Hey there, awesome service providers! Linda Donnelly here, and today we’re talking about something super important for your business: your Google Business Profile.
Now, you might be thinking, “But Linda, I don’t have a storefront! I go to my customers.” And that’s totally cool! You’re what we call a Service Area Business (SAB). And guess what? Google Business Profile is still your best friend.
What’s a Service Area Business (SAB) Anyway?
A Service Area Business is a business that travels to its customers instead of having customers come to a store or office. Think:
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Painters
- Mobile dog groomers
- Home cleaning services
- And lots more!
If you’re out and about, serving your community, then you’re likely a SAB!
Why Google Business Profile is Your Secret Weapon
Even if you don’t have a physical location, your Google Business Profile is super important. It’s like your online headquarters. It helps people find you when they search for your services nearby.
Think about it:
- When someone has a leaky faucet, they probably won’t drive around looking for a plumber. They’ll grab their phone and search “plumber near me.”
- If you have a GBP, you can show up in those search results and on Google Maps!
And guess what? 46% of all Google searches are for local information. (Source: Search Engine Journal) That’s almost half! So, if you’re not using your GBP, you’re missing out on a lot of potential customers.
How to Make Your Google Business Profile Awesome (Even Without a Storefront)
Here’s how to make your GBP work for you:
1. Get Your Basic Info Right
- Business Name: Use your real business name. Don’t try to stuff it with extra keywords.
- Address: This is tricky for SABs. You can choose to hide your exact address and just show your service area (like “Lafayette, LA”).
- Phone Number: Make sure it’s correct! People need to be able to call you.
- Website: Add a link to your website.
2. Choose the Right Categories
- Pick the categories that best describe your business.
- Be specific! Don’t just say “Handyman.” Say “Plumbing Services” or “Electrical Contractor.”
3. Show Off with Photos and Videos
- Add pictures of your team, your work vehicles, and examples of your projects.
- Videos are even better! Show yourself fixing a sink or cleaning a carpet.
4. Get Those Reviews!
- Reviews are like gold stars for your business.
- Ask your happy customers to leave you reviews on Google.
- And always respond to reviews, good or bad!
5. Use Google Posts
- Google Posts are like mini social media updates on your GBP.
- Share news, offers, and tips to keep people interested.
Special Tips for Service Area Businesses
Since you don’t have a storefront, here are some extra tips:
- Define Your Service Area: Tell Google the specific cities or regions you serve.
- Focus on Mobile Optimization: Most people search for local services on their phones, so make sure your GBP and website look great on mobile.
- Consider Virtual Tours: If you can, create a virtual tour of your work (like a before-and-after of a cleaning job).
Statistics: Why Local SEO is a MUST
- 76% of people who search for something nearby on their smartphone visit a business within a day. (Source: Google)
- Local searches lead to 50% of mobile users visiting stores within one day. (Source: Think with Google)
- Businesses in the top 3 spots of the Google Map Pack get 44% of total clicks. (Source: Moz)
These numbers show that getting found in local search results is super important for your business!
Business Solutions Marketing Group: Your Local SEO Helpers
At Business Solutions Marketing Group, we’ve been helping small businesses like yours for over a decade. We know how to get you seen by people in your area.
We can help you:
- Optimize your Google Business Profile
- Get more online reviews
- Make your website local-friendly
Don’t let your business get lost in the crowd. Contact us today for a free consultation!
