When someone searches for landscaping services in your area, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first impression they’ll get of your company. This free tool from Google can make or break your visibility in local search results, yet many landscaping businesses either skip setting it up entirely or leave their profiles incomplete.
Setting up a Google Business Profile isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. It’s become one of the most powerful marketing tools available to local businesses. For landscaping companies, a properly optimized GBP can mean the difference between landing that high-value residential project and watching it go to a competitor.
What Is a Google Business Profile?
A GBP is a representation of your business on Google Search and Maps. When potential customers search for landscaping services, your GBP displays important information like your location, hours, phone number, and customer reviews. It also shows photos of your work, answers to frequently asked questions, and even posts about special offers or recent projects.
Think of it as a mini-website that lives directly in Google’s search results. Unlike a traditional website, your GBP appears in the Local Pack (those three businesses that show up with map pins when someone searches for local services) and in Google Maps results.
The profile includes several key components: your business name, category, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, service areas, photos, reviews, and posts. Each piece works together to help customers find you and decide if they want to work with you.
Why Every Landscaping Business Needs One
Local Search Visibility
When someone in your service area searches for “landscaping near me” or “lawn care services,” Google prioritizes businesses with complete and active profiles. Without a GBP, you’re essentially invisible to these potential customers who are actively looking for the services you provide.
Free Marketing That Works 24/7
Unlike paid advertising that requires ongoing investment, your GBP works around the clock at no cost. It shows up in search results, answers customer questions, and showcases your best work without any monthly fees.
Your profile also gives you tools to engage with customers directly. You can post updates about seasonal services, share before-and-after photos of recent projects, or announce special promotions. These posts appear in your profile and can help you stay top-of-mind with potential customers who are still in the research phase.
Customer Trust and Credibility
A complete profile with positive reviews, professional photos, and up-to-date information signals to potential customers that you’re a legitimate, established business. Profiles without reviews or with outdated information raise red flags.
Reviews especially matter in the landscaping industry. When homeowners are considering letting someone work on their property, they want to see proof that you’ve delivered quality results for others. A GBP with dozens of five-star reviews and photos of completed projects gives them that confidence.
Direct Customer Communication
The messaging feature built into GBP allows potential customers to reach out to you directly from the search results. This removes friction from the sales process and makes it easier for people to take that crucial first step of contacting you.
Many customers prefer texting to phone calls, especially for initial inquiries. By enabling messaging on your GBP, you’re meeting customers where they are and making it as easy as possible for them to get in touch.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Profile
Step 1: Sign In or Create a Google Account
Go to google.com/business. Sign in with your Google Account, or create one if you don’t have one yet.
Use a business email if possible. This account will control your profile and all your business information.
Step 2: Add Your Business Name and Category
Type your business name exactly as it appears on your trucks, website, and marketing materials.
Then pick the category that fits best:
- Landscaper: For full-service companies
- Lawn care service: For mowing, fertilizing, or turf management
- Tree service: For pruning, removals, or arborist work
- Irrigation service: For sprinkler and watering systems
- Landscape maintenance: For property upkeep or commercial accounts
You can add more details later.
Step 3: Add Contact Information
Enter your phone number and website. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number match what’s on your website and social media pages.
If you do not have a website, you can use Google’s free website option to create one from your profile.
Step 4: Add Your Location or Service Area
If customers visit your location, enter your address so Google can show it on the map.
If you travel to customers, select “I deliver goods and services to my customers.” Then list your service area, such as:
“Serving customers within 25 miles of Tulsa, OK.”
This helps Google show your business to people searching nearby.
Step 5: Verify Your Business
Before your profile appears on Google, you’ll need to verify your business. Google may ask you to verify by:
- Mail: A postcard with a code sent to your address
- Phone or email: Available for some businesses
- Video: A short video showing your business or vehicles
Verification proves your business is real and allows your profile to go live.
Step 6: Set Your Business Hours
Add your regular hours so customers know when you’re open. Update them for holidays or off-season periods.
Consistent, accurate hours help prevent missed calls and frustrated customers.
Step 7: Make Your Profile Stand Out
Once verified, fill out your profile completely. The more information you include, the better your chances of showing up in search results.
Add Photos
Upload pictures of your team, trucks, and recent work. Real photos attract attention and build trust.
Write a Clear Business Description
Briefly explain what you do and where you work. Example:
“Family-owned lawn and irrigation company serving the Phoenix area since 2005. We specialize in commercial maintenance and efficient watering systems.”
After Setup: Keep Your Profile Working
Get Reviews (and Respond to Them)
Reviews are critical for ranking in local search results. After completing a project, ask satisfied customers to leave a review. Send them a direct link to make it as easy as possible.
Respond to every review, positive or negative. Thank customers for positive feedback. For negative reviews, acknowledge concerns professionally and offer to make things right. Never argue or get defensive.
Post Regular Updates
Create posts on your profile to share:
- Photos of recent projects
- Seasonal service reminders
- Special offers or promotions
- Helpful landscaping tips
Posts expire after seven days, so plan to create new ones weekly. This activity signals to Google that your business is engaged and active.
Monitor Your Q&A Section
Potential customers can ask questions directly on your profile, and anyone can answer them (including your competitors). Check this section regularly and provide helpful answers. You can also add your own questions and answers for things customers commonly ask.
Check Your Insights
Your GBP dashboard shows how people find your profile and what actions they take. Review these monthly to understand:
- What search terms bring people to your profile
- Whether people are calling, visiting your website, or requesting directions
- Which photos get the most views
- How you compare to similar businesses in your area
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Profile
The last thing you need is a GBP that doesn’t help you. Here are some things to avoid during setup and every time you update:
Keyword stuffing your business name
Your business name should be exactly what it is in the real world. Adding extra keywords violates Google’s guidelines and can get your profile suspended.
Choosing the wrong category
Your primary category directly impacts when you appear in search results. Pick the most specific category that accurately describes your main service.
Ignoring negative reviews
Not responding makes you look inactive or uncaring. Address concerns publicly and professionally.
Using poor quality photos
Blurry or dark photos make your business look unprofessional. Use clear, well-lit images that showcase your best work.
Setting it and forgetting it
Profiles that get regular updates and fresh content consistently outrank abandoned profiles.
Inconsistent information
Your business name, address, and phone number should match exactly across your website, GBP, and other online listings.
Make Your Profile Work Harder
Once your basic profile is set up, a few advanced strategies can give you an edge:
Create a review system. Don’t just randomly ask for reviews. Set up automatic follow-up emails after projects that include a direct link to your review page.
Organize your photos strategically. Create collections for different services (hardscaping, irrigation, lawn care) so visitors can easily find relevant examples.
Plan your posts in advance. Create a content calendar based on seasonal services. Post about aeration in fall, spring cleanups in March, irrigation checkups in summer.
Watch what competitors do. Check top-ranking landscaping companies in your area. What categories do they use? How often do they post? Look for gaps you can fill to stand out.
Connect your profile to your other marketing. Reference your GBP in email signatures, on your vehicles, and in other marketing materials. Direct satisfied customers there for reviews.
Your Profile Is Your Digital Storefront
The Google Business Profile has become one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in digital marketing. For landscaping businesses, it’s often the first place potential customers learn about your services, see your work, and decide whether to contact you.
The difference between a basic profile and a fully optimized one can mean dozens of additional leads every month. Those leads turn into real projects, satisfied customers, and business growth.
An active GBP continues generating leads indefinitely. Unlike paid advertising that stops working when you stop paying, your profile keeps attracting customers who are actively searching for landscaping services.
Start with the basics, then work toward full optimization over time. Even small improvements make a measurable difference in your visibility and lead generation.
Get Professional Help With Your Profile
Setting up your Google Business Profile takes a few hours, but the payoff is substantial for landscaping companies. A complete profile with photos, reviews, and regular posts helps you show up when local customers search for your services. The businesses that keep their profiles active and updated consistently generate more leads than those that set it up once and forget about it.
Everbearing Services handles GBP setup and ongoing management for landscaping and outdoor living companies. Our team will optimize your profile and keep it working to generate leads while you focus on your projects. Contact us for a free strategy call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to set up a Google Business Profile?
The initial setup takes 1-2 hours if you have all your information ready. Verification by postcard adds another 5-7 days. Once verified, plan to spend 30 minutes weekly on maintenance like posting updates and responding to reviews.
Do I need a physical office location to create a profile?
No. If you travel to customers instead of having them come to you, you can hide your address and list your service areas instead. This is common for landscaping companies that work at client properties.
How many photos should I upload?
Start with at least 10-15 high-quality photos showing your completed projects, team, and equipment. Then add new photos weekly. Businesses that regularly update their photos get better engagement and visibility than those with stale galleries.
What should I do about negative reviews?
Respond to every negative review professionally and publicly. Acknowledge the customer’s concern, apologize if appropriate, and offer to make things right. Never argue or get defensive. Your response shows future customers how you handle problems.
How often should I create posts on my profile?
Weekly is ideal since posts expire after seven days. Create a simple content calendar with seasonal reminders, project showcases, and helpful tips. Consistent posting signals to Google that your business is active.
Can I manage my profile from my phone?
Yes. Download the Google Business Profile app for iOS or Android. You can respond to reviews, upload photos, create posts, and answer questions directly from your phone.