Service Optimisation Strategy

Your services list is one of the most underused parts of a GBP. Most businesses either leave it blank or write vague one-liners. Done properly, your services section sends strong relevance signals to Google and gives potential customers a clear picture of what you offer.

Why Services Matter for Rankings

Google reads your services section to understand what searches you're relevant for. A landscaper who lists "Patio installation", "Garden clearance", "Lawn care", and "Driveway installation" will appear in all four types of searches. One who just lists "Landscaping" might only rank for generic landscaping searches.

The Google-Friendly Format

For each service:

• Service name: Clear, specific, and searchable. "Emergency Boiler Repair" beats "Boiler Work".
• Description: 250–300 characters. Focus on customer benefit. Include your location naturally.

Example Service Descriptions

Bad: "We do patio installation in Derby and surrounding areas."

Good: "Professional patio installation across Derby and Derbyshire. We design and lay all patio types including porcelain, block paving, and natural stone — with a 10-year workmanship guarantee."

The good version includes location keywords, specific materials, and a trust signal — all in a natural sentence.

How Many Services to Add

Add every service you genuinely offer. Don't hold back. If you do 12 different things, list all 12. More relevant services = more searches you can appear for.

Including Location Keywords

You can mention your location in service descriptions, but keep it natural. Don't write "plumber Derby Derby plumber Derby" — that's keyword stuffing and Google ignores it. One natural mention per description is enough.