In May 2024, Google made a significant update to its Business Profile platform by adding “Junk Removal Service” as a new category option. This update has already had a visible impact on 99 Calls’ clients in the junk removal industry.
Before May 2024, junk removal contractors had to choose categories that were close but not entirely accurate for their services, such as “Cleaning Service” or “Waste Management Service or “Garbage Collection”. While these categories helped businesses gain some visibility, many leads were either irrelevant or of poor quality, but since adding the new “Junk Removal Service” category, businesses are now receiving high-quality, relevant leads that are much more likely to convert.
Why This New Category Matters
Search Relevance: The addition of this specific category means that when potential customers search for “junk removal near me,” Google now has a dedicated category to pull from, ensuring that the most relevant businesses appear at the top of search results
Increased Lead Volume: Since May 2024, businesses have seen more inquiries from customers specifically seeking junk removal services, resulting in higher conversion rates and in turn, more leads.
Targeted Traffic: With the new category, businesses are attracting customers who are actively looking for junk removal services rather than those who might be searching for broader services. This targeted traffic is more likely to convert into actual sales.
99 Calls’ Case Studies
Junk-IT N Dump-IT, a junk removal business in Saint Paul, MN started organic services with us in October of 2022. From May through July of 2023, they received 25 organic leads, however, since the Google Business Profile category was updated, from May through July 2024, they received 53 organic leads. Notice a significant boost in lead volume in May, immediately after the category was updated, then leveled out.
Junk Baby LLC, a junk removal business in Spring, TX started organic services with us in February 2022. From May through July of 2023, they received 14 organic leads, however, since the Google Business Profile category was updated, from May through July 2024, they received 18 organic leads. Again in this case, there’s a significant boost in lead volume in May 2024 right after the category was updated, then leveled out.
How to Update the Category On Your Google Business Profile
If junk removal is your primary service, and you haven’t already updated your Google Business Profile to include the “Junk Removal Service” category, here’s how you can do it:
- Log in to Your Google Business Profile: Access your account and navigate to the “Info” section. Click on “Edit Profile”.
- Edit Your Categories: Click on the pencil icon next to your categories (which is not visible in the screenshot since you have to hover over business category to see it) and search for “Junk Removal Service.”
- Select the Category: Add “Junk Removal Service” as your primary or additional category.
- Save Changes: Once you’ve made the update, save your changes and monitor your profile’s performance over the next few weeks.
Conclusion
Based on our findings, the introduction of the “Junk Removal Service” category in May 2024 has already delivered significant benefits to businesses in the industry. By simply updating their Google Business Profile, junk removal contractors have seen improvements in not only lead volume, but also the quality of leads. By selecting the most relevant category on your GBP, you ensure that your business is positioned to attract the right customers at the right time, leading to greater success.