Optimise Your Google Business Profile for Landscapers: Step-by-Step Guide

In today's digital age, standing out in the landscaping industry can be challenging, especially when competing against numerous local businesses. As a professional landscaper, you're always looking for effective ways to attract new clients and showcase your expertise. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is Google Business (GB).

GMB is a free tool from Google that allows you to manage how your business appears in Google Search and Maps. For landscapers, this means getting your business in front of local homeowners who are actively searching for your services. A well-optimised GMB profile doesn't just improve your visibility; it also helps build trust, showcase your work, and ultimately drive more business your way.

In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know to create, optimise, and maintain a high-performing GMB profile. From setting up your account to enhancing your profile with engaging content, we'll provide you with all the tips and tricks to ensure your landscaping business is the go-to choice for local clients.

Understanding the Power of Google Business for Landscapers

What is A Google Business Profile?

A Google Business is a free tool provided by Google that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. For landscapers, a GB profile is like a digital storefront that showcases your services, customer reviews, and contact information, all in one place. This makes it easier for potential clients in your area to find you and learn about what you offer.

Why Your Google Business Profile is Essential for Landscapers

Unlike traditional advertising methods, a GB Profile allows you to reach potential clients who are already looking for your services. When someone searches for "landscaping services near me" or "garden design in [your town]," a well-optimised GB profile helps your business appear prominently in search results, often above standard organic listings. This visibility is crucial for landscapers, as most clients will choose a service provider from the first few results they see.

How A Google Business Profile Helps You Appear in Local Search Results

A Google Business is particularly powerful for local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). Local SEO focuses on optimising your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. For landscapers, this means showing up in the coveted Google Map Pack—a highlighted section at the top of the search results page featuring local businesses.

Here's how GB enhances your local SEO:

• Local Intent: When users search for services with local intent (e.g., "landscaper near me"), Google uses GB listings to provide the most relevant results. Having a complete and optimised GB profile increases your chances of appearing in these local search results.
• Customer Reviews: Google values businesses that have positive reviews. A steady flow of good reviews not only boosts your credibility but also improves your ranking in local searches.
• Engagement Signals: An active GB profile with regular updates, posts, and photos tells Google that your business is active and engaged, which can improve your ranking.
• Accurate Information: A well-maintained GB profile with consistent and accurate information (such as business hours, contact details, and services offered) helps Google trust your business, enhancing your local search visibility.

Real-Life Success Stories

Let's look at a few examples of landscapers who have successfully leveraged GMB to boost their local presence and grow their business:

There is a good article here that shows examples of excellent GB profiles. Take a read if you have the time: https://smith.ai/blog/5-examples-of-excellent-google-my-business-profiles-for-architecture-or-design-firms

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your GB Profile

Creating a Google My Business profile is simple, but there are a few key steps you need to follow to ensure it's set up correctly and optimised from the start. Here’s how to get started:

• Step 1 - Sign Up for a Google Business Profile:

  • Go to the Google My Business website.
  • Click on the "Manage Now" button to get started.
  • Sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account for your business, create one specifically for this purpose.

• Step 2 - Enter Your Business Name:

  • Enter your landscaping business’s name exactly as you want it to appear in search results. Consistency is key, so make sure it matches the name on your website and any other online listings.

• Step 3 - Choose the Right Business Category:

  • Selecting the right category is crucial for your business's visibility in search results. Start typing "landscaper," and Google will suggest categories like "Landscaping," "Landscape Designer," or "Garden Maintenance." Choose the most relevant category that best represents your services.

• Step 4 - Add Your Business Location:

  • If you have a physical location where clients can visit, add your business address. If you provide services directly at the client’s location (like most landscapers), select “I deliver goods and services to my customers.” Then, enter the areas or cities you serve. This helps you show up in local searches for those specific areas. It's important to be honest when it comes to the areas you serve -

• Step 5 - Enter Your Contact Information:

  • Provide your phone number and website URL. Make sure these details are accurate and match what’s listed on your website and other directories.

• Step 6 - Verify Your Business:

  • Google will ask you to verify your business, usually by sending a postcard to your business address with a verification code. Follow the instructions on the postcard to complete the verification process. Verification ensures your business appears in local searches.

• Step 7 - Add Your Services:

  • Under the "Services" section, list all the services you provide, such as "Lawn Care," "Garden Design," "Patio Installation," etc. Be as specific as possible to increase the chances of appearing in relevant searches.

• Step 8 - Complete Your Business Profile:

  • Add your business hours, special hours (like holidays), and a business description that highlights what makes your landscaping services unique.

By carefully following these steps, you'll create a GMB profile that's set up for success from the start. Remember, the more information you provide, the easier it will be for potential clients to find and choose your business.

Optimising Your Google My Business Profile for Maximum Visibility

Complete Every Section of Your GMB Profile

• Business Description: Write a compelling, keyword-rich description that clearly explains what your landscaping business does, your unique selling points, and why customers should choose you. Keep it concise but informative.
• Photos and Videos: Upload high-quality photos of your best landscaping projects. Include "before and after" shots, team photos, and videos showcasing your work and process. Google data shows that businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.
• Attributes: Select attributes that apply to your business, such as "Women-owned" or "Veteran-led," which can appeal to certain customer demographics.

2. Use Keywords Strategically

Just like your website, your GMB profile benefits from strategic keyword use. Here’s how:

• Business Name and Description: Include important keywords that potential clients might use when searching for your services, such as “landscaping,” “garden design,” “patio installation,” and specific services like “tree pruning” or “lawn care.”
• Services and Posts: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally in your service descriptions and posts. This helps Google understand what your business offers and improves your chances of ranking for those terms.

3. Encourage Customer Reviews and Engage with Them

Customer reviews are a powerful ranking factor for local SEO and also serve as social proof to potential clients:

• Ask for Reviews: After completing a job, ask satisfied clients to leave a review on your GMB profile. Make it easy by sending them a direct link.
• Respond to Reviews: Engage with every review, positive or negative. Thank clients for positive feedback and address any concerns raised in negative reviews. This shows potential clients that you’re attentive and value customer feedback.

4. Regularly Post Updates and Offers

Keep your profile active by regularly posting updates, offers, or news:

• Posts: Use the "Posts" feature to share updates about your business, seasonal offers, special promotions, completed projects, or helpful landscaping tips. Regular posts keep your profile fresh and engaging.
• Events and Special Offers: Promote any local events you're involved in or special discounts you’re offering. This not only attracts more clicks but also keeps your profile active, which Google rewards with better visibility.

5. Utilise the Q&A Feature

• Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on the questions people are asking. Provide clear, informative answers promptly to demonstrate your expertise and customer service.
• Preemptively Answer FAQs: You can also add your own questions and answers to cover the most common queries, like “What areas do you serve?” or “What services do you offer?”

By completing and optimising every aspect of your GMB profile, you increase your chances of ranking higher in local search results, attracting more clients, and growing your landscaping business.

Leveraging Google My Business Insights to Improve Your Strategy

1. Understanding GMB Insights

Google My Business provides valuable data about how customers interact with your profile, known as “Insights.” This data is essential for refining your marketing strategy and understanding what’s working and what needs improvement. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Search Queries: This shows the specific keywords customers used to find your business. If you notice that certain landscaping services are being searched more frequently, you might consider focusing more on those services in your marketing.
• Customer Actions: Insights also show what actions customers take on your profile—whether they called you, visited your website, or requested directions. This data helps you understand what elements of your profile are driving the most engagement.
• Photo Views: This metric shows how often your photos are viewed compared to competitors. High engagement with photos could indicate that potential clients are impressed by your visual portfolio, prompting you to add more photos or videos.

2. Adjusting Your Strategy Based on Insights

Regularly reviewing your GMB Insights allows you to adjust your strategy to maximise your visibility and engagement:

• Optimise for High-Performing Keywords: If certain keywords are driving more searches, consider incorporating them more prominently into your GMB profile and other marketing materials.
• Enhance Customer Engagement: If you see a high number of profile views but fewer actions (calls, clicks, etc.), you might need to make your call-to-action more compelling or update your profile to better reflect the services you offer.
• Improve Underperforming Areas: If some services are not getting much traction, consider adding more content or posts related to those services to increase interest and visibility.

By leveraging these insights, you can continuously refine your marketing approach and improve your Google My Business profile’s effectiveness in attracting new clients.

Making Google My Business Work for Your Landscaping Business

Optimising your Google My Business profile is not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a powerful, free tool that can significantly boost your local visibility and attract more clients to your landscaping business. By taking the time to set up your profile correctly, keeping it updated with high-quality content, and leveraging insights to refine your strategy, you can stay ahead of the competition and ensure that when people search for landscaping services in your area, your business is the one they find.

Remember, the landscapers who get the most business are those who make it easy for potential customers to find them and see their work. Don’t let your competitors have the edge because they’ve optimised their GMB profile and you haven’t. Start today, follow these steps, and watch as your business grows.

Now that you’ve got the foundation in place, why not take the next step? If you need any more help or want to explore more advanced marketing strategies, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help your landscaping business thrive!