How To Optimize Your Handyman Google Business Profile

Jason Call

Owner of Handyman Marketing Pros

If you’ve read our Handyman Marketing Guide, you know that a handyman’s Google Business Page (officially called Google Business Profile, or GBP) is a critical component to being found online by potential customers.

When utilized correctly, it’s a powerful tool to grow your organic website traffic, reach more of your target audience, and ultimately grow your business.

Follow this guide and you’ll be able to do just that. It will allow you to quickly assess and optimize your GBP so you can focus on what you do best – being a handyman.

2023 Handyman & Contractor Google Business Optimization Guide

Step 0: Set up

Getting your Google Business Profile verified by Google is becoming increasingly more difficult. These tips will increase the likelihood of a smooth creation verification process.

Have a Yelp, Facebook, and BBB Profile with your branding/logo. Be sure the business information (name, phone number, etc.) matches what you input into your Google Business Profile during the setup phase.
Have the following business documents collected and available. They can be physical or digital (these docs should show your physical address, alongside your business name)
- Business docs from state/county/city/etc
- Insurance policy
- Licensing (ex: contractors license)

Step 1: Create And Verify Your GBP

Visit business.google.com and follow the instructions to create your GBP.

Common problems when initially creating the profile that can prevent/delay verification:

Unless you have a physical office space, have your address hidden and service areas inputted.
- Your address will most likely be your home address, which is stored on the back-end of Google’s system (not public).
- DO NOT use a PO Box, this will instantly suspend the listing.
If you have another Google Business Profile for a different business, do not use the same phone number
Fill out a complete business description with at least one paragraph (don’t just have a single sentence describing your business)

Tips for verification:

As of July 2023, the most common form of verification is via a video. This is requested within Google’s platform and started/uploaded right from your phone or laptop. Keep this as short as possible (no more than 2 mins). If it’s too long, it could have issues uploading.

In “One-Take” your video should contain:

House number that you inputted in the setup phase (this is required, even though your address is hidden from the public).
- Google wants to see this to match up with your supporting business documentation.
Applicable Business documentation (either printed or pulled up on a laptop)
- Business docs from state/county/city/etc
- Insurance policy
- Licensing (ex: contractors license)
The vehicle used to work
Tools
Print marketing material (business card, flyer, company shirt, etc.)
Anything else Google asks for

Troubleshooting verification problems:

Sometimes the initial verification method doesn’t work, and Google will ask for more information. Provide this, even if what they are asking is redundant because it’s already been sent or shown in the video. Their verification is finicky and, at times, broken, so be patient.

Step 1 – Respond to any correspondence they send asking for additional information or verification. Sometimes, it will even ask for another video, so do it again.

Step 2 – If you are stuck in “pending verification” or your profile shows a “suspended” status, fill out a Reinstatement Request – https://support.google.com/business/troubleshooter/2690129

Note: fill out as much detail as possible. Be sure to upload your business documentation in the attachment fields towards the end of the form.

You will receive an email after submitting the Reinstatement Request. Typically within 1 week (they say it can take up to 2) you will receive an email with an update. Oftentimes, they request you send business documentation again. Reply to this email with their requested information.

Step 2: Input Basic Information

Everything from here will be done on your Google page. When logged into your Google account, you can access your GBP information by searching your business name or “my business” in the Google search bar.

This step is pretty self-explanatory, but, nevertheless, important. Be sure ALL your basic information is filled-in and correct (name, address, phone number, website, etc.). This is done in the Info section.

Step 3: Select Business Categories

This is one of the most important steps, because it is a key influencer in your business getting into the “Local Pack” when someone searches for your services.

Getting into the Local Pack automatically gets you on the first page of Google – and over 50% of click-throughs on searches with local intent go to the Local Pack.

Here is an image of the Local Pack results for my search query “handyman in longview tx”:

You can see where “Handyman” is noted on the business listing – this is an actual category within your GBP, so be sure to make that your primary category. Of course, if you primarily take on other Skilled Trades work, select the appropriate primary business category (example: Contractor and Electrician are a few options).

Also, select a handful of secondary categories. There are many choices here, so take some time to go through them or use “control + F” on this article to search for possible categories. For example: Fence Contractor is an option, so if you specialize in fences this is a great choice. You can also see, from the screenshot in Step 4, that there are options related to construction: Contractor, Remodeler, Kitchen Remodeler, Bathroom Remodeler. These are great secondary categories if you also take on larger projects.

Here’s where you can add or edit your business categories:

Step 4: Messages (Optional)

Messages is an option available through GBP that allows customers to message you directly from Google Maps.

If you’re not very active on your devices and communications, activating this option may not be for you. However, it is recommended for any business looking to maximize their lead flow.

Step 5: Add Photos

Having photos on your GBP is extremely important, with the most important one being your cover photo.

It’s recommended that your cover photo be personalized with a photo of yourself or your team, smiling in front of your work vehicle(s). This is the most viewed photo within your Google Business Profile and there tends to be higher click-through rates on profiles with smiling faces as they appear more welcoming.

Adding photos on a consistent basis is a ranking factor for Google Maps. They reward businesses who are engaging with their platform by adding new content and so adding photos of your projects is a great way to engage with that platform.

Step 6: Add Products (Optional)

This section may seem nonapplicable since the majority of Handymen is a service-focused niche and not product focused. This section is also not currently a ranking factor for Google, however, we like to “feed the beast” and have everything prepared in the event that Google does use it as a ranking option in the future.

If you want to utilize the products section, select Edit Products, and then Add Product just like in the image shown below.

In this area, you can provide information as to the services you provide, and include additional information about those services within the product description. Don’t forget to include photos and links to your website.

Including products also allows your GBP to take up more space on the page, which makes it more eye-catching and professional looking.

Step 7: Add Your Service Areas

If you have an office where customers regularly visit (more common for remodelers with showrooms), then you should add an address. Most should add their service area.

Here’s where you add your service area(s) for your handyman business:

If you would accept work in a town/city, add it here. There is a limit to how many service areas you can add, so include your primary service areas within that limitation.

Step 8: Add Handyman Services

This section allows you to add service categories and specific services. Couldn’t add or find all your “service categories” from the above step? This section communicates to Google your entire service offering.

Here’s where you go to add and edit your services:

There are two components to the “Services” section within your GBP: sections and items.

It’s pretty intuitive once you get into this section, but let me explain using an example:

You install a lot of light fixtures for your customers. You could add “electrical” as a section, and “light installation” as an item. Or, you could add “light installation” as a section, and “canned light installation” as an item (along with other lighting styles).

For a simple alternative, create a section titled “Handyman Services” and add all your service offerings to that section.

Step 9: Add Updates

This section allows you to post updates regarding your business. This is something that Google recently started including in their ranking algorithm, and it is an area that you’ll want to utilize, especially if you’re already posting to social media websites. Any time that you post to social media, post to your GBP as well.

Here’s where you go to add your updates:

Google’s platform does change, so if anything looks a little different when you’re viewing this post, we do create a new one every year that covers new items so be on the lookout for that.

Step 10: Ask For Reviews

While this last step isn’t part of optimizing your GBP per se, it does absolutely have an impact on your overall perception to others when they see your business. Utilizing the Ask for Reviews option allows your customers to provide your business with new online reviews. Getting a consistent flow of online reviews from your clients is a massive ranking factor on Google that increases every single year.

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