Google & AI search
5 Google Business Profile fixes for Tennessee small businesses
When someone searches "plumber near me" or "pet groomer in Harriman," the first thing they usually see isn't a website. It's the map, with three businesses listed underneath it. Those listings come from Google Business Profile, and for most local businesses they bring in more calls than the website does.
The good news: your profile is free, and most of the fixes take less than an hour. Here are the five I make most often for Tennessee businesses.
1. Pick the right primary category
Your primary category tells Google what you are. It matters more than almost anything else on your profile. "Cleaning service" and "Commercial cleaning service" show up for different searches. Choose the most specific category that describes your main service, then add secondary categories for the rest. If you're not sure, search for your top competitor and see what category shows under their name.
2. Fill in every field (yes, every one)
Hours, holiday hours, service areas, services, products, attributes like "women-owned" or "wheelchair accessible," and a description that says what you do and where. Google favors complete profiles, and customers do too. If you serve several towns, list them in your service area, such as Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge and Farragut, instead of only your home city.
3. Add real photos, regularly
Skip the stock photos. Post pictures of your team at work, your storefront or your truck, finished jobs, and before-and-afters. Profiles with fresh photos tend to get more clicks and calls. A good habit is adding a few new photos every month. Your phone is all you need.
4. Ask for reviews, and answer every one
Reviews are one of the biggest factors in who shows up in the map. Most happy customers will leave one; they just need to be asked. Send your review link right after a job goes well, in a text or email, while the experience is fresh. Then reply to every review, good or bad, with a short, personal thank-you or a calm, helpful response. Future customers read your replies.
5. Post updates like it's social media
Google Business Profile has a posts feature that most businesses ignore. Share a seasonal tip, a special offer, a recent project or an event. Posts show on your profile and tell Google you're active. Once a week is great; twice a month is a good start.
Bonus: make sure your name, address and phone match everywhere
Your business name, address and phone number should be written the same way on your website, your Google profile, Facebook, Yelp and any directories. Small differences, like "Suite 4" on one and "#4" on another, or an old phone number, can make Google less confident about where you are.
Want me to take a look?
I set up and manage Google Business Profiles for small businesses in Tennessee and across the U.S. Book a free 15-minute Website & Google Checkup and I'll look at your profile and give you three fixes you can make this week.
Book your Checkup or call 865-243-0962.
