Table Of Contents
Introduction
If you own a local business, one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal is your Google My Business (GMB) profile – now officially called Google Business Profile. Most business owners know the basics: add your address, phone number, hours, and a few photos. But there is one feature that many people overlook entirely, and that is the Products section.
The Products section in Google My Business allows you to showcase what your business offers – whether that is physical products or services – directly on your Google listing. When someone searches for your business (or businesses like yours) on Google, they can see your offerings right there on the search results page, without having to click through to your website.
This guide is written specifically for beginners. You do not need any technical skills or marketing experience to follow along. By the end of this article, you will know exactly what the Products section is, why it matters, and – most importantly – how to list your services in it step by step, with tips for getting the best results.
1. What Is the Google My Business Products Section?
Before diving into the how-to, it helps to understand what we are talking about. The Products section in Google My Business is a dedicated area on your business listing where you can display individual items – with a name, image, price (optional), description, and a call-to-action button.
Even though Google calls it the “Products” section, it is perfectly suited for listing services too. If you are a plumber, you can list “Emergency Leak Repair” or “Pipe Installation” as products. If you run a salon, you can list “Haircut,” “Highlights,” and “Blowout.” Google has designed the feature to be flexible enough to work for almost any type of business.
When your products or services are listed, they appear in a visual carousel format beneath your business information in the Knowledge Panel on Google Search. On mobile devices especially, this section is highly visible and can capture the attention of potential customers immediately.
1.1 Products vs. Services: What Is the Difference?
You may have noticed that Google My Business also has a separate “Services” section in the business dashboard. This can be confusing. Here is how to think about the difference:
- The Services section is a structured list that Google uses to understand your business category. It feeds into how Google categorizes and recommends your business in search.
- The Products section is a customer-facing showcase with images, descriptions, and prices. It is more visual and more detailed.
For the purposes of this guide, we will be using the Products section to list your services because it gives you more control over how they appear to the customer, and it is the section that shows up visually in your Google listing.
Pro Tip: Many service-based businesses – from law firms to yoga studios – use the Products section to showcase their offerings. Do not let the word ‘Products’ stop you.
2. Why Should You List Services in the Products Section?
You might be wondering whether this is worth your time. The answer is a strong yes – and here is why.
2.1 More Visibility in Search Results
When you list services in the Products section, your Google listing takes up more space on the search results page. Instead of just showing your name, address, and phone number, your listing now shows a visual carousel of what you offer. This extra real estate grabs attention and makes your business stand out from competitors who have not bothered to fill out this section.
2.2 Customers Know What You Offer Before Clicking
Today’s internet users are impatient. If they cannot quickly understand what your business does, they move on. By listing your services with clear names and short descriptions, you help potential customers self-qualify – they can see at a glance whether you offer what they are looking for. This leads to higher-quality inquiries and better conversion rates.
2.3 Improved Local SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) refers to how high your business appears in search results. Filling out your Google Business Profile completely – including the Products section – signals to Google that your profile is comprehensive and trustworthy. A fully populated profile is more likely to rank well in local searches like “dentist near me” or “best pizza in [your city].”
2.4 Free Advertising
The Products section is completely free to use. You are essentially getting a mini-storefront on Google at no cost. For small businesses with limited marketing budgets, this is a huge opportunity to showcase what you do without spending a single rupee or dollar on advertising.
2.5 Builds Trust and Credibility
A complete, professional-looking Google listing – one that shows your services with images and descriptions – makes your business look established and trustworthy. Customers are far more likely to contact a business that looks well-organized than one with a sparse listing.
3. Before You Begin: What You Need
There are a few things you need to have in place before you can start adding services to your Products section.
3.1 A Google Business Profile Account
First and foremost, you need to have a Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business). If you have not set one up yet, go to business.google.com and follow the steps to create and verify your business. The verification process typically involves Google sending a postcard to your business address with a verification code, though some businesses can verify via phone or email.
3.2 A Verified Business Listing
Your business listing needs to be verified by Google before you can edit most features, including the Products section. An unverified listing will have limited functionality. Once verified, a checkmark appears next to your business name in the dashboard, confirming you are good to go.
3.3 Access to the Google Business Profile Dashboard
You need to be logged into the Google account that manages your business listing. If someone else set up your listing, you may need to ask them to add you as a manager or owner of the profile.
3.4 Images (Recommended)
While images are not strictly required to add a product or service, they make a massive difference in how your listing looks. A product listing with a high-quality image is significantly more eye-catching than one without. Prepare some clear, well-lit photos of your services, workspace, or team before you begin.
Good to Know: Images should ideally be at least 720 x 720 pixels in size, and in JPG or PNG format. Avoid blurry, dark, or heavily filtered photos.
4. Step-by-Step: How to Add Services in the Products Section
Now for the main event. Follow these steps carefully, and you will have your services listed in no time.
Step 1: Log In to Google Business Profile
Open your web browser and go to business.google.com. Sign in using the Google account linked to your business. Once logged in, you will see your business dashboard.
If you manage multiple businesses, make sure you select the correct one from the list on the left-hand side of the screen.
Step 2: Navigate to the Products Section
In your dashboard, look at the left-hand menu. You will see various options such as Home, Posts, Info, Insights, and more. Click on “Products.” This will open the Products management area.
If you do not see the Products option in your menu, it could be for one of these reasons:
- Your business category may not support the Products feature (for example, certain category types like hospitals or government offices may not have this option).
- Your listing may not be fully verified yet.
- You may need to update your Google Business Profile to the latest version.
Step 3: Click “Get Started” or “Add Product”
If this is your first time adding a product, you will see a prompt that says “Get Started” or “Add your first product.” Click on it. If you have already added products before, you will see an “Add Product” button at the top of the Products page. Click that instead.
A dialog box or panel will slide open on the right side of your screen (or a new page will load on mobile). This is where you will fill in the details for each service you want to list.
Step 4: Add the Product (Service) Name
The first field asks for the name of your product or service. This should be clear and descriptive. Think about what your customer would type into Google to search for this service.
For example, instead of writing “Service 1” or “Our Main Offering,” write something like:
- Website Design for Small Businesses
- Emergency Plumbing Repair
- Full Body Massage Therapy
- Corporate Tax Filing Services
Keep it concise but informative. Google allows up to 58 characters for the product name, so use that space wisely.
Step 5: Select or Create a Category
Google will ask you to choose a category for the product. Categories help organize multiple services into groups. For example, if you are a salon, you might have categories like “Hair Services,” “Nail Services,” and “Skin Treatments.”
If no existing category fits, you can type a new one and Google will create it. Good categories are:
- Short and descriptive (2-4 words)
- Representative of the type of service, not the specific service itself
- Consistent across similar services (so all your cleaning services, for example, fall under one category)
Step 6: Set a Price (Optional)
Google gives you a few options for pricing:
- Fixed Price: Enter a specific dollar or rupee amount (e.g., Rs. 2,500 or $50).
- Price Range: Set a minimum and maximum price (e.g., Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 5,000).
- No Price: Leave the price blank if your pricing depends on the job, or if you prefer customers to call for a quote.
For services with variable pricing – like home renovation, legal consulting, or custom design work – it is perfectly fine to leave the price blank or set a “starting from” range. Do not feel pressured to put an exact price if it does not accurately reflect your work.
Tip: Even adding a price range gives customers a helpful reference point and can prevent price-sensitive inquiries for services you do not offer at a low price point.
Step 7: Write a Description
The description field is where you have the opportunity to really sell your service. Google allows up to 1,000 characters for the description, which is a generous amount of space.
Here is how to write an effective service description:
- Start with what the service is: Begin with a clear sentence that summarizes what the service involves.
- Explain the benefits: Tell customers why they would want this service and what problem it solves.
- Mention any key details: Include information like turnaround time, what is included, or who it is suited for.
- Add a subtle call to action: Encourage the reader to take the next step, such as calling you or visiting your website.
Here is a sample description for a web design service:
“We create custom, mobile-friendly websites for small businesses and startups. Our web design service includes initial consultation, wireframing, design mockups, development, testing, and launch. We specialize in clean, fast-loading designs that convert visitors into customers. Get in touch to discuss your project and receive a free quote.”
Notice how this description explains what the service is, what is included, who it is for, and what to do next – all in a natural, readable way.
Step 8: Add a Photo
Click the camera icon or the “Add Photo” button to upload an image for this service. Visuals make your listing dramatically more appealing, so try not to skip this step.
What makes a good service photo?
- Show the result or outcome: For a cleaning service, show a spotless home. For a bakery, show a beautiful cake.
- Show your team at work: Authentic behind-the-scenes photos build trust.
- Use real photos, not stock images: Google may flag or lower the priority of obvious stock photos.
- Make sure the image is well-lit and in focus.
If you do not have a photo ready, you can always add one later by editing the product listing.
Step 9: Add a Call-to-Action Button (Optional)
Google allows you to add a button to your product listing that takes customers to a specific page. You have several button options:
- Order Online
- Buy
- Learn More
- Get Offer
- Get Quote
For services, the most appropriate options are usually “Learn More” (linking to a service page on your website) or “Get Quote” (linking to a contact form). Choose the button that best matches what you want the customer to do next, and paste in the relevant URL.
Step 10: Save Your Product
Once you have filled in all the details, click the “Save” or “Publish” button. Google will review your submission briefly. In most cases, the listing goes live within a few hours, though it can occasionally take up to 24 hours.
Congratulations – you have just listed your first service in the Products section of Google My Business!
5. How to Organize Multiple Services Effectively
Most businesses offer more than one service, so you will likely want to add several listings. Here is how to keep things organized and make the most of the Products section.
5.1 Use Categories to Group Related Services
When you have multiple services, grouping them into logical categories makes it easier for customers to navigate your listing. Think of categories as the chapters in a book – they help people find what they need quickly.
Example category structures:
For a Digital Marketing Agency: SEO Services, Social Media Management, Paid Advertising, Content Creation
For a Plumbing Business: Emergency Repairs, Installation Services, Inspections & Maintenance
For a Fitness Studio: Group Classes, Personal Training, Nutrition Coaching
5.2 List Your Most Important Services First
The order in which you list your services matters. Google typically shows the Products section as a scrollable carousel, with the first few items being the most visible. Put your best-selling, most popular, or most profitable services at the top.
You can reorder your products by dragging and dropping them within the Products dashboard.
5.3 Be Consistent with Naming
If you are listing several services, try to follow a consistent naming format. For example, if you name one service “Professional Carpet Cleaning,” do not name the next one just “Upholstery” – name it “Professional Upholstery Cleaning” to maintain consistency and professionalism.
5.4 Do Not Duplicate Listings
Avoid creating multiple listings for essentially the same service. If you offer “Website Design for Small Businesses” and “Small Business Web Design,” combine them into a single, comprehensive listing. Duplicate or overlapping listings confuse customers and look unprofessional.
6. Best Practices for Writing Service Descriptions
Your product descriptions do a lot of heavy lifting. They need to inform, persuade, and reassure potential customers – all in a short paragraph. Here are some best practices.
6.1 Use Natural, Conversational Language
Write the way you would speak to a customer in person. Avoid jargon, overly technical terms, or stiff corporate language. If a potential customer reads the description and it sounds like a real person wrote it, they are more likely to trust your business.
6.2 Focus on Benefits, Not Just Features
There is a well-known principle in marketing: customers do not buy features, they buy benefits. A feature is what your service does; a benefit is what the customer gains from it.
Feature: “We use the latest cloud-based accounting software.”
Benefit: “You get accurate, real-time financial reports so you always know where your money stands.”
Whenever possible, frame your descriptions around what the customer will experience or gain, not just what you do.
6.3 Include Keywords Naturally
Keywords are the words and phrases people type into Google when searching. If you naturally include relevant keywords in your service descriptions, it can help your listing appear in more searches.
For example, if you are a home cleaning service in Mumbai, phrases like “professional home cleaning in Mumbai” or “deep cleaning service for apartments” are worth including – but write them naturally, not in a forced, robotic way.
6.4 Keep It Scannable
Many people skim online content rather than reading it word for word. Start your description with the most important information. Use short sentences and simple words. Avoid long, dense paragraphs.
6.5 Avoid Making Unverifiable Claims
Phrases like “The Best in India” or “#1 Rated Service” can actually hurt your credibility if you have no evidence to back them up. Customers are savvy and they recognize empty boasts. Instead, be specific and genuine: “Trusted by over 500 families across Bangalore” is far more convincing than “The best cleaning service around.”
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-intentioned business owners sometimes make avoidable errors in their Google My Business Products section. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.
7.1 Leaving the Section Empty
The most common mistake is simply not using the Products section at all. Many businesses set up their GMB profile with the basics and forget about Products entirely. This is a missed opportunity – especially since your competitors may already be using it.
7.2 Using Low-Quality or Irrelevant Photos
A blurry, dark, or irrelevant photo can actually make your listing look worse than having no photo at all. Take the time to upload clear, relevant images. If professional photography is not in your budget, a well-lit smartphone photo taken in natural daylight is perfectly adequate.
7.3 Setting Inaccurate Prices
If you list a price that turns out to be wrong when the customer contacts you, it creates a bad first impression. If your prices vary, use a range or simply leave the price blank and explain in the description that pricing depends on the scope of work.
7.4 Copying Descriptions from Your Website
While it may be tempting to copy-paste your website content into GMB, it is better to write fresh, unique descriptions. Duplicate content can confuse customers who visit both your GMB profile and your website, and it misses the opportunity to tailor your message to a Google search audience specifically.
7.5 Ignoring Updates
Your services, prices, and offerings change over time. A customer who sees a service listed that you no longer offer will be frustrated when they call and discover it is unavailable. Make it a habit to review and update your Products section every few months.
7.6 Violating Google’s Policies
Google has content policies for what can and cannot be listed in the Products section. Avoid listing things that are misleading, illegal, or violate Google’s terms of service. Doing so can result in your listing being suspended. When in doubt, keep it straightforward and honest.
8. Editing and Managing Your Product Listings
Once your services are listed, they are not set in stone. Here is how to keep them updated.
8.1 How to Edit an Existing Listing
To edit a product you have already published, go to the Products section in your Google Business Profile dashboard. Find the listing you want to edit and click on it. You will see the same form you filled out when creating it. Make your changes and click “Save.”
8.2 How to Delete a Listing
If a service is no longer offered, remove it from your Products section. Click on the listing you want to remove, then look for the delete or trash icon. Confirm the deletion. The listing will be removed from your profile within a short time.
8.3 How to Reorder Your Listings
The order of your products matters because the first items are the most visible in the carousel. To reorder, go to your Products section, and look for the option to drag and drop listings into a new order. Some versions of the dashboard allow you to click and drag directly; others have an edit menu where you can set the order.
8.4 Monitoring Performance
Google Business Profile provides Insights – a section that shows you how customers are interacting with your listing. You can see how many people viewed your profile, how many clicked on your products, how many requested directions, and more.
Pay attention to which services are getting the most clicks and impressions. If certain services are being viewed frequently but not generating inquiries, consider improving the description or photo. If some services are barely being seen, try moving them earlier in the list or improving their names.
9. Real-World Examples: Services Listed as Products
To help you visualize how this works in practice, here are a few examples of how different types of businesses can use the Products section to showcase their services.
Example 1: Home Repair & Renovation Business
Category: Electrical Services
Service Name: Home Wiring & Switchboard Upgrade
Price: Starting from Rs. 3,500
Description: “Upgrade your home wiring and switchboard with our certified electricians. We handle everything from initial inspection to full rewiring and installation of modern switchboards. Safe, fast, and fully compliant with local electrical codes. Call us for a free on-site estimate.”
Example 2: Chartered Accountant Firm
Category: Tax & Compliance
Service Name: Individual Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing
Price: Rs. 999 onwards
Description: “File your income tax return quickly and accurately with our expert CA team. We handle salaried employees, freelancers, and small business owners. Service includes document review, return preparation, and e-filing confirmation. Avoid penalties – get started today.”
Example 3: Photography Studio
Category: Photography Packages
Service Name: Professional Headshots & Corporate Portraits
Price: Rs. 4,500 – Rs. 9,000
Description: “Make a lasting impression with high-quality professional headshots. Ideal for LinkedIn profiles, company websites, and press kits. Our studio session includes wardrobe guidance, expert lighting setup, and your choice of edited photos delivered digitally within 48 hours.”
10. Advanced Tips to Get More from the Products Section
Once you have the basics down, here are some advanced strategies to make your Products section work even harder for you.
10.1 Align Products with Google Posts
Google Posts are short announcements you can publish on your business listing – like social media posts, but for Google Search. You can create a post that highlights a specific service and links it to the corresponding product listing. This combination of a Product listing and a Post can dramatically increase visibility for that service.
10.2 Use Seasonal or Promotional Listings
If your business has seasonal services – like AC installation in summer or tax filing in March – create a product listing for those services a few weeks before the season begins. You can delete or archive them when the season ends. Similarly, if you are running a limited-time offer, create a product listing that highlights the promotion.
10.3 Match Your Products to Your Website
Your Google Business Profile and your website should tell a consistent story. If you list a service in your Products section, make sure there is a corresponding page on your website that a customer can land on when they click the call-to-action button. A seamless experience from search to website to inquiry builds trust and increases conversions.
10.4 Respond to Questions About Your Products
Customers can ask questions directly on your Google listing. Monitor these regularly. If someone asks a question about a service you have listed, answer it promptly and thoroughly. These Q&As are public and can influence other potential customers who read them.
10.5 Use Photos That Show Your Team
Photos of real people at work are among the most trusted types of images online. If your service involves a team – technicians, doctors, trainers, chefs – include a professional or candid photo of your team in action. People hire people, and a human face can make your listing significantly more approachable.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I list services in the Products section even if I don’t sell physical products?
Absolutely. The Products section is not just for physical goods. Service-based businesses are encouraged to use it. Think of each service as a “product” in the catalog.
Q: How many products or services can I add?
Google does not publish a strict limit, but most businesses list between 5 and 30 items. Focus on quality over quantity – list only the services you actively want to promote.
Q: Will my products show up in Google Search automatically?
Once approved, your products appear in your Knowledge Panel on Google Search and Google Maps. However, showing up in broader search results (for example, when someone searches for your type of service without knowing your business name) depends on your overall SEO and how well your profile is optimized.
Q: Can I add multiple photos to one product?
Currently, Google allows one primary photo per product listing. Choose your best, most representative image for each service.
Q: What happens if Google rejects my product listing?
If a listing does not go live, it is likely because it violates Google’s content policies. Review the listing and ensure it is factual, not misleading, and does not contain prohibited content. You can then resubmit it.
Q: Do I need to add a price?
No, prices are optional. If you prefer not to list prices – perhaps because they vary or you want customers to call for a quote – you can leave that field blank.
Conclusion
The Products section in Google My Business is one of the most underused features available to local businesses – and one of the most powerful. By taking the time to list your services with clear names, compelling descriptions, and attractive photos, you give your business a significant competitive edge in local search.
The steps are straightforward: log in to your Google Business Profile, navigate to Products, click Add Product, fill in the details, and save. Repeat the process for each of your key services, and organize them into logical categories. Then keep the listings fresh and accurate as your business evolves.
Whether you are a solo entrepreneur just starting out or an established business looking to boost your online presence, the Products section costs nothing but a bit of your time. And the returns – more visibility, more credibility, more customers – are very much worth it.
Start today. Open your Google Business Profile, click on Products, and add your first service listing. Your next customer might discover your business because of it.
Quick Reference: Step-by-Step Checklist
Use this checklist every time you add a new service to your Products section:
- Log in to Google Business Profile at business.google.com
- Click on ‘Products’ in the left menu
- Click ‘Add Product’
- Enter a clear, descriptive service name (up to 58 characters)
- Select or create a relevant category
- Set a fixed price, price range, or leave blank
- Write a 100-300 word description focusing on benefits
- Upload a high-quality, relevant photo
- Add a call-to-action button and link (optional but recommended)
- Click Save and wait for Google to approve the listing
- Review and update listings every 2-3 months
About the Author
Jay Patel is the Founder of XSquareSEO, a full-service SEO agency with experience in on-page SEO, eCommerce SEO, link building, technical SEO, SaaS SEO, and local SEO. For more information, feel free to contact us.
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