Search for almost any trade in Bergen County, like "landscaper Wyckoff NJ" or "excavation contractor near me," and Google shows a map with a short list of businesses before the regular results. That map list gets a large share of the calls. Here's how to get your business into it.
1. Claim or create your Google Business Profile
Go to Google Business Profile and search for your business name. If a listing already exists, claim it. If not, create one. Google will ask you to verify that you own the business, often by video, phone or mail. Don't skip verification; unverified profiles rarely show up.
2. Set it up as a service-area business
If you work at customers' properties and don't have a storefront, set your profile as a service-area business and hide your home address. Then add the towns you actually serve. Keep the list focused on your real territory. Adding towns you never work in won't help and can hurt.
3. Pick the right categories
Your primary category matters more than almost anything else on the profile. Choose the one that best describes your main work, like "Excavating contractor," "Landscaper" or "General contractor." Add secondary categories only for other work you really do.
4. Fill out every section
- Services: list each one with a short description.
- Hours: including when you answer the phone.
- Phone number: the same number that's on your website.
- Website: link to your homepage, or a page that matches the profile.
- Description: what you do, where you do it and what makes you different.
5. Add real photos, and keep adding them
Upload photos of finished jobs, work in progress, your trucks and equipment, and your team. Add new ones as you finish jobs. Real photos help customers trust you and show Google that the business is active.
6. Ask every happy customer for a review
Reviews are one of the strongest signals for map rankings, and they're what customers read before they call. Ask right after the job, while the customer is happy. Send a direct review link by text so it takes them thirty seconds. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and professionally.
7. Keep your details identical everywhere
Your business name, phone number and service area should match exactly on your website, Google profile, Facebook, Yelp, Angi, the BBB and anywhere else you're listed. Mismatched details make Google less sure which information is correct.
8. Back it up with your website
Your profile tells Google where you work. Your website tells Google what you do in detail. A site with a page for each service and each main town gives Google much more to go on than a one-page site. Link your profile to your site, and make sure the site lists the same services and towns.
How long does it take?
Once your profile is verified and complete, you can start appearing within days or weeks. Moving up in busy categories takes longer and depends mostly on reviews, how close the searcher is, and how strong your website is.
Want it done for you? Google Business Profile setup is included in our $2,000 full build, or see our Google Business Profile service.