If there’s one thing every contractor in Atlanta should set up this week, it’s a fully optimized Google Business Profile. It’s free, it takes about an hour, and it might be the single most impactful thing you can do for your online visibility.
Yet most contractors either don’t have one, or set one up years ago and never touched it again. That’s leaving money on the table every single day.
What Is Google Business Profile (And Why Should You Care)?
Google Business Profile (GBP) — formerly known as Google My Business — is the free tool that powers those business listings you see when you search for a local service. Search “plumber near me” on Google right now. See those three businesses that show up in a box with a map? That’s the “map pack,” and it’s powered entirely by Google Business Profile.
Here’s why it matters: the map pack appears ABOVE the regular search results. That means businesses listed there get seen first — before anyone even scrolls down to the websites. Studies show that the map pack gets clicked on over 40% of the time for local searches.
For contractors, this is critical. Homeowners with a leaking roof or a broken HVAC system aren’t casually browsing. They need someone now. They’re going to call one of the first businesses they see. If that’s not you, it’s your competitor.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
If you don’t have a GBP yet, here’s exactly how to set one up:
1. Go to business.google.com
Sign in with your Google account (or create one if you don’t have one). Click “Manage now” and follow the prompts to add your business.
2. Enter Your Business Information
- Business name: Use your exact legal business name. Don’t stuff keywords in here (e.g., “Smith Roofing – Best Roofer in Atlanta” will get flagged). Just “Smith Roofing” or whatever your actual business name is.
- Category: Choose the most specific primary category available. “Roofing Contractor” is better than “Contractor.” You can add additional categories too.
- Service area: Define the cities and zip codes you serve. This tells Google where to show your listing.
- Phone number: Use a local phone number, not a toll-free 800 number. Local numbers perform better in local search.
- Website: Link directly to your website’s homepage.
3. Verify Your Business
Google will send a verification postcard to your business address (or offer phone/email verification in some cases). This usually takes 5-7 days. Don’t skip this step — unverified listings don’t show up in search.
4. Complete Every Section
This is where most contractors stop short. Google rewards complete profiles with better rankings. Fill out everything:
- Business description (use this to naturally mention your services and location)
- Services (list every specific service you offer)
- Hours of operation
- Attributes (e.g., “locally owned,” “veteran-owned” if applicable)
- Products/services with descriptions
The Optimization Moves That Actually Matter
Setting up your GBP is step one. Here’s how to optimize it for maximum visibility:
Photos Are Everything
Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their website, according to Google. This isn’t optional — it’s one of the strongest signals you can send.
Upload at least 10-15 photos:
- Completed project photos (your best work)
- Before-and-after shots
- Your team on a job site
- Your work vehicles (builds credibility)
- Equipment and tools
- Your logo and any certifications
Add new photos every month. Google values ongoing activity, and fresh photos signal that your business is active and current.
Reviews Are Your Ranking Fuel
Reviews are one of the top three ranking factors for local search. More reviews (and higher ratings) directly correlate with better map pack positions.
How to get more reviews:
- Ask every happy customer. Right after completing a job, while the customer is pleased with the work, ask if they’d be willing to leave a quick Google review.
- Make it frictionless. Send a direct link to your review page via text message. You can find your review link in your GBP dashboard under “Get more reviews.”
- Respond to every review. Both positive and negative. A simple “Thanks, Mike! Glad we could help with your roof” shows potential customers that you’re engaged and professional. For negative reviews, respond calmly and professionally — potential customers judge how you handle criticism.
- Never buy fake reviews. Google can detect them and will penalize or remove your listing. The risk isn’t worth it.
Aim for 2-5 new reviews per month. Consistency matters more than volume spikes.
Google Posts: Free Advertising
Google Posts are short updates that appear directly on your GBP listing. Think of them as free mini-ads. You can post:
- Recently completed projects with photos
- Seasonal promotions or offers
- New services you’re offering
- Tips and advice for homeowners
- Team updates or company news
Posts expire after 7 days, so aim to publish at least one per week. Each post can include a call-to-action button (like “Call now” or “Learn more”) that links to your website.
Q&A: Own the Conversation
Your GBP has a Q&A section where anyone can ask (and answer) questions about your business. Here’s the smart move: ask and answer your own frequently asked questions before customers do.
Common contractor Q&As to seed:
- “Do you offer free estimates?” – “Yes! Call us at (678) 460-8483 or visit our website to request a free quote.”
- “What areas do you serve?” – “We serve the entire greater Atlanta metro area, including Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Decatur, and surrounding cities.”
- “Are you licensed and insured?” – “Yes, we are fully licensed and insured in the state of Georgia.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inconsistent NAP: Your name, address, and phone number must match exactly across your GBP, website, and all online directories. “123 Main Street” on your GBP and “123 Main St” on your website creates inconsistency that confuses Google.
- Ignoring negative reviews: Unanswered negative reviews tell potential customers you don’t care. Always respond professionally.
- Setting and forgetting: An outdated GBP with old hours, no recent photos, and stale information ranks lower than an actively maintained one.
- Wrong categories: Using “General Contractor” when you’re specifically a “Roofing Contractor” reduces your relevance for roofing searches.
GBP + Website = Maximum Visibility
Your Google Business Profile and your website work together. Your GBP drives map pack visibility, while your website provides the depth and credibility that converts visitors into leads.
When both are optimized and aligned:
- Your GBP links to your website, sending Google a trust signal
- Your website links back to your GBP, reinforcing the connection
- Consistent information across both builds Google’s confidence in your business
- Reviews on GBP + testimonials on your website create overlapping social proof
Take Action This Week
If you don’t have a Google Business Profile, create one today. If you have one but haven’t optimized it, spend an hour this week following the steps above. It’s the highest-ROI marketing activity available to any contractor.
Want a professional assessment of your entire online presence — including your Google Business Profile? Get a free site audit from MG Group Solutions. We’ll evaluate your GBP, your website, your local rankings, and give you a clear action plan. Free, fast, and no obligation.
