How to add keywords to your Google Business Profile
Use the search terms Google already shows for your profile, add them as services, then build a matching page on your website.
Where to add keywords in Google Business Profile
There is no single "keywords" box. Google reads the words in seven places: your categories, your services, the business description, products, attributes, updates and your replies to reviews. Your business name is the one place you must not add them. The steps below cover each one.
Why this works
Google compares your listing with your website. When a service name appears on both, and the page really covers it, Google has more reason to show you for that search. The keyword should be a real thing you do, not a stuffed phrase.
Step 1: find the terms you already show up for
Open your Google Business Profile and choose Performance. Scroll down to the search terms list and open See more. These are real searches that already show your business.
Step 2: pick one you want more calls from
Choose a term that matches a job you want. "Emergency water heater repair" is worth adding. A term for work you do not do is not.
Step 3: add it as a service on the profile
Choose Edit services, scroll down, add more services, then add a custom service. Paste the term in, save, and write a short honest description of the job.
Step 4: build a page on your website for it
Make a page for that service with the term in the heading, a plain description, photos, your service area and a call button. What goes on a services page.
Step 5: check your categories
Your main category carries the most weight. Open Edit profile, then Business category. You cannot type free text here: start typing and pick from Google's list. Choose the main category that matches the job most of your calls are about, then add other categories only for work you really do.
Step 6: write the business description
Open Edit profile, then Description. You get up to 750 characters. Say what you do, where, and for whom, in plain sentences, using the words customers use. Example: "Family-run plumbing company in Tampa. Drain cleaning, water heater repair and leak repair for homes and small businesses." Do not paste a list of keywords or cities.
Step 7: products, attributes and updates
If your category allows products, add your main packages with a short description each. Under More, tick the attributes that are true (for example online estimates or onsite services). Post an update when you finish a job worth showing, and name the service in a normal sentence.
Step 8: reply to reviews in plain words
When a customer writes "fixed our water heater fast", thank them and mention the job in one natural line. Do not turn replies into keyword lists; customers read them too.
Step 9: repeat every month
Check Performance monthly. New terms appear as customers search differently. Add one service and one page at a time.
What do Google's own rules say about keywords in categories and the description?
Google's help page Edit your Business Profile (read October 29, 2026) sets the limits. Categories: one primary category plus up to 9 more, and Google says not to use categories only as keywords or to describe features of your business. Description: no links or HTML, and it should be about the business itself, not promotions, prices or sales. Edits are made from your profile on Google Search (Edit profile, then Save) or in the Google Maps app (Business, then Edit profile), signed in to the Google Account linked to the profile. Google reviews changes before they go live, so a new service or description may not show the same day.
Can I put keywords in my business name?
No. Your profile name must match the name on your sign, documents and website. Adding words like "Best Plumber Tampa" breaks Google's guidelines, competitors can report it, and Google can suspend the profile. If the keyword is really part of your legal or trading name, it is fine.
How long until it works?
Changes to services and descriptions can take a few days to show and longer to affect where you rank. Reviews, distance to the searcher and how well your website matches still matter more than any one field.
Do not
Add services you do not offer, stuff cities or keywords into your business name (Google can suspend a profile for that), or copy the same text on every page.
Want it set up for you?
Kingpin Sites sets up your Google Business Profile with your services and builds the matching website pages. Free preview first.
Questions
Where do I add keywords in Google My Business?
There is no keywords box. Google reads the words in your categories, services, business description, products, attributes, updates and your replies to reviews.
Can I add keywords to my Google Business Profile name?
No, unless the words are really part of your business name. Google can suspend a profile for adding them.
How long do new keywords take to work?
Changes to services and the description can take a few days to show, and longer to change where you rank.
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