I’m finding that I’m using Google Maps with increasing frequency. In past years, I usually started with a Google Search and then I would go to a company’s website to find the address or phone number. I’m doing that less and less. Now I’m using Google My Business listings, which are featured on Google Maps, for all kinds of things.

In the examples below, I’m going to use Longview Steakhouse which is conveniently located across Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) from where I live in Longview, Alberta. “Why this business?” you may ask. Well, to be honest, everything about this restaurant is absolutely fantastic: menu, entrees, desserts, service, atmosphere, and location (but maybe this last point only applies to me).

Here is a picture of Longview Steakhouse, taken in June 2019, when they invited the Corvette Club for dinner.

Photo by Jeff Nelson

Here’s the view looking West from the restaurant. There is nothing better.

Photo by Jeff Nelson

But I digress. Let’s break down the features in the listing on Google My Business for Longview Steakhouse.

1. Search Bar

I typed in “longview steakhouse” and Google Maps responded with the listing from Google My Business and a map with the exact location of the restaurant. Here is a screenshot of their listing on Google Maps, which is the same as their listing on Google My Business.

From Google My Business

2. Reviews

Reviews are summarized right under the picture of the restaurant. At present, they have 406 reviews with an average score of 4.9 stars. FANTASTIC.

3. Directions

Next in line is a button for directions. The restaurant is 85 kilometres from downtown Calgary. Google Maps gives you a few options for getting to your destination.

4. Route Options

If you want, you can click on Options and fine-tune the route by avoiding things like highways, tolls, and ferries or by the distance units that you prefer (miles or km).

Notice the Plus sign, for those times when you want to add another stop on the way to your final destination. This is a great feature.

5. Save

There are a few options if you click Save. You can select Favorites, Want to Go (for later reference), Starred Places, or add the location to a list that you create on the fly.

6. Nearby

If you can’t find what you are looking for you can click Nearby, and Google Maps will give you a list of options. In this case, other restaurants, hotels and bars are nearby.

7. Send to Your Phone

This is a nice option if you are using a desktop or table and you want to send the listing to your phone.

8. Call

If you are using the app on your smartphone, the interface and options will be slightly different. One of the nice features is click-to-call.

I’ll admit, this a feature that I use all the time.

9. Share

Sharing the listing is a wonderful feature if you need to share the location with someone else. There are a few options. You can copy the link, even with an embedded map.

10. Brand Name the Link

Longview Steakhouse has not optimized the link in their listing, but they could. (Which reminds me, I need to give them a call). If you search for “anduro marketing” and then click the Share button you will see that we have added our brand name.

11. About

This feature isn’t obvious but if you click on the arrow underneath the Share button you will get some more details about the business or location.

12. Other Information

Some other information included is when you last visited the location, the physical address, the Plus Code for the geographical location, the phone number and the hours they are open.

13. Reviews - Outstanding

If you have written a review previously for the company that you are looking at (and you are logged in), your review should float to the top. Other reviews will be listed below yours.

14. Reservations - At Least a 2 Month Wait

The Longview Steakhouse is owned and operated by the Belmoufid family. If you want to visit and enjoy the most fabulous meal you will need to make a reservation for about 2 months in advance. I’m not kidding.

15. Helipad - Seriously

If you are so inclined, you are welcome to fire up your helicopter and land on the conveniently located helipad. I would, but it seems a waste when it is only a 5-minute walk from my place.