GENERAL OVERVIEW
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the single most important asset for ranking in the Map Pack (the top 3 results on Google Maps). For remodelers, it’s your digital storefront.
Why it matters:
- It shows your business on Google Search and Maps.
- It can rank even if your website doesn’t.
- It builds trust with reviews, photos, and service info.
The checklist below walks you through how to set it up right, optimize it consistently, and rank higher in your city.
STEP-BY-STEP GBP CHECKLIST (with examples)
Create or Claim Your GBP
- Go to: google.com/business
- Type your business name. If it appears, click Claim. If not, click “Add your business.”
Example:
“Austin Kitchen Pros” searches and finds no listing — they create a new one from scratch.
Enter Accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)
- Business Name: Use exact-match naming when possible
“Naples Bathroom Remodeling Co.” - Address: Use a real commercial address (no PO Boxes or homes)
Rent a private office suite if needed (e.g., Regus, Opus Virtual Office) - Phone Number: Local area code preferred (e.g., 512 for Austin)
Inconsistent NAP = lost rankings.
Choose the Right Categories
- Primary Category: Always start with Remodeler
- Secondary Categories: Add others like:
- Kitchen Remodeler
- Bathroom Remodeler
- General Contractor
- Home Improvements
- Kitchen Remodeler
Example:
“Elite Renovations Chicago” chooses “Remodeler” as the primary and adds “Bathroom Remodeler” and “Kitchen Remodeler.”
Write a Keyword-Rich Business Description
- Describe what you do, where you serve, and your specialties.
- Mention city names naturally (but don’t stuff them).
Example:
“We specialize in custom kitchen and bathroom remodeling across Charlotte, NC. With over 15 years of experience, we help homeowners reimagine their spaces with quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.”
Add Services & Products
- Services: Use Google’s suggestions + custom ones
Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Renovations, Basement Finishing - Products (Optional): Treat services as products
“Deluxe Kitchen Remodel Package – Starting at $30,000”
Tip: Fill out descriptions for every service.
Upload High-Quality Photos
- Add 10–15 photos minimum
Before & afters, job sites, tools, crew, logo, van, etc. - Update monthly to show Google your business is active
Example:
“Raleigh Home Remodeling” adds weekly photos of ongoing kitchen remodels and finishes with a shot of the happy homeowners.
Add Logo & Cover Image
- Logo: Square version of your company logo
- Cover Image: Wide landscape photo of a project or your team
Example:
Cover = Finished luxury bathroom remodel with the company’s branding.
Publish Weekly GBP Posts
- Use the “What’s New” or “Offer” type
- Talk about services, seasonal offers, tips, or showcase a recent job
- Include a photo, a location-specific keyword, and a CTA
Example Post:
“Looking to upgrade your outdated kitchen in Plano, TX? Check out our latest modern remodel with quartz counters and custom cabinets! Book a consultation today.”
Get Reviews (And Respond to Them All)
- Aim for at least 2-4 reviews/month
- Ask after every job — QR code on invoice or text/email link
- Respond to all reviews with keywords and location
Review Response Example:
“Thanks, Sarah! It was a pleasure remodeling your kitchen in Round Rock — enjoy the new space!”📌 Pro Tip: Reviews from Local Guides carry extra weight.
Add FAQs in GBP Q&A Section
- Log into your profile and ask + answer common questions yourself
Examples to add:
- “Do you offer free estimates?” – Yes, we provide free on-site consultations.
- “What areas do you serve?” – We work throughout the greater Denver metro area.
Maintain & Monitor the Profile
- Update holiday hours, add new photos, and keep services fresh
- Use tools like Leadsnap or Pleper to monitor rankings
Report fake competitor listings breaking Google’s rules:
Submit here
BONUS: Local SEO Support Tips
Build Local Citations
- Submit your NAP to directories: Yelp, BBB, Houzz, Angi, Nextdoor, BuildZoom
Link to a Location Page
- Instead of your homepage, link to a city-specific service page (e.g. /kitchen-remodeling-boston-ma)
Embed Your Google Map
Embed your GBP map on your Contact and Location pages
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Local SEO & GBP for Remodelers
Q1: What’s the #1 ranking factor for Google Business Profiles in remodeling?
A: Google reviews are hands-down the most powerful factor for ranking in the local map pack. Google uses them to determine:
- Trustworthiness of your business
- Relevance to search queries (keywords in reviews help!)
- Activity level (fresh reviews = active business)
- Engagement (owner replies signal responsiveness)
TIP: Focus on getting 2-4 new reviews per month consistently. Ask for them right after a project is complete when the client is most impressed.
Q2: Can I use my home address if I work out of my house?
A: Technically you can, but you absolutely shouldn’t:
- Google is cracking down on home-based service area businesses
- It may get suspended or flagged
- It puts your privacy at risk (your address becomes public)
Better Option:
Rent a virtual office or suite that meets Google’s guidelines (like Regus or Opus). You’ll get a legit address + mail handling, and you’ll unlock full GBP features.
Q3: Do I need a website to rank on Google Maps?
A: No, but having a professional, optimized website massively boosts your local SEO:
- You can link your GBP to a location-specific landing page
- You can build backlinks to your domain
- You can target broader keywords not covered in GBP
- Google trusts businesses with strong, consistent online presence
Must-have page types:
- Home
- Service pages (e.g., Kitchen Remodeling, Bathroom Renovation)
- City/location pages
- Contact page with embedded Google Map
Q4: How often should I post to my Google Business Profile?
A: Post once per week, minimum. You can post more often if you’re active on social media and have content to share.
Types of posts that work:
- Project Spotlights (“Check out this modern kitchen we just finished in Scottsdale!”)
- Tips or FAQs (“3 signs you need a bathroom remodel this summer…”)
- Special Offers (“$500 off custom kitchen remodels this month only!”)
Use your target city + service keyword in each post to reinforce local relevance.
Q5: What’s the best way to get more Google reviews?
A: Ask in a way that’s simple, fast, and non-pushy. Here are top methods:
- Text a review link right after a project wraps up
- Add a QR code to your business card or invoice
- Send a follow-up email thanking them and linking to your review page
Pro Tip: Reviews from Google Local Guides have more ranking weight — offer to help clients sign up if they’re willing.
Q6: Can I create multiple Google Business Profiles for nearby cities?
A: Yes — only if:
- You have unique physical addresses (not PO boxes)
- Each location has its own signage, phone number, and staff access
- You operate legitimately in that location
Don’t try to fake it. If Google catches duplicate or inauthentic GBPs, you can lose all your listing Pro Strategy: Expand into nearby cities by securing a virtual office address there, and build a dedicated city landing page to link from that GBP.
Q7: What should I do if a competitor is ranking unfairly?
A: If they’re using a fake address, keyword stuffing, or violating Google’s TOS:
- Report them using the Redressal Form:
https://support.google.com/legal/troubleshooter/1114905 - Suggest an edit in Google Maps
- Document evidence (screenshots, client statements)
TIP: Don’t get caught up in battles — stay focused on building a stronger profile through trust signals, reviews, and local authority.
Q8: What are “local citations” and do I need them?
A: A citation is any mention of your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) on another website — like Yelp, Angi, BBB, Houzz, etc.
Why they matter:
- They build trust and consistency across the web
- Google uses them to verify your business info
- Some citation sites (like Houzz or BBB) pass powerful backlinks
Top citations for remodelers:
- Houzz
- Yelp
- Nextdoor
- BuildZoom
- Angi
- BBB
- Chamber of Commerce
Tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark help you build these quickly and correctly.
Q9: Should I reply to bad reviews on Google?
A: Yes — always. Reply professionally and never argue.
It shows future customers that:
- You’re responsive and respectful
- You own up to mistakes
- You care about the customer experience
Example Reply:
“We’re truly sorry to hear you weren’t satisfied with your kitchen remodel. Please give us a call so we can make things right — customer happiness is our #1 priority.”
Q10: How long does it take to see results from local SEO & GBP optimization?
A: It depends on your market and how competitive your city is:
- Small cities: 2–3 months
- Medium cities: 4–6 months
- Large cities: 6+ months
But GBP is faster than website SEO. You can start seeing improvement within a few weeks if you:
- Optimize properly
- Get reviews
- Post weekly
- Build backlinks to your homepage
TIP: Use a geo-grid rank tracker like Leadsnap to see your GBP move up across different zip codes.
