How to add a menu to your Google listing?

Being the most searched businesses on Google, restaurants need to offer as much information as possible to help people make their decision. 

This is where your menu can stand out and make an impact. 75% of users check the menu when searching for a restaurant; it is therefore vital not to overlook it.

Who can use the menu feature on Google My Business?

Not all businesses have the option to display a menu on their Google profile. This feature is only available for certain business categories, particularly those in the hospitality and catering sector. The menu makes it easier to showcase the food and/or drinks you offer, as well as the ability to share photos directly on your listing.

However, the menu feature is not only limited to restaurants. Bars, cafes, and clubs can add a menu to their Google business profiles to display the food and drinks they serve. 

The ability to display a menu on your Google Business Profile therefore depends on the primary category you selected for your business when it was created.

Keep in mind

If you don’t own a restaurant that is eligible to use a menu, don’t try to change your category to force it to appear. You may risk your listing being suspended by Google.

If you don’t own a restaurant that is eligible to use a menu, don’t try to change your category to force it to appear. You may risk your listing being suspended by Google.

How do you add a menu to your restaurant listing?

Creating a menu for your restaurant’s GMB listing is a simple process! Especially when you can add it from your mobile device and have access to the photos you want to display. 

You can create a menu in several ways: 

• from your restaurant’s edit page
• from Google search results
• from Google Maps

Add a link to your menu

If you have a website, you can include your menu URL in the dedicated field to show customers the food and drinks your restaurant offers.

Add photos of your menu

You can start by simply sharing one or more photos of your physical menu. Be sure that the text is legible and the images are of good quality. 

Adding a photo of your menu in this method is a good option to save time and share an overview of your food and drinks, before adding a detailed menu item by item.

Add a menu section

This is the essential step in structuring your menu on your restaurant listing. You can easily categorise the food you offer in the way you think is the most relevant and appropriate for your business.

For example, you can display your variety like so: 

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner 
• Starters, main courses, and desserts. 
• Hot drinks, cold drinks, alcoholic beverages

The most important rule is to be clear. Meaning that your menu is quickly understandable for your customers, who will not always have the time to figure out an unconventional menu.

Any doubts about your menu?

If you have doubts about the menu you have created, you can always change it whenever you want. This allows you to update the dishes you serve or to propose special offers that attract customers. 

Add a menu item

In each section, you can detail the different items you offer for service. It is very important what name you choose for your dishes and drinks.

For each item, you can add photos that best represent it, along with descriptions and prices.

Not only is it essential to make them easily understandable, but you should also be aware that some of your Google reviews can be displayed in your menu.

If your customers use the name of your dish when talking about their experience in your establishment, the corresponding positive (or negative) review will appear.

When is your menu updated?

It usually takes 24-48 hours after a change is made for the changes to appear on your Google My Business page. Update all changes at once to save time.

It usually takes 24-48 hours after a change is made for the changes to appear on your Google My Business page. Update all changes at once to save time.

Using AI to digitalise your menu

Recently, Google has introduced the option to use Artificial Intelligence to integrate your menu online. Simply upload clear photos or PDF files of your menu, and Google’s AI will automatically create a formatted, editable digital version that you can publish in just a few clicks. To find out more, you can follow the video tutorial provided by Google.

Good to know

Creating a menu via AI from a photo is still an experimental feature. To use it, you must accept Google’s additional terms of service regarding generative AI.

Creating a menu via AI from a photo is still an experimental feature. To use it, you must accept Google’s additional terms of service regarding generative AI.

Best practices for making your menu stand out from others

Like many aspects of your Google My Business listing, you can optimise your menu to make it more attractive to potential customers. In a sector as competitive as the restaurant business, the smallest detail can make a difference.

Take care of the quality of the photos

The photos of your dishes are the first impression your customers will get of your cuisine when they take a look at your restaurant listing. Choose warm lighting, bright colours, and framing that highlights your food. 

Keep in mind that the photos of your dishes that your customers can add to your listing will also be added to your menu. Be wary of the presentation of your dishes!

Description of dishes and drinks

In addition to the photos, you can also add a description of your different dishes. This is an opportunity for you to specify certain things. For example, the use of products of specific origins, the possible presence of allergens or simply to describe the particularity of the dish.

Presence Management

• Update your information effortlessly
• Completion guide and suggestions
• Distribute on all the platforms that count

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Where does your menu appear on Google My Business?

The “menu” tab on your restaurant listing will only appear on mobile. This means that your customers will only be able to view it if they are enquiring about your restaurant from their phone.

Once inside, your food and drinks are visible in a list of images that can be easily scrolled through.

Tapping on one of your menu items will open up the details about it:

• the description of the dish 
• the photos you have added or those posted by your customers
• any associated reviews.

How to go further with attributes?

Your restaurant’s menu will highlight the diversity and quality of your dishes, but it is not the only way to promote your restaurant or bar. 

By using the attributes of your business listing, you can give potential customers key information to help them choose you over another location.

With just a few clicks, you can indicate the different services (terrace, on-site dining, takeaway, etc.) and offers (happy hour, bar food, etc.) that differentiate you from others. Also, remember to include essential information about accessibility and payment methods as this can make all the difference for some customers.

Finally, don’t neglect the features relating to the safety measures taken by your establishment, such as the obligation to wear a mask or the fact that you disinfect the surfaces between each customer.

If you need more information or guidance in adding a menu button to your Google listing, feel free to contact one of our local SEO experts!