Boost Your Local Visibility: Optimising Your Google Business Profile

 

The Importance of Local SEO: Optimizing Your Google Business Profile for Better Local Search Visibility

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If you’re a local business owner, especially one that provides services like plumbing, home repairs, or handyman work, you probably already know how competitive it can be to stand out in your community. In today’s digital-first world, most people turn to Google when they need a service, and the businesses that show up at the top of those search results get the calls, the enquiries, and the work.

So, how do you make sure that your business shows up when potential customers are searching for services near them?

The answer is simple - local SEO.

Local SEO is all about making sure your business ranks well for people searching within your local area. One of the best (and easiest) ways to improve your local SEO is by optimising your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). If you’re thinking “Oh, I’ve heard of that but never bothered to set it up,” or “I set it up a while ago but never really took it seriously,” this blog is for you.

We’re going to break down exactly how to set up and optimise your Google Business Profile so you can get noticed in local searches and start booking more clients for your handyman services. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this guide will help you get your business in front of the right people, at the right time.

Why Local SEO Matters for Your Handyman Business

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about why local SEO is such a game-changer for small, local businesses.

Imagine a homeowner in your neighbourhood has a burst pipe, a broken door, or a shelf that needs installing. What do they do? They reach for their phone and Google “handyman near me,” “emergency home repair,” or something similar. And here’s the thing - if your business doesn’t show up in those results, you’re likely missing out on the job.

Google Business Profile is one of the easiest ways to ensure your business shows up when people search for handyman services in your area. By setting it up correctly and optimising it, you’ll increase your chances of appearing in Google’s local search results and Google Maps - two places where potential clients are most likely to find you.

So, let’s dive in and get your Google Business Profile shining like the polished wood on your latest project.

Step 1: Claim Your Google Business Profile

The first thing you need to do (if you haven’t already) is claim your Google Business Profile. If you don’t claim it, you’re basically leaving your business to float around the Internet without any control over how it’s represented. You want to take the reins and make sure your profile has all the correct info.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Head to Google Business Profile and click “Manage Now.”
2. Search for your business name. If it shows up, select it; if not, you’ll need to create a new listing.
3. Enter your business address, service areas (if applicable), and any other required information.
4. Once you’ve filled in all the details, Google will send you a postcard to verify your business. This may take a few days, but once you get it, you’re good to go!

Now you’re officially in control of your business on Google.

Step 2: Fill Out Your Profile with Accurate Information

Once you’ve claimed your profile, the next step is to complete it. And by complete, we mean accurate. The more details you can provide, the better your chances of showing up in local search results.

Here’s what you need to include:

1. Business Name

Your business name should match exactly what you use on your website, social media, and other platforms. No funny nicknames here - Google loves consistency, and so do your customers.

2. Address & Service Area

If you have a physical shop or office, make sure your address is listed correctly. For a handyman business, however, you might work from home or provide services at customer locations. In that case, simply enter a service area instead of a street address. This helps Google know which areas you serve.

3. Business Hours

Whether you’re open 9-5 or offer emergency services at all hours, you want to let customers know when you’re available. Keeping your hours up to date is key - especially around holidays or special events.

4. Phone Number

This is the number where potential customers can reach you directly. Make sure it’s easy to find and click-to-call from your mobile profile.

5. Website

If you have a website, link it here. If not, no worries—your Google Business Profile can still work wonders without one. But having a website can provide more information and legitimacy to your business.

6. Business Description

Here’s where you get to tell potential clients who you are and what you do. But don’t just make it generic - make it specific. Talk about the services you offer (e.g., “plumbing, electrical, carpentry repairs”), mention your service area (e.g., “serving homeowners in the Barnet London area”), and be sure to include keywords that your customers are likely to search for.

Google uses this description to figure out how relevant your business is to certain searches, so the more specific, the better.

Step 3: Add Photos & Videos to Make Your Profile Pop

One thing that really helps your Google Business Profile stand out is photos. People want to see the work you do before they hire you, and the right photos can make a huge difference in how much attention your profile gets.

Here’s what you should upload:

• Before-and-after photos of your projects. This is especially helpful if you’re a handyman working on home repairs or renovations.
• Work-in-progress shots - show off your skills as you’re fixing, building, or creating something.
• Team photos - let your potential clients know who they’ll be working with. A friendly face can build trust.
• Videos - Google Business Profile also lets you upload videos. Show off a time-lapse of your work, a customer testimonial, or a quick intro to your services.

Plus remember: businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites. So, get those pictures up!

Step 4: Encourage and Respond to Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are like gold when it comes to local SEO. Google uses them to gauge how well your business is performing, and businesses with more reviews tend to rank higher in search results.

Here’s what you can do to get more reviews:

• Ask satisfied customers to leave a review after a job is done. This can be in person, via email, or even a follow-up message.
• Respond to reviews, whether they’re positive or negative. Show your customers that you care about their feedback and are always looking to improve.

A good balance of positive reviews will not only improve your SEO ranking but also build trust with future clients.

Step 5: Post Updates, Offers, and Promotions

Google Business Profile has a feature called Google Posts, where you can post updates, offers, and promotions directly to your listing. This is a great way to keep your profile fresh and engaging. You can:

• Share seasonal promotions (e.g., “Winter plumbing check-up sale!”)
• Announce new services or areas you’re serving
• Offer a discount for first-time customers

Google Posts can appear directly in search results, giving potential clients a reason to click on your profile.

Step 6: Monitor Your Performance with Google Insights

Once your profile is up and running, you can use Google Insights to monitor how it’s performing. This tool shows you how people are finding your business, whether through search or Google Maps, and how often they’re clicking to call or visit your website. It’s a great way to track your progress and make adjustments if needed.

Let Your Google Business Profile Work for You

There you have it - the complete guide to optimising your Google Business Profile and improving your local SEO. With a little effort and the right setup, your business can rise above the competition and get noticed by the customers who need you the most.

At BlueWood Office, we know how important it is to connect with customers in your area, and optimising your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful ways to do that. So go ahead, update your profile, add those photos, gather some reviews, and watch your business grow.

Need help with SEO or other marketing strategies? Contact BlueWood Office, and we’ll be happy to help you build an online presence that drives results!