How to set up and optimise your Google Business Profile as an EV charger installer

What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business, is the free listing that appears on Google Maps and in the "map pack" (the three local businesses shown at the top of local search results). It's separate from your website, and for many customers it's the first (and sometimes only) thing they see about your business.

For EV charger installers targeting residential and commercial customers in a specific area, a well-optimised GBP listing is arguably the single highest-return marketing activity available. It's free, it compounds over time, and it puts you directly in front of people who are actively looking for what you do.

Step 1: Claim or create your listing

Go to business.google.com and search for your business name. If it already exists (Google often auto-generates listings), claim it. If not, create a new one. You'll need to verify ownership, usually via a postcard to your business address, though phone and email verification options are also available for some businesses.

• Use your exact trading name; don't stuff keywords into the business name field (e.g. "EV Charger Installer Birmingham - Fast Fit") as this violates Google's guidelines and can get your listing suspended
• Set your primary category as "Electrician"; it's the most accurate and best-performing category for EV installers
• Add secondary categories: "Electric vehicle charging station" is worth adding if available in your region

Step 2: Complete every section

Google rewards completeness. A fully completed profile outperforms a sparse one. Work through every section:

• Business description: 750 characters to describe what you do. Mention EV charger installation, your service area, any accreditations (OZEV-approved, CTEC/NICEIC), and whether you cover residential and/or commercial. Don't keyword-stuff; write naturally
• Services: Add individual services (Home EV charger installation, Commercial charge point installation, OZEV grant applications) with descriptions for each
• Opening hours: Set accurate hours. If you operate by appointment, list your general availability
• Phone and website: Ensure both are accurate and consistent with every other online listing you have
• Attributes: Tick any that apply: "LGBTQ+ friendly", "women-led", or relevant certifications if Google offers them for your category

Step 3: Add photos

Listings with photos receive significantly more clicks and calls than those without. For EV installers, photos are also a direct demonstration of your work quality; customers will look at them before deciding whether to call.

• Add a logo and a cover photo
• Upload photos of completed installations, aim for at least 10 good-quality images
• Include exterior shots (so customers can find your location if you have premises), team photos, and any branded vehicles
• Add new photos regularly; Google favours active listings

Step 4: Collect and manage reviews

Reviews are the most powerful ranking factor in local search and the most persuasive element of your GBP listing. A profile with 40 five-star reviews will get far more clicks than one with four reviews, regardless of how good your website is.

• Ask every satisfied customer for a review. The simplest way is a follow-up text or email with a direct link to your review page (find yours via the "Share review form" option in your GBP dashboard)
• Don't wait until a month after the job; ask within 24 hours of completion while the experience is fresh
• Respond to every review, positive and negative. Responses show Google that your listing is active and show potential customers that you care
• Never pay for reviews or ask friends/family; Google detects patterns and can remove fake reviews or penalise your listing

Step 5: Post regular updates

GBP Posts let you share updates, offers, and news directly on your listing. Most businesses never use this feature, which means it's an easy way to stand out. Post at least twice a month: a recent installation with a photo, an offer, or a relevant update about EV charging grants or technology works well.