One of the most powerful tools for home services businesses to attract local clients is a Google Business Profile (GBP). As consumers use Google to find local services more than 90% of the time, having an optimized profile will improve visibility, credibility, and leads. Here’s how to fully optimize your GBP and stand out from the competition.
1. Claim and Verify Your Profile
If you haven’t already claimed your Google Business Profile, this should be your first step. You will need to visit the Google Business Profile Manager and search for your business. Once found, follow the prompts to claim and verify your profile. Google may verify via email, phone, or mail.
Pro Tip:
Ensure your business name is consistent with how it is presented elsewhere, such as on your website or social media. Consistency is important in local SEO.
2. Accurate and Complete Business Information
Fill in every section of your profile with the correct and current information:
- Business Name: Your official business name. Don’t stuff keywords; Google’s guidelines prohibit this.
- Address: Your address must be formatted consistently across all platforms.
- Service Area: If you operate in multiple locations or don’t have a physical office, use the “service area” option.
- Phone Number: Use a local number to increase trust with potential clients.
- Website Link: Direct customers to a specific page, like a contact or service page, instead of your homepage.
- Business Hours: Be precise. If you have holiday hours, update them regularly to avoid confusion.
Pro Tip:
You’ll also want to double-check your information periodically to ensure that everything is current, especially if you change contact details or operating hours.
3. Pick Relevant Categories
The categories you pick allow Google to match your business with relevant search queries. For example, a plumbing company might pick “plumber” as its main category and “emergency plumbing service” as its second category.
Pro Tip:
Check out competitors’ profiles to see what categories they use. You may discover options you hadn’t thought of.
4. Create an Interesting Business Description
Your business description is your chance to tell potential clients what makes you different. Include:
- A clear explanation of your services.
- Keywords related to your services (but don’t keyword stuff).
- A friendly tone that reflects your brand.
Example: “We offer fast, reliable plumbing services in [City/Area]. With 24/7 availability and over 10 years of experience, we specialize in everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.”
5. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
Visual content is what can make or break a potential client’s decision. Profiles with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks than those without.
What to Include:
- Your logo (for brand recognition).
- Photos of your team at work, showing professionalism.
“Before and after” photos of completed projects.
Videos of your services or client testimonials.
Pro Tip:
Update your photo gallery monthly to keep your profile fresh and engaging.
6. Enable and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are a great way to build trust and improve local rankings. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on your GBP and always respond to them—both positive and negative.
How to Respond:
- Positive Reviews: Thank the customer and highlight specific points they mentioned.
- Negative Reviews: Apologize sincerely, offer a solution, and take the conversation offline if necessary.
Pro Tip:
Use email or text reminders to ask for reviews after completing a job. Provide direct links to your GBP to make it easy for customers.
7. Add Services and Products
List your services and products in the appropriate section of your GBP. Include a brief description, price (if applicable), and an image to make it appealing.
Example:
- Service: Drain Cleaning
Description: Effective drain cleaning to avoid blockages and ensure smooth water flow. Available for residential and commercial properties.
8. Post Regular Updates
Google allows you to post updates, which can boost engagement and show that your business is active. Use this feature to:
- Promote seasonal offers or discounts.
- Announce new services or products.
- Share tips or advice related to your industry.
Pro Tip:
Post at least once a week to keep your profile active and relevant.
9. Track Insights
Google gives you insights into how people interact with your profile. Look at these regularly to know:
- How many people have viewed your profile.
- How they found you: Direct search, discovery, or branded search.
- What they did: Visited your website, called, requested directions, etc.
Apply these insights to refine your strategies and focus on what’s working.
10. Use FAQs and Messaging
Answer common customer questions using the Q&A part of your profile. This both helps your customers and increases exposure to your profile. Activate messaging as well so customers can text you directly.
Conclusion
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is a process that never ends, but the rewards are well worth the effort. You will attract more local clients and make your business a trusted leader in your field by making sure your profile is complete, visually appealing, and updated regularly.
Take action today—start with one or two of these steps, and watch your online presence grow!
