How to Add a Live Industry News Feed to Your Website (in Under 10 Minutes)

Jan 28, 2025 | Website Tips

Written By James Higbee

If you're a contractor trying to get found online, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most important free marketing tools available. A properly optimized GBP can help you show up in local searches like:

  • “general contractor near me”
  • “roofing company in [city]”
  • “kitchen remodel contractor”
  • “licensed plumber nearby”

Below is a contractor-focused step-by-step guide you can turn into a full page on Axons Agency.

Step 1: Create a Google Account

Before creating a profile, you’ll need a Google account dedicated to your business.

Go to:

Google Account Creation

Use a professional business email whenever possible.

Example:

Avoid:

Step 2: Go to Google Business Profile

Visit:

Google Business Profile Manager

Click:

“Manage Now”

Step 3: Enter Your Business Name

Use your REAL licensed business name.

Good Example:

  • ABC Roofing Inc.

Avoid:

  • ABC Roofing Best Roofer Los Angeles Cheap Roof Repair

Keyword stuffing can get your profile suspended.

Step 4: Choose Your Business Category

Your primary category matters a lot for rankings.

Examples:

  • General Contractor
  • Roofing Contractor
  • HVAC Contractor
  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Kitchen Remodeler

You can add secondary categories later.

Step 5: Add Your Service Area

If you work from home or travel to customers:

  • Choose “Service Area Business”

Add:

  • Cities
  • Counties
  • Service regions

Example:

  • Mesa
  • Scottsdale
  • Tempe
  • Chandler

Do NOT use fake office locations.

Step 6: Add Your Contact Information

Include:

  • Phone number
  • Website
  • Business email

Your website should match your branding and services.

Example:

Step 7: Verify Your Business

Google usually verifies businesses using:

  • Video verification
  • Phone
  • Email
  • Postcard
  • Live video walkthrough

For contractors, Google commonly requests:

  • Business vehicle
  • Branded equipment
  • License documentation
  • Jobsite proof
  • Utility bills

Tips:

  • Wear branded clothing
  • Show tools/equipment
  • Show your truck
  • Show access to business email/domain

Step 8: Add High-Quality Photos Immediately

Photos are one of the biggest ranking and conversion factors.

Upload:

  • Trucks
  • Crew photos
  • Before/after projects
  • Jobsite progress
  • Finished projects
  • Team headshots
  • Office/shop photos

Contractors with consistent photo uploads usually outperform inactive profiles.

Step 9: Write Your Business Description

Use keywords naturally.

Example:

ABC Roofing Inc. is a licensed roofing contractor serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas. We specialize in residential roofing, tile roof replacement, roof repairs, flat roofing systems, and commercial roofing services.

Include:

  • Services
  • Cities served
  • Years in business
  • Certifications
  • License info

Step 10: Add Services

Create detailed service listings.

Examples:

  • Kitchen Remodeling
  • Bathroom Remodeling
  • ADU Construction
  • Roof Replacement
  • HVAC Installation
  • Electrical Panel Upgrades

Each service can include:

  • Description
  • Keywords
  • Service area relevance

Step 11: Start Collecting Reviews

Reviews are critical.

Best practices:

  • Ask after every completed job
  • Send review links by text
  • Respond to ALL reviews

Avoid:

  • Buying reviews
  • Fake reviews
  • Review gating

These can trigger suspensions.

Step 12: Post Weekly Updates

Google likes active profiles.

Post:

  • Recent projects
  • Before/after photos
  • Promotions
  • Team updates
  • Safety tips
  • Blog posts

Treat GBP like a mini social media platform.

Step 13: Keep NAP Consistent

NAP =

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone Number

Make sure your:

  • Website
  • GBP
  • Yelp
  • Facebook
  • Directories

ALL match exactly.

Step 14: Add Your Website Properly

Your website should:

  • Load fast
  • Work on mobile
  • Include service pages
  • Have project galleries
  • Include clear calls-to-action

A weak website can hurt conversion rates even if your GBP ranks well.

Step 15: Track Performance

Inside GBP you can track:

  • Calls
  • Website clicks
  • Direction requests
  • Search visibility
  • Keywords
  • Messages

Use this data to improve your marketing strategy.

Common GBP Mistakes Contractors Make

Using a Fake Address

This can get your profile suspended.

Not Uploading Photos

Dead profiles rank poorly.

Ignoring Reviews

Engagement matters.

Keyword Stuffing

Using spammy names hurts trust.

Inconsistent Contact Info

Google wants consistency everywhere online.

Need Help Setting Up or Optimizing Your GBP?

At Axons Agency, we help contractors:

  • Build professional websites
  • Optimize Google Business Profiles
  • Improve local SEO
  • Run Google Ads
  • Generate leads online

Contact Axons Agency

Written By James Higbee

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