Tired of leaving 25% of your turnover to the platforms? That's the case for many drivers looking to develop their private clientele.
To achieve this, your best ally is your Google Site Map (the profile that appears on Maps). But beware: in 2025, the rules of the game have changed. Google has drastically tightened its controls, and French regulations on the Taxi/VTC distinction are ruthless.
An incorrectly configured form will not only make you invisible: it could also lead to permanent suspension or expose you to penalties for illegal practice.
In a nutshell
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Category: Do not choose NEVER «Use »Taxi« (this is illegal for a VTC driver). Use only »Chauffeur service".
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Address: If you live at home, you can must hide your address and declare yourself as a «Service Area».
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Video validation : Prepare your Kbis and make sure that your VTC buttons are firmly stuck to the windscreen before starting the recording.
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File name : It must be identical to the one written on your Kbis. No artificially added keywords.
Why your card is a strategic (and fragile) asset
Your Google listing is the gateway to independence. It allows you to attract customers directly (0% commission) and build up your own business.
However, unlike a restaurant, your VTC business is highly regulated. Google knows this and is watching this sector like a hawk. The aim is not to «cheat» the algorithm in order to move up quickly (and get banned tomorrow), but to build up a track record of success. compliant that reassures Google and your future customers.
The challenge of video validation : The new 2025 standard
Forget the post. Today, to validate a VTC listing (often without commercial premises), Google requires a video verification. This is an eliminatory test.
You have to produce a single sequence (without editing), filmed from the Google Maps app. Here's the exact script to get it right first time:
- Anchoring (The street) : Start by filming your street sign or building number to prove your location.
- Legality (The vehicle) : Drive towards your vehicle. Film the number plate and, crucial point, get a close-up of your VTC red buttons (front and rear). This is visual proof that you are not a fake taxi.
- Management (Access) : Film yourself unlocking the car (proof that it's yours). Once inside, show your official documents on the seat: Original Kbis and VTC Professional Card.
Please note: The name of your company on the Kbis must correspond exactly to the name you have given to your Google listing. If your Kbis says «SAS Dupont» and your listing says «Meilleur VTC Paris», validation will be rejected.
Configuration : Avoiding illegal traps
This is where 90% mistakes are made.
Choice of category: The «Taxi» trap»
Some marketing «do-it-yourselfers» will tell you to put the «Taxi service» category to get more views. Never do that.
- Legal : This is a criminal offence (illegal practice of the taxi profession, risk of police custody and €15,000 fine).
- Technically : Taxis monitor listings. One report and Google deletes your listing for «misleading content».
The right configuration :
- Main category : «(This is the translation of Chauffeur Service).
- Secondary categories : «Airport shuttle service (very efficient for Orly/Roissy) or limousine service (if you have a top-of-the-range vehicle).
Address: must be hidden
The majority of VTCs are domiciled with them. Google's rules are clear: if you don't have a sign and a waiting room to receive the public, you are a SAB (Service Area Business). You hide your address in the Google interface.
- Don't worry about your referencing: the algorithm has evolved and is able to rank listings without a visible address very well.
- However, posting your personal address will result in immediate suspension.
Service areas: The onion technique
Since your address is hidden, you need to tell Google where you work. Don't select «France» or «Île-de-France» (too broad and therefore irrelevant). Work in concentric circles:
- Your home town.
- Neighbouring towns.
- Actual strategic points (e.g. «Charles de Gaulle Airport»). Only include areas where you are really ready to go and pick up a customer.
Content and Semantics: Beware of «Marauding»
Once the form is online, you need to bring it to life, but be careful about the words you use.
Description and Posts
In your description (and your weekly Google Posts), banish the vocabulary of immediacy.
- Forbidden : «Available immediately», «Cheap taxi». This is akin to marauding (electronic or physical).
- Recommended: «By reservation only», «Fixed rates known in advance», «Your private chauffeur». Insist on comfort, a bottle of water, a charger and peace of mind.
Reputation management
Opinions are vital. But be careful not to validate illegal behaviour in your responses. If a customer writes : «Great, I bumped into him in the street and he took to me straight away!», please do not answer «Thank you!». You would be confessing to illegal marauding. Answer tactfully: «Thank you for your note. As a reminder, in order to comply with regulations, my services are available by prior reservation only.»
In general, respond to all reviews. This sends a strong «Freshness Signal» to Google.
The ecosystem around : Website and directories
Your Google listing is not always enough for very specific searches. Having a mobile-optimised website (the majority of customers book on smartphones) is essential. It allows you to position yourself on «long tail» keywords such as «VTC baby seat Lyon» or «7-seater van Nice airport».
Make sure that your NAP (Name, Address, Telephone) is strictly identical on your site, your Google listing and directories (Yellow Pages, etc.). The slightest difference (a different telephone number, a badly written address) will sow doubt in Google's algorithm and cause your position to drop.
In 2025, visibility on Google is earned through rigour. The days when you could «cobble together» your listing are over. By scrupulously following these steps - «Chauffeur» category, hidden address, video evidence with buttons - you are building a solid digital asset. This is the surest foundation for developing your private clientele without depending on the goodwill of the platforms' algorithms.
Glossary
Here are some useful terms to know and understand:
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Site Profile (formerly Google My Business) : Google's free interface for managing your company's presence on Search and Maps.
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Local Pack : The insert that appears at the top of Google search results with a map and a list of the 3 most locally relevant companies.
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Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) : All the techniques used to improve a company's visibility in geographical searches (e.g. «Chauffeur + City»).
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NAP (Name, Address, Phone) : Acronym for Name, Address and Telephone. The consistency of these three pieces of information throughout the web is crucial for SEO.
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Service area : Option enabling companies that travel to their customers' premises (such as drivers) to define a service area without displaying their precise address.
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Long tail keywords : Very specific searches (e.g. «Book a 7-seater van at Nice airport») which bring in less volume but more qualified customers.
