Google What’s Happening Feature Launches

Google What’s Happening is a new a feature they’ve cooked up on Google Business Profiles, designed to give restaurants and bars a leg up. This update launch aims to help food and drink businesses highlight their specials prominently at the top of their Google Business Profile. It’s the kind of update that makes you wonder why it didn’t happen sooner, isn’t it?

Introduction to the What’s Happening Feature

This Google Business Profile update introduces a new way for restaurants and bars to promote events, such as daily specials, and other timely happenings front and center. This feature to help grow Google Business profiles essentially lets businesses shout about their latest deals and upcoming live music events directly from their profile. Google has identified that restaurants and bars needed a megaphone in the digital world, and this is their solution.

The Importance of Highlighting Specials

Highlighting specials is crucial for restaurants and bars because, let’s face it, everyone loves a good deal. This new feature allows food and beverage locations to promote these specials prominently at the top of their Google Business Profile, ensuring that potential customers see these promos immediately within Google Search. It’s a fantastic way to draw in customers who are actively searching for a good meal or a fun night out, giving them all the more reason to pick your establishment.

Restaurants, bars and pubs can now promote special offers prominently at the top of their Google Business Profile.

Target Audience: Food, Drink and Event Businesses

The target audience for this new feature for Google Business is primarily food and drink businesses, especially restaurants and bars. Think of every establishment from the cozy little bar down the street advertising “Music on Saturday” to the upscale restaurant promoting a prix fixe menu. This new way for restaurants and bars to highlight events is perfect for any business looking to boost foot traffic by using timely updates, highlighting events, or simply showcasing what makes them special.

How the What’s Happening Feature Works

Setting Up the Feature in Your Profile

Getting started with this new feature is as easy as pie. First, make sure your Google Business Profile is claimed and verified. Then, navigate to the “What’s Happening” section, where you can begin crafting your timely updates. Input your specials prominently at the top, promote events, and any other relevant information front and center. It’s designed to be intuitive, so even the most tech-averse restaurant owner can get the hang of it.

Types of Specials and Promotions to Highlight

Restaurants and bars have a buffet of options when it comes to specials and promotions. Consider highlighting things like happy hour deals, themed nights, or seasonal menu items. If you’ve got upcoming live music events, shout it from the digital rooftops! Think about offering discounts for students, or perhaps a special pairing menu. The key is to keep it fresh, timely, and enticing, making your restaurant or bar the go-to spot within Google Search.

Using Timely Updates to Engage Customers

The magic of the Google What’s Happening feature lies in its ability to deliver timely updates. Don’t let your Google Business Profile become a digital ghost town. Regularly post about your latest offerings, new menu items, or even just a friendly “hello.” Engage with your customers by responding to comments and questions promptly via Google Posts or Connect. By keeping your profile active, you show potential customers that your restaurant or bar is a vibrant place to be.

Marketing Strategies for using Google What’s Happening

Promote Events Effectively Through Google Search

To truly make your restaurant or bar happening, leverage the power of Google Search to promote events. Use descriptive keywords in your Google Business Profile updates, such as “Live Music on Saturday” or “Happy Hour Deals.” This will ensure that when potential customers search for things like “live music near me” or “restaurant specials,” your establishment appears prominently at the top.

Best Practices for Posting Specials

When posting specials via Google, clarity is key. Clearly state the special, the time it’s valid, and any terms and conditions. A picture is worth a thousand words, so include mouth-watering photos of the food and drink. Use strong call-to-action phrases like “Reserve Your Table Now!” or “Don’t Miss Out!” Most importantly, be consistent with your posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and informed about all the happenings at your restaurant or bar.

By crafting timely updates and engaging with customers via Google Posts, local food and beverage business can turn their Google Business Profile into a powerful marketing tool

Leveraging Customer Engagement with Updates

The Google What’s Happening feature for Google Business Profiles isn’t just about broadcasting your specials; it’s about fostering genuine customer engagement. Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly. Use polls and questions to gather feedback on your menu or upcoming live music events. Promote user-generated content, like photos of customers enjoying your food and drink. By turning your profile into a two-way conversation, you can build a loyal customer base and create a happening community around your brand.

How Restaurants and Bars Can Effectively Use Google What’s Happening

Imagine “The Kings Head,” a local pub, using the Google What’s Happening feature on it’s Google Business Profile. By consistently posting mouth-watering photos of their food daily specials, drinks and promoting events like “Quiz Night,” they can transform their profile into a must-see destination within Google Search. Timely updates will ensure they are always prominently at the top of local Google Search results, enticing hungry or thirsty customers to visit.

By crafting timely updates and engaging with customers via Google Posts, local food and beverage business can turn their Google Business Profile into a powerful marketing tool, driving real customers through their doors.

Use this new feature to its full potential by providing useful information, engaging with customers, and using high-quality images. Given that restaurants and bars can also link their social profiles for automatic syncing, they should use timely updates to boost visibility on Google Search. This will also promote events and specials prominently at the top.

Recap of the Benefits of the Google What’s Happening Feature

In conclusion, the Google What’s Happening feature offers a new way for restaurants and bars to highlight events and draw customers within Google Search. By highlighting specials, promoting events, and providing timely updates, food and drink businesses can significantly enhance their online presence and attract more customers. This feature ensures your Google Business Profile is not just a listing but a dynamic hub of information, ultimately leading to increased footfall and sales. It’s a timely update to keep you front and center.

Future Updates and Expectations

Looking ahead, we can anticipate even more enhancements to the Google What’s Happening feature. We’d hope to see integrations with other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X, allowing for automatic syncing of posts. We might also see the addition of advanced analytics, providing restaurants and bars with deeper insights into customer engagement.

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