Key takeaways
- Your business name on Google must be your real name. Adding keywords breaks Google’s guidelines.
- Service-area businesses should list areas, not show a home address.
- Ask every satisfied customer for a review with your profile’s review link, right after the job.
Which category should a plumber choose?
Choose ‘Plumber’ as your primary category if that’s your main business. Add secondary categories only for services you really offer, such as ‘Drainage service’ or ‘Water heater installation service’ if available. Categories tell Google which searches you’re relevant for, so precision matters more than quantity.
How should I set up service areas?
If customers don’t come to your shop, Google asks service-area businesses to hide their address and list service areas instead (Google’s service area guide (opens in a new tab)). List the cities and areas you actually drive to, for example Toronto, Mississauga and Vaughan, and make sure your website names the same areas.
What are the rules I shouldn’t break?
- Use your real-world business name, without added keywords or city names (Google’s guidelines (opens in a new tab))
- Use a local phone number you answer, the same one on your website
- Don’t create profiles at addresses where you don’t operate
- Don’t offer anything in exchange for reviews
How do I get more reviews?
Make it a habit: text your review link after every completed job, while the customer is happy. Google’s own tips to get more reviews (opens in a new tab) recommend asking and replying to reviews. Reply to every review, including the critical ones, calmly and specifically. Future customers read your replies.
How does my website support my profile?
Your profile gets you into the shortlist; your website wins the call. Link the profile to a page that matches it exactly and goes deeper: services, areas, reviews and a quote form. Our Toronto plumber websites are built to match your profile and include local schema so Google can connect the two. Want to see yours? Get a free preview in 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add ‘Toronto’ or ‘24/7’ to my business name on Google?
Only if it’s part of your real, registered business name used consistently in the real world. Otherwise it breaks Google’s guidelines and can lead to suspension.
Should my plumbing business show its address?
If customers don’t visit your location, Google says to hide it and set service areas instead. If you have a storefront customers visit, show it.
How often should I post photos?
Regularly, a few real job photos at a time. Consistency matters more than volume, and real photos of your work beat stock images.
Sources & further reading
- Google’s service area guide (support.google.com)
- Google’s guidelines (support.google.com)
- tips to get more reviews (support.google.com)
Programs, rules and platform guidelines change. Always check the official source before acting. This article is general information, not legal advice.
