location

• Photos

• Opening hours & contact details

With these 12 steps, you’ll have a perfect business profile that puts your hospitality venue in the digital spotlight. You can even use our profile as an example to set up yours correctly.

Did this help you? Leave us a few stars on our business profile! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Create a Google Account (Gmail)

You need a Google account to register your business.

• Ideally use a business email address.

• Shared with colleagues or co-owners? Perfect, everyone knows where everything is.

1. Go to google.com/business

• Click “Add business.”

• Enter your business name.

• Does your business already appear? Then you can claim the profile — this happens when frequent visitors create it on Google Maps.

Start here 🔗 https://business.google.com/en-all/business-profile/ (open in a new tab so you can keep following along)