Google Business Profiles let you showcase what your business offers through Products and Services. These features serve different purposes:
- Products: Highlight physical or digital items with photos, descriptions, and prices. Ideal for retail, restaurants, or e-commerce.
- Services: Focus on expertise or skills your business provides, like plumbing, consulting, or healthcare. Includes descriptions and price ranges.
The choice impacts customer engagement and local search visibility. Products cater to immediate purchases, while Services attract inquiries or quotes. Some businesses benefit from using both to provide a complete view of their offerings.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Products | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Display Location | Profile carousel | Dedicated Services tab |
| Pricing Format | Fixed prices | Price ranges |
| Photos | Multiple photos per item | Single photo per service |
| Inventory Tracking | Yes | No |
| Geographic Targeting | Business location only | Service area mapping |
| Customer Action | Buy now or visit store | Request a quote or consultation |
Choose the feature that aligns with your business model and customer needs. Retailers and e-commerce businesses should prioritize Products, while service-based businesses should focus on Services. For mixed operations, use both strategically to maximize visibility and engagement.
Main Differences: Products vs Services
Understanding the distinctions between Google Business Products and Services can help you align your offerings with what potential customers are searching for. These features serve different purposes and cater to varying business needs. Here’s a breakdown to clarify how they work.
Google Business Products Features
Google Business Products function like a digital storefront, appearing prominently in a profile carousel. Each product entry allows for multiple photos, a detailed description of up to 1,000 characters, and pricing displayed in US dollars.
A standout feature is real-time inventory updates. Labels like "in stock", "out of stock", or "limited availability" let customers know what’s ready for purchase, saving them a call or visit. Products can also be tagged by category, helping Google match your items with the right audience.
Another major benefit is the direct purchase integration. Customers can click directly to your website or call straight from the product listing, making it easier for them to take action. Plus, Google tracks engagement metrics, like clicks and views, so you can see which products are driving the most interest.
Google Business Services Features
Unlike products, services focus on showcasing expertise and offering tailored solutions. These appear under a dedicated "Services" tab, making it easy for customers to explore and request what they need.
Service listings include brief descriptions and flexible pricing options, such as "Starting at $150" or "$75-$200 per hour." This approach works well for businesses offering custom work or consultations, as it sets clear expectations without locking you into exact pricing.
Services also allow you to define your service area, specifying the regions you cover. This is especially useful for businesses like contractors, consultants, or any operation that travels to clients. Additionally, these listings work with Google’s local search algorithm, boosting visibility when users search for services in your area.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Products vs Services
| Feature | Products | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Display Location | Main profile carousel | Dedicated Services tab |
| Pricing Format | Fixed prices (e.g., $25.99) | Price ranges (e.g., $50-$100) |
| Photo Support | Multiple photos per item | Single photo per service |
| Inventory Tracking | Yes (e.g., in stock) | No |
| Geographic Targeting | Business location only | Service area mapping |
| Character Limit | Up to 1,000 characters | Up to 1,000 characters |
| Purchase Integration | Direct website links | Quote or consultation requests |
| Search Visibility | Product-specific searches | Service-based local searches |
| Customer Action | Buy now or visit store | Request a quote or consultation |
| Best For | Retail, restaurants, e-commerce | Contractors, consultants, professionals |
Choosing the right feature can enhance both your conversion rates and search visibility. Products work best for businesses with clear pricing and standardized offerings, encouraging immediate purchases. Services, on the other hand, are ideal for generating inquiries and showcasing professional expertise.
Many businesses successfully use both options. For instance, a landscaping company might list garden tools as products while offering design consultations as a service. This dual strategy allows you to connect with customers at different points in their decision-making process, maximizing the impact of your Google Business profile.
How Products and Services Show Up on Google
Google presents products and services differently depending on the user’s device and the search context, which can influence how visible and engaging your offerings are.
How Products Appear
Products take center stage in the Google Business Profile. On desktop, they’re featured in a dedicated "Products" tab, while on mobile Google Maps, they’re displayed in an overview section. These listings often include photos and pricing, giving potential customers a quick glimpse of what you offer. If someone searches for a product you carry, Google might highlight it in their search results, connecting you with shoppers who are ready to buy. Compared to products, services have a more understated presence on Google.
How Services Appear
Services are displayed in the "Services" section of Google Maps. While this placement isn’t as prominent as the one for products, services can still show up in Google Search when users are looking for something specific.
As noted in the Google Business Profile Help Center:
"When local customers search on Google for a service you offer, that service may be highlighted on your profile."
This feature ensures your services gain attention when potential customers are actively searching, making it easier for them to find and engage with your business.
How to Set Up Products and Services
Making your products visible on Google involves setting them up correctly. Start by clicking the shopping bag icon labeled "Edit Products" on your dashboard. Then, hit the "+ Add" button to create your first product listing.
Google requires specific details for each product. First, upload a high-resolution photo with clear lighting – this is crucial for grabbing attention. Next, give your product a name that’s both specific and searchable. Choose the most relevant category from Google’s options, and set your price. You can either use a fixed price like $19.99 or a range such as $50–$100 if your pricing varies.
When writing product descriptions, keep them concise and focused, staying within the 1,000-character limit. For example, a coffee shop might use a description like "12oz ceramic mug with our signature logo – perfect for your morning brew". This keeps things short while highlighting the key features.
Your choice of call-to-action buttons also matters. Options include "Order Online", "Buy," or "Learn More," depending on your sales process. Pick the one that best aligns with how customers can purchase from you.
Being upfront about pricing builds trust and improves click-through rates. Customers want to know costs right away, so avoid leaving price fields blank unless absolutely necessary. If you sell custom products with variable pricing, using price ranges can help set realistic expectations.
Setting Up Google Business Services
The process for adding services is similar. Go to the "Services" section in your profile dashboard to start listing what you offer.
Each service name should be limited to 80 characters, and descriptions should not exceed 300 characters. Since services don’t require images, the description becomes even more critical in attracting customers.
Descriptions that include keywords work best. For instance, instead of simply listing "Consulting," you could write "Small Business Marketing Consulting – custom strategies to grow your local presence." This not only explains what you do but also includes terms customers are likely searching for.
Organize services into clear categories like "Consulting", "Repairs," or "Design Services" to make it easier for customers to navigate. The available categories will depend on your business type, so stick to Google’s framework for your industry. Finally, double-check that your listings are accurate and comply with Google’s guidelines.
Keeping Listings Accurate and Following Rules
Setting up your profile properly and keeping it updated ensures better engagement and higher visibility in search results. Google has strict rules for products and services, and violations can hurt your visibility – or even lead to profile suspension. Make sure all details match what you actually offer and are consistent with your website.
Some products are outright prohibited, including alcohol, tobacco, gambling-related items, uncertified pharmaceuticals, and erotic products. Even if you sell these legally, Google won’t allow them in your Business Profile.
Regular updates are a must to keep your profile in good standing. Review your listings at least every quarter or whenever you introduce new offerings, adjust prices, or discontinue items. If customers seem confused about your products or services, it might also be time for an update.
Keep in mind that profile updates can take up to 48 hours to appear on Google. This is especially important if you’re launching something time-sensitive. The new 2025 display features, like small "chips" appearing under your business name in mobile search results, make accurate listings even more crucial, as customers see this information instantly.
Businesses with complete and accurate profiles enjoy better engagement rates and higher visibility on Google Search and Maps. The effort you put into setup and maintenance directly affects how easily potential customers can find and connect with you.
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When to Use Products vs Services
Deciding whether to showcase Products or Services on your Google Business Profile boils down to what you offer and how your customers interact with your business. The choice depends on whether people are buying tangible items or seeking professional expertise. Let’s break it down to help you align your listings with customer intent.
When to Use Products
If your business involves selling physical items, such as in retail, restaurants, or e-commerce, listing Products is the way to go. This option works best when customers can visit your store or website to purchase specific items.
For example:
- A sporting goods store could feature items like Nike Air Max Sneakers or Wilson Tennis Racket to attract shoppers searching for those exact products. Including clear photos and detailed descriptions can help drive both in-store and online purchases.
- A bakery might promote items like Wedding Cakes or Fresh Croissants to showcase its offerings.
- An online boutique with a showroom could highlight Handmade Leather Handbags to appeal to both local and online shoppers.
Even subscription-based businesses can benefit from listing products. For instance, a coffee subscription service might feature a Premium Coffee Subscription to attract customers interested in recurring deliveries.
The key is specificity. When customers are searching for particular product names, having those items listed as Products ensures they find exactly what they’re looking for.
When to Use Services
For businesses that revolve around expertise or professional solutions, Services are the better choice. This category is ideal for industries like legal, accounting, consulting, contracting, and healthcare, where customers prioritize knowledge and skill.
Here are some examples:
- A plumbing company might list services like Emergency Pipe Repair or Water Heater Installation, making it easy for homeowners to find help during a crisis.
- A financial advisor could include offerings such as Retirement Planning or Investment Strategy Consulting to appeal to clients seeking specialized advice.
- Healthcare providers, such as dentists, can list procedures like Teeth Whitening or Root Canal Treatment to help patients quickly identify the care they need.
Service listings also work well for home improvement contractors. For example, a roofing company might highlight services like Roof Replacement or Storm Damage Repair to showcase the full range of its capabilities.
The deciding factor here is customer intent. When people search for expertise – like "tax preparation near me" instead of a product like "tax software" – a Services listing will better match their needs.
Using Both Products and Services
Some businesses can effectively combine both approaches to meet a variety of customer needs.
Take these examples:
- Auto repair shops: They can list services like Oil Change or Brake Repair while also featuring products such as Premium Motor Oil or New Tires. This ensures customers can find both maintenance services and replacement parts.
- Beauty salons and spas: Services like Hair Coloring or Deep Tissue Massage attract clients seeking treatments, while offering products like Professional Hair Care Products caters to retail shoppers.
- Veterinary clinics: They can list services such as Annual Pet Checkups or Emergency Care alongside products like Prescription Pet Food or Flea Prevention Medication to address the diverse needs of pet owners.
- Home improvement stores: These businesses can highlight products like kitchen cabinets for DIY customers, while also listing services like professional cabinet installation for those who prefer a hands-off approach.
The key is to keep Products and Services separate in your listings to avoid confusion. Think about which offerings generate the most profit and align your strategy with your business model to boost visibility and engagement on Google Business.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Once your Google Business Profile is fine-tuned, the next step is deciding whether to focus on Products or Services. This decision should align closely with your revenue model and the way customers typically search for businesses like yours. Simply put, prioritize what drives your income. If selling physical goods is your main revenue stream, lean into Product listings. On the other hand, if your earnings come from expertise or professional offerings, Services should take center stage. This choice plays a big role in how potential customers discover and interact with your business.
Think about how your customers usually find you. For example, retail stores, restaurants, and e-commerce businesses often benefit most from Product listings since customers are usually searching for specific items. In contrast, professional service providers – like lawyers, accountants, or contractors – should focus on Services, as their clients are typically looking for solutions to specific problems rather than physical products.
Geography matters, too. If your business serves a local community, especially with expertise-driven solutions, emphasizing Services can help you stand out in location-based searches, like "electrician near me" or "tax prep in downtown." On the flip side, businesses with online sales or a broader reach will often gain more by focusing on Product listings, allowing them to attract customers outside their immediate area.
The complexity of your offerings also comes into play. If your business is straightforward, you might only need to focus on one category. But for more complex operations, a mix of both Products and Services might be the better route. For instance, businesses catering to different customer segments with varying needs often benefit from a balanced approach.
Stay flexible and adjust your strategy as circumstances change. Use analytics to track performance and adapt seasonally. For example, a landscaping company might highlight snow removal services in winter and shift to lawn care in spring. Similarly, retail businesses can spotlight seasonal items to match customer demand during peak periods.
Your Google Business Profile isn’t static – keep it evolving. As your business grows, expands its offerings, or shifts focus, update your listings to reflect those changes. The key is to keep your profile dynamic and relevant.
FAQs
How can a business decide whether to focus on Products or Services in their Google Business Profile?
To decide whether to highlight Products or Services on your Google Business Profile, take a close look at what your business primarily offers. If you sell physical items, focusing on Products lets you display your inventory and attract customers actively searching for those goods. On the flip side, if your business revolves around offerings like consultations, repairs, or other non-physical solutions, emphasizing Services ensures your profile matches what potential customers are looking for.
Keep an eye on customer engagement metrics – things like clicks, calls, and inquiries. These insights can help you figure out which focus is driving better results. By doing this regularly, you can keep your profile aligned with your business goals and what your customers need.
How can using both the Products and Services features in a Google Business Profile benefit businesses with a variety of offerings?
Using the Products and Services features in your Google Business Profile is a smart way to highlight everything your business offers. The Products section is perfect for showcasing physical items, while the Services section focuses on your expertise or tailored solutions. Together, they provide a clear picture of what your business brings to the table – whether someone is shopping for specific products or seeking professional services.
This combination doesn’t just make it easier for customers to understand your offerings; it also enhances your local SEO. By presenting detailed and relevant information, you can attract more visitors, engage them effectively, and turn them into loyal customers. It’s a straightforward yet highly effective strategy to grow your reach and generate better leads.
What’s the difference in geographic targeting between products and services on Google Business Profiles, and why does it matter?
Geographic targeting on Google Business Profiles differs based on whether a business focuses on products or services.
For businesses offering products, the emphasis is on the physical storefront. This helps attract local customers within a defined area – like a two-hour driving radius – making it ideal for businesses that depend on foot traffic or in-person visits.
On the other hand, businesses providing services have more flexibility. They can define a specific service area without needing a physical location. This allows them to target multiple neighborhoods, cities, or even larger regions, reaching customers in various locations.
Recognizing this distinction is key because geographic targeting affects how businesses show up in local search results. Product-based businesses benefit from visibility tied to proximity, while service-based businesses can extend their reach to a broader audience.
