Story Based Question
You’re the owner of a mobile car detailing business, and you’ve been getting most of your clients through word of mouth and repeat business. Lately, though, you’ve noticed that more and more competitors are appearing in local search results when potential customers search for “car detailing near me.”
You realize it’s time to level up your online presence, but since you don’t have a fixed storefront and provide services at customer locations, you’re unsure how to set up your Google My Business (GMB) profile for a Service Area Business (SAB). You know GMB is essential for local SEO, but you’re confused about how to properly list your business.
So, how exactly do you set up a GMB profile for your service-based business without a physical location?
Exact Answer
To set up a Google My Business (GMB) profile for a Service Area Business (SAB), start by signing into your Google account and creating a GMB profile. During setup, select “I deliver goods and services to my customers” and choose “Yes” when asked if you want to list a business address. Then, specify the service areas you cover (e.g., cities, neighborhoods, zip codes) rather than a physical address. Finally, complete the profile with accurate business information, photos, and categories, and optimize it regularly to increase your local search visibility.
Explanation
Setting up a GMB profile for a Service Area Business is slightly different from setting one up for a traditional storefront. Here’s a breakdown of how to get it right:
1. Create or Claim Your GMB Profile
- If you don’t already have a GMB profile, go to the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account. If you already have a profile, simply claim it and proceed with the setup.
2. Choose the Correct Business Type
When asked if you want to add a business address, select the option that says “I deliver goods and services to my customers.” This tells Google that you are a Service Area Business, meaning you provide services at customer locations.
3. Avoid Listing a Physical Address
For SABs, you should avoid listing a physical store address unless you want customers to come to a specific location (which would make your business more of a traditional storefront). Instead, enter the areas you serve—this could include cities, neighborhoods, zip codes, or a radius around your base location. For example, a mobile car detailing service in Chicago might list “Chicago, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and surrounding areas.”
4. Fill Out Your Profile Completely
Even without a storefront, your GMB profile needs to be fully completed for the best results. Make sure to:
- Add a business name, phone number, and website URL
- Select the appropriate business category (e.g., “Car Detailing,” “Cleaning Service,” etc.)
- Include business hours, if applicable, to inform customers when you are available for service
- Upload high-quality photos of your work, such as before-and-after images of cars you’ve detailed
5. Set Your Service Areas
In the service area section, enter the cities, neighborhoods, or zip codes that you cover. This helps Google understand where you operate and ensures your business shows up in local searches for people within these areas.
6. Keep Your Profile Updated
Google rewards active businesses, so update your profile regularly. Post updates, special offers, or recent services you’ve provided. The more active your GMB profile is, the better your chances of ranking well in local searches.
7. Verify Your Business
Google requires businesses to verify their GMB profile. For Service Area Businesses, this is usually done via a postcard mailed to the address you’ve listed in your profile. If you don’t have an address, Google may offer alternate verification options like phone or email.
Example
Let’s go back to your mobile car detailing business. You’ve just claimed your GMB profile, and now it’s time to set it up for a Service Area Business. Here’s how you’d do it:
- Business Type: You choose “I deliver goods and services to my customers” and confirm that you don’t have a physical storefront.
- Service Areas: In the service area section, you list the areas you cover, such as “Downtown [City], Northside, and Southside areas.”
- Profile Details: You fill in your business name, phone number, and website, and select the category “Car Detailing.” You also upload images of before-and-after car detailing work to show potential customers the quality of your services.
- Verification: You wait for the postcard from Google (or use the phone verification option) to verify your business.
After completing these steps, your GMB profile will show up when people search for “mobile car detailing near me” or “car detailing in [City].” Because your profile is fully optimized with relevant service areas, your chances of appearing in local search results are much higher.
Setting up a GMB profile for a Service Area Business is simple—just avoid listing a physical address and focus on specifying the areas you serve. By providing complete and accurate information, you increase your chances of appearing in local searches, attracting more customers to your service-based business.