When someone searches “plumber near me” or “roofer in Norwich”, the map results at the top of Google often get more attention than anything else on the page. Those results come from Google Business Profiles.
It’s free, and for many local businesses it’s the most important online listing they have. Here’s a simple checklist to make sure yours is working properly.
The basics
- Claim and verify your profile. If you haven’t already, search for your business on Google and claim it, or create one at google.com/business.
- Use your real business name. Don’t stuff keywords or towns into the name. Google can suspend profiles for it.
- Choose the right main category. This is one of the biggest factors in which searches you show for. Pick the one that best describes your main service, for example “Roofing contractor” or “Plumber”.
- Add extra categories. Add any others that genuinely fit, such as “Gutter cleaning service” or “Boiler supplier”.
Your service area
- Set the areas you cover. If you go to customers rather than having them come to you, add the towns and areas you serve and hide your home address.
- Keep it realistic. Only include places you’re genuinely happy to travel to.
Details that build trust
- Opening hours. Keep them accurate, including bank holidays.
- Phone number and website. Make sure they match what’s on your website exactly.
- Business description. Explain what you do, where you work and what makes you different, in plain English.
- Services. List each service you offer, with a short description where you can.
Photos
- Add real photos of your work. Before-and-afters, finished jobs, your van, your team. Avoid stock photos.
- Add a logo and a cover photo.
- Keep adding new ones. Fresh photos every few weeks show Google and customers that you’re active.
Reviews
Reviews are one of the biggest factors in how high you appear in local results, and they’re often what makes someone choose you.
- Ask every happy customer. The best time is just after you’ve finished a job they’re pleased with.
- Make it easy. Send them a direct link to leave a review.
- Reply to every review, good or bad. A calm, helpful reply to a bad review can impress future customers.
Google’s rules don’t allow you to offer rewards for reviews, or to only ask customers you think will be positive, so keep it simple and ask everyone.
Keep it active
- Post updates. Share recent jobs, offers or seasonal tips every week or two.
- Answer questions. Check the Q&A section and answer anything people ask.
- Respond to messages quickly if you’ve turned messaging on.
Bonus: link it all together
Make sure your business name, phone number and website are exactly the same on your Google profile, your website, Facebook and any directories you’re listed in. Consistency helps Google trust your details.
A well-kept Google Business Profile can bring in a steady stream of calls on its own. If you’d like help getting found locally, alongside ads that bring in more work, get in touch.