How Does The Service Area Work in Google Business Profile?

For businesses that serve customers at their locations rather than operating from a fixed storefront, Google Business Profile’s “Service Area” feature is a game-changer. It allows you to specify the geographic areas where your business provides services, ensuring you reach the right audience while maintaining an accurate and professional online presence. In this article, we’ll explore how the service area feature works, who can use it, how to set it up, its benefits, and tips for optimizing it for your business.

What Is the Service Area Feature in Google Business Profile?

The service area feature is designed for businesses that deliver goods, provide services at customers’ locations, or operate without a public storefront. By defining your service area, you let potential customers know exactly where your business operates, which improves the accuracy of search results and enhances customer experience.

Who Can Use Service Areas on Google Business Profile?

The service area feature is ideal for businesses that:

Provide services directly at customers’ locations, such as: • Plumbers • Electricians • Landscapers • Cleaning companies • Mobile mechanics

Operate without a fixed storefront but serve specific geographic regions.

Have a physical location but also serve customers in a wider area, such as: • Restaurants offering delivery • Retail stores with regional shipping

Deliver products or services across designated cities, counties, or ZIP codes.

If your business fits these criteria, using the service area feature can significantly enhance your local visibility and attract more customers in your target regions.

How to Set Up a Service Area in Google Business Profile

Setting up your service area is simple and can be done during the initial setup of your Google Business Profile or later in your account settings.

Steps to Set Up a Service Area:

1. Sign in to Your Google Business Profile Dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Info section.
3. Under Service Area, select the option to add cities, counties, or ZIP codes.
4. Specify up to 20 service areas where your business operates. For example: Cities: “Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale.” ZIP codes: “90210, 90001.” Counties: “Orange County.”
5. Save your changes.

If your business has a physical location but also serves customers off-site (e.g., a restaurant offering delivery), you can set both a business address and a service area.

How Does the Service Area Impact Search Results?

When potential customers search for services or businesses in your defined service area, Google uses the information to display your business in local search results. This ensures your business is visible to the right audience.

Key Factors:

Relevance: Google matches your service area with the user’s search location and intent.

Proximity: Businesses closer to the user or within the specified service area are more likely to appear in results.

Visibility: Accurately defined service areas improve your chances of appearing in local searches.

Benefits of Using the Service Area Feature

1. Increased Visibility By specifying your service area, you can reach more potential customers searching for services in your targeted regions.

2. Targeted Marketing Focusing on specific regions allows you to tailor your marketing efforts, maximizing efficiency and ROI.

3. Improved Customer Experience Providing clear information about where you operate ensures customers know if you can meet their needs, reducing confusion.

Best Practices for Setting Service Areas

To maximize the benefits of the service area feature, follow these tips:

1. Be Accurate Define areas where you actively operate. Avoid broad or unrealistic claims like “entire USA” unless you serve a nationwide market.

2. Stay Consistent Ensure your service areas align with the information on your website, social media profiles, and other platforms to build trust and avoid confusion.

3. Regularly Update Your Service Areas As your business grows or changes focus, update your Google Business Profile to reflect new areas or remove old ones.

4. Monitor and Engage Regularly check your Google Business Profile for customer reviews and inquiries. Respond promptly to enhance your reputation and SEO performance.

Important Considerations for Service Areas

While the service area feature is a powerful tool, using it effectively requires careful planning:

Limitations: You can only add up to 20 service areas. Choose strategically to focus on your primary markets.

Search Rankings: Defining service areas doesn’t guarantee top rankings but improves your chances of appearing in relevant searches.

Driving Distance: Google suggests keeping your service area within a two-hour driving radius of your primary location.

Recap

The service area feature in Google Business Profile is an invaluable tool for service-based businesses looking to boost local visibility and connect with potential customers. By accurately defining your service area, maintaining consistency across platforms, and keeping your profile updated, you can enhance your online presence, attract more customers, and grow your business.

Start leveraging this feature today to ensure your business stands out in the regions you serve.

At Obenan, we go beyond optimizing your business for service areas by addressing all the key factors that drive higher visibility on Google. To discover how we can help your business boost visibility and increase revenue, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.