Phone:
(701)814-6992
Physical address:
6296 Donnelly Plaza
Ratkeville, Bahamas.
If you operate a home services business, your local visibility on Google is one of your most important marketing tools. One of the fastest and most effective ways to increase that visibility is by setting up a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
This free profile helps your business show up on Google Maps, in local search results, and in the “local pack” — the top three listings that appear when someone searches for services near them. Whether you’re part of an established franchise network or just getting started, making sure your listing is accurate and optimized can significantly impact your ability to attract local customers.
Here are five key tips for setting up your Google Business Profile correctly from the start.
1. Make Sure Your Information Is 100% Accurate
When setting up a Google Business Profile, start with the basics — and make sure they’re correct. That means entering:
- Your exact business name (as used legally and on your signage)
- Phone number
- Business hours
- Website URL
- Physical address (or service-based business options if you don’t have a storefront)
Why it matters:
Google uses this information to connect users with businesses that match their search. Inaccurate or inconsistent listings (especially if they differ from what’s on your website or social media) can confuse customers and reduce your chances of showing up in local results.
💡 Pro Tip:
Use the same format and spelling for your business name, address, and phone number across all online platforms (called NAP consistency).
2. Choose the Most Accurate Business Category
When you’re prompted to select a business category, choose carefully — this determines where and how you appear in local search results.
If you’re a roofing contractor, your category might be “Roofing Contractor,” not “Construction Company.” If you offer window treatments, go with “Window Treatment Store” or “Blinds Shop,” depending on your services.
You can only select one primary category, but you can add secondary ones to better reflect what you do. The key is to be specific and accurate — don’t try to “game the system” with unrelated categories.
Why it matters:
Your business category is one of the most powerful ranking factors for Google’s local algorithm. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between being buried in results or showing up at the top.
3. Verify Your Business with Google
Once you enter your business details, you’ll need to verify ownership. This is usually done by:
- A postcard mailed to your business address
- Email or phone (for some businesses)
- Video recording or live video call (in some cases)
Until verification is complete, your profile won’t be visible to the public.
Why it matters:
Google wants to ensure your business is legitimate. Verifying also gives you full control of your listing so you can respond to reviews, update info, and view performance analytics.
💡 Franchise Note:
If you’re part of a franchise system, make sure your brand allows individual franchisees to manage their own profiles — and confirm that you’re not duplicating an existing listing.
4. Link Your Profile from Your Website
Once your profile is live, link to it from your website—ideally from both your footer and contact page. You can also embed a Google Map directly onto your site using your business location.
Why it matters:
Linking back to your Google Business Profile helps:
- Build credibility with search engines
- Encourage more reviews from customers
- Create a consistent user experience between search and your website
You can find your profile’s direct link by searching your business on Google, clicking the “Share” icon in your listing, and copying the link provided.
5. Set Your Service Area Correctly
If your home services business operates from a physical office but travels to customer locations, you should set a service area instead of displaying a storefront address. You can define your service area by city, zip code, or region.
Why it matters:
This tells Google (and your potential customers) where you’re willing to work. If you leave this section blank or overly vague, you may not appear in results for nearby towns that are part of your territory.
💡 Pro Tip:
Don’t overextend your area—focus on locations where you can consistently provide high-quality service. Google may limit your visibility if your service area seems unrealistic.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a Google Business Profile correctly is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to drive local traffic to your business. It only takes a few steps—but each one needs to be done with care to ensure you’re visible, trustworthy, and competitive in your market.
Whether you’re a new franchisee or looking to clean up an existing listing, following these five tips can help you build a strong foundation for local SEO and lead generation.
Looking for more marketing tips tailored to home service franchises? Check out more posts from our blog for guidance on digital tools, review strategies, and local advertising best practices.