Google Business Profile
Contractor Marketing ROadmap: Step 1
What is a Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is how you tell Google you’re open for business and you want to start showing up in local searches! It’s a great FREE tool in your marketing toolbox!
We’ll go through why your GBP is step 1, how to set it up, how to optimize it, troubleshooting a suspended account, and how we can help!
Google BUsiness Profile
Why is it Step 1?
There are a few big reasons the Google Business Profile (GBP) is the first step in the Contractor Marketing Roadmap.
Setting up your Business Profile will not instantly get you leads, but it’s a great, easy, and free way to get your business out there.
Plus, it continues to work for you while you move on to step 2!
Free
Setting up a GBP is free, making it a great first step - especially if you're bootstrapping your marketing and trying to keep costs low!
Google Search
Google is great for showing up in front of customers at the perfect time - right before they make a purchase!
Local Map Pack
Local companies rank higher in organic searches that are specific to your local area. It's an easy shortcut to rank quickly!
Set it and Forget It
Once you get your GBP set up, you really don't have to spend any more time on it. Set it up, and let it work for you while you move on to the next step!
Simple Setup
How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Step 1
Sign In to Google
Create a Google account dedicated to your business or login if you already have one.
Step 2
GBP
Search Google Business Profile, or click the 'apps' icon at the top and go to "Business Profile Manager".
Step 3
Create Profile
Follow the prompts to set up your profile and fill out all the important information.
Step 4
Verify
Once your profile is complete, Google will walk you through how to verify your business.
Building a Strong Profile
Tips and Suggestions
It's important to have your business registered with the IRS, your state, and your locality. Having a local business license makes your business a 'legal' entity and makes verification through Google a lot easier.
Many contractors work out of their home until they can afford a lease on a warehouse/office.
You can mark your GBP as a 'service area' business so it doesn't show your address publicly.
Keep in mind, businesses with a public address will be easier to verify and rank.
Reviews are the most important part of your GBP! Start getting reviews from customers ASAP!
NAP data (Name, Address, and Phone number) needs to be consistent everywhere across the internet to improve rankings and credibility. Decide on exactly how you're going to list it an be consistent!
If you want to go straight to the source, here's a link to Google's help articles:
Optimize Your Profile
Whenever there's an important business update, make sure to add it to your GBP. This includes operating hours for holidays, address changes, service offerings, and more.
If you have some extra time, posting once per week is enough to show Google you're active on your profile. Post a picture of a recent job, type up a short description, and you're good to go!
Make sure you're posting high quality images - no blurry pictures!
The categories you choose tell Google who to show your business to. Look at your top competition in the area and copy the categories they have listed.
Write a clear description of your business, the services you provide, and what sets you apart from the competition. This impacts your rankings, and it's one of the first things your customer will see.
When you get a new review, write a quick response to thank them! Tell them how much you enjoyed working on their project and include the services you provided for them. This is a quick and easy way to improve rankings!
If you have questions that customers ask all the time, put it in the "Questions and Answers" section.
This is a great way to help your rankings for specific keywords! Add a product for each main service you offer, and include a good picture of a project you completed!
Let your customers text you right from your GBP!
If you want us to walk through setting up your GBP or if you want us to do it for you, let us know!
We can also help with troubleshooting suspended accounts, help with verification, and optimize existing profiles!