When it comes to your local SEO strategy, you don’t want to overlook the importance of a Google Business Profile. For those unfamiliar with the term, this is the new name for Google Business Profile.
A Google Business Profile is a powerful marketing tool that allows you to list your services, website address, physical address, business hours, and phone number online. This helps you keep your current customers informed as well as reach new customers.
One important element of your profile is your services list. As the name implies, this feature lets you list the services that your company offers.
The Impact of Listing Services on a Google Business Profile
Using the services feature is a no-brainer for local businesses—it lets potential and current customers see what services you offer. This helps them decide whether to choose your business or go with a competitor.
Listing your services also helps you show up in local customers’ search results. Combined with the use of geolocation keywords and following other Google Business Profile best practices, this is an effective way to bring in new customers.
It is also important to note that you get full control over your Google Business Profile. In other words, you get to ensure that the information is accurate. This means that you can (and should) confirm that none of your important services are missing from the list. If you run a business that constantly updates products, it’s important to keep this in mind and ensure that the services listed in your profile are updated regularly.
Where Do Services Show Up on a Google Business Profile
Currently, your services primarily appear on mobile searches that bring up your business. That being said, they also occasionally appear on computer searches when someone specifically looks for your service and geolocation.
For people viewing your profile, services will appear below products in the “Info” section. When editing your profile, services will appear on the dashboard on the left of your screen.
How the Services Editor Works
The services editor is the tool you’ll use to add, edit, or remove services from your Google Business Profile. As with all of the other tools Google Business Profile has to offer, this editor is intuitive to use. If you’re having trouble getting started, though, make sure to take advantage of Google’s various resources.
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How to Add or Edit Services on a Google Business Profile
The following steps outline how to add services to your Google Business Profile. Keep in mind that there will be slight variations depending on whether you choose to edit your services via Google Search, Google Maps, or your Business Profile Manager.
Step 1: Access Your Profile
Before you can edit or add services to your profile, you’ll need to log in to your account.
Once you’ve logged in, search for your business name. You should then be able to view the profile. If your business has multiple locations, you will have to select “View profile” next to the specific location you’re trying to add services for.
Step 2: Tap “Info” or “Edit profile”
If you are on the Business Profile Manager, click on “Info” in the menu.
If you are on Google Maps or Google Search, click “Edit profile.”
Step 3: Select “Services”
Now, just click on “Services.”
Step 4: Add Your Services
This is the most important step—the step when you get to actually add your services. To do this, click on “Add more services.” You will notice that there are suggested services based on your business type. So, if you are a plumber, you may see a suggestion for “Repair toilet.”
You also have the option to add a custom service. Just remember that you can’t create custom services that include phone numbers, URLs, or prices. Services also can’t have personally identifiable information, gibberish, or vulgarities.
Step 5: Edit Your Services
To edit a service that is already listed, go ahead and click on the service in question. This will give you the option to edit it.
As mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to update your services regularly to ensure they are accurate—especially if your business adds new services or updates service offerings often.
Step 6: Save Your Changes
If you used the Business Profile Manager, you will have to click “Save” otherwise your changes will be lost. Saving is automatic when editing via Google Maps or Google Search.
How to Write About Your Services
Overcomplicated listings with overwhelming amounts of information can be a deterrent for potential customers, so make sure to keep things simple. Use the suggested services as an example for formatting. Remember that you cannot include phone numbers, prices, or URLs in your services.
You can be as specific or general as you want, just make sure to provide information that customers will find useful. For example, while you could just list “Teeth Whitening” as a service, it might be more helpful to describe the type of teeth whitening you offer. If you offer multiple types of teeth whitening, be sure to make that clear in your listing.
Do your best to list all of your services. Remember that you can organize them into multiple categories to make it easier for potential customers to what they’re looking for.
Other Ways to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Listing your services is just one of many ways to optimize your Google Business Profile. If you want to show up in local search results, there are other best practices you should follow. A few of those best practices include:
- Create a Questions and Answers section
- Make relevant Google Business Profile posts
- Ensure your contact information is accurate
- Fill out the “From the Business” section (and use keywords when doing so)
Conclusion
Listing your services on your Google Business Profile makes it easier for customers to decide whether or not to hire your company. Keep your list of services updated and combine this with other optimization strategies for your Google Business Profile page to set yourself apart from the competition.
