In this lesson you will open a fresh browser window, navigate to google.com/business, and click “Manage now.” After signing in with a dedicated business Google account, you’ll be prompted to enter the locksmith’s legal business name exactly as it appears on the storefront signage. The system will then ask for a physical address; you must input the street address, city, state, and ZIP code, ensuring the map pin drops on the correct lot. If the shop serves multiple neighborhoods, you’ll learn to add service area codes or city names rather than a secondary address, which prevents duplicate listings and keeps the profile clean.
Verification is the next critical step. We’ll walk through the three verification methods—postcard, phone, and email—explaining why the postcard method is the most reliable for a brick‑and‑mortar locksmith. You’ll draft a concise verification request, print the postcard, and place it in the shop’s mailbox. Once the six‑digit code arrives (typically 5–7 days), you’ll enter it into the dashboard, unlocking full editing rights. With the profile verified, you’ll immediately set the primary category to “Locksmith” and add secondary categories such as “Emergency Locksmith” and “Security System Installer.” The lesson shows you how to use the “Attributes” section to flag 24‑hour service, mobile locksmith capabilities, and accepted payment methods, all of which appear in Google’s local pack.
Next, you’ll upload high‑resolution images: a storefront photo, interior workstations, and before‑and‑after shots of lock installations. The tutorial explains optimal image dimensions (minimum 720 × 720 px) and how to add descriptive alt‑text for SEO. You’ll also enable the “Messaging” feature, linking it to a dedicated business phone number or a CRM inbox, and set up a booking URL that routes clients to your online appointment scheduler. Finally, you’ll create your first “Post”—a limited‑time promotion for a free lock‑change service—complete with a call‑to‑action button and expiration date. By the end of the preview, you’ll have a live, fully verified Google Business Profile ready to attract local customers.
The rest of this lesson (full video walkthrough + downloadable PDF + practice exercises) is available to enrolled Lock School students. Enroll →
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