Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google Expands ‘What’s Happening’ Feature to Multi-Location Restaurants and Bars
Google has broadened the What’s Happening feature on Google Business Profiles to include multi-location restaurants and bars across key English-speaking countries. This tool allows establishments to prominently showcase events, deals, and specials directly on their profiles to drive real-time foot traffic. The feature integrates content from Google Posts and linked social media accounts, simplifying promotion management. Currently limited to restaurants and bars, plans exist to expand this functionality to other business categories.
Optimixed’s Overview: Enhancing Restaurant and Bar Engagement with Google’s Expanded Real-Time Promotion Feature
Introduction to the Expanded ‘What’s Happening’ Feature
Google has enhanced its Google Business Profiles by extending the What’s Happening feature, originally exclusive to single-location restaurants, to multi-location restaurants and bars in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This strategic update enables businesses with multiple venues to better highlight their unique offerings.
Key Benefits and Functionality
- Real-time Promotion: The feature surfaces current specials, live music, and events at the top of Google Business Profiles, attracting customers when they are actively deciding where to dine or drink.
- Seamless Content Integration: It automatically pulls content from Google Posts and connected social media accounts, ensuring promotions are current without extra manual updates.
- Simple Onboarding: Businesses can quickly set up the feature to start engaging customers effectively.
Current Availability and Future Prospects
As of now, this feature is exclusively available to restaurants and bars with multiple locations, aiming to increase foot traffic through targeted promotions. Google has expressed intentions to expand the capability to additional business categories in the future, potentially broadening its impact.
