Why Google Business Profile Matters for Landscapers
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the single most important free marketing tool for local landscaping businesses. When someone searches for landscaping services, Google shows a 'Local Pack' — a map with three businesses — before any other results. Without a GBP, you're invisible in these searches. For landscapers specifically, GBP is powerful because your work is visual. Photos of lawn transformations, hardscape projects, and seasonal cleanups showcase your skills better than any ad copy. Plus, reviews from happy homeowners build trust before prospects even call you.
Key points
- Nearly half of all Google searches have local intent — people looking for nearby businesses [1]
- The Local Pack (map results) gets 42% of clicks for local searches [1]
- 50% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations [2]
- Businesses with photos receive 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks [3]
Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
Start by going to google.com/business and signing in with a Google account (create one if needed — use your business email if possible). Click 'Manage now' and enter your business name exactly as you want it to appear. Select 'Landscaping' or 'Lawn care service' as your primary category. For service area businesses (most landscapers), choose 'I deliver goods and services to my customers' and specify the cities, zip codes, or radius you serve. Don't add a physical address unless customers actually visit your location. Complete the verification process — Google usually sends a postcard with a code, though phone verification is sometimes available.
Key points
- Use your legal business name — don't stuff keywords like 'Best Landscaper'
- Choose 'Landscaping service' as primary category, add 'Lawn care service' as secondary
- Set a realistic service area — 15-25 mile radius is typical for landscapers
- Verification typically takes 5-14 days by postcard
Optimizing Your Profile for Landscaping Searches
A complete profile ranks higher and converts better. Write a business description (750 characters max) that naturally mentions your services and service area — 'Family-owned landscaping company serving [City] and surrounding areas since 2015. We specialize in lawn maintenance, landscape design, hardscaping, and seasonal cleanups.' Add your phone number, website, and hours. For landscapers, consider seasonal hours — you might be available 7am-7pm in summer but shorter hours in winter. Add all relevant services: lawn mowing, leaf removal, mulching, planting, hardscaping, irrigation, snow removal if applicable. Each service can have its own description.
Key points
- Fill out every single field — completeness affects ranking
- Mention specific cities and neighborhoods in your description
- Add seasonal services with accurate timing (spring cleanup, fall leaf removal)
- Include your license number if your state requires landscaper licensing
Photos That Win Landscaping Customers
Photos are your secret weapon. Before/after shots are gold for landscapers — they prove your work quality instantly. Take photos in good lighting (overcast days work well for lawns). Include a mix: wide shots showing full properties, detail shots of plantings or hardscape work, and photos of your team at work (with permission). Add photos regularly — Google favors active profiles. Aim for 2-3 new photos per week during busy season. Label photos with descriptions that include service type and location: 'Spring cleanup and mulching in [Neighborhood], [City].'
Key points
- Before/after photos perform best — always take a 'before' shot
- Upload photos weekly, not all at once
- Include team photos — people hire people, not just companies
- Geotagged photos (from your phone) can help with local ranking
Getting and Managing Reviews
Reviews directly impact your ranking and conversion rate. Ask for reviews right after completing a project while the customer is happiest. Make it easy — send a text or email with your direct review link (find it in your GBP dashboard under 'Get more reviews'). Respond to every review. For positive reviews, thank them specifically: 'Thanks for the kind words about the patio project, [Name]! It was great working on your backyard.' For negative reviews, respond professionally, acknowledge the issue, and offer to make it right offline. Never argue publicly. A few negative reviews among many positive ones actually increases trust — it looks real.
Key points
- Ask for reviews within 24-48 hours of completing work
- Send a direct link — don't make customers search for you
- Respond to all reviews within a week
- Businesses with 40+ reviews significantly outperform those with fewer
Google Business Profile Posts for Landscapers
GBP lets you publish posts that appear on your profile — like mini social media updates. For landscapers, post about seasonal services (spring cleanup specials, fall aeration), recent project completions (with photos), tips for homeowners (when to water, how to prepare for winter), and any promotions. Posts expire after 7 days, so consistency matters. Set a reminder to post weekly. Posts with images get significantly more engagement. Include a call-to-action: 'Call for a free estimate' or 'Book now.'
Key points
- Post weekly during peak season, bi-weekly in off-season
- Seasonal service posts ('Now booking spring cleanups') drive leads
- Project showcase posts with photos build credibility
- Always include a clear call-to-action
Tracking Performance and Improving
GBP Insights shows how customers find and interact with your profile. Check monthly: How many people searched for your business directly vs. discovered you through category searches? How many requested directions, called, or visited your website? What search terms are people using? Use this data to improve. If you're getting found for 'lawn mowing' but not 'landscape design', add more photos and posts about design work. If calls spike on certain days, adjust your posting schedule. If direction requests are low but you want more local customers, make sure your service area is set correctly.
Key points
- Review insights monthly — look for trends over time
- Note which search terms bring you customers
- Track calls from GBP separately to measure ROI
- Compare busy periods to your posting activity