3 GBP Mistakes Costing You Calls

Photos are the visual proof that you’re the real deal. And in restoration, trust is everything. The biggest mistake contractors make is either skipping photo uploads completely or posting the wrong kinds of images. That includes blurry shots, overly edited before-and-afters, or—yikes—stock photos. Google can tell when your images aren’t original, and potential clients can too.

The fix? Post real photos from real jobs. Show your team on-site, your equipment in use, cleaned-up areas after mitigation, branded trucks at the property, and even tools like air scrubbers and dehus in action (as long as they’re not staged). Geo-tagged mobile photos taken at actual job sites send powerful location signals to Google. They also make you look legit to customers scrolling through competitors.

You don’t have to post every day, but consistency matters. Aim for at least 2–3 photos a week. And don’t be afraid to snap quick shots on the go—action beats perfection every time. Google gives preference to profiles that are updated regularly, so the more visual activity your listing has, the more you stand out in a crowded market.

Having a “4.7-star average” looks great on the surface. But if those reviews are old, generic, or all from friends and family, they’re doing more harm than good. Google—and potential customers—want to see fresh, specific reviews that prove you’re still active and still crushing it.

The mistake most restoration pros make is not building a review system into their workflow. They do great work, but never ask for feedback. Or they ask, but it’s clunky and hard for the customer to follow through. Worse, they only get reviews when something goes wrong and a client is mad.

The solution is to make review requests part of your job close-out process. Use a custom QR code or send a direct text with a short link to your review form. Ask customers to mention the service—“emergency water extraction,” “mold cleanup in the basement,” or “smoke damage from house fire.” These keywords help you rank higher for those terms locally. And always reply to reviews! A simple thank you or helpful follow-up shows future leads that you care and are responsive—even after the job’s done.

Don’t forget: even a handful of bad reviews won’t hurt you if you’re constantly bringing in authentic, 5-star ones that tell a full story.

Absolutely. But only if you’re doing them right. Google Posts are one of the most underused ranking tools restoration contractors have. Too many companies either skip posting altogether or throw up random updates with no strategy behind them.

A strong GBP post isn’t just an announcement—it’s a mini billboard. And you’ve got lots of flexibility here. Posts can be:

• Before and after job summaries (with geo-tagged photos and keyword-rich descriptions of the damage and fix)
• 5-star review highlights, showing the customer’s feedback, what work was performed, and how you prioritized customer satisfaction
• Seasonal content, like flood prevention tips before heavy rains or fire cleanup services ahead of wildfire season
• Educational content, breaking down common problems like hidden mold signs or why quick extraction matters
• Blog article teasers, sharing a quick summary and a link to your latest piece on things like insurance claims, drying timelines, or emergency checklists

That’s the trick: Google loves fresh, relevant content. Posts show you’re active, responsive, and engaged in your community. They also help you show up more often for related keyword searches.

A strong post includes a real image, a keyword-rich description, and a clear call to action like “Call now for 24/7 help” or “Learn more about our water damage services.” When you update your GBP regularly with useful posts, you’re telling Google, “I’m open, active, and ready to help.” That’s what gets you more clicks, more views, and more calls.