1 · The friction
Sound familiar?
What new owners tell us after their first month.
“We opened and nobody could find us on Maps”
Most diners pick from the first few Maps results, so a missing profile means missing out.
Source: RightResponse AI, 2024
“Our hours were wrong on Google”
Hours that differ between Google, your site and other listings send people elsewhere.
Source: Menufy, 2026
“We paid commission on our own regulars”
Delivery apps charge on every order, including customers who'd have found you directly.
Source: W3era restaurant SEO guide
“We forgot about Google until opening week”
Profile verification and menu setup take time, so leaving them late costs early customers.
Source: Pattern we check for in audits
2 · The numbers
New venues online, by the numbers
86%
Of diners use online research to find new restaurants
BentoBox diner journey report, 2023
40%
Use Google Maps reviews, the most-used review site
BentoBox diner journey report, 2023
73%
Choose from the top five Google Maps results
RightResponse AI, 2024
83%
Look at the menu before they visit
US Foods survey, via QRStuff
Your first customers will mostly find you on their phones. Be there, correct, before the doors open.
3 · The checklist
Tick off what you've already done
Your score updates as you go.
Your score
0 / 12
You're ready for opening day.
Mostly there. Close the gaps before you open.
Start with Google and your menu. They matter most.
Get found
Menu
Bookings and orders
Reviews and records
4 · The decision
Do it yourself, or get help?
Do it yourself if
You have a few hours before opening.
You're comfortable editing a simple website.
You have one location.
Get help if
You don't have a website yet.
The fit-out is eating all your time.
You're opening more than one site.
Red flags
A website that was built and never touched again.
A domain registered by the builder, not you.
No menu online at all.
5 · In practice
What a good launch usually looks like
Challenge
A new café opens with a great fit-out but no Google profile, no menu online and mismatched hours.
Action
Claim and complete the Google profile, put the menu on a page, and set up bookings or ordering before opening.
Result
Week 1
Found on Maps and in search from the first week, not the third month.
6 · Quick answers
Questions new owners ask us
When should I set up Google Business Profile?
Before you open. Verification can take time, so start as soon as you have the address.
Do I need a website if I have Instagram?
Yes. Instagram is great for photos, but a site with your menu and hours is what Google and AI tools read and quote.