Google's rules for service-area businesses
- A business that travels to customers is allowed one service-area profile.
- If you have no storefront with clear signage, hide your address. A home address can be your base if it is hidden.
- Keep the overall service area within about two hours of driving time from your base.
- A virtual office is only acceptable if it is staffed during business hours. A rented mailing address where you do not operate is not eligible.
Source: Google Business Profile Help, service-area businesses. Google can change its rules, so check the source before you set up.
Steps that matter most
- Choose the most specific primary category. It is the strongest single signal for map results.
- Use your real business name. Adding keywords to the name can get the listing suspended.
- Fill in every field. Services, hours, description, attributes and photos.
- Set your service areas. Name the cities and towns you actually serve.
- Keep your details consistent. Use the same name, phone and website everywhere.
- Collect real reviews. Ask every customer, reply to every review, never buy or incentivize them.
- Link to the right page. Point the profile at the page that matches the service and city.
How the website fits
Map results rely mostly on your profile, reviews and distance. The regular results rely on your website. The two reinforce each other, so a clear local SEO foundation on the site makes the profile work harder.
Profile questions
Can I list a home address on Google Business Profile?
If you run a service-area business from home, Google says to hide the address. The profile can still show your service areas.
Can I use a virtual office?
Google does not allow a virtual office unless it is staffed during business hours. A rented mailing address where you do not operate is not eligible.
How far can my service area reach?
Google's guidance says the overall area should not extend beyond about two hours of driving time from your base, though some businesses can justify more.
How many profiles can I have?
A business without a storefront that travels to customers is allowed one service-area profile. Separate locations with separate staff can each have one.
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