How Remodelers Get Found in Local Search 

If you’re a home remodeler in Michigan, chances are you’ve asked yourself—or Google—this question:

“How do I make my business show up on Google when customers search for a home remodeler?”

(Maybe not in those exact words—we understand that when remodelers like you are really frustrated, all you might ask is “…How does my business get noticed?”)

You’re not alone. In your competitive local market, being visible when the right customer is searching for your services can make the difference between getting the call or losing it to a competitor.

The good news? You can show up on Google and Google Maps and rank higher in local search with the right steps.

In this blog, we’ll break down exactly how to do it. No jargon. No fluff. Just clear steps to help you get found by the homeowners who are already looking for remodeling services in your area.

Why Local Search Matters for Remodelers

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why local search matters.

When someone types “kitchen remodeler near me” or “bathroom remodeling in Grand Rapids,” Google prioritizes local results based on the searcher’s location. These show up in the Map Pack—that section at the top of the page with local businesses, ratings, and directions.

If your business isn’t there, you’re missing out on high-intent traffic. (That’s people actively looking to hire someone right now.)

P.S. Want one more reason optimizing for local search is important? 46% of all Google searches have a local intent. Considering there are over 8 billion Google searches every day…that’s a lot of people looking for a local service.

Step 1: Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the foundation for local visibility. If you want to show up on Google Maps, this is where you start. It’s a totally free tool to use.

How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile:

1. Go to google.com/business.
   
2. Claim or create your business listing.
   
3. Fill in every detail: name, address, phone number, website, hours, and services.
   
4. Choose the right categories—for remodelers, start with:
   
   • General Contractor
     
   • Kitchen Remodeler
     
   • Bathroom Remodeler
     
   • Home Renovations
     

Optimization Tips:

• Upload high-quality photos of your recent projects. These photos are trust signals to the potential customers searching for you.
  
• Add a detailed business description that includes your specialties (e.g. “custom basement finishing in Grand Rapids”)—Google likes to see thorough descriptions that describe what you do.
  
• Use keywords naturally in your services section. There’s no need to “stuff” keywords—write in a way that’s customer-first.
  
• Keep your hours and contact info up to date. That way, when a potential customer reaches out to you, they reach the right person at the right time.
  

Step 2: Get (and Keep Getting) Reviews

Google uses reviews as a trust signal—and so do potential clients. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely you are to show up in local results.

Pro Tip:

Ask satisfied clients to leave a review as soon as the job wraps up. Make it easy by texting or emailing a direct link to your Google review page. Most people are more than happy to share their positive experience when asked, especially if they had a standout experience with your team.

Keep it Fresh:

Google also values recency, so don’t stop at 10 or 20 reviews—make reviews a regular part of your process. We recommend an automated followup email that asks a customer for a review after concluding their project. 

Step 3: Use Consistent NAP Across the Web

NAP = Name + Address + Phone number. The easiest math you’ll ever learn. 

Make sure your NAP info is consistent across your:

• Website.
  
• Google Business Profile.
  
• Facebook page.
  
• Online directories like Yelp, Angi, Houzz, and HomeAdvisor.
  

Inconsistencies can confuse Google and hurt your rankings. (They’ll also confuse your potential customer, for that matter—if they can’t call you or find you on the map, they’ll move onto the next contractor on their list.)

Step 4: Add Local Content to Your Website

Want Google to know you’re active in your area? Show it.

Add location-based content like:

• Project pages: “Grand Rapids Kitchen Remodel—Before and After.”
  
• Blog posts: “Top Bathroom Remodeling Trends in Grand Rapids.”
  
• Service area pages listing the neighborhoods or suburbs you serve (e.g. East Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada).
  

Use phrases like “home remodeling in Grand Rapids” or “custom renovations in West Michigan” naturally within your content. This also gives your website’s SEO a boost. 

Step 5: Build Local Links

Another way to boost your local search presence? Get backlinks from local websites.

Try to:

• Sponsor local events or charities and ask for a website mention.
  
• Get listed in local business directories (e.g. Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce).
  
• Submit articles or project features to local blogs or home improvement publications.
  

These links help Google understand you’re a trusted local business.

Hint: Be careful of companies that try to sell you backlinks. The backlinks they try to sell can venture on spammy and scammy territory. Organically growing your authority by expanding your local presence is worth the time investment you put into it.

Step 6: Post Regularly to Your Google Business Profile

Many remodelers don’t realize you can post updates to your GBP—just like social media.

Share things like:

• Finished project photos.
  
• Seasonal promotions.
  
• Blog updates.
  
• Before/after stories.
  

This tells Google you’re active and engaged—and gives searchers more reasons to call you.

It’s Not About Gaming the System—It’s About Showing Up for Your Customers

At the end of the day, local search is about being visible where it matters most—right when homeowners are looking for help. By claiming your Google Business Profile, collecting reviews, and building a strong local presence online, you’re making it easier for them to find (and trust) you.

If you’re a remodeler in Michigan and you’re ready to get serious about local search, Hughes Integrated can help. From strategy to execution, we partner with businesses like yours to turn your online presence into a powerful lead generator.