The strongest ranking factor inside GBP
Objective
Select the most accurate and most specific description of the business's main revenue-driving service.
How to Choose It
- Identify the business's main revenue driver
- Type that service into the Google category selector
- Choose the category that best matches the exact service Google provides
Examples
- HVAC Contractor
- Air Conditioning Repair Service
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Roofer
- Window Cleaning Service
- Garage Door Supplier
Rules
- Must match the core service
- Must be specific (avoid broad categories)
Expand visibility across more Google searches
Objective
Add all relevant, accurate secondary categories to expand visibility across more Google searches.
How to Choose Them
- List every service the business performs
- Add all matching categories Google offers
- Only add categories for services actually provided
Examples
HVAC
- Air Conditioning Contractor
- Air Conditioning Repair Service
- Heating Contractor
- Furnace Repair Service
- Air Duct Cleaning Service
Cleaning
- Window Cleaning Service
- Gutter Cleaning Service
- Pressure Washing Service
- Roof Cleaning Service
- Commercial Cleaning Service
Plumbing
- Drainage Service
- Water Heater Installation Service
- Septic System Service
- Emergency Plumbing Service
Rules
- Each category = visibility for a new search type
- Add all categories that match real services
- Never add irrelevant categories
Tell customers what you do, where you operate, and why they should trust you
Objective
Clearly explain what the business does, where it operates, and why it's trustworthy.
Add all individual services your business provides here. Each one is a new opportunity to appear in search when customers look for something specific
Objective
Listing services individually helps Google understand exactly what you offer.
How to Optimize
- Go to "Services"
- Add each service individually
- Re-open each service → description box appears
- Add a natural, keyword-rich 60–150 word description
Example (HVAC)
"We provide fast and professional AC repair services for homeowners in Port Charlotte. Whether your system is leaking, not cooling, or making unusual noises, our technicians diagnose and repair issues on the same day. We work with all major brands and focus on durable, long-term solutions."
Rules
- One service per line item
- Include the city naturally where appropriate
- No keyword stuffing
Note: If the business offers many services, create logical service groups (e.g., Cooling, Heating, Indoor Air Quality). This improves user experience and increases interaction time—good for engagement signals.
The Products section lets you showcase what you sell with photos, descriptions, and prices. It turns your profile into a mini storefront, helping customers see your offerings directly in Google Maps.
Objective
Products display visually and often get more clicks than Services.
How to Set Them Up
For each major service:
- Add a Product
- Upload a real photo
- Add a short, clear description
- Add a price or "Starting at $X"
- Link to the corresponding service page on your website if available
Examples
HVAC
AC Installation – Starting at $299
"Professional AC installation with energy-efficient options available."
AC Tune-Up – Starting at $99
"Full tune-up to improve cooling performance and reduce energy bills."
Furnace Repair – Same-Day Availability
"Fast diagnostics and repairs for all furnace makes and models."
Plumbing
Water Heater Replacement – Starting at $899
"Upgrade to a high-efficiency water heater installed by certified technicians."
Drain Cleaning – Starting at $149
"Effective drain cleaning to eliminate clogs and restore flow."
Cleaning
Deep Home Cleaning Package – Starting at $199
"Top-to-bottom deep cleaning for kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas."
Pressure Washing – Driveways & Patios – Starting at $150
"Restore your home's exterior with professional pressure washing."
Objective
Tell Google exactly where you operate to strengthen local relevance.
How to Optimize
- Add neighborhoods, suburbs, and districts you actually serve
- Avoid massive, unrealistic coverage
- Accuracy > size
Rules
- Add sub-areas, not just cities
- Don't include cities you can't realistically serve
Trust + engagement factor that drives customer confidence
Required Photo Types
- Logo
- Cover photo
- Exterior
- Interior
- Team photos
- Work performed
- Before/after (if applicable)
Geo-tagging Instructions
- Upload photo to geoimgr.com
- Tag with correct location
- Download
- Upload to GBP
Rules
- No stock photos
- Upload regularly for freshness
Cover Photo Tip: Use a real, high-quality horizontal photo (ideally 16:9) that represents what the business actually does. Avoid using the logo as the cover photo—Google rarely chooses logos for primary display.
Google rewards active profiles with improved visibility
Objective
Consistent posting improves visibility and customer engagement while also signalling to Google that you're an active business.
Post Examples
Update Post
"Now offering same-day AC repair in Port Charlotte!"
"Our technicians provide fast diagnostics and repairs across all neighborhoods. Call today for immediate service."
Offer Post
"$50 Off AC Tune-Up – This Week Only"
"Improve cooling performance and extend your system's lifespan. Limited-time offer for Port Charlotte residents. Call now to book."
Event Post
"HVAC Maintenance Weekend – Nov 9–10"
"We're offering discounted AC tune-ups and furnace checks this weekend between 10 AM–6 PM. Free filter replacement for all event-day bookings."
Purpose
Control the narrative by answering common questions before customers ask them. This builds trust and gives Google clearer context.
How to Optimize
- Add 5–10 relevant FAQs
- Answer each clearly
- Include natural keyword mentions where appropriate
Examples
Q: Do you offer same-day AC repair?
A: Yes, we provide same-day AC repair throughout Port Charlotte and surrounding neighborhoods.
Q: What areas do you cover?
A: We serve Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, and nearby communities.
Q: Do you service all AC brands?
A: Yes, our technicians work with all major AC brands and systems.
Build trust and improve rankings with strategic review management
How to Manage Reviews
- Target 5–10 new reviews per month
- Ask immediately after each job
- Encourage customers to mention:
- The service performed
- Their neighborhood
- The problem solved
How to Respond
- Respond to every review
- Positive reviews: thank them + mention the service
- Negative reviews: remain professional and outline next steps
Influence visibility for "open now" searches
Objective
Hours influence visibility for "open now" searches.
Rules
- Add accurate operating hours
- Add holiday hours whenever prompted
- Avoid unexplained gaps or partial days unless necessary
Why it matters: This quietly improves search eligibility.
Appear in filtered and feature-rich search results
Objective
Turn on every attribute that applies to help you appear in filtered and feature-rich search results.
Key Attributes to Enable
- On-site services
- Online estimates
- Emergency service
- Veteran-owned / Women-led (if true)
- Accessibility options
Impact: These help you appear in filtered and feature-rich search results.
