Your Google Business Profile is losing you jobs — here's how to fix it.
By Brian Vasquez — Vasquez Web Studio · Houston, TX
For most Houston contractors, the Google Business Profile is the most important piece of digital real estate they own — and most of them have never fully set it up. Here's what a poorly optimized GBP is costing you, and how to fix it in under an hour.
01Wrong or missing primary category
The primary category is the single most important GBP signal for map pack rankings. A general contractor who selects "Construction Company" instead of "General Contractor" or "Remodeling Contractor" will rank for different searches than a competitor who got it right. Spend five minutes reviewing category options and select the most specific one for your core service.
02No services listed
The services section of GBP lets you list every service you offer with a description. Most contractors leave this blank. Filling it out signals to Google what you do and helps you appear in searches for specific services like "roof replacement" or "kitchen remodel" rather than just your business name.
03No photos — or old photos
GBPs with no photos or only a logo perform worse than profiles with real project photos. Google rewards active profiles. Add 10–20 project photos, a team photo, and a photo of your vehicle or equipment. Update them quarterly.
04Not responding to reviews
Review response rate is a GBP ranking factor. Businesses that respond to every review — positive and negative — signal engagement. Not responding to a negative review especially damages trust with potential customers who are comparing you against competitors.
05Business description doesn't mention your city or services
Your GBP description should mention your primary city (Houston, TX), your main services, and a brief value proposition. It should read naturally and include 2–3 keywords that match how customers search for you. Keep it under 750 characters.
Need help with a full GBP optimization for your Houston contracting business? A free consultation covers your current setup and a specific plan to improve your map pack rankings.