If you’re a contractor, home service provider, or small local business, chances are you’ve spent a lot of time trying to build your Instagram or Facebook. That’s great for showing off your work — but here’s the hard truth:
👉 Your Google Business Profile is 10x more important when it comes to actually getting local leads.
Most people don’t find plumbers, roofers, landscapers, or even nail salons through Instagram. They pull out their phone, type “roofer near me,” and pick from the top businesses Google shows.
If your Google profile isn’t showing up (or isn’t optimized), you’re practically invisible.
Google vs. Instagram: Where Customers Actually Search
Think about your own habits. When you’re looking for:
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Someone to fix your roof
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An electrician to install an EV charger
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A nail salon in Tucson
Are you scrolling through Instagram, or typing it into Google?
Studies show over 90% of local buying journeys start with Google, especially for services where trust and reputation matter.
Why Google Business Profiles Drive Calls & Jobs
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is what shows up on Google Maps and in the “local pack” — the top 3 businesses shown under the map when someone searches.
An optimized profile means:
✅ You show up higher in local search results
✅ Customers see your phone number, reviews, hours, and photos immediately
✅ They click “Call” or “Directions” without ever going to your website
What Makes a Great Google Business Profile?
If you want your business to rank well on Google Maps and pull in more calls, your profile needs:
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Complete info: hours, service areas, categories, description
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Consistent NAP: (Name, Address, Phone) exactly matches your website
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Photos & posts: regular updates build trust and engagement
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5-star reviews: quality + frequency matters. A steady flow of positive reviews is the #1 trust driver.
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Q&A + messaging enabled: let people ask questions or request quotes directly.
Why Your Website Still Matters (Hint: It’s Connected)
Google heavily factors in the trustworthiness of your website when deciding which businesses to show in the local pack. A clean, fast-loading site that matches your Google profile details helps lock in your ranking.
If you only have Instagram or Facebook, you’re missing a critical piece.
Bottom Line: Build Your Google Presence First
Social media is awesome for brand awareness — but it’s not where people go to find a local electrician or house painter.
Focus first on:
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Optimizing your Google Business Profile
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Building a clean website that supports local SEO
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Generating consistent 5-star reviews
Then use Instagram and Facebook to build extra trust.
Want to Rank Higher & Pull in More Local Jobs?
At Local_AF Marketing, we specialize in helping Arizona businesses (and beyond) show up first on Google. From professional websites to Google profile optimization to affordable review accelerators, we’ve got your back.
👉 Book a free visibility check or see examples of our work — let’s get you in front of more customers, fast.