If you run a home service business like HVAC, plumbing, or landscaping, getting more local customers is probably at the top of your list. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do that? Google Business Profiles.
Now, I know what you might be thinking—“I’ve heard of it, but I’m not sure how it helps me.” No worries. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how a strong Google Business Profile can put you in front of more local customers and help drive traffic to your website.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business, is a free tool that helps your business show up on Google Search and Google Maps. You’ve probably seen these profiles when you search for local services like “plumber near me” or “HVAC repair in [your city].”
When your business shows up in those results, potential customers can see important details at a glance:
- Your business name
- Your contact info (phone number, website link, etc.)
- Customer reviews
- Photos of your work or location
- Your hours of operation
Having a fully optimized profile means people can quickly find you, read reviews, and—most importantly—visit your website or call you directly.
Why Should Home Service Businesses Care About Google Business Profiles?
For businesses like yours, getting local customers is the bread and butter of growth. People in your area are searching for services like yours every day. When your Google Business Profile is set up the right way, it helps you:
- Show up in local searches: When someone searches for your service (e.g., “plumbing service in [your city]”), Google prioritizes local businesses with completed profiles.
- Attract more website visitors: Your profile features a direct link to your website, making it easier for people to click and learn more.
- Build trust with reviews: Customers can read what others are saying about you, which helps build trust and credibility.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Don’t worry—setting up your profile isn’t complicated, and we’re going to walk you through it step by step. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Claim Your Business
The first step is to claim your business if it’s not already listed. Go to Google Business Profile and follow the prompts. You’ll need to provide basic info like your business name, address, and phone number. Google may ask you to verify your business by sending a postcard or calling your number.
2. Fill Out Every Section
Once you’ve claimed your business, it’s important to fill out every section of your profile. This includes:
- Business name
- Address (or service area, if you don’t have a storefront)
- Phone number
- Website link
- Business hours
- Description of your services
The more information you provide, the better your chances of showing up in local searches. Plus, it makes it easier for potential customers to get in touch with you.
3. Add Photos
People love to see what they’re getting. Adding photos to your profile, like images of your team, completed jobs, or even your office, makes your business feel more real. It helps build trust with new customers and gives them a reason to choose you over the competition.
4. Get Reviews (And Respond to Them)
Reviews are a big deal—they’re one of the most influential factors in convincing potential customers to choose you over your competition. In fact, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations (BrightLocal), which means what people are saying about your business can make or break your next lead.
But reviews don’t just build trust—they also play a crucial role in boosting your local SEO. According to Google, positive reviews and customer interactions can improve your business’s visibility in search results. In fact, businesses with more positive reviews and higher ratings tend to show up higher in local search results.
Here’s why it matters:
- Higher Rankings: Google’s algorithm takes into account the quantity, quality, and frequency of reviews when determining how to rank your business. The more positive reviews you have, the better chance you have of landing in those top local results.
- Increased Clicks: Potential customers are more likely to click on a business with multiple positive reviews. Star ratings directly influence whether someone clicks on your Google Business Profile, which means more traffic to your site and more leads.
After completing a job, always ask your happy customers to leave a review on your Google Business Profile. The process is simple—send them a direct link or even show them how to do it on their phone before you leave.
But don’t stop there—respond to reviews, whether they’re good or bad. A quick “thank you” to a positive review shows you appreciate your customers, and addressing negative reviews head-on can turn a bad situation around. Responding to reviews shows Google (and potential customers) that you’re actively engaged with your business, which helps improve your ranking in local search results.
5. Post Updates and Offers
Did you know you can post updates directly on your profile? If you’re running a special, offering a seasonal discount, or simply want to share some news about your business, you can add a quick post to keep your customers informed. It’s an easy way to stay top of mind with people in your area.
How a Great Google Business Profile Drives Website Traffic
Here’s the bottom line: When people search for a service you offer, they want answers fast. Your Google Business Profile gives them everything they need to find and contact you.
- Direct Traffic: People can click directly to your website from your profile. The easier you make it, the more likely they are to visit your site to learn more.
- Better Rankings: Google favors businesses with fully filled-out and active profiles, meaning you’re more likely to show up in the top results for local searches.
- Higher Engagement: When potential customers see your positive reviews, photos of your work, and up-to-date business info, they’re more likely to trust you and take action.
Quick Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Profile
- Keep your info up-to-date: Make sure your hours, phone number, and website link are always accurate.
- Encourage reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews, and make it easy for them by sending a direct link.
- Use keywords: In your business description, use relevant keywords (like “plumbing repair in [city]”) so Google knows exactly what services you offer.
- Check your insights: Google provides insights on how people are finding your profile, so keep an eye on this data to improve your visibility.
Conclusion: Don’t Sleep on Your Google Business Profile
If you’re serious about getting more local traffic and growing your business, Google Business Profiles should be a key part of your online strategy. It’s simple to set up, free to use, and when optimized correctly, it can drive a ton of traffic to your website.
Remember, your potential customers are out there searching for services like yours every day. Make sure they find you—not your competitors—by creating and optimizing your Google Business Profile today.