If you want to rank higher on Google Maps, you have to make it impossible for Google to ignore you. The single biggest thing you can do? Fully complete your Google Business Profile. An incomplete profile is like a billboard with missing letters—customers will just drive right by. It’s silly to miss out on easy leads because you didn’t fill out a few boxes. You can do this!
Your Google Business Profile Is Your Digital Billboard
Think of your Google Business Profile (GBP) as a giant, flashing sign on the side of the digital highway. It’s the first thing a potential customer sees when they’re looking for what you do.
If it’s empty, confusing, or old, they’ll keep scrolling and call your competitor. It’s that simple.
But when it’s bright, clear, and full of helpful info, it practically screams “HIRE ME!” to everyone passing by. Getting this right is the first step in local SEO. It’s how you turn your business into a lead machine. The best part? It’s not complicated, and you can absolutely do it yourself. We’re also here to help if you get stuck.
Filling In The Blanks for More Leads
Your first job is to go through your profile and fill out every single box Google gives you. Don’t skip a thing.
Google’s whole job is to give people searching the best possible answer. A complete profile shows them you’re a serious, active business that’s worth showing to people. It’s a huge sign of trust.
Here’s the bare minimum to get right immediately:
- Your Business Name: Use your exact business name. No stuffing in keywords like “Pat’s Best Plumbing.” That’s a fast way to get in trouble.
- Address and Phone Number: Use a local number, not a 1-800 number. This tells Google you’re a real local business.
- Hours of Operation: Keep these updated, especially for holidays. Nothing makes a customer madder than showing up to a closed business because your hours were wrong online.
- Website Link: This connects your digital billboard to your main office—your website. A good website design helps you get even more leads.
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just a listing; it’s your digital storefront. Fixing it up is the fastest, simplest way to get found by more customers who are ready to buy.
Choosing the Right Business Category
This part is huge, and so many people mess it up. You have to tell Google exactly what you do.
Are you an “Excavation Contractor” or something more specific like a “Septic System Service”? Pick the most exact main category that describes your main service. This is how Google matches you to the right customer searches. It’s like telling a matchmaker you want to meet a “redhead who likes dogs,” not just “a person.”
Once you’ve picked the main one, add other categories for everything else you do. If you also offer land clearing and concrete work, add those categories! The more specific you are, the more searches you can show up for. It’s an easy win for your lead generation.
For a deeper dive, our guide on how to optimize your Google Business Profile walks you through this whole process, step-by-step.
Writing a Description That Sells
Finally, write a business description that makes people actually want to call you. Don’t just list your services like a robot.
Talk about what makes you different. Have you been in business for 20 years? Are you family-owned? Put that in there!
This is your 30-second pitch. Make it clear, helpful, and human. It’s your chance to connect with a customer before they even click to your website or pick up the phone. Get this basic stuff right, and you’ll go from invisible to unstoppable.
Power Up Your Rankings with a Lead Machine Website
A lot of contractors treat their website like an old, dusty brochure you’d find in a dentist’s office. It might look nice, but it doesn’t do anything. That’s a huge mistake. Your website is your secret weapon for ranking higher on Google Maps.
When a customer searches “septic installation near me,” Google doesn’t just look at your Business Profile. It sends its little robots to check out your website to figure out if you’re the real deal. It wants to be sure that you’re actually an expert in septic work, not just some guy with a shovel.
Your website is the proof. A great website design tells both Google and your customers that you are the top pro in town. This is exactly why we build what we call “Lead Machines“—websites designed from the ground up to turn your online presence into a customer-getting powerhouse.
Your Website Is Your Biggest Fan
Think of it like this: your Google Business Profile is the billboard, but your website is the celebrity giving it a five-star thumbs-up. When Google sees that your site is packed with helpful information that matches what’s on your profile, it trusts you more.
Imagine you’re a site-prep contractor who wants to show up first for “land clearing near me.” Here’s a mind-blowing fact: what’s on your website has a massive 36% influence on where you rank in local search. That’s the biggest piece of the pie!
This means your website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s your secret weapon for map domination. A strong website is a must-have for contractors aiming for the top spots.
A strong website doesn’t just support your Google Maps listing; it supercharges it. It’s the engine that powers your visibility, proving to Google that you deserve to be at the top.
Build a Page for Every Service and City
Here’s a simple trick most of your competitors are probably ignoring. You need to create a separate page on your website for every single service you offer and every single city you want to work in.
Don’t just have one “Services” page that lists everything from land clearing to concrete work. That’s like trying to catch all the fish in the ocean with one tiny net. Be specific.
Instead, create pages just for things like these:
- A page just for “Septic System Installation”
- Another page for “Excavation and Grading”
- A page focused on “Land Clearing Services”
This strategy tells Google you’re a specialist. It’s like having a custom-made billboard for each service in every neighborhood you want to own. When someone in Newark, OH, searches for concrete work, Google will see your “Concrete Grading in Newark, OH” page and think, “Bingo! This is the perfect match.”
This is how you stop hoping for calls and start getting them. You can turn your website into a lead machine by following these simple, powerful principles.
Make It Easy for Customers and Google
Your website has to be incredibly simple to use. Big, clear buttons for “Call Now” and easy-to-fill-out contact forms are a must. Remember, your customers are busy people, often looking for help on their phones from a job site.
Make your website fast, mobile-friendly, and straight to the point. This isn’t just good for customers; it’s also a huge signal to Google. A website that’s easy to use gets rewarded with better rankings.
Beyond your own site, cool new digital tools can also help attract new customers. For instance, some landscapers explore how specialized apps can assist in client acquisition.
You can do this. Building out these pages is straightforward, and the impact it has on your Google Maps ranking is incredible. It’s how you stop being invisible and start getting the calls you deserve. We can help you build a powerful website that does all of this for you.
Turn Happy Customers Into 5-Star Rocket Fuel
Think about the last time you hired someone. Did you pick the person with zero reviews or the one with tons of people saying how great they were?
You already know the answer.
Your customers—and Google—think the exact same way. Reviews aren’t just a nice little bonus for your business profile. They are high-octane rocket fuel for your Google Maps ranking. This is why 5 star review generation is so important. Good reviews tell Google you’re a trustworthy, high-quality business that it should show to more people.
You do fantastic work. It’s time everyone searching on Google knows it, too. Getting a steady stream of 5-star reviews is simpler than you think, and it’s one of the fastest ways to build trust and make your phone ring.
The Power of Social Proof
Reviews are powerful because they’re “social proof.” It’s just a simple way of saying people trust other people more than they trust ads. When a happy customer leaves a great review, they’re basically giving you a digital high-five that all their neighbors can see.
A steady flow of good feedback is a massive signal to Google. In fact, a deep study of over 8,000 businesses showed a clear link between having good reviews and ranking higher for “near me” searches.
The key takeaway? Getting new reviews often is even more important than the total number you have. Want to see more? This insightful video breaks down how reviews supercharge your rankings.
When it comes to Google Maps, your customers’ words are your best advertisement. A handful of glowing reviews can do more for your visibility than a billboard.
This is exactly why we build a 5-star review generation system into every website we make. It’s a key part of turning your site into a Lead Machine. We make it easy for your happy customers to brag about you, which in turn helps you climb the ranks on Google Maps.
How to Ask for Reviews Without Being Awkward
The biggest secret to getting reviews? Just ask! Seriously, it’s that easy.
Most happy customers are more than willing to help you out, but they’re busy and often forget. Your job is to make it incredibly easy for them.
Don’t overcomplicate it. You don’t need a fancy script. Just be a real person.
Here are a few simple ways to ask:
- The Simple Text: After a job is done and you know the customer is thrilled, send a quick text. “Hey [Customer Name], so glad we could get that [project] done for you! If you have a minute, would you mind leaving us a review on Google? It really helps our family business. Here’s the link: [Your Google Review Link].”
- The Friendly Email: For customers who prefer email, the same idea works. Keep it short, sweet, and personal.
- The In-Person Ask: When you’re finishing up and the customer is smiling, that’s the golden moment. Simply say, “We’d be so grateful if you could share your experience on Google. It would mean the world to us.”
The key is to ask when they are happiest. That’s when they are most likely to take action and leave a glowing, detailed review. For more great ideas on this, check out our guide on online reputation management tips.
Your Simple Guide to Getting 5-Star Reviews
Use this checklist to start getting more reviews today. It’s all about making it easy for your happy customers to brag about you.
| Action Step | Why It Works | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Get Your Google Review Link | Makes it super easy. Customers click one link and are ready to type. No searching, no confusion. | Go to your Google Business Profile, click “Ask for reviews,” and copy the short link. Save it in your phone’s notes. |
| Ask at the Right Time | Catch customers when they are happiest—right after the job is done and they’re admiring your work. | Don’t wait a week. The “wow” factor fades. Ask them the same day, either in person or with a quick text. |
| Send a Simple, Direct Text | It’s personal, quick, and people actually open texts. People are more likely to act on a text than an email. | Use their first name and mention the specific project you completed. It shows you care. |
| Respond to Every Review | Shows Google you’re an active, engaged business. It also encourages others to leave reviews. | Thank the good reviewers and try to help the bad ones publicly and professionally. |
A small, consistent effort to get reviews can completely change your business by putting you at the top of Google Maps, right where your best future customers are looking. And if you want a system that does the heavy lifting for you, we can help build it right into your website.
Make Sure Your Business Info Is Consistent Everywhere
Imagine you told three different friends three different phone numbers to reach you. One might get through, but the other two would get frustrated and probably give up. It’s confusing, right?
Well, it confuses Google, too. And when Google gets confused, it stops trusting your business. This is a huge, yet surprisingly simple, piece of the puzzle for ranking higher on Google Maps.
This whole idea has a fancy name: NAP consistency. All it means is your business Name, Address, and Phone number need to be the exact same everywhere they show up online. We’re talking carbon-copy identical.
Why Google Cares So Much About Tiny Details
Google’s entire job is to serve up the most accurate, trustworthy information possible. When it sends its little bots out to crawl the web, it’s looking for proof that your business is real and reliable.
If it finds your business on Yelp with one phone number and on your Facebook page with a different one, it raises a red flag. Is “123 Main St.” the same as “123 Main Street”? To a computer, those are two different places.
These little mistakes create doubt. And a doubtful Google is a Google that won’t show your business in the top map results. Consistent info builds trust, and trust builds rankings. It’s that simple. You don’t have to be a tech genius; you just have to be a good housekeeper for your business info.
Think of your business info like your fingerprint. It needs to be the same unique pattern on your website, your Facebook page, and everywhere else. Mismatched info is like leaving blurry fingerprints all over the crime scene—it makes you look sloppy to Google.
Where Does Your NAP Need to Match?
So where does all this information need to be identical? The single most important place is your own website—that’s the home base, the source of truth for your entire online presence. From there, it needs to match everywhere else.
You can absolutely do this yourself. It’s a simple cleanup job that can give your map ranking a huge boost.
Here are the most critical places to check first:
- Your Website: This is your foundation. Make sure your name, address, and phone number are displayed clearly, usually at the bottom of every single page.
- Your Google Business Profile: This must match your website. Perfectly. No excuses.
- Facebook Business Page: A huge number of people use Facebook to find local services. Get your details right here.
- Major Directories: Think of sites like Yelp, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau. These are big-time sites that Google trusts, so their info matters.
Fixing this is a basic part of a strong local SEO strategy. Correcting these details is one of the quickest ways to see a positive change. For a full breakdown of what Google looks for, our overview of local search ranking factors is a great resource.
A Simple Plan to Fix Your Listings
Don’t get overwhelmed by this. You can tackle it one step at a time. The goal is to make your business a lead machine, and that starts with clean, consistent data.
First, just make a list of your most important online profiles. Then, go through them one by one and check your NAP.
Is your business name written exactly the same?
- Correct: Pat’s Excavation LLC
- Incorrect: Pats Excavation
Is the address formatted identically?
- Correct: 123 Main Street, Suite 100
- Incorrect: 123 Main St., #100
Does the phone number match down to the parentheses?
- Correct: (555) 123-4567
- Incorrect: 555-123-4567
This process might seem boring, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do to prove to Google you’re the real deal. This is your secret weapon for climbing the map rankings.
Your Simple Action Plan for Google Maps Dominance
Alright, we’ve covered a lot. If it feels like drinking from a firehose, don’t worry. This is where we pull all the pieces together into a simple, no-fluff action plan you can start using today.
Getting more leads from Google Maps shouldn’t feel like rocket science. It’s all about taking small, steady steps, one after the other. It’s simple. You can do this.
For over 27 years, our family has helped contractors just like you become the most visible choice in their area. Your hard work deserves to be seen, and this plan will get you there. Let’s make it happen.
Start with a Solid Foundation
First things first: your Google Business Profile is your home base. Every other action you take builds on this foundation. If it’s weak, everything else crumbles.
- Fill Out Everything: Don’t leave a single box empty. Your hours, services, photos—fill it all in. An empty profile is a red flag to Google.
- Pick the Right Category: Be specific. If you’re a “Septic System Service,” don’t just put “Contractor.” This helps Google send the right customers your way.
- Write a Real Description: Tell people why they should hire you. Are you family-owned? Do you offer 24-hour service? Let them know.
This is the easiest win you’ll get. Just by completing your profile, you’ll already be ahead of a lot of your competitors.
Getting the basics right isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the price of entry. A complete profile is the fastest way to tell Google, “Hey, I’m a serious business, and you should show me to more people.”
Build Your Lead Machine Website
Your website is the engine that powers your Google Maps ranking. It’s the proof that you are who you say you are. A great website design turns your online presence from a rusty old truck into a high-performance lead machine.
Make sure your website has separate pages for every service you offer and every city you serve. This tells Google you’re an expert in “septic installation in Newark” and not just some general contractor. It’s how you show up exactly where your customers are looking.
That clear organization makes it easy for both Google and your customers to understand what you do and where you do it.
Keep Your Information Spotless
Next up is making sure your business info is the same everywhere online. Google needs to see the same Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) across the web to trust you.
This diagram shows the simple process of making sure your core business details are consistent everywhere.
When your Name, Address, and Phone number are identical on your website, your Facebook page, and other directories, it sends a powerful trust signal to Google.
Turn On the Review Firehose
You need a system for getting 5-star reviews. This is your 5 star review generation plan. Happy customers are your best salespeople, but they often forget to leave a review.
Your job is to make it stupidly simple for them. Send a text with a direct link right after the job is done. A steady stream of positive reviews is like rocket fuel for your map rankings.
Your All-In-One Action Checklist
Ready to get started? Here’s a simple checklist to guide you. If you want to dive deeper, our https://cherubinicompany.com/small-business-seo-checklist/ breaks down even more actions you can take to dominate your local market.
- Optimize Your Profile: Go through your Google Business Profile right now and fill in any missing information. Add new photos from a recent job site.
- Ask for a Review: Think of a customer you helped this week and send them a quick, friendly text asking for a review.
- Check Your Website: Make sure your phone number is easy to find and that your services are clearly listed on their own pages.
- Boost Your Visibility: If you want to get more aggressive, consider targeted Google Ads or Facebook Ads that focus only on the neighborhoods you want to work in.
For a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to dominating local search, explore this Ultimate Local SEO Checklist. It’s a fantastic resource packed with actionable advice.
Following these steps will put you on the fast track to ranking higher on Google Maps. You can absolutely do this yourself. And if you ever feel stuck or want to put your lead generation on autopilot, our family is here to help yours.
Common Questions About Ranking on Google Maps
We get a lot of questions from contractors about how to rank higher on Google Maps. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. We’ve kept these answers simple so you can get the info you need and get back to running your business.
You can do this. The goal is to make your phone ring, and these simple steps will help make it happen.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
This is the big one everyone asks. Think of it like planting a tree. It doesn’t grow overnight, but with steady work, you’ll see real results.
For some businesses, making a few quick fixes to their Google Business Profile can show a jump in a couple of weeks. But for real, lasting top spots in your area, you should plan on about 3-4 months.
Google needs time to see that you’re consistently doing the right things, like getting new 5-star reviews and adding photos every week. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The good news is, most of your competitors give up too early. Stay consistent, and you’ll win.
Do I Really Need a Website?
Yes, absolutely. A thousand times, yes.
Your website is the home base for your entire online presence. It’s the engine that powers your Google Maps listing and turns it into a true lead machine. A great website design proves to Google that you’re a serious, established expert.
Without a site, you’re just a name on a list. With a powerful website, you’re the obvious choice.
Having a Google Profile without a website is like having a billboard in the middle of the desert. It exists, but it doesn’t lead anywhere. Your website is the superhighway that brings customers right to your door.
Are Google Ads and Facebook Ads Worth It?
This is a great question. The stuff we’ve talked about—like fixing your profile and getting reviews—is what we call local SEO. It’s powerful, but it takes time to get going.
Google Ads and Facebook Ads are like hitting the gas pedal.
They can put your business right at the top of the search results, instantly. It’s a great way to get your phone ringing right now while your local SEO efforts are building up steam.
When you combine a strong Google Maps presence with targeted ads, you create an unstoppable lead generation system that brings in jobs from every direction. It’s about being everywhere your best customers are looking.
The key is to not just run ads, but to have a system that turns those clicks into calls. You don’t need complicated charts or confusing reports—you just need a system that makes your phone ring.
Ready to stop being invisible and start getting the calls you deserve? At The Cherubini Company, we build powerful Lead Machines and run simple, effective visibility ads that help contractors dominate their local market. If you want a no-nonsense plan to get more leads, let’s talk.
