Google “What’s Happening” Feature: A Game Changer for Local Restaurants & Bars?
Is your restaurant or bar looking for a way to boost visibility and attract more customers? Google's latest update to Google Business Profiles might just be the answer. The new "What's Happening" feature is rolling out, and it promises to give local food and drink businesses a powerful tool to promote events, deals, and specials directly within Google Search results.
The Buzz Around "What's Happening"
Google is introducing a dedicated section in Google Business Profiles that allows restaurants and bars to highlight timely updates, such as daily specials or upcoming live music events. This feature, aptly named "What's Happening," aims to provide immediate engagement by putting these updates front and center for potential customers searching online. This means your "Today's Special" or "Live Music on Saturday" can grab customer attention right away.
How It Works: Direct from Google and Social Media
Businesses can update the "What's Happening" section through Google Posts, a feature launched nearly a decade ago allowing businesses to post content directly to their Search profiles. Alternatively, businesses can link their Instagram, Facebook, or X accounts for automatic cross-posting, streamlining the update process.
As Lisa Landsman from Google noted on LinkedIn, this feature allows restaurants and bars to "highlight events, deals, and specials prominently at the top of your Google Business Profile," driving immediate engagement. The feature allows you to post updates using Google Posts or automatically sync content from your social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Who Gets It, and Why You Should Care
The initial launch is targeted at single-location food and drink businesses in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. If you manage restaurants or bars in these regions, this new feature presents a valuable opportunity to attract more attention and drive increased traffic to your business from Google Search and potentially Google Maps.
What's Next?
The introduction of "What's Happening" marks a significant step in how Google assists local businesses in connecting with their target audience. Will this new feature truly transform the way restaurants and bars attract customers? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
What do you think about Google's new "What's Happening" feature? Will you be using it for your business? Let us know in the comments!
