Why a Business Profile matters for contractors
For many local searches — "commercial roofer near me", "electrical contractor Chicago" — Google shows a map with a few businesses before the regular results. Those listings come from Google Business Profiles. A complete, accurate profile is how you get considered for them.
Setting it up
- 1
Claim or create the profile
Search for your business on Google Maps first; if a listing exists, claim it rather than creating a duplicate.
- 2
Choose service-area settings
If customers do not visit your office, set the service areas you cover and hide the street address.
- 3
Pick categories carefully
Choose the primary category that best matches your main trade, then add a few accurate secondary categories.
- 4
Verify
Google will ask you to verify ownership. The method varies — often a short video, sometimes a phone call or postcard.
Making it work
- List your services individually, using the same names as your website pages.
- Add real project photos regularly — job sites, finished work, crews and vehicles.
- Write a description that says what you do, for whom and where, in plain language.
- Keep hours, phone number and website link accurate.
- Ask satisfied clients for reviews, and reply to every review professionally.
- Use posts occasionally to share completed projects or seasonal services.
Consistency matters: your business name, phone number and service area should match across your website, Business Profile and directory listings.
Connecting it to your website
Your profile and your site reinforce each other. Link the profile to the most relevant page (often the homepage or a location page), make sure your site clearly states your service area, and add structured data so search engines understand your business details. Our contractor SEO work includes a Business Profile checklist.