Categoriesandservicesthatmatchreality
Pick a primary category that reflects what you sell most - not the broadest option available. Add secondary categories only when you truly deliver those services.
GBP service items should mirror your website service pages. If your site says " emergency AC repair " but GBP lists only " HVAC contractor, " you're leaking intent.
For multi-location brands, each location gets its own profile and landing URL - not one profile with a homepage-only link.
Serviceareaandaddressrules
Service-area businesses: draw what you actually cover - not all of Florida because you might drive there someday.
Storefronts: NAP (name, address, phone) must match your site footer and schema exactly. One typo across directories adds up.
Hide your home address if you're service-area; show suite-level office addresses for professional firms where walk-ins expect clarity.
Photos,posts,andactivitysignals
Upload real job photos monthly - crews, finished work, team at a South Florida job site. Stock handshakes don't help Maps trust.
Posts for seasonal offers: hurricane prep for roofers, AC tune-ups before summer, snowbird promos - useful, not daily spam.
Cover and logo images sized correctly; blurry uploads look like an abandoned business.
ReviewsthathelpMapsandyoursite
Ask after the job when satisfaction is highest. SMS or email beats a card in the glove box.
Respond to negatives with specifics - what you'll fix - not corporate paste.
Embed recent Google reviews on high-intent service pages so Maps stars help conversion, not only the local pack.
Websitealignmentchecklist
Hours, holiday closures, and phone numbers identical on GBP and site - including tracking numbers routed correctly.
UTM or call tracking on website buttons so you know Maps vs organic vs ads leads.
If you redesign, update GBP links and categories the same week you launch - mismatch is a common post-launch ranking drop.
