Your Google Business Profile Ranking

If you’re a tradesman looking to acquire more leads online and build your customer base, look no further! Here we’ll introduce you to a Google Business Profile, why it’s important to have one and why you should consider Google ranking factors to maximise the growth of your business.

What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile enables your business to show up in local search results and when users enter search terms on Google Maps. It gives users a small snapshot of your company, including important information like contact details, review ratings and a link to your website.

Why is it important to rank highly?

It’s important to consider Google ranking factors when optimising your profile as this means that you’ll appear more prominently in local searches and Google Maps, and therefore generate more leads when people make searches for local services. Most people nowadays use their smartphones to undertake local searches, so having a high Google Business Profile ranking can be vital for a tradesman looking to acquire new customers.

Factors that impact how your Google Business Profile ranks

We’ve outlined 5 major elements that play a part in the ranking of your Google My Business Profile. It’s important to consider them all and make sure that every aspect of your profile has been optimised in order to rank high in local searches and generate more leads.

Ensure all your information is up-to-date

This includes everything from your business name and address to your hours of operation and website URL. It’s also important to ensure this information stays consistent with what’s displayed about your business on your website and other platforms such as directories.

Selecting the right primary category

This is the most important factor – if you don’t select the right primary category (for example, ours at BUILT in the screenshot above is listed as ‘Web Designer’), it will be impossible to rank above your competitors. You should choose one that represents the core of what your company has to offer. You can also add up to nine additional secondary categories to help users find you.

Lots of positive Google Reviews

This can be a game-changing ranking factor for businesses, especially when reviews submitted contain relevant keywords. Ranking aside, high numbers of good reviews can be an important conversion factor – 50% of users say they’ll only consider a business that has at least a 4-star rating. In addition, it’s also important to make sure you reply to each and every one of your reviews, regardless of whether it’s a good or a bad one. This shows Google as well as potential clientele that you’re a trustworthy and engaging company that cares about your customers and the service you provide.

You should also aim to reply to both negative and positive reviews promptly and professionally. Not only do these help the algorithm and push you up the local search rankings, but they also show potential customers that you value your customers and take great pride in the services you provide.

Proximity of searcher

Google will provide listings based on the location of the searcher and recommend businesses that are most nearby. The more specific the keywords you optimise for, the more likely you are to be one of the ones that show up. Having a local phone number with a specialised area code for the region you are trying to target will also work in your favour and help your profile climb up the rankings.

Listed business address

It’s important to make sure that the address added to your Google Business Profile is in the city you want to rank in, and that you don’t share an address with another business that shares the same primary and secondary categories, as one could get filtered out of the local search results entirely. It’s also important to be consistent with your name and address across the internet – making sure that your address and company name match exactly across all platforms helps Google Maps to identify your trustworthiness and legitimacy.

Spam listings

“Phantom,” non-existent local stores sometimes start appearing that then end up competing with your legitimate listing. It’s best to remove these using a business redressal form and then report the results as fraudulent.

Post regularly

Posting regular updates on your profile about recent work, achievements, promotions and events helps to attract more attention and keep your profile fresh and engaging. You could tell customers about seasonal offers that you’re doing or simply give them a small snapshot of your portfolio of projects.

Need help setting up your Google Business Profile?

If you have any questions regarding Google Business Profiles or would like some help in setting up your own, we’d love to hear from you! We offer a Google My Business Profile creation and optimisation service, so please feel free to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help. We specialise in helping tradesmen get seen and found online, so no matter where you’re based in the UK, we’re here to give you a helping hand.