The Value of a Google Business Profile & How to get it working FOR You
The very first thing I ask trades companies who are looking for leads is:
Have you set up your Google Business Profile?
You’d be shocked how many haven’t bothered.
This free tool is STEP ONE for any trades or construction business looking to attract more eyeballs and build an online reputation. It’s also one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost ways to grow your trades or construction business. Properly setting up and maintaining your profile is low hanging fruit for any business owner looking to build an online presence that’s working for them, 24/7.
When someone needs a builder, plumber, electrician, roofer, handyman or contractor they’re not flipping through the phone book. They’re searching Google. And it can be surprisingly difficult for trades and construction companies to show up in the search results. A well-optimized Google Business Profile ensures your business appears in local search results and Google Maps, often right at the top of the page. This means that when someone searches “plumber near me” or “home renovation company in [your town],” your listing has a much better chance of showing up if Google has a trusted, approved directory listing to serve.
Pro Tip: Use accurate and consistent business information: your name, address, phone number, and service areas should exactly match what’s on your website and social media.
Positive reviews are the new word-of-mouth, especially in high-trust services like trades and construction. Having a 5-star rating is like being a Michelin Star restaurant. Everybody has heard about nightmare scenarios of contractors abandoning projects, demanding more money, and leaving a customer in a bad position. Building a sterling reputation with positive customer experiences its a surefire way to build trust with new potential customers.
Pro Tip: Use service and location keywords naturally when responding to reviews like: “Thanks, John! We’re glad you loved the bathroom renovation our team completed in Belleville.”\
Your work speaks for itself, so let it shine online. Your Google Business Profile should include relevant imagery of completed projects to immediately communicate to potential customers what you can do for them. Never underestimate how much customers love a good before-and-after shot, project highlights, team shots, or videos of your crew in action. Not only does this show your professionalism, but it also builds trust with potential clients who can see your craftsmanship firsthand.
Pro Tip: This isn’t your Instagram page or Tik Tok account. Post genuine media of your day-to-day business activity. Save the memes for the social sphere.
If something changes in the business, it needs to be reflected on your profile. Your page is also an opportunity to provide day-to-day updates, including:
Pro Tip: Don’t overestimate your ability to respond or be available to customers with exaggerated hours of operations or times when you might not respond. Provide realistic business hours that work for you, and reflect the expectations of your industry.
One of the best-kept secrets about Google Business Profiles is the data they provide. You can see how customers found you, what keywords they used, where they’re located, and how many people called or visited your website from your profile. This is valuable intel for any small business: you’ll know which services are generating the most interest and where to focus your marketing efforts next.
Pro Tip: Using a software like SEMRush can pull additional data and insights from your Google Business Profile.
Many small trade businesses still overlook or neglect their Google listings. Keeping yours optimized, and regularly updated, gives you a serious edge. While your competitors may be relying solely on word-of-mouth, you’ll be visible to new clients actively searching for your services at the exact moment they need you.
Setting up your profile is just the start. Regularly update it to reflect changes in your services, hours, or team. Add new photos monthly and post updates at least twice a month. Think of it as your digital shopfront; if it looks abandoned, customers may assume your business is too.
Pro Tip: Schedule in monthly updates and ensure that email notifications for new reviews are be being sent the proper e-mai contacts to ensure timely responses.
Your Google Business Profile isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s your hardest-working salesperson, showing up for customers before you ever answer the phone. When it’s optimized, active, and trusted by Google, it puts your business in front of the right people at the exact moment they’re ready to hire. If you haven’t set it up properly, or haven’t been keeping it fresh, you’re leaving easy leads, and money, on the table.
Leads4Trades offers a simple and low cost, full-service management service for your Google Business Profile that includes:
Reach out to victoria@leads4trades.com to learn how to level up your Google Business Profile or learn more at leads4trades.com
