Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing customers see. Here's how to make it work harder for you.
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is arguably the most important piece of digital real estate your service business owns. It appears in map results, knowledge panels, and local searches - often before your actual website. Yet most tradesmen set it up once and never touch it again.
Start with the basics: make sure your business name, address, phone number, and website are 100% accurate. Choose the right primary category - 'Plumber' is better than 'Home Improvement' if plumbing is your main trade. Add every relevant secondary category too, like 'Emergency Plumber' or 'Gas Engineer'.
Photos are massively underrated. Businesses with more than 100 photos get 520% more calls than the average, according to Google's own data. Upload photos of completed jobs, your team, your vans, and your premises regularly. Avoid stock photos - customers can spot them instantly and they erode trust.
Reviews are the engine of your GBP ranking. You need a consistent flow of genuine 5-star reviews from satisfied customers. Make it easy by sending a direct review link via text after every completed job. Respond to every review, positive or negative, within 24 hours. Google rewards businesses that actively engage with their review profile.