The verdict in three sentences
For a network of seven HGV testing sites around Greater Manchester, the right Google Maps partner manages every profile individually while letting you steer the whole network from one dashboard. Expect GBP 250 to 1,000 a month for the seven profiles and GBP 900 to 3,000 of setup (2026 market ballpark). Score every candidate on the 100 point grid below, with 30 points for multi site management, and walk away from anyone who will not commit to replying to reviews within 48 hours.
Why profiles matter for HGV testing
Your customers are haulage firms, fleet operators, trailer rental companies and construction contractors. Their transport manager searches HGV MOT Trafford Park, annual test centre Oldham or trailer test Warrington, often a few days before a test is due. HGV and trailer annual tests in Great Britain are booked through the DVSA system at authorised testing facilities, so your profiles should explain clearly how to book, which vehicle classes each site handles and whether ATF lanes suit articulated vehicles. Check DVSA guidance for current booking rules rather than repeating them from memory on your profiles.
The 100 point scoring grid
| Criterion | Points | What to check in the meeting |
|---|---|---|
| Multi site management | 30 | One organisation account, separate profiles, bulk edits, per site permissions |
| Review management | 20 | Replies within 48 hours, tone that suits hauliers, alerts on negative reviews |
| Data accuracy | 15 | Opening hours, bank holidays, categories, HGV access and lane details |
| Site level tracking | 15 | Calls, direction requests, website clicks, per site and every week |
| Price and contract clarity | 10 | Per profile or network price, term, notice period |
| Reversibility | 10 | Profiles owned by your company, you keep admin access |
| Total | 100 | Below 65 points, do not sign |
Multi site management gets 30 points because that is where expensive mistakes happen: a bank holiday closure applied to the wrong site, a category changed on one profile only, duplicates left behind by a previous supplier. Ask for a live demo on a real multi location account.
Market prices and what they cover
| Item | 2026 market ballpark | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Setup for 7 profiles | GBP 900 to 3,000 | Verification, duplicate removal, photos |
| Monthly management, 7 profiles | GBP 250 to 1,000 | About GBP 35 to 145 per site |
| Review replies | Included in good offers | Written 48 hour commitment |
| Profile posts | 2 to 4 a month per site | Site specific content |
| Bank holiday updates | Included | Annual schedule agreed in advance |
| Calls and directions tracking | Included | Per site figures every week |
Red flags in pitch meetings
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| Red flag | Why it matters | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| We set the profiles up under our account | You lose control if you part ways | Will the profiles stay under our organisation? |
| Promises of lots of reviews fast | Fake reviews risk removal and penalties from Google | How do you request genuine reviews? |
| Same description on all 7 profiles | No local value for the customer | How will Trafford Park differ from Oldham? |
| Quarterly reporting only | Problems spotted too late | Which figures do we get every week? |
| No bank holiday process | Frequent wrong hours | How do you handle Easter Monday and the August bank holiday? |
Mini case study
Illustrative example, fictional persona: Siân, network manager for seven HGV testing sites around Manchester, scores three candidates at 57, 69 and 86 points. She picks the third at GBP 650 a month and GBP 1,800 setup, GBP 9,600 in year one. If each site gains 4 extra tests a month from better maintained profiles, at an average revenue of around GBP 140 per visit including preparation work (2026 estimate), the network adds 28 visits and GBP 3,920 a month, about GBP 47,000 a year.
FAQ
What does managing 7 Google Business Profiles cost? GBP 250 to 1,000 a month plus GBP 900 to 3,000 setup (2026 market ballpark). That works out at roughly GBP 35 to 145 per site per month.
Why give multi site management 30 points out of 100? Seven sites multiply the risk of data errors. A partner without bulk management tools spends more time and makes more mistakes.
What review reply time should we require? 48 hours at most, including negative reviews. Fast, specific replies reassure transport managers comparing sites.
Do we need one profile per site? Yes, each site needs its own address, hours and reviews. Grouping 7 sites under one profile loses local searches.
Which numbers should we see weekly? Calls, direction requests and website clicks, site by site. A gap of more than 30 % between two comparable sites deserves investigation.
Get found by the clients searching for you. Start with a visibility audit at FCFA 100,000 (about EUR 152, credited against setup if you start within 30 days), then a Traffic Engine plan sized to your seven sites, with a weekly report on calls and requests. Traffic Engine. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
