When it comes to having your business discovered online, if you’re a plumber in Queens, an HVAC service provider in Long Island, or a solar panel installer in Brooklyn, two words rule the discussion: SEO and Google Business Profile (GBP).
But here’s where most business owners get confused:
“I already have a fantastic website… why do I need to care about Google Business Profile?”
Or.
“I’ve optimized my Google profile, but my site isn’t appearing.”
That’s because GBP Optimization and Website SEO are two entirely distinct (but both equally important) methods of ranking in Google, and if you’re not doing both, you’re losing lead and revenue.
What is Website SEO?
The website SEO (Search Engine Optimization) refers to the process of enhancing your website’s ranking in natural (non-paid) search results on Google.
When someone searches for:
- “boiler installation cost Long Island”
- “how to repair low shower water pressure”
- “top solar panel brands 2025”
Google crawls its enormous database of websites to discover useful answers. Your task is to ensure your website is one of those top results.
Website SEO Encompasses:
- Content optimization (keywords, service pages, blogs)
- Technical building blocks (site speed, mobile-friendliness, clean code)
- On-page SEO (title tags, headers, meta descriptions)
- Backlinks (links from other trustworthy sites to yours)
- User experience (navigation, layout, loading speed)
When someone is researching, browsing, comparing, or learning—Website SEO brings that audience to you.
What is Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a local listing tool which places your business on Google Maps and enables you to appear in “near me” and local service searches.
Think:
- “plumber near me”
- “emergency AC repair Brooklyn”
- “roofers open now”
- “solar panel installer in Southampton”
When someone makes these location-based searches, Google displays the Local 3-Pack (the top 3 business listings with a map), not websites.
To be in that 3-pack, you need a fully optimized GBP listing.
GBP Optimization Focuses On:
- Business name, category, and location info
- Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) data
- Reviews and responses
- Posting updates and photos
- Service area targeting
- Google Maps accuracy
- Local keywords and reputation
- If someone is ready to call, visit, or book a service—GBP helps you capture that customer right away.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Website SEO | GBP Optimization |
| Visibility | Appears in organic search results | Appears in Google Maps & Local 3-Pack |
| Focus | Regional, national, or broad search terms | Hyper-local, service-area-specific searches |
| Buyer Stage | Awareness & research (top of funnel) | Ready to buy or call (bottom of funnel) |
| Calls & Actions | Leads to website visits, contact form submissions | Leads to calls, directions, instant messages |
| Conversion Impact | Strong for long-term SEO value | Strong for immediate local leads |
Or you can just go through the following video that will help you understand the difference and need for both.
The Difference Between Google Business Profile and Website Rankings
Why You Need Both to Dominate Google
People Search in Different Ways
Some people search:
- “Best tankless water heater 2025” (SEO-driven)
Others search:
- “Water heater installer near me” (GBP-driven)
If you don’t have both Website SEO and GBP optimized, you’re missing one whole segment of traffic.
Google Prioritizes Local Search
According to Google:
- 46% of all searches have local intent
- 76% of local mobile searches lead to a visit within 24 hours
- The Local Pack appears before websites in many services queries
That means your GBP gets more visibility than your site for most service-based searches like:
- “plumbers open now”
- “roof leak fix in Queens”
- “emergency boiler service Long Island”
They Complement Each Other
Here’s how:
- Your website supports your GBP with trusted content and links
- Your GBP sends traffic to your website via the “Website” button
- Together, they build trust, visibility, and conversions
- A great website without a GBP listing = invisible in Maps
- A GBP listing without a strong website = less trust, fewer high-ticket clients
How Oastreck Helps You Win with Both
We don’t just do SEO, and we don’t just do Google listings—we do both together, the right way, for local service businesses like:
- Plumbers
- HVAC contractors
- Solar panel installers
- Roofers
- Drain and sewer specialists
Here’s how we do it. We offer you several services including:
For more services, visit our page and you can get an idea of how we make businesses visible.
SEO + GBP = Local Dominance
If you want to dominate local search and beat competitors who are just relying on “a good-looking site,” you need both:
- A website built for SEO
- A Google Business Profile built for Maps visibility
They serve different roles, reach different customers, and unlock different types of leads.
Let Oastreck handle both—because no one knows local service SEO better.
🚀 Book Your Free Local SEO Audit Now
🌐 Visit us at Oastreck.com
