Before marketing tactics, before social media trends, before ads — there is one non-negotiable truth for every local service business:

If clients can’t find you, they can’t book you.

In Sioux Falls, the majority of new clients start in one place: Google. In a city like Sioux Falls, where people actively search for local providers they can trust, showing up clearly and professionally matters more than ever.

They search:

• “Hair stylist Sioux Falls”
• “Massage therapy near me”
• “Injector Sioux Falls”
• “Nail salon near me”

If you are not clearly visible in those results, you are invisible — regardless of how talented you are.

That’s why Week 1 focuses entirely on your Google Business Profile (GBP).

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WHY GOOGLE BUSINESS MATTERS MORE THAN SOCIAL MEDIA (FOR NOW)

Social media helps people get familiar with you. Google helps them decide if they trust you enough to book.

When someone finds you on Google, they are usually:

• Ready to book
• Comparing options
• Looking for legitimacy

Your Google Business Profile tells them:

• Are you real?
• Are you local?
• Are you professional?

A strong profile answers those questions instantly.

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STEP-BY-STEP: SETTING UP OR FIXING YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE

Below are direct resources you can use as you work through this. Bookmark them — you’ll come back to these.

Google Business Profile Manager: https://www.google.com/business/

Google Help Guide (Official): https://support.google.com/business/

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If this feels intimidating, don’t worry — you don’t need to do everything perfectly. Focus on accuracy and completeness, not perfection.

STEP 1: Find or Create Your Profile

1. Go to https://www.google.com/business/
2. Sign in with a Google account you control
3. Search your business name
4. If a profile appears, claim it
5. If not, select “Add your business to Google”

Business Name Tip: Use your real business name — not extra keywords. This reduces suspension risk.

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STEP 2: Choose the Correct Category

Your primary category matters more than most people realize.

Choose what best describes what you actually do. Accuracy beats creativity.

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STEP 3: Address & Location Strategy (Suite Owners)

Use the D’LUX Suites address. Add your suite number if allowed.

Consistency matters more than perfection.

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STEP 4: Contact Information

Confirm:

• Phone number is correct
• Email is monitored
• Booking link works

Test it yourself.

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STEP 5: Photos (Critical)

Upload at least:

• Headshot
• Suite interior
• Building exterior
• 1–2 examples of your work

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REVIEWS: DO NOT IGNORE THIS

Ask 2–3 existing clients for a Google review this week. Send them the direct link. Most clients are happy to help — they just need to be asked.

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WHAT NOT TO WORRY ABOUT YET

Ignore ads and SEO agencies for now. Focus on accuracy and visibility.

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WEEK 1 ACTION CHECKLIST

• Google Business Profile exists
• Information is accurate
• Photos uploaded
• Review request sent

If you complete nothing else this week, make sure this checklist is done. This is the foundation everything else will build on throughout the program.