Key takeaways
- Pick the most accurate primary category; add secondary ones only for real services.
- Service-area businesses should hide their address and list the areas they serve.
- Keep name, phone and hours identical on your profile, website and directories.
Which category should I choose?
Pick the category that most precisely describes your main service, for example ‘Plumber’, ‘Roofing contractor’ or ‘HVAC contractor’. Add secondary categories only for services you actually offer.
How should I set my service area?
If customers don’t visit your location, list service areas instead of showing your address. Add the cities and areas you really drive to, such as Mississauga, Etobicoke, Vaughan or Markham. Then make sure your website names the same areas.
Why does consistent name, address and phone matter?
Google and customers both cross-check your details across your profile, website and directory listings. Use exactly the same business name, phone number and hours everywhere. No keyword-stuffed names, which break Google’s guidelines (opens in a new tab) and can get a profile suspended.
What should I post and upload?
- Real before-and-after job photos, a few times a month
- Short updates on seasonal services (furnace tune-ups in fall, AC in spring)
- Answers to common questions in your profile’s Q&A, if available
- Your services list with plain descriptions
How do I get more reviews without breaking the rules?
Ask every satisfied customer, right after the job, using your profile’s review link by text or email (Google’s review tips (opens in a new tab)). Don’t offer incentives, and don’t filter to only happy customers. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely.
How does my website fit in?
Your website should match your profile exactly and go deeper: service pages, area pages, reviews and a quote form. See how we build websites for trades in Mississauga and across the GTA, or get a free preview in 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have more than one Google Business Profile?
Only for genuinely separate locations staffed during business hours. Extra profiles at virtual offices or for each city break Google’s guidelines.
Do Google Business Profile posts help?
They keep your profile current and give customers useful updates. Post real offers, seasonal services and job photos rather than generic filler.
How long until changes show up?
Edits can take time to be reviewed and appear. Make one set of accurate changes and avoid repeatedly editing the same fields.
Sources & further reading
- Google’s guidelines (support.google.com)
- Google’s review tips (support.google.com)
Programs, rules and platform guidelines change. Always check the official source before acting. This article is general information, not legal advice.
