If you’ve ever searched for a restaurant, plumber, or hair salon near you and seen that little map with three business listings pop up — that’s called the Google Local Pack. And for local businesses in Colorado Springs, showing up there can be the difference between a phone that rings and one that doesn’t.

The good news? Getting your business on Google Maps doesn’t cost a dime. It does, however, require some setup and ongoing attention. Here’s exactly how to do it.

What Is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the free tool that controls how your business appears on Google Maps and in local search results. When someone searches “appliance repair Colorado Springs” or “best pizza near me,” Google pulls information directly from Business Profiles to populate those results.

If you haven’t claimed yours yet, a competitor almost certainly has — and they’re getting the calls that should be going to you.

Step 1: Claim or Create Your Profile

Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account you own.

Search for your business name. If it already appears, click “Claim this business.” If it doesn’t exist yet, click “Add your business to Google.”

You’ll be asked to enter:

• Business name
• Business category (choose the most specific one that applies)
• Location (whether you have a physical storefront or serve customers at their location)
• Phone number and website
  
  

Important: Use your real, local phone number — not a tracking number or a national call center line. Google uses NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone) as a trust signal, and mismatches across the web can hurt your rankings.

Step 2: Verify Your Business

Google needs to confirm you actually own or operate the business. The most common verification method is a postcard sent to your business address with a 5-digit code — this usually takes 5–7 days.

Some businesses qualify for instant phone or email verification. If that option appears, take it.

Do not skip this step. An unverified profile has very limited visibility on Maps.

Step 3: Fill Out Every Section Completely

Once verified, log in and fill out your profile as completely as possible. Google rewards completeness. Here’s what matters most:

Business description: Write 2–3 sentences that describe what you do and who you serve. Include your city name and your primary service naturally — don’t keyword stuff, just write clearly. Example: “We’re a family-owned HVAC company serving Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region since 2008. We specialize in furnace repair, AC installation, and emergency service calls.”

Categories: Your primary category is the most important. Add secondary categories where relevant (e.g., a plumber might add “Water Heater Installation” and “Drain Cleaning Service” as additional categories).

Hours: Keep these accurate and updated. If your hours change for holidays, update them. Inaccurate hours are one of the fastest ways to lose a potential customer and earn a negative review.

Services: List out every individual service you offer. Don’t just say “plumbing” — say “water heater repair,” “leak detection,” “sewer line replacement.” This is how Google matches your profile to specific search queries.

Photos: Businesses with photos receive significantly more clicks than those without. Add at minimum: your logo, a cover photo, your storefront or work vehicle, and a few photos of your work or team. Aim for at least 10 photos to start.

Step 4: Get Google Reviews (This Is the Big One)

Your star rating and review count are two of the most influential factors in whether you show up in the Local Pack — and whether customers choose you when you do.

The simplest way to get reviews is to simply ask. After completing a job, send your customer a direct link to your Google review page. You can find your review link inside your Google Business Profile dashboard under “Ask for reviews.”

A few things to keep in mind:

• Never offer incentives for reviews — Google prohibits this and it can get your profile penalized
• Respond to every review, positive and negative — it shows you’re active and engaged
• A polite, professional response to a negative review often matters more to future customers than the negative review itself

If you’re just getting started, even 5–10 genuine reviews puts you in a much stronger position than most of your competitors who have never asked.

Step 5: Post Regularly

Google Business Profile lets you post updates, offers, events, and announcements — similar to a social media post. These show up directly in your listing.

Most businesses never use this feature, which means the ones who do stand out. A simple post once a week — a completed project photo, a seasonal promotion, a helpful tip — signals to Google that your profile is active and maintained.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Rankings

Even businesses with a claimed profile often make mistakes that limit their visibility:

Inconsistent business information: If your address on your website says “Suite 100” but your Google profile says “Ste. 100,” that inconsistency can affect your rankings. Audit your NAP across your website, Yelp, Facebook, and any other directories.

Wrong primary category: Choosing a broad category like “Contractor” instead of “Roofing Contractor” or “General Contractor” means you’re competing with everyone instead of ranking for what you actually do.

No photos or outdated photos: A profile with no photos or photos from five years ago signals neglect. Refresh your photos at least a couple of times per year.

Ignoring the Q&A section: Anyone can ask — and answer — questions on your Google profile. Check this section regularly and answer questions yourself before someone else does it inaccurately.

What Comes After the Map Listing?

Getting on Google Maps is a powerful first step, but it’s only one piece of your local search presence. The businesses that dominate local results in Colorado Springs are also investing in their website’s SEO — making sure the pages behind their profile are just as optimized as the profile itself.

If you’d like a free audit of your current online presence — including your Google Business Profile, website, and local rankings — we’re happy to take a look at no cost and no obligation.

Get Your Free Audit →

Big Picture Web Development provides web design and SEO services to local businesses in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. We believe in transparent, results-driven work without the big agency price tag.