Google Business Profile setup for service businesses
Konquer Media, Hallam. Updated .
If you go to your customers rather than them coming to you, set up your Google Business Profile as a service-area business: remove your street address, add up to 20 service areas, pick the one primary category that best describes you, use your real business name with no keywords, and verify the way Google offers. Then link it to your website and ask happy customers for reviews.
Service area, not address
Google defines a service-area business as one that visits or delivers to customers and does not serve them at its own address. If that is you, remove the address and list your service areas instead; Google allows up to 20.
Name and categories
Use your real business name exactly. Adding keywords or locations to the name breaks Google's guidelines and can get the profile suspended. Pick the primary category that best describes the business, and as few extra categories as possible; Google says not to add one for every product or service.
Verification
Google chooses which verification methods you are offered: phone or text, email, a live video call, or mail. Video verification for a service-area business usually means showing your vehicle, tools or local landmarks. Reviews of a submission can take up to five business days.
Then make it work
- Link the profile to your website, ideally the page for your main service.
- Add real photos of your work, regularly.
- Reply to every review; Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help local ranking.
- Keep hours and service areas accurate.
Ready for the next step?
Questions
Can I use a virtual office address?
No. Google's guidelines do not allow virtual offices unless they are staffed during business hours.
How do I rank higher in the map?
Google says local ranking rests on relevance, distance and prominence. Accurate categories, a strong website, real reviews and photos help; nobody can guarantee a position.