Searching for restaurant deals in Google (and showing yours): step-by-step

• You see competitors showing “specials” or promotions in Google, but your offer is nowhere to be found.
• That costs you reservations and takeaway orders, especially on busy days and during slow hours.
• In 15 minutes you will know where Google shows offers, how to enable it, and what you can publish today.

What do people mean by “searching for restaurant deals in Google”? (where it appears in Google)

When someone googles “restaurant deal” or “lunch deal near me”, they often do not even click through to websites. Many people stay inside Google: they look at your business panel, photos, reviews, and what is currently happening. That is exactly where you want to be visible.

In the search results (business profile/knowledge panel)

If you search for your restaurant name, you will see your business profile on the right (desktop) or at the top (mobile) with photos, opening hours, directions, and a call button. In that block, Google can also show updates and limited-time promotions. Not always, and not for everyone, but when it appears it is instantly prominent.

In Google Maps

In Maps, people search faster and with shorter queries: “Italian”, “tapas”, “lunch”, “pizza”. They compare at a glance: photos, how busy it is, rating, and whether something timely is listed. If your offer or event is visible, it can be the small push that turns into: “Alright, let’s go there.”

“What’s Happening” / limited-time specials (newer display)

Google tests and rolls out new blocks that look like “What’s Happening” (limited-time highlights). One business may already see it, another may not. It can vary by location, account, and device. That is why it is smart to set up your profile properly and post consistently now. When it becomes visible for you, you will not be starting from zero.

In practice: always check multiple places (Search and Maps) and test on both mobile and desktop. Otherwise you might assume it is not working, while you are simply looking in the wrong place.

Checklist: what must be correct before offers can show up

Before you invest time in promotions, get the basics right. Otherwise you can post, but the impact will be small, or you may not see anything at all.

Your Google Business Profile is claimed and verified

You need to be an admin of your business. If Google is not sure you are the real owner, some options stay limited. Verification often happens via phone, email, or postcard.

Correct category and core info (opening hours, menu, website)

Google needs to understand what you are. Choose a category that truly fits (restaurant, cafe, tapas bar, pizzeria, lunch spot) and fill in the basics: opening hours, a menu link, and your website. This also helps Google match your updates to the right searchers.

You have permissions (owner/manager) to publish updates

This goes wrong surprisingly often. The profile might still be owned by an old agency, an ex-colleague, or “someone who set it up once”. Check that you are the owner or at least a manager. Otherwise you may not be able to publish posts or add buttons.

Step-by-step: how to publish an offer that can appear in Google

Plan for 10 to 15 minutes if the checklist above is in order.

Step 1: Pick 1 promotion (keep it simple) + a clear time window

Keep it small and clear. No twenty conditions.

Examples that usually work well:

• “Lunch deal Mon-Fri 12:00-14:30: soup + sandwich + drink $X”
• “Daily special this week: beef stew with fries $X”
• “Early dinner: 17:00-18:30 set menu $X”
• “Valentine’s menu: only on February 14, reservation required”
• “Weekend special: paella for 2 (Fri-Sun)”

Important: include an end date or time period. “This week” or “through Sunday” is already enough.

Step 2: Post it as an update in your Google Business Profile

In your Google Business Profile, go to the section where you can publish updates/posts. Keep it short and practical:

• What is it?
• When is it valid?
• Who is it for?
• What should the guest do (reserve, call, or order)?

One strong photo helps more than a poster with tiny text. On mobile, almost nobody reads that.

Step 3: Add 1 clear button (reserve, call, or order)

Choose one action for the guest.

• Need tables most: “reserve”.
• Last-minute deal: “call”.
• Takeout/delivery: “order”.

If you have a clean reservation flow, you will lose fewer people. If reservations are messy right now through DMs and missed calls, tightening that up is often the fastest win.

Step 4: Check on mobile and desktop (differences happen)

Google does not always show the same thing on:

• your phone,
• another phone,
• a computer,
• Google Maps.

Test like this:

1. Search your restaurant name on mobile (preferably in incognito/private mode).
2. Also check Google Maps.
3. Repeat on desktop.

Sometimes your post is there, just in a spot you did not check.

What works best for restaurants (examples + simple rules)

Offers work best when they help fast decision-makers. People search when they are hungry, in a hurry, or looking for a reason (“we want to do something tonight”).

Deals that drive fast decisions (daily special, lunch deal, early dinner)

What you often see: a clear daily special or lunch deal with time and price works better than a vague “promotion”. People want to know immediately if it fits.

Simple rules:

• Name the dish (not just “deal”).
• Mention the price or what is included.
• Mention the time window and end date.

Events (live music, tasting) vs a discount

Discounts are useful to fill slow hours (weekdays, early evening). An event works better when you sell the vibe and give people a reason to book now.

Choose an event if:

• you have something unique (live music, wine tasting, themed night),
• you want to protect your margin (experience instead of discounting).

Choose a deal if:

• you need volume fast,
• it must be explainable in one sentence.

Seasonal hook: weekend, holidays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day (only if it fits)

Keep it small and doable:

• Weekend: “Friday and Saturday: chef’s special (limited)”
• School break: “Kids menu + ice cream” (only if you truly attract families)
• Valentine’s Day: fixed time slots, reservation required
• Mother’s Day: brunch with two seatings

Why your offer is not visible (quick diagnosis)

You posted something and think: “I cannot see it anywhere.” Check this.

Google does not show it everywhere (rollout differs by location/device)

This happens extra often with newer displays. Sometimes a guest sees it on Android, but you do not on iPhone. Or the other way around. That is why you should always ask someone else to search too.

Post rejected or quietly removed

Sometimes Google removes a post without a clear warning. Possible triggers:

• aggressive claims (“the cheapest”, “best in the country”),
• over-the-top “free” offers or unclear conditions,
• messy text or suspicious links.

Write it like you would on a chalkboard in your restaurant: honest and specific.

Wrong link/button or no clear end date

Without an end date it is less “limited-time”, and that helps nobody. And if your button goes to your homepage, people drop off. Send them to reserve, order, or call, not to a generic page.

Conversion: from Google searcher to reservation (without tech)

Visibility is step one. Revenue is step two.

1 promotion = 1 destination (reserve or WhatsApp, not both)

If you offer reserve and call and message, many people choose nothing. Pick one.

• Dinner: reserve.
• Last-minute today: call.
• Takeout: order.

Best place for the click

The best place is where someone can finish immediately. For reservations, that is a page where date, time, and party size can be selected right away.

Quick test: does it work on mobile within 2 taps?

Test it like a guest:

1. You see the offer.
2. You tap the button.

Can you reserve/order quickly? If not, simplify.

Frequently asked questions / objections

“Does this cost money? Do I need to run ads?”

Posting updates in your Google Business Profile is generally free. You do not need to advertise to publish an offer. Google still decides where and how often it is shown.

“How much time does this take per week?”

If you keep it simple: 10 minutes per week. One update per week is often enough.

“I’m not technical. Can I do this myself?”

Yes, if you control the profile. It is more like a social post than “tech”. If you get stuck on permissions, verification, or buttons, it is mostly about setting it up properly once.

“Why does the restaurant next door see it and I don’t?”

Because Google often rolls out new features gradually. It can differ by neighborhood, device, and business type. Also, their profile might simply be more complete (category, hours, photos, clear end date).

“Can Google remove my post or restrict my profile?”

Yes. Especially with misleading claims or unclear promotions. Keep it honest, specific, and aligned with what you truly offer.

10-minute action plan (do this today)

Pick 1 offer + an end date

Choose something your team can handle easily. Add “through Sunday” or “this week only”.

Publish the update + a button

Post it and choose one button: reserve, call, or order. Add one clear photo.

Check on mobile + ask 1 friend to test

Check on your own phone and have someone else search in Google and Maps. Do they see it? Does the button work?

Book a free 30-minute consult: we will review your Google Business Profile live, check whether “offers/What’s Happening” can show up for you, and you will get a simple step list to fix it today via book a consult.