If you’ve ever searched for a restaurant on Google and noticed a special, event, or update right in the listing, you’ve seen Google Posts in action.

For independent restaurants, Google Posts are one of the most overlooked tools inside Google Business Profile. They’re free, easy to publish, and show up at the exact moment diners are deciding where to eat. Yet many restaurants either ignore them completely or post once and forget about them.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to use Google Posts for restaurants, what actually works, and how consistent posting can help you drive more local traffic and orders — without spending a dollar on ads.

Google Posts are short updates you can publish directly to your Google Business Profile. Think of them as mini announcements that appear on your restaurant’s Google listing when someone searches for you or nearby dining options.

Google Posts can show up:

• In your Knowledge Panel on desktop
• In Google Maps results
• Prominently on mobile (where most “near me” searches happen)
  

Unlike social media posts that rely on algorithms and scrolling, Google Posts appear in high-intent moments: when someone is already looking for a place to eat.

That’s what makes Google Business Profile posts especially powerful for restaurants.

This is a common question: do Google Posts help with local SEO (search engine optimization)? The short answer is, not directly. But they still matter a lot.

Google has stated that Posts are not a direct ranking factor. However, they contribute to important engagement signals, including clicks, calls, direction requests, and website visits. And all of those contribute to better Google rankings.

When diners interact with your listing, it reinforces that your restaurant is active, relevant, and useful. Over time, this supports stronger local visibility and better performance in competitive search results.

In other words, Google Posts won’t replace core SEO work. But they absolutely strengthen your Google Business Profile marketing.

Why Google Posts Matter More for Restaurants Than Other Local Businesses

Restaurants operate in a unique search environment. Most diners aren’t planning days in advance. They’re hungry now. They’re searching on their phones, and they’re deciding quickly.

Google Posts help you:

• Highlight timely specials
• Promote events or limited-time offers
• Show freshness and activity in your listing
• Capture attention during “near me” searches
  

For local diners choosing between multiple options, an active restaurant Google listing often wins over one that looks neglected.

If you’re wondering what to post on Google Business Profile, start here. These post types consistently perform well for restaurants.

Promotions & Specials

Promotions are some of the best-performing Google Posts for promotions.

Examples:

• Weekday lunch specials
• Happy hour deals
• Limited-time discounts
• Online ordering incentives
  

These posts work because they give diners a clear reason to choose you right now.

Events & Limited-Time Offers

Events create urgency and stand out in search results.

Examples:

• Live music nights
• Holiday menus
• Pop-ups or collaborations
• Seasonal events
  

These are great Google Posts examples for restaurants that want to drive foot traffic.

Menu Updates & New Items

New dishes, seasonal menus, or popular items deserve visibility.

Posting menu updates:

• Keeps your restaurant Google listing fresh
• Encourages repeat visits
• Gives regulars a reason to come back
  

A quick, high-quality photo and a short description often outperform long explanations.

Announcements & Seasonal Updates

Not every post needs to be promotional. Here are some simple announcement ideas:

• New hours
• Patio opening
• Holiday closures
• Community involvement
  

These Google Business Profile updates for restaurants help set expectations, reduce confusion, and signal that you’re an active part of the community.

If you want results, follow these Google Posts best practices:

• Use strong images: Bright, clear food or in-restaurant photos perform best.
• Keep the words to a minimum: 1–3 concise sentences is perfect.
• Always include a CTA (call to action): “Order Online,” “View Menu,” or “Call Now.”
• Link intentionally: Send users to your menu or online ordering page, not just your homepage.
• Avoid outdated posts. Expired offers hurt trust.
  

A clear Google Posts call to action is often the difference between just being seen and gaining another customer.

Another common question: how often should restaurants post on Google? The sweet spot for most independent restaurants is 1–2 posts per week.

Consistency matters more than volume. A simple weekly rhythm keeps your listing active without adding stress to your schedule. If you already post on social media, you can often reuse that content with minor tweaks. Speaking of those tweaks…

Google Posts vs Social Media: What’s the Difference?

It’s tempting to treat Google Posts like another social channel. Many social posts can be reused as Google Posts, but remember the intent is very different.

On social media, you can expect passive browsing, entertainment-focused users, and algorithm-driven reach. When a potential diner is seeing Google Posts, on the other hand, you can expect high-intent search behavior. That means your audience decision-focused people actively looking for food

That’s why Google Posts vs social media isn’t an either/or decision. Google Posts capture diners at the decision moment, while social media supports long-term engagement. If you’re re-using posts, make tweaks accordingly.

How Google Posts Support More Orders (Without Extra Ad Spend)

One of the biggest advantages of Google Posts is how easily they support direct orders. When you link posts directly to your online ordering page, digital menu, or a specific promotion then you reduce friction at the exact moment a diner is ready to act.

That means more clicks, more calls, and more orders — without paying for ads or third-party commissions.

Real Google Posts Examples for Restaurants

Here are a few simple examples of Google Posts from an independent restaurant in California that has teamed with Beyond Menu. Notice that each is short, visual, and action-oriented:

When it comes to posting on your Google Business Profile, avoid these common issues:

• Posting once and never again
• Forgetting to include a CTA
• Using low-quality or stock photos
• Leaving expired promotions visible
• Treating Posts like long blog updates (keep them short and sweet instead)
  

That being said, you’re better posting simple content regularly than never posting  because you’re worried about getting it “just right.” Simple, consistent posts outperform “perfect” ones every time.

Getting Started: A Simple Weekly Google Posts Checklist

If you’re new to this, here’s a simple way to start using Google Posts consistently:

1. Choose one focus (special, event, or update)
2. Add a clear photo
3. Write 1–2 short sentences
4. Include a CTA
5. Link to your menu or ordering page
6. Repeat weekly
   

That’s it. You don’t need fancy graphics or long captions. Just clarity and consistency.

Google Posts may feel small, but when used consistently, they play a powerful role in helping diners discover, choose, and order from your restaurant.

If your goal is to get found — and get chosen — this is one of the simplest places to start. If you’re looking for help with your restaurant’s Google Posts, check out our tool.