If your recovery home (or support service) isn’t easy to find on Google, beds stay empty and families get stuck. A clean Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the highest-ROI steps for local visibility.
The 10-minute GBP checklist
Accurate name, phone, and address (match your website)
Primary category + secondary categories (be consistent and honest)
Service areas (if you serve multiple cities)
Hours (including “by appointment” if needed)
Photos: exterior, common areas, bedrooms (privacy-safe), staff/team shots if appropriate
Description: who you serve, what makes the home safe/supportive
Accessibility and amenities (what’s true and verifiable)
Q&A section: answer common questions (cost range, requirements, visiting rules)
Posts: weekly updates (openings, events, community highlights)
Review responses: calm, professional, privacy-safe
Reviews: what NOT to do
Google’s user-generated content policies prohibit offering incentives (payment, discounts, free goods/services) in exchange for reviews, and also prohibit selectively soliciting only positive reviews (“review gating”).
And the FTC’s Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule went into effect October 21, 2024, targeting deceptive and unfair review practices (including fake reviews).
A simple, compliant way to ask for reviews
Ask everyone consistently (not just “happy” people)
Use a neutral script: “If you’re comfortable, would you share your experience on Google?”
Never share resident private details when responding
Next step: If you run a home or service, list it on Recovery Resource Alliance and keep it updated. Accuracy helps the entire ecosystem.