When someone in Belleville searches "HVAC repair near me" at 9pm, Google shows them a map with three businesses. Those three spots — the Local Pack — get 44% of all clicks. Everything below them splits the rest.
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is what gets you into that pack. And most trades businesses either don't have one, or have one that's half-finished and working against them.
This is a step-by-step guide for Metro Detroit contractors. Set it up right once, and it works for you 24/7.
Step 1: Claim Your Profile
Go to business.google.com and search for your business name. If it shows up, claim it. If not, create a new one.
Google will mail a postcard to your business address with a verification code. This takes 5–7 days. Don't skip this — verified profiles rank significantly higher.
If you have multiple service areas (say you cover Wayne County, Washtenaw County, and Monroe County), you can add up to 20 service areas. Do it.
Step 2: Fill Out Every Field
Most contractors leave half the profile blank. That's leaving ranking power on the table.
Your actual business name. Don't stuff keywords in here — Google will suppress your listing.
Choose your primary category carefully. "HVAC Contractor" beats "Contractor." "Plumber" beats "Home Services." Be specific.
Add up to 9. If you do both HVAC and plumbing, list both.
750 characters. Lead with your market (Metro Detroit), what you do, and your differentiator. Include the cities you serve naturally in the text.
Add every city you actually work in. Belleville, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Canton, Taylor, Westland, Dearborn, Wayne, Romulus — list them all.
Keep these accurate. If Google shows you as open and you don't answer, that's a strike against you.
Step 3: Photos Matter More Than You Think
Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks than those without.
Upload at minimum:
- —Your logo
- —Your truck or van (with your logo visible)
- —Before/after photos of your work (5–10 minimum)
- —A photo of you — people hire people, not faceless LLCs
- —Your service area (a recognizable Metro Detroit landmark helps)
Add new photos every month. Profiles with fresh activity outperform stagnant ones.
Step 4: Get Your First Reviews (The Right Way)
One review is better than zero. Five reviews is a local business. Twenty reviews with responses is a credible local business.
The fastest way to get reviews:
- —Text your last 10 satisfied customers your GBP review link (find it in your GBP dashboard under "Get more reviews")
- —Ask at the end of every job — "If you're happy with the work, would you mind leaving us a Google review? It really helps."
- —Follow up once via text if they don't leave one within 3 days
Respond to every review. Yes, every one. Thank reviewers by name. Address any negative reviews calmly and professionally — your response is public, and future customers read it.
Step 5: Post Weekly
Most contractors don't know GBP has a posts feature. It works like a stripped-down social media feed on your profile.
Post once a week minimum. Types that work well:
- —Job completions with photos ("Just wrapped up a furnace replacement in Canton")
- —Seasonal tips ("Spring AC tune-up checklist")
- —Offers and promotions
- —Answers to common questions
Google's algorithm weights active profiles. Weekly posts signal that your business is alive and operating.
The 10-Minute Monthly Maintenance Routine
Once it's set up, maintaining your GBP takes less than 10 minutes a month:
- —Post one update
- —Respond to any new reviews
- —Check that your hours and info are still accurate
- —Add any new photos from recent jobs
That's it. Most of your competitors aren't doing this. That's your advantage.
What We Do for Clients
At CutLevel Studio, GBP setup is part of every website package. We build the profile, write the description, add photos, set up your initial review strategy, and start weekly posting from day one.
If you already have a website but your GBP is a mess, we offer a standalone GBP setup for $150–$250. Book a free call and we'll audit your current profile on the spot.