Complete Google Business Profile Setup Guide (2025): Step‑by‑Step Local “Get Found on Google”

If your trucks are busy but your phone isn’t, your Google Business Profile (the box that shows your business on Google Maps and in local search) is the quickest way to turn searches into calls. Think of it as your digital storefront: hours on the door, photos in the window, and reviews as word‑of‑mouth on loudspeaker.

Below is a simple, owner‑friendly guide you can follow in under an hour. No tech talk—just clear steps that help you show up, look legit, and get more jobs.

What you’ll get when you set this up

More “Call now” clicks from people near you
More map visibility when someone searches “plumber near me” or “electrician in [your city]”
Fewer price‑shopping tire‑kickers and more ready‑to‑book customers
A clean, professional presence that matches the great work you already do

Before you start: a few ground rules

Use your real business name (no keyword stuffing like “Best Cheap Plumber #1”).
Use a phone number you actually answer.
Use a real address. If you go to customers’ homes (no storefront), you can hide the street and show only your service area.
Follow Google’s rules to avoid getting suspended: Guidelines for representing your business on Google.

Step‑by‑step: set up your Google Business Profile

Create or claim your profile
- Go to Google and search your business name. If you see your business, click “Own this business?” to claim it.
- If you don’t see it, create a new profile and choose the main category that best fits (plumber, electrician, roofer, etc.).
Pick how you serve customers
- Storefront: customers visit you (show your address).
- Service‑area business: you go to them (hide your address; set cities/ZIPs you cover).
Verify your business
- Google may ask for a quick video, a code by phone, or a postcard.
- Tip: Have signage, tools, work vehicle, and license handy for video verification. Keep your business details consistent with your website and invoices.
Fill in the basics (accurately)
- Business name, phone, website, hours (include holiday hours), and service areas.
- Add emergency/after‑hours if you offer it.
Choose smart categories
- Pick one main category (e.g., “Plumber”).
- Add a few secondary ones only if they truly fit (e.g., “Drainage service,” “Water heater installation service”).
Add services and pricing
- List core jobs (water heater install, panel upgrade, roof repair).
- Add starting prices or ranges if you’re comfortable. Clear beats vague.
Write a plain‑English description (30–60 seconds)
- Example: “Family‑owned plumbing company serving Madison and Dane County. Same‑day water heater replacement, leak repair, and drain cleaning. Upfront prices, clean work, friendly techs.”
Upload photos that sell the job
- Logo and cover photo (clean and bright).
- 5–10 job photos: before/after, team, trucks, equipment, finished work.
- Add a short video walk‑through if you can (even a phone video works).
Turn on messaging (if you can reply fast)
- Set an auto‑reply like: “Thanks for reaching out—what’s your zip code and the issue? We’ll reply shortly.”
- Route messages to whoever answers fastest.
Ask for reviews the easy way
- After each completed job, text this:
  “Thanks for choosing us! It would mean a lot if you could share a quick review so neighbors know who to call: [review link].”
- Reply to every review. For bad ones: apologize, invite them to call, and fix it if you can. Future customers notice your response.
Use Posts for updates and offers
- Share seasonal tips (“Frozen pipe prevention”), quick promos (“10% off drain cleaning this week”), or reminders (“Book your roof check before fall”).
- Add a photo and a simple call‑to‑action.
Add a booking or estimate button
- If you have online booking, connect it.
- No booking tool? Use a simple estimate form on your website and make sure the “Call now” button works.
Add products (optional) for high‑value jobs
- Create a “product” for “Tankless Water Heater Install” or “Panel Upgrade” with photos and a simple description. This helps customers understand what you do—and what to call you for.
Keep it fresh each week (5–10 minutes)
- Check messages and reviews.
- Add a photo from a recent job.
- Post one quick update.
- Make sure hours are correct (especially around holidays).

Quick fixes that move the needle

Use a local phone number customers recognize.
List the towns/ZIP codes you actually want work in.
Show “Open now” when you’re actually open—update your hours.
Add real job photos, not stock images.
Ask for reviews right after you finish, when the customer is happiest.

Common mistakes that cost calls

Stuffing the business name with keywords (flags your profile).
Picking the wrong category (you won’t show up for the right searches).
Letting messages sit unanswered.
Never posting updates or photos (looks abandoned).
Using blurry photos or no team/job shots.

How your website fits in (and how Superjet Sites helps)

Your Google Business Profile grabs attention. Your website seals the deal. When someone clicks through, they should see a site that:

Loads fast and looks great on phones
Shows clear services, prices/estimates, photos, and reviews
Makes it easy to call, text, or book

That’s exactly what we build at Superjet Sites: fast, clean, and affordable websites for service businesses. Want a budget build? See affordable site. We also offer optional monthly plans so you don’t have to fiddle with this stuff: For local design tips see local website guide.

Ongoing support and maintenance: updates, security, and quick edits—handled.
“Get found on Google” plan: profile tune‑ups, fresh posts/photos, review reply help, and website tweaks that drive more calls.

If you want a partner to set up (or clean up) your Google Business Profile and keep it humming while you’re on the job site, we’ve got you.

Extra help if you want to dig deeper

Google’s official rules for names, addresses, and more: Guidelines for representing your business on Google
Practical tips on showing up professionally online: SBA: Improve your online presence

Ready to get more calls?

Follow the steps above (save this guide). Also use our website checklist.
Snap a few photos this week and add them.
Ask for 3 reviews from happy customers you already served.
If you want us to handle setup, posts, photos, and website tune‑ups every month, Superjet Sites can do it for you—so you can stay focused on the work that pays.