What’s In This Issue
(Fast, Practical Guide for Real Results) Today we take a deep dive into your Google Business Profile and how you can take more control of it for better results. Below are all the steps you need to follow to get your Google Business Profile up and growing.
Do this on a computer or laptop — it’s faster. (About 20 Minutes)
Make sure you are logged into the Google account (Gmail or Workspace) you want to manage the business with.
Step 1: Check If Your Business Already Exists
Before creating anything search your business name on Google
If it exists → Claim it (Find and Click See Suggest an Edit: Own this Business?)
If not → Create a new profile with steps below.
This avoids duplicates and saves time.
Step 2: Start Setup (Business Name)
Enter your business name
Step 3: Choose Your Business Category (Critical Step)
This determines when you show up.
Ask Yourself: “What would my customer type into Google?”
Examples:
Not “Services” → Use Plumber
Not “Consulting” → Use Marketing Agency
Pick ONE primary category based on your main service.
Step 4: Choose Your Business Type
Google will ask “Do customers visit your location?”
If YES (storefront or office):
You’ll enter a physical address
If NO (home business):
You’ll move to service areas
Step 5: Add Your Address (If Applicable)
Only add an address if you have a real business location. This is not required but highly recommended if you have a real business location.
Do NOT use:
PO boxes, Virtual Address
Fake addresses
Your home (if customers don’t visit)
Why this matters:
Google ranks you based on proximity
More real locations = more coverage
Step 6: Add Service Areas (If Applicable)
Add cities or regions you serve
The more relevant areas, the better
The farther from your address, the less likely you are to rank. Some people get $100/mo offices in popular areas just to get higher listings in GBP.
Step 7: Add Contact Information
Phone number (Mobile Number or Office)
Website
Make sure everything is accurate — this builds trust with Google.
Step 8: Verification
Google may require verification:
Postcard
Phone
Email
Video (increasingly common) – For video they want a few minute video of a storefront, a mailbox, the office, some tools. If you were going to show someone your business and give an idea of what you do.
Complete this as soon as possible so your listing goes live.
Step 9: Add Business Hours
Set real operating hours
Do NOT select 24/7 unless true
Use the Special Hours option to mark closed on certain holidays
Step 10: Add Services (This Drives Rankings)
This is one of the most important sections.
Instead of just Plumbing, be specific
For Example:
Drain cleaning
Water heater repair
Emergency plumbing
Leak detection
This determines what searches you appear in.
Step 11: Add a Business Description
Keep it simple:
What you do
Who you help
Where you operate
Example: We help [type of customer] with [services] in [location] with fast, reliable service.
Use this prompt for a quick one:
Prompt: “I need a description for my Google Business Profile. My business provides [service] to [customer type] in [city].”
Step 12: Add Photos (Huge Impact)
Add:
Exterior
Interior
Work examples
Team photos
Ranking tip:
Add text overlays describing the image
Example: “Water Heater Installation in Newark NJ”
You can upload a photo to ChatGpt.com and then use the prompt below to add text to teh image, make sure to replace ‘text’ with Service + Location
Prompt: add the following ‘text’ on the bottom of this image in a font size, color, and family that will work well with the image.
Step 13: Add Videos (Optional but Powerful)
Upload some videos, they auto play and will make you stand out much more than you competitors.
Short job clips
Before/after
Quick explanations
Step 14: Add Social Profiles (Only If Active)
Link any of these: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube Tip: Only include active profiles — Google may use this content to make fresher.
Step 15: Setup Complete — Now It’s Time Optimize
Once your profile is live, this is where growth happens. A Google Business Profile is how you build trust even with you run ads. Outdate, incomplete, and poor profiles can hurt customer trust in your business.
Use Google Posts a few times a month (Most Ignored Feature)
Post:
Updates
Offers
Tips
Announcements
Keeps your profile active
Shows directly in search results
Track Performance
Make sure you are logged into the Google account, you created the GBP with.
Check inside your dashboard to see what’s working
Searches
Calls
Direction requests
Website clicks
This is the Bare Minimum to Get Any Benefit
If you only do a few things:
Complete your entire profile
Choose the right category
Add detailed services
Upload photos consistently
Get reviews every week
What to Do Next
Keep an eye out next week for our content, on getting Google Reviews. This is a key driver to success and ranking!
Got a Specific Question? We will Help!
Email [email protected] or just reply to this email and we will answer your question. No Charge, no frills, no upsell, just an answer.
*Please do not include any logins, passwords, or sensitive information.
Did You Know? Most homeowners never flush their water heater—offering this as a yearly service can quietly add thousands in repeat revenue.
Best Regards,
