How can I generate bookings using the Reserve with Google integration?
Using Reserve with Google in partnership with simpleERB.
Written by Chelsea | October 24, 2025
Reserve with Google allows customers to book your restaurant directly through Google Search, Maps, and Assistant. This integration is commission-free and pulls live availability directly from your simpleERB diary.
Key Integration Mechanics
Crucial Note on Availability: This integration is not a live feed. Availability is updated once per day: data is sent at 11:30 PM GMT and goes live on Google at 1:30 AM GMT. Because of this, it is not recommended for restaurants with limited capacity, high turnover, or frequent daily schedule changes, as it may lead to overbooking.
Setting Up Reserve with Google
- Navigate to Booking Widget Settings in your simpleERB account.
- Ensure your restaurant's contact details, address, and location coordinates (latitude/longitude) are correct.
- Locate Reserve with Google Bookings and select 'Enable'.
- Save your settings. (Note: You must have a configured widget even if you do not use it on your website).
Recommended Best Practices
- Cancellation Policy: Set a Google cancellation policy (we recommend at least 1 day) to prevent customers from modifying or cancelling bookings too close to the service time.
- Communication: Use the dedicated Google booking message field to highlight payment/card capture rules, special menu requirements, and the fact that booking requests are not guaranteed.
- Payments: If you have payment/card capture rules, Google bookings will trigger an email with a secure payment link. The booking remains unconfirmed until requirements are met.
Alternative: Direct Widget Link
If the Reserve with Google integration is not suitable for your business, you can still take bookings through Google by adding your simpleERB widget link to your Google Business Profile:
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile.
- Edit the 'Reservations URL' section.
- Paste your simpleERB booking link (found in your widget settings) and click 'Apply'.
- Disable the automated 'Reserve with Google' integration in simpleERB.
Important Limitations
- Offers/Specials: Special booking offers setup in simpleERB will be bypassed; the system will default to a standard booking.
- Marketing: Customers cannot opt-in to marketing via Google, so these bookings will be recorded as 'opted out' by default.
- Availability: The integration only supports up to 30 days of advance availability.
*Eligibility note: Reserve with Google is only available for paid subscriptions and specific business categories. It is not supported in all countries; please check Google's latest list of supported regions.