Why Every Service Contractor Needs Google My Business

If you’re a service contractor, creating a Google Business Profile account (or claiming your business on GBP) is a must in order to create brand awareness, generate more leads, and attract local foot traffic. 

The best part? 

It’s free and easy. 

Among the relevant information that contractors and other service providers can include in their profile are their logo, maps, reviews, hours of operation, contact details, licensure, and identifiers (for example, “Veteran-owned” or “Black-owned” business) that service contractors might want to highlight.

Businesses can also send and receive direct messages through Google Business Profile, which can be very helpful in answering quick questions from potential clients. Business owners can also share updates and post photos, which serves to create a good impression with potential clients and helps to build trust. Overall, Google Business Profile is a great way to showcase your professional side while plugging in all relevant contact details for people to see. 

What is Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)?

Google Business Profile is basically Google’s business listing platform. With a business profile on Google, you can manage your Google listing and update information as it changes. Your profile also helps your business appear in local Google searches and on Google Maps.

When a Google user conducts a search, your profile appears on the right-hand side of a Google search results page, along with other results. Your listing will appear within a box called the Knowledge Panel, as well as in the “Map Pack” when people search for services you may provide. On mobile, it will also show up near the top if someone is looking for your brand. It also appears on Google Maps.

Steps to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Optimizing your Google Business Profile will help you stand out from the local competition because your business will be among the top (if not number one) search results for related terms. As such, you’ll want to provide enough information about your services so that customers can readily find what they need to know about your business. This includes your website and a hotline they can call for inquiries.

You’ll also want to give Google the information required in your profile. Be sure to fill out every detail about your business within your profile so that Google can display your business information to the appropriate audience.

Also, ensure that there are no duplicate listings for your business, as having multiple listings will reduce your main listing’s organic search power. Once your Google Business Profile Listing is appropriately filled out, remember to consistently use and update it with relevant information to remain relevant for organic search results.

When setting up your Google Business Profile, remember to do the following:

• Fill out everything completely and with accurate details (don’t use placeholders like “abc123.com” and the like). This also includes inputting the correct business categories, address, phone number, business hours, and other business attributes.
• Use your business description to succinctly and accurately describe what you do as a service contractor. Keep this type of information consistent across all your online profiles (website, Google, social media).
• Use Google Posts to share promotions about your business and add photos on a regular basis.
• Try to respond to all your reviews and direct messages, and ask clients to share their reviews on your Google Business Profile.

Key Benefits of Using Google Business Profile for Service Contractors

There are many benefits of using Google Business Profile. For service contractors, specifically, adding a listing on Google is a great way to boost local search engine optimization (SEO). This ensures that a business is visible to people in a local or regional area.

GBP also allows users to access contact information quickly. If they need to call you for an estimate on a job, having a phone, email or text hotline at the ready can be very handy. 

A well set-up GBP also gives your service company a competitive business edge, as B2B customers prefer to deal with organizations that convey trustworthiness and professionalism. By claiming your Google Business Profile, you’re making it known that you take your business and its online presence seriously.

Final Thoughts

Because we live in the digital age, it is incredibly crucial for service contractors to have a strong online presence. A Google Business Profile is a key component of this presence as it provides numerous benefits, such as boosting local SEO, providing quick access to contact information, and conveying trustworthiness and professionalism to potential clients. By following the steps outlined above, service contractors can make the most out of their Google Business Profile and effectively market their services to a wider audience.