Quick answer
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing drivers see when they search for a repair nearby. Choose "Auto body shop" as your primary category, list every service you offer, add real photos of your work regularly, keep your hours accurate and build a steady flow of genuine reviews. Google ranks local results on relevance, distance and prominence.
Key takeaways
- Your category and services tell Google which searches you are relevant for.
- Real photos and regular reviews build prominence.
- Adding keywords to your business name breaks Google's guidelines.
Why does Google Business Profile matter for a bodyshop?
When someone searches for a repair near them, Google usually shows a map with a handful of local businesses above the normal results. Drivers can call, get directions, read reviews and look at photos without visiting a website. For many shops, the profile produces more calls than the website itself.
How does Google rank local businesses?
Google says local results are based mainly on three factors:
- Relevance: how well your profile matches the search. Your category, services and description drive this.
- Distance: how far you are from the searcher, or from the location in their search.
- Prominence: how well known you are, including your reviews and rating.
You cannot change your distance, but relevance and prominence are within your control. Google explains this in its guide to improving your local ranking.
How do you set up a bodyshop's Google Business Profile?
- Claim and verify your profile.
- Use your real business name, exactly as it appears on your signage. Adding words like "accident repair" or a town name breaks Google's guidelines and can get the profile suspended.
- Choose "Auto body shop" as your primary category. Add secondary categories only for services you genuinely provide.
- Add your services with short descriptions: accident repair, scratch and scuff repair, dent removal, resprays, bumper repair and anything else you do.
- Set accurate opening hours, including bank holidays.
- Add your phone number and website, linking to a page that makes it easy to call or send photos.
- Write a clear description of what you do and the areas you serve, in plain language.
What photos should a bodyshop add?
- The front of the building and your signage, so people recognise you when they arrive
- The workshop, spray booth and equipment
- The team at work
- Before-and-after pictures of real repairs
Add new photos regularly. It shows the business is active and gives drivers proof of the quality of your work.
How do reviews affect a bodyshop's Google ranking?
Reviews feed into prominence, and they are one of the main things drivers compare when choosing between shops. A steady flow of recent, genuine reviews does more than a one-off burst. Reply to every review, positive or negative. The guide on getting more Google reviews sets out a simple process and the rules to follow.
What if you are a mobile repairer?
Mobile repairers and smart repair specialists can set up their profile as a service-area business and list the towns or areas they cover. If customers do not visit your premises, Google's guidelines say you should hide your address and show your service area instead.
Which Google Business Profile mistakes hold bodyshops back?
- Keywords stuffed into the business name
- The wrong primary category
- Different names, addresses or phone numbers on different websites and directories
- Few or no photos of real work
- Unanswered reviews
- Fake reviews, which are illegal in the UK as well as against Google's rules
Frequently asked questions
What category should a bodyshop use on Google Business Profile?
"Auto body shop" as the primary category. Add secondary categories only for services you genuinely provide, because categories tell Google which searches you are relevant for.
How do I get my bodyshop into the Google map results?
Google ranks local results on relevance, distance and prominence. Complete every section of your profile, list your services, add real photos regularly and build a steady flow of genuine reviews.
Can a mobile repairer have a Google Business Profile?
Yes. Set it up as a service-area business, hide your address if customers do not visit you, and list the areas you cover.
How often should a bodyshop update its Google Business Profile?
There is no fixed rule. Keep your hours and services accurate, add new photos regularly and reply to reviews as they come in, so the profile shows an active business.
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