Tips for Setting up Your Google Business Account
If you’re a contractor looking to get more leads without paying for ads, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful tools you can use—and it’s completely free. Homeowners rely on Google more than any other platform when they need help fast, and a strong, well-optimized listing can put you at the top of those searches. The best part? Setting it up doesn’t have to be complicated. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get your Google Business Profile up and running the right way so you can start getting found by more customers in your area.
1. Use Your Exact Legal Business Name
No extra keywords, no fluff, no location stuffing.
Google hates that and will flag your profile.
Just your real business name.
2. Choose the Right Primary Category
Pick the category that matches your trade — the primary category is what Google ranks you for. Examples:
Plumber
Electrician
General Contractor
Flooring Contractor
HVAC Contractor
You can add more secondary categories later.
3. Add ALL Service Areas You Actually Serve
List every city, town, and suburb you cover.
This tells Google where to show your listing and expands your visibility fast.
4. Turn Off the Address If You Don’t Have a Public Office
Most contractors serve customers at their homes.
Use a service-area business setup to avoid showing your home address.
5. Fully Fill Out the Services Section
Don’t skip this. Add every service you perform, even small ones.
Google uses these keywords to match you with searchers.
6. Upload 10–20 High-Quality Photos Immediately
Google favors profiles with fresh visual content. Include:
Before & afters
Completed projects
Your wrapped truck
Tools + equipment shots
Team photos
Your logo
Photos help customers feel confident before calling.
7. Write a Clear, Honest Business Description
Include:
What you do
Who you serve
Years of experience
What makes you different
Keep it simple and keyword-friendly. Aim for 2–4 short paragraphs.
8. Turn On Messaging
This lets leads text you directly from Google — huge for contractors because most homeowners prefer texting over calling.
9. Ask Every Client for a Review (Always)
Use the direct review link inside your Google account.
Don’t be shy — reviews are 70%+ of why people choose a contractor.
10. Reply to EVERY Review
Positive or negative, Google wants to see engagement.
This builds credibility and helps you rank higher.
11. Post Weekly Updates
Google loves fresh content. Post simple updates like:
“Finished a flooring install in Meridian today…”
“3 tips for preparing your home for winter…”
These don't need to be fancy. Even one paragraph works.
12. Double-Check Your Hours & Contact Info
Make sure your phone number, email, website, and availability are correct.
Incorrect info = lost jobs.
13. Enable Call Tracking (Optional)
You can use Google’s built-in call history feature to see how many leads come from your listing.
14. Add Attributes If They Apply
Things like:
Veteran-owned
Woman-owned
Licensed and insured
Attributes increase trust and make your profile stand out.
15. Keep Everything Updated
Projects change. Services expand. Service areas grow.
Refresh your listing monthly — even small updates help your ranking.
A properly set up Google Business Profile can be the difference between waiting for the phone to ring and getting a steady stream of local leads. The more complete, active, and accurate your listing is, the more Google will reward you with visibility. Take 15–20 minutes to follow the steps above, add fresh photos regularly, and ask happy clients for reviews—you’ll be amazed at how much impact a free tool can have on your business. And if you want help building a website that works hand-in-hand with your Google listing to convert those new visitors into paying customers, I’m always here to help.
Tired of losing jobs to competitors who “just look more legit” online?
We’ve got you. Our website templates are made to help you stand out, look professional, and start booking the clients you actually want.
You don’t need to be tech-savvy or super creative, just pick a template, plug in your content, and launch with confidence.
