Module 2

Services

The Services section lets you list exactly what you offer. This helps customers understand what you do and helps Google match you with relevant searches. Let's add your services properly.

Understanding the Services Section

What to do

Before adding services, understand what this section does and how customers see it.

Step by step

  1. Services appear on your Business Profile as a list customers can browse. They can see what you offer at a glance.
  2. Google suggests some services based on your category. You'll see predefined options you can accept. You can also add custom services.
  3. Each service can have a description. You can add detail explaining what each service includes.
  4. You can optionally add prices. Helpful for some businesses, not appropriate for others. We'll cover this below.
  5. Services can be organised into categories. Group related services together for easier browsing.
Do services help with rankings?

Services can help Google understand what you offer in more detail than just your category. If someone searches for 'boiler repair Plymouth', having 'Boiler Repair' as a listed service may help you appear. However, it's not a major ranking factor — categories, reviews, and location matter more. Services are primarily useful for customer information, with some secondary SEO benefit.

Google's official guidelines

Adding Your Services

What to do

List the services you offer. Focus on the main services customers search for.

Step by step

  1. Go to business.google.com and find the "Services" or "Products & Services" section in your profile editor.
  2. Check Google's suggested services first. Google often pre-populates services based on your category. Review these and accept any that apply to your business.
  3. Add custom services for anything else you offer. Click "Add service" or "Add custom service" and type the service name.
  4. Keep service names clear and searchable. Use terms customers would search for. "Boiler Repair" not "Boiler Fixing Solutions". "Teeth Whitening" not "Smile Enhancement Procedures".
  5. Add a description for each service. Explain what's included. This helps customers understand what they're getting and adds detail that might help with searches.
  6. Organise into service categories if offered. Group related services: "Plumbing Services", "Heating Services", "Bathroom Services" — this makes it easier for customers to browse.

Examples by industry

Categories: Plumbing Services (Leak Repairs, Pipe Fitting, Drain Unblocking, Tap Repairs), Heating Services (Boiler Repairs, Boiler Installation, Central Heating, Power Flushing), Bathroom Services (Bathroom Installation, Shower Fitting, Toilet Repairs)
Categories: Breakfast (Full English, Vegetarian Breakfast, Pancakes, Eggs Benedict), Lunch (Sandwiches, Salads, Soups, Daily Specials), Drinks (Coffee, Tea, Smoothies, Milkshakes)
Categories: General Dentistry (Check-ups, Fillings, Extractions, Root Canal), Cosmetic Dentistry (Teeth Whitening, Veneers, Bonding), Specialist Services (Dental Implants, Orthodontics, Crowns & Bridges)
Categories: Family Law (Divorce, Child Arrangements, Financial Settlements), Property (Conveyancing, Remortgage, Property Disputes), Private Client (Wills, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney)

Writing Service Descriptions

What to do

Each service can have a description. Use this space to explain what's included and why customers should choose you for this service.

Step by step

  1. Keep descriptions concise but informative. A few sentences is ideal. Explain what the service includes and any key benefits.
  2. Answer customer questions. What would someone want to know before booking this service? Include that information.
  3. Include relevant keywords naturally. If people search for "emergency boiler repair", your boiler repair service description might mention "emergency callouts available".
  4. Don't repeat information across every service. If you want to mention your experience or guarantees, put it in one or two key services rather than copying it to all.

Should You Add Prices?

What to do

You can add prices to services. For some businesses this helps, for others it doesn't. Here's how to decide.

Step by step

  1. Add prices if they're straightforward and fixed. A haircut that's always £25, a dental check-up that's always £50 — these are worth showing. Customers appreciate transparency.
  2. Don't add prices if they vary significantly. Plumbing jobs vary hugely based on the problem. Showing a price would be misleading. Just leave it blank.
  3. Consider showing "from" prices if appropriate. Some fields allow "From £X" pricing. Useful if you have a minimum price but costs vary.
  4. Keep prices updated if you show them. Wrong prices frustrate customers. If you can't commit to updating them, don't show them.
  5. Consider your competitive position. If you're the cheapest, showing prices might attract customers. If you're premium, it might put price-sensitive customers off. Think about your strategy.

Examples by industry

Generally don't show prices — every job is different. You could add "Call for free quote" in descriptions instead.
Showing prices for food and drinks can be helpful. Customers like knowing what they'll pay before visiting.
NHS prices are fixed and can be shown. Private treatment prices vary more — show if they're standard, skip if they're quote-based.
Legal fees vary hugely. Generally don't show prices. Instead, mention "Free initial consultation" or "Fixed fee available" where applicable.

How Many Services Should You Add?

What to do

Add enough to represent what you do, but don't go overboard.

Step by step

  1. Cover your main offerings. Make sure your core services are listed — the ones you want to be found for and do most often.
  2. 5-15 services is typical. Enough to show your range, not so many that it's overwhelming.
  3. Don't list every tiny variation. "Boiler Repair" is enough — you don't need separate entries for every boiler brand you work on.
  4. Think about what people search for. List services using terms people actually search. "Power Flushing" if that's what customers Google, not "Central Heating System Cleansing".
  5. You can always add more later. Start with your main services and add others as you think of them.

Services are well configured when: