You've got your Google Business Profile set up. Check. You've added your hours and contact info. Check. You've uploaded a few photos of your latest deck project. Double check. But here's the thing – you're probably leaving money on the table by ignoring some really powerful features that could set you apart from every other contractor in colorado springs.
I've been helping local businesses get noticed in search results for years, and I can't tell you how many times I've seen contractors miss out on leads because they're treating their Google business profile Algorithm Changes Colorado Springs">business profile like a basic business card instead of the marketing powerhouse it truly is. Let's fix that.
Here's what I see all the time: contractors who think having a Google Business Profile means they're "doing digital marketing." They'll throw up some basic info, maybe ask a happy customer for a review, and call it a day. Meanwhile, their competitors who actually use the advanced features are scooping up all the high-value leads.
The construction industry in Colorado is booming – we're talking about a market that's grown steadily over the past few years. But with that growth comes competition. When someone in colorado springs searches for "kitchen remodeling contractor" or "roofing repair," you want to be the obvious choice, not just another name in the list.
This one just blows my mind because it's so simple, yet maybe 10% of contractors actually use it. Google Business Profile messaging lets potential customers text you directly from your listing. Think about it – someone's driving around at 7 PM, notices storm damage to their roof, pulls out their phone, finds your business, and can immediately ask about emergency services.
Here's how to set it up right: Go to your Google Business Profile dashboard, click on "Messages," and turn it on. But don't just turn it on and forget about it. Set up auto-replies that actually help people. Instead of "Thanks for your message, we'll get back to you," try something like "Hi! Thanks for reaching out about your project. We typically respond within 2 hours during business days. For emergencies, call us at [your number]. What type of work are you looking to have done?"
Pro tip: You can manage these messages through the Google My Business app on your phone. I've seen contractors-ignore/" title="Advanced Google Business Profile Features Most Colorado Springs Contractors Ignore">contractors close deals while they're at the hardware store just by responding quickly to a message.
This is where I see contractors shoot themselves in the foot constantly. They'll set up their service area to cover just Colorado Springs proper, missing out on Monument, Fountain, Security-Widefield, and all the other communities where people have money to spend on home improvements.
But here's the trick – you can't just add every city within 100 miles. Google's gotten smart about this. You need to be realistic about where you actually provide services. If you're a small outfit and realistically can't handle a job in Castle Rock, don't add it to your service area just because you want more visibility.
The sweet spot for most Colorado Springs contractors is about a 25-30 mile radius, which captures the metro area without looking like you're trying to game the system. And here's something most people don't know: you can get more specific than just cities. Add neighborhoods, especially the higher-income ones where your ideal customers live. Broadmoor, Old North End, Skyway – these are areas where people aren't shopping based on the lowest price.
Google lets you add specific services to your profile, and this is where you can really show what makes you different. Don't just put "General Contracting." Break it down. "Kitchen Remodeling," "Bathroom Renovations," "Basement Finishing," "Deck Construction" – each one is a chance to show up for more specific searches.
But here's where it gets interesting: you can add services that your competitors might not think to include. "Emergency Storm Damage Repair," "Insurance Claim Assistance," "Permit Acquisition Services." These aren't just services – they're solutions to specific problems people are searching for at 2 AM after a hailstorm.
The key is thinking like your customer, not like a contractor. Someone doesn't wake up thinking "I need general contracting services." They think "My basement floods every time it rains" or "This kitchen is driving me crazy." Match your services to those real problems.
Google Business Profile posts are probably the most underused feature I see. These aren't just social media posts that disappear into the void – they show up right in your Google listing when people search for you. It's free space on the most valuable piece of digital property you own.
Here's what works: Before and after photos of recent projects, seasonal reminders (like "Getting ready for winter? Now's the time to check your gutters"), and updates about your availability. "We have availability for kitchen remodels starting in March" is the kind of post that generates phone calls.
Don't overthink it. Take a photo of the deck you just finished, write a quick description of the project, and post it. Google shows these posts for seven days, so aim for one per week. It keeps your listing fresh and gives people a reason to choose you over the contractor whose last update was from 2022.
Here's something that catches contractors off guard: anyone can ask questions on your Google Business Profile. Anyone. Including your competitors, unhappy customers, or just people who want to cause trouble. But instead of ignoring this section, you should own it.
Start by asking and answering your own questions. "Do you provide free estimates?" "What's your typical timeline for a bathroom remodel?" "Are you licensed and insured?" These are questions people actually want to know, and by answering them yourself, you control the message.
When other people ask questions, respond quickly and professionally. Even if it's a weird question or seems like someone's trying to cause problems, your response shows everyone else how you handle communication. "Thanks for your question! Yes, we're fully licensed and insured. We're happy to provide proof of insurance before starting any project."
If you use any kind of scheduling software – and honestly, you should – you can add a booking button right to your Google listing. This isn't just for restaurants and salons. Contractors can use it for estimate appointments, consultation calls, or even emergency services.
The psychology here is simple: the easier you make it for someone to take the next step, the more likely they are to do it. Someone who's comparing three different contractors might go with you just because you made it simple to schedule an estimate without having to play phone tag.
You can integrate this with tools like Calendly, Acuity, or even just direct people to a contact form on your website. The key is removing friction from the process.
Google lets you add attributes to your listing – things like "Veteran-owned," "Family-owned," "Emergency services," or "Free estimates." These might seem like small details, but they're often the deciding factors for customers.
In Colorado Springs, with our strong military community, "Veteran-owned" can be a significant advantage. "Family-owned" appeals to people who want to work with local businesses rather than big corporate contractors. "Emergency services" is huge for roofing and restoration contractors, especially during storm season.
Don't just check boxes randomly. Think about what actually makes you different and what matters to your ideal customers. If you're not sure, ask your last few customers why they chose you over other contractors. Their answers will tell you which attributes to highlight.
Everyone knows reviews matter, but most contractors handle them all wrong. They ignore the good ones and get defensive about the bad ones. Here's a better approach: respond to every review like potential customers are watching – because they are.
For positive reviews, don't just say "Thanks!" Tell a story. "Thanks, Mike! That kitchen remodel was a fun project, especially finding a way to add that extra cabinet space you wanted. We're glad you're enjoying cooking in there again." This response tells future customers that you care about the details and that you solve specific problems.
For negative reviews, stay professional and focus on solutions. Don't argue or make excuses. "We're sorry this project didn't meet your expectations. We'd like to make this right – please call our office so we can discuss how to resolve this." Even if the reviewer is being unreasonable, your professional response shows everyone else how you handle problems.
Most contractors upload photos like they're documenting work for their insurance company. Boring before shots, blurry during shots, and after shots that look like they were taken with a potato. Your photos should sell your work, not just document it.
Here's what works: Clean, well-lit after photos that show the whole space, not just close-ups of your craftsmanship. People want to see how their kitchen will look, not just how perfect your tile work is. Include photos of your team working – it builds trust and shows you're real people, not just a phone number.
Seasonal photos are gold. If you do outdoor work, show how that deck looks covered in fresh snow or how that landscaping looks in full summer bloom. It helps people visualize their project in real-world conditions.
And here's something most contractors never think about: upload photos of your truck, your equipment, your office. It sounds weird, but people want to know they're hiring a legitimate business. A photo of your properly branded truck loaded with quality tools sends a message about professionalism.
Google rewards fresh, active profiles. But you don't need to post every day like you're running a lifestyle blog. What matters is consistent activity that makes sense for your business.
Post project updates when you finish jobs. Update your hours if they change seasonally. Add new services as you expand. The goal isn't to trick Google's algorithm – it's to keep your listing accurate and engaging for real people.
Here's a simple schedule that works: One project photo per week, one service-related post per month, and immediate updates whenever anything changes about your business. That's enough to keep Google happy without turning profile management into a full-time job.
Your Google Business Profile shouldn't exist in isolation. It should work with your website, your social media, and your other marketing efforts. When you finish a great project, use it everywhere – website portfolio, Facebook page, Google Business Profile post, maybe even a customer story in your newsletter.
The key is consistency. Your messaging, your branding, your personality should be the same whether someone finds you through Google, gets referred by a friend, or sees your truck in their neighborhood. Your Google Business Profile is often the first impression people get of your business – make sure it matches the impression you want to make in person.
Let me save you from some painful mistakes I see all the time. First, don't keyword stuff your business name. "Bob's Contracting Kitchen Remodeling Bathroom Renovation Colorado Springs" looks spammy and Google will penalize you for it. Your business name should be your actual business name.
Second, don't buy fake reviews. Google is scary good at detecting them, and the penalty isn't worth it. Focus on getting real reviews from real customers. It takes longer, but it actually works.
Third, don't ignore negative feedback or try to hide from it. Address problems head-on and publicly. It shows you stand behind your work and care about customer satisfaction.
Google gives you analytics for your Business Profile – use them. Look at how people find you, what actions they take, how your photos perform. If people are calling more than visiting your website, maybe your website needs work. If they're asking for directions but not calling, maybe your phone number isn't prominent enough.
The metrics that matter most: search views (how often you appear in searches), actions (calls, website visits, direction requests), and photo views. If these numbers are trending up, you're doing something right. If they're flat or declining, it's time to try some new strategies.
Google changes how Business Profiles work pretty regularly. New features appear, old ones get updated, and the algorithm shifts. The best way to stay on top of this is to actually use your profile regularly. When you're in there updating photos and responding to reviews, you'll notice when things change.
Also, pay attention to what your competitors are doing. If everyone else in your market starts using a new feature and you ignore it, you'll fall behind. But if you're the first to adopt new features, you can get an edge while everyone else catches up.
Look, I get it. You became a contractor to build things, not to manage online profiles and respond to messages. But in 2025, your Google Business Profile is as important as your truck and tools. It's how most people find you, research you, and decide whether to call you.
The good news is that once you set these features up correctly, they mostly run themselves. You just need to stay active and keep things updated. Think of it as maintaining your digital storefront – a little regular attention keeps it looking professional and working smoothly.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by all this, you're not alone. Managing digital marketing while running a contracting business is a lot. That's why many contractors work with specialists who understand both the construction industry and local search marketing. Casey's SEO has been helping Colorado Springs contractors get ahead in local search results for years, handling all the technical stuff so you can focus on what you do best.
The bottom line is this: your competitors are either already using these advanced features, or they're ignoring them just like you have been. Either way, there's an opportunity. Start with one or two features that make the most sense for your business, get comfortable with them, then add more. Your future customers are out there searching right now – make sure they find you first.
