Nowadays, every business needs a solid online presence, especially contractors who rely heavily on generating leads in their local area. An optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) can help you stay visible and connected to the local community, ensuring you attract the clients you need for a thriving and profitable business.
Here are six of the best tips to improve a Google Business Profile for contractors.
6 of the best Google business profile tips for contractors
A well-designed Google Business Profile for contractors will translate into the leads and sales you need to drive your revenues. Here are some tips that will make a difference to your local visibility.
#1. Include accurate information
Your Google Business Profile is an information source for potential customers. As such, Google needs the most accurate and comprehensive information to understand your business and connect you with the right people.
At a minimum, you should display the following:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Website
- Hours of operation
However, you also need to clarify your service categories so that you connect with clients who need your service. Similarly, outline your service areas accurately so clients can easily find your business.
Your business description section is an excellent place for adding detailed, keyword-rich information about your services. So, ensure you include the search terms and phrases your target audience typically uses so Google can connect you to the right people.
#2. Get Visual
Pictures are a great way to cut through the noise and get noticed. Use them where possible for various things like your staff members, workspaces, and vehicles. Of course, contractors can also use pictures to show off their work, whether it’s conversions, repairs, installations, or whatever service you offer.
Some potential ideas for photos include:
- Before and after pictures of previous jobs or contracts.
- Pictures of you or your employees hard at work can humanize your business.
- Photos of your tools, equipment, or vehicles can help undermine the credibility of your business.
- If you have a professional-looking logo, include it as a profile picture.
- Pictures of awards, certifications, or other training will boost your online reputation.
#3. Reviews and responses
There’s no escaping it: customer reviews are vital to your Google Business Profile. Reviews help people trust your business and can even become a key difference maker when potential clients are deciding between contractors for specific jobs. So, encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and watch the leads roll in.
Replying to customer reviews, even negative ones, is important. It shows that you take an issue seriously and won’t leave anyone in the lurch. It also shows that you value your customers.
However, another reason to respond to replies is search engine optimization (SEO). If you want to rank for a term, you can reply with something like, “Thanks for choosing us as your HVAC contractor in <insert local area>.” This can add a ranking signal that will boost your search engine visibility.
#4. Use Google Posts
Google Posts are a great way to share important information about your business. These posts will be visible to customers who are evaluating your service, so ensure each post is focused on driving leads or business.
Some kinds of posts that do well for contractors include:
- Project updates or posts that show your completed work. Any hurdles or complexities you overcame can make interesting and educational reading while also serving to demonstrate your expertise.
- Posts about special offers and promotions also work. Limited-time offers or seasonal deals are worth highlighting. Moreover, you can offer Google Business Profile followers exclusive deals, which can help drive greater engagement and visibility.
- DIY guides and home maintenance tips can help drive credibility and underline your expertise, leading to a rise in consumer trust.
For more advanced tips, read this helpful article: How to Effectively Use Google Business Profile Posts
#5. Prioritize your Q&A section
Your Google Business Profile’s Q&A section is a place where you can address client objections and concerns while providing important information about your service. Use these questions to inform your users about what you do and give them the information they need to make a sale.
A well-tended Q&A section strongly signals to clients that customer care is a priority. Here are some additional ideas that you can use:
- Proactively add typical questions that your clients might ask to reduce the number of questions about projects, services, licenses, insurance, prices, etc.
- As also mentioned in the Reviews section above, answering Q&A questions is a search engine optimization (SEO) opportunity.
- Answering complex or technical questions allows you to share your expertise. A detailed, helpful response helps your contractor brand stand out.
#6. Enable messaging
You can also enable direct messaging on your Google Business Profile. That means that potential customers can reach you through the website. Again, if this option is selected, communicate as promptly as possible.
Here are some other ideas that can give your business an edge:
- Where possible, send quotes or estimates via messaging. This can help you collect basic customer information and build leads.
- Offer to schedule consultations or on-site meetings through messaging, which allows you to streamline the booking process.
- Automated or canned responses are a great way to reduce response times, especially if you’re a solo operator with your hands full during the day.
Let Townsquare Help You Maximize Your Online Presence
Managing and optimizing your Google Business Profile is a lot of work, especially for busy contractors in competitive markets. Townsquare’s business management and digital marketing services include Google Business Profile management, which is the perfect way to win more leads, business, and revenue.
Our experts will ensure your GBP is always up-to-date, engaging, and optimized for maximum visibility. What’s more, if you need guidance on becoming a Google Guarantee contractor, reach out today.