Google Business Profile
EssentialClaim and optimize your Google Business listing to appear in local searches
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the #1 most important online marketing tool for local trade businesses.
Show up in "near me" searches
46% of all Google searches are for local businesses
Appear on Google Maps
Free visibility when customers search your service area
Build trust with reviews
93% of consumers read online reviews before hiring
100% Free
No cost to claim and maintain your profile
Claim Your Business
Go to business.google.com and search for your business name. If it exists, claim it. If not, create a new listing.
Google will verify your business via postcard (5-7 days), phone, email, or instant verification if eligible.
Complete Your Profile 100%
Businesses with complete profiles receive 7x more clicks. Fill out every section:
- Business name, address, phone (NAP - must match your website)
- Category: Select primary (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrician) + 9 additional categories
- Service areas: List all cities/zip codes you serve
- Hours: Regular hours + special hours (holidays)
- Website & booking link
- Business description (750 characters max)
Add High-Quality Photos
Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their website.
- Logo: Square, 250x250px minimum
- Cover photo: 1024x576px, showcases your work
- Team photos: Your technicians, trucks, uniforms
- Work photos: Before/after, completed projects (20-50 photos)
- Interior/exterior: Office, shop, warehouse
Add Services & Products
List specific services you offer with descriptions and pricing (if applicable):
- AC Installation, Repair, Maintenance
- Emergency 24/7 Service
- Water Heater Installation
- Electrical Panel Upgrades
- Include starting prices when possible ("From $89")
Get Reviews & Respond
Reviews are the #1 ranking factor for local search. Aim for 50+ reviews with 4.5+ star average.
- Ask every happy customer for a review (via text/email)
- Respond to ALL reviews within 24-48 hours
- Thank positive reviewers, address negative reviews professionally
- Never offer incentives for reviews (against Google policy)
Customers can ask questions directly on your profile. Monitor and answer within 24 hours. Seed with FAQs like "Do you offer emergency service?" and "What areas do you serve?"
Mobile users can call directly from your profile. Track call volume in insights. Make sure your phone number is correct and answered during business hours.
Customers get directions to your location. For service area businesses, hide your address and show service cities instead (better for privacy and broader reach).
Share updates, promotions, completed projects as posts. Photos stay for 7 days, events show until the date passes. Post weekly for best results.
Get notifications for new reviews. Responding increases trust and shows you care. Use templates for faster responses but personalize each one.
Add attributes like "24/7 Emergency Service", "Licensed & Insured", "Free Estimates". Update special hours for holidays to avoid frustrated customers.
Post Weekly
Share project photos, promotions, tips. Posts expire after 7 days so stay active.
Use Google My Business App
Get notifications instantly, respond to reviews on the go, add photos from job sites.
Monitor Insights Weekly
Track views, clicks, calls, direction requests. See what search terms bring customers.
Consistent NAP
Name, Address, Phone must match exactly across website, citations, social media.
Keywords in Description
Include your services and service area naturally. "HVAC repair and installation serving [City, City]"
Video Content
Add 30-second videos of your team, your work, customer testimonials. Video performs better than photos.