7 Ways to Register Your Business on Google Local Services
Google Local Services is one of the standout features that can help local businesses gain greater exposure directly in Google search results. For small business owners or service providers operating at a local level, Local Services becomes a very effective tool for attracting more customers without having to spend large amounts on advertising. For those who are hearing about this platform for the first time, this article will cover everything important to know about Google Local Services and how to take advantage of it.
What is Google Local Services?
Google Local Services is a platform that allows local businesses to appear at the top of Google search results when someone is searching for a particular service near the business location. For example, if someone searches for “plumber near me” or “house cleaners in Jakarta,” the search results will display a list of businesses relevant to those services that are listed on the Google Local Services platform.
The main feature of Google Local Services is that it allows businesses to stand out more than just organic listings or paid ads like Google Ads. Businesses listed on Local Services will appear with information such as the business name, phone number, customer review ratings, and even a potential button for direct contact via a phone call.
If you’re new to paid advertising, our article on Sponsored Google Ads Explained: Boost Your Online Presence and Sales can provide additional insights into how to grow your business online.
How to Register a Business on Google Local Services
To register a business on Google Local Services, there are several steps that need to be followed. This process is fairly simple but requires some essential information and preparation to ensure the business can be listed and verified. Here are the steps:
1. Prepare Your Business Information
Before starting the registration process, make sure all the business information is ready. This includes:
- Business name
- Business address (must be valid and match the operational location)
- Business phone number
- Types of services offered
- Service areas covered (e.g., cities or regions where services are provided)
- Operating hours
- Business photos (optional, but can enhance credibility)
If you’re managing multiple businesses or accounts, using tools like Google Ads Manager can simplify your advertising efforts. Learn more about this in our guide, Managing Multiple Ad Accounts with Google Ads Manager: Tips and Tricks.
2. Go to the Google Local Services Registration Page
The first step is to visit the Google Local Services registration page on the official Google website. Search for “Google Local Services” in Google and click on the relevant link, or go directly to Google Local Services.
3. Create a Google Account or Log In
If you already have a Google account, log in with it. If not, create a Google account first to continue with the registration process.
For help setting up an account, check out our Complete Guide on How to Create a New Google Ads Account for Beginners.
4. Fill Out the Registration Form
Once logged in, fill out the registration form with the business information that you’ve prepared. Here, you will be asked to enter details such as the business name, the services offered, business location, and service areas. Make sure the data entered is accurate, as Google will verify this information.
5. Verify Your Business
One important step in registration is the verification process. Google Local Services requires certain information to ensure that the businesses registering are legitimate and trustworthy. Here are some of the verification processes that are usually required:
- Background Check: Google will verify the business owner by performing a background check to ensure there are no relevant criminal records.
- License and Insurance Verification (If Required): Some businesses, such as home repair services, may be asked to show valid licenses or insurance. Google will request these documents to verify the legitimacy of the business.
- Location Verification: Google will also verify the business’s physical address to ensure the listed location is accurate.
6. Agree to Terms and Conditions
After filling out your information and passing the verification process, you will be asked to agree to the Google Local Services terms and conditions. Make sure to read them carefully before agreeing.
7. Wait for Approval
After submitting all the information, the business will undergo a review process by Google. If all verification steps are successful, the business will be approved and will begin appearing in Google search results for relevant services in the specified areas.
After your business is listed, optimizing it further can enhance visibility and attract more customers. For example, connecting your listing with other Google tools like Google Ads and Google My Business can expand your reach. Learn how to do this in our article, Using Google Ads to Strengthen Google My Business: A Complete Guide.
You may also want to consider how to manage your advertising budget effectively. For practical tips, our guide on Optimize Google Ads Posts: Budgeting, Reporting, and Conversion Tips offers actionable strategies for maximizing your ROI.
Verification Process
One important thing to note is the verification process that every business must go through to join Google Local Services. This verification is crucial to ensure that the listed businesses have credibility and meet Google’s standards.
The verification process typically involves several steps, such as background checks on the business owner, as well as verifying the business’s licenses and insurance if necessary. For example, if the business deals with home repair or medical services, they must have valid licenses and the appropriate insurance. This verification process not only helps ensure service quality but also provides peace of mind for potential customers viewing the business listing.
Once the business is listed and verified, it will start showing up in Google Local Services search results. The business will receive direct prospects from potential customers searching for services in your area. You can also monitor ad performance, see how many calls or requests are received, and adjust your budget or service area as needed.
Be sure to keep monitoring and updating your business information on Google Local Services. Reviews from customers are crucial in enhancing credibility and attracting more customers. So, encourage customers to leave positive reviews, and respond to them wisely to build better relationships with your audience.
Other Benefits of Google Local Services
In addition to gaining more exposure and prospects, there are several other benefits businesses can gain by using Google Local Services:
- Increased Customer Trust: When a business is listed on Google Local Services, they can display a verified badge from Google indicating that they have passed the verification process and meet the required standards. This increases the level of trust potential customers have when choosing that service.
- Focus on Local Services: Google Local Services is specifically designed to help local businesses reach audiences in their nearby areas. This makes it highly effective for businesses that offer location-based services, such as home repairs, cleaning, or even legal services.
- More Affordable Advertising Costs: Compared to traditional advertising through Google Ads, the cost of using Google Local Services is more affordable. Businesses will only be charged when they receive direct contact from potential customers, such as phone calls or messages. If you’re new to this, check out A Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up a New Google Ads Campaign to get started.
- Ease of Ad Management: The platform allows business owners to manage their ads and monitor ad performance directly. They can see how many leads they are getting and make adjustments as needed. For insights on analyzing ad performance, read our article on How to Download Google Ads Reports Easily: A Complete Guide to Analyzing Ad Data.
Who Can Benefit from Google Local Services?
Google Local Services is highly suitable for various types of local businesses, especially those offering direct services to customers. Some examples of businesses that can benefit from this platform include:
- Electricians
- House cleaners
- HVAC technicians
- Lawyers
- Cleaning service providers
- Locksmiths
- Construction and home renovation workers
In general, Google Local Services is most beneficial for businesses that focus on local services requiring direct customer engagement, allowing them to take full advantage of this feature.
If you’re unsure whether your business qualifies, our article on Google Ads in the USA: Advertising Policies and Optimizing for Seasons and Special Events might provide additional clarity.
Conclusion
Google Local Services is an incredibly useful tool for local business owners who want to increase their visibility and gain more leads. By going through a simple verification process, businesses can gain greater exposure in Google search results, allowing them to reach customers looking for services in their area.
Another advantage of using this platform is the pay-for-performance model, which makes it more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional advertising. To learn how to maximize your budget, check out our guide on How to Use Google Ads Offer Codes for Discounts and Free Credits: A Simple Guide for Beginners.
By leveraging Google Local Services alongside tools like Google Ads and other features, local businesses can improve their chances of growing, attracting more customers, and succeeding in today’s competitive market. For additional tips on boosting traffic and sales, explore our guide on 6 Ways to Increase Website Traffic with Google Ads.