If you’re a Kiwi service business with a physical location, your Google Business Profile could be the difference between sitting quiet and the phone actually ringing.
Why your Google Business Profile matters
A Google Business Profile is your online shopfront on Maps and Search. For local service businesses in New Zealand, it’s often the first (and sometimes only) thing people see when they’re hunting for a plumber, builder, or accountant nearby. If it’s half-done, you’re bleeding leads. If it’s optimised, it works while you sleep.
Quick answer: An optimised Google Business Profile makes you show up higher in Maps and Search, which means more local leads without extra ad spend.
Think of it as free real estate on Google that most businesses barely use.
The basics you can’t skip
Add your full business name exactly as it’s used offline
List a physical address that can be shown on Google Maps
Set accurate opening hours and holiday hours
Upload real photos of your team, work, and location
Select the right categories for your services
What local businesses get wrong
Plenty of Kiwi businesses create a profile, tick the basics, and never touch it again. That’s like leaving your shop sign half painted. Common mistakes include:
Using stock photos instead of real ones
Ignoring reviews or leaving bad ones unanswered
Choosing broad categories instead of the specific ones that match your services
Letting contact details go out of date
How to turn your profile into a lead magnet
Google wants to show active, trustworthy businesses. That means your profile needs constant attention. A little effort each week compounds into more calls, more visits, and more trust from locals.
Post updates, offers, or photos regularly
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and reply to every one
Add services and products with descriptions
Answer common customer questions in the Q&A section
Quick answer: Profiles that get weekly updates and fresh reviews outrank stale ones. Google rewards activity.
How we work with local businesses
We audit your current profile and clean up the basics
We optimise categories, services, and descriptions
We build a simple review strategy that actually gets reviews
We show you how to keep your profile alive with minimal effort
Practical next steps
Claim or verify your Google Business Profile
Update your name, address, phone, and hours
Upload at least 10 real photos
Ask your best customers for a review today
FAQs
Do I need a physical address to use Google Business Profile?
Yes, service-based businesses must list either a storefront or a service area tied to a real address.
How often should I update my profile?
At least once a week is ideal to keep Google interested.
Can I use a PO Box address?
No, Google doesn’t accept PO Boxes. Use a real street address.
Do reviews really help my ranking?
Yes. The quantity and quality of reviews are strong local ranking factors.
