Setting Up a Google Business Profile for your Service Area Business

Your online presence can make or break your business. In a world where Google plays a vital role, having a strong presence on this platform is no longer just an option – it’s a necessity.

But what if your business doesn’t operate from a physical storefront? Don’t worry, there’s a solution, simply set up your Google Business Profile (GBP) as a service area business instead.

Why Setting Up Your GBP Correctly Matters:

Setting up your Google Business Profile correctly is crucial to ensuring your business gets the visibility and recognition it deserves. Whether you’re a plumbing service covering neighbourhoods or a freelance graphic designer catering to clients city-wide, your GBP holds the key to reaching your target audience effectively. Therefore, by accurately selecting your service areas and providing relevant information, you increase the likelihood of appearing in local search results, enhancing your visibility and your target audience finding you.

How to Set Up Your Service Area Business GBP:

1. Go to google.com/business: And either log in to your existing Google account or create a new one if you haven’t already.
2. Enter Your Business Details: Provide your business name and choose a relevant business category that accurately represents your services.
3. Skip the Address: Since your business operates within a service area and doesn’t have a physical location for customers to visit, simply skip the address section and proceed to the next step.
4. Define Your Service Area: Indicate whether you offer deliveries, home visits, office visits, or a combination of the above. Specify the geographical areas you serve, ensuring they are within a reasonable driving distance (ideally within a 2-hour radius of where you live).
5. Contact Information: Provide accurate and up-to-date contact information so customers can easily contact you.
6. Opt-In for Updates: Stay in the loop with Google’s latest recommendations and updates by opting in for notifications.
7. Verify Your Listing: Depending on Google’s requirements, you may need to verify your business through various methods such as phone, email, postcard, or even a live video recording. Be prepared to provide the necessary documentation to prove your business’ legitimacy.
8. Maximise Your Profile: Once verified, take full advantage of your GBP by filling in as much information as possible. This includes your business hours, services offered, photos and any other relevant details that can help potential customers find and choose your business.
9. Editing Your Service Area: As your business grows or your service areas evolve, you can easily edit or remove service areas from your GBP. Go to your profile, navigate to the location section, and select the pencil icon to make changes.

The Verification process

Google continuously refines its algorithms and requirements for GBP verification. For service area businesses, this means understanding the details of setting up your profile to meet Google’s strict guidelines.

You may now need to do quite a strict verification process to prove your business’ existence. In some cases, a video might need to be supplied and a utility bill with your business name on it.

Our advice

If you haven’t already, we strongly recommend creating a Google Business Profile. It’s a completely FREE tool that helps your business be found in Google Search, as well as providing potential customers with your contact details, directions and more information about what you offer as well as a place to get Google reviews which helps build trust with prospective customers plus helps your SEO too. It’s really a no-brainer!

If you have any questions about Google Business Profile or any other aspect of marketing, please get in touch. We’d be delighted to help.