A domain and professional email, a verified Google Business Profile, and the listings that make a small carrier look legit and get found. In order, step by step.
Lock the name, set up pro email.
Point the domain at the website.
Verify it, fill it, add photos.
Take over the unclaimed listing.
Bing, Apple, FB/IG, Yelp.
Same name, area, phone everywhere.
The domain gives the site a real address and lets him email from @smallfoottransport.com, which reads as legit to shippers and brokers.
Google Workspace for email (it's Gmail on his own domain, nothing new to learn), with the domain bought in the Workspace signup or at a low-cost registrar. Go all-GoDaddy only if one login, one bill, and phone support matter most. The website is a single static file, so hosting can be free.
Free, and the biggest lever for Search and Maps. Set it up as a service-area business and hide the home address.
Verification for service-area businesses is usually a short video (truck, branding, tools, area) or a postcard. Plan for a few days.
Use the exact same name, phone, and details on every one.
Exists but unclaimed. Add photos, description, contact.
Highest impact for Search, Maps, and reviews.
Where the quarterly content lives.
Imports from Google in a couple of clicks.
Puts Small Foot on Apple Maps.
A claimed, complete profile beats an empty one.
The main auto-transport load board, tied directly to getting loads.
Approximate; confirm live pricing with each provider.
| Item | Provider | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Domain (.com) | GoDaddy / Cloudflare / Namecheap | ~$12–22 / yr |
| Professional email | Google Workspace Business Starter | ~$7 / user / mo |
| Website hosting | Static host | Free–low |
| Google Business Profile + directories | Google, Bing, Apple, FB/IG, Yelp | Free |
| Central Dispatch | Load board | Paid (optional) |
Roughly $100–190/year covers domain, email, and a live site. Figures approximate; verify before purchasing.