Google My Business Hacks to Get More Calls

For home service businesses, a strong online presence is essential, and Google My Business (GMB) is one of the most powerful tools to drive phone calls and conversions. When potential customers search for services in their area, your GMB listing often appears as one of the top results—giving you a prime opportunity to connect directly with new clients.

However, simply creating a Google My Business listing isn’t enough. You need to optimize it to ensure your business stands out and attracts more calls. Here are some Google My Business hacks to help you get more calls and grow your home service business.

1. Complete Every Section of Your GMB Profile

The more information you provide, the better your chances are of ranking higher in local search results. Ensure your profile is 100% complete, with accurate and detailed information. This includes:

  • Business Name: Use your official business name, without unnecessary keywords or location modifiers. For example, don’t use “Joe’s Plumbing Services in Dallas.” Just “Joe’s Plumbing Services” is best.
  • Address: Double-check that your address is correct, especially if your business operates from a physical location or provides services in a specific area.
  • Phone Number: Include a local phone number that customers can easily call. Avoid toll-free numbers if possible, as local numbers help improve your visibility in local search results.
  • Website: Link directly to your homepage or a landing page that makes it easy for potential customers to contact you or book a service.
  • Business Hours: Make sure your hours are accurate. Update them for holidays, special events, or changes in business operations.
  • Business Description: Write a clear, concise, and compelling description of your business that includes relevant keywords (but avoid keyword stuffing). This helps Google and potential customers understand what you offer.

2. Use Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

Google My Business allows you to add various call-to-action buttons to your profile, such as “Call Now,” “Get a Quote,” or “Book Online.” By enabling these buttons, you provide potential customers with an easy way to reach out directly from the GMB listing.

  • Call Now: Make it easy for users to dial your phone number directly from mobile search results.
  • Request a Quote: This is especially valuable for home service businesses that offer customized pricing.
  • Book Online: If you offer online booking for services (like appointments or consultations), this button can drive more conversions by giving users the ability to schedule on their own.

3. Add Photos and Videos

Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites. High-quality photos and videos can make your GMB listing more attractive and trustworthy to potential customers.

  • Add Photos Regularly: Upload pictures of your services in action, before-and-after shots, team members, or your work environment.
  • Video Content: Adding videos (up to 30 seconds) is a great way to give potential customers a glimpse of your expertise. Whether it’s a short introduction to your business or a demonstration of your services, video content can help you stand out and create a more personal connection.

4. Encourage Reviews and Respond to Them

Online reviews are one of the most important ranking factors for GMB, and they also provide social proof that helps build trust with potential customers. Encouraging satisfied clients to leave reviews can make a significant impact on your business.

  • Ask for Reviews: Politely ask your customers to leave reviews after a job well done. You can do this in person or via follow-up emails.
  • Respond to Reviews: Take the time to respond to both positive and negative reviews. Thank customers for their feedback and address any concerns. Engaging with reviews shows that you care about customer satisfaction and can increase your credibility.

5. Enable Messaging and Respond Quickly

Google My Business offers a messaging feature that allows customers to send you direct messages. Make sure you enable this feature and respond quickly to inquiries. This can be a great way to engage with potential clients who might be looking for more information or want to inquire about availability.

  • Set Up Messaging: Enable the messaging feature in your GMB dashboard, making it easy for customers to reach out.
  • Respond Promptly: Aim to reply to messages as quickly as possible. Timely responses can help you stand out from the competition and increase the chances of securing a job.

6. Post Regularly on Google My Business

Just like social media platforms, Google My Business allows you to post updates, offers, events, and promotions directly on your listing. Posting regularly helps keep your business active in the search results and can encourage more calls.

  • Share Promotions: Use posts to highlight discounts, limited-time offers, or special promotions to entice potential customers to call.
  • Post Service Updates: Let people know about new services, changes to your offerings, or important updates (like extended hours during peak seasons).
  • Highlight Testimonials or Projects: Show off customer success stories or impressive projects that highlight the quality of your work.

7. Optimize for Local Search with Keywords

Google My Business is designed to show your business to local customers, so optimizing your listing with relevant local keywords can help you rank higher in search results.

  • Local Keywords: Include location-specific keywords in your business description and services section. For example, “Plumber in Dallas” or “HVAC repair in Los Angeles.”
  • Service Areas: If you serve multiple areas, be sure to add all the locations in your service areas. This helps your business appear in searches for nearby neighborhoods and cities.

8. Utilize the Q&A Section

Google My Business features a Q&A section where customers and potential customers can ask questions about your business, and you or other users can provide answers. This section not only helps inform customers but also boosts your profile’s visibility in search results.

  • Monitor and Respond to Questions: Keep an eye on the Q&A section to ensure it remains up-to-date and relevant. Answer any questions about your services, pricing, or availability promptly.
  • Add FAQs: Proactively add frequently asked questions and their answers to help potential clients find the information they need quickly.

9. Leverage Google My Business Insights

Google My Business provides valuable insights into how users are finding and interacting with your listing. By regularly reviewing these metrics, you can optimize your profile for better performance.

  • Track Call Data: GMB will show you how many calls you’ve received directly from your listing. If you notice spikes in calls after posting a promotion or updating your photos, you can adjust your strategy accordingly.
  • Analyze Search Queries: Check which search terms are leading people to your profile. If certain keywords are working particularly well, consider incorporating them more prominently in your description and posts.

10. Use GMB for Local SEO

Google My Business is a key component of local SEO. By optimizing your GMB profile, you increase the likelihood of appearing in local map pack results, which can drive even more phone calls.

  • Optimize Your Website for Local SEO: Make sure your website is also optimized for local search by including location-specific keywords, creating location-based landing pages, and adding your GMB listing to your site.
  • Build Local Citations: Ensure your business is listed on other local online directories, and that your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms.

Conclusion

Optimizing your Google My Business profile is one of the best ways to increase phone calls and leads for your home service business. By following these simple but effective GMB hacks, you can improve your online presence, engage with potential customers, and drive more calls to your business. Take the time to complete and regularly update your profile, interact with customers, and monitor your insights to ensure your business is always ready to capture leads.