Purpose & Benefit of Google My Business

If you run an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical company, your next customer is probably searching for you online—right now. And if your business isn’t showing up with accurate, compelling information, you’re leaving money on the table. That’s where Google My Business (GMB) comes in.

What Is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free tool from Google that lets you manage how your business appears in search results and on Google Maps. It’s your digital storefront—especially important for service-based businesses that rely on local visibility. Think of it as your listing in a digital phone book.

With GMB, you can:

• Display your business name, address, phone number, and hours
• Share photos of your work, team, or office
• Collect and respond to customer reviews
• Post updates, offers, or seasonal promotions
• Show up in the Local Pack—the top 3 listings that appear in Google search results

Why It Matters for Contractors

For home service companies, GMB is often the first impression a potential customer gets. A well-maintained listing:

• Builds trust and credibility
• Improves local SEO, helping you rank higher in search results
• Drives phone calls, website visits, and quote requests
• Helps you stand out from competitors who neglect their online presence

DIY or Done-for-You: Managing Your Listing

You can absolutely manage your GMB listing yourself. Google makes it relatively simple to:

• Claim and verify your business
• Update your hours and contact info
• Add photos and respond to reviews
• Post updates and monitor performance

But if you’re busy running your business—or want to ensure it’s done right—you can hire a trusted service to manage it for you. Google allows you to share access securely with marketing professionals or agencies who can optimize your listing and keep it fresh.

Watch Out for Scammers

Unfortunately, not everyone offering help with GMB has good intentions. Some shady players try to:

• Trick you into giving them ownership access to your listing
• Lock you out of your own profile
• Charge outrageous fees for basic services

To protect your business:

Never give full ownership access unless you fully trust the provider

• Use Manager or Site Manager roles when sharing access
• Avoid unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be “Google partners”
• Always verify credentials and ask for references

Partner with People Who Put You First

At Contractor Excellence Consulting & Coaching, we help independently owned HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses grow with smart, ethical marketing strategies.

Whether you want to manage your GMB listing yourself or need expert support, we’re here to guide you.