Google Business Profile
When someone searches “plumber near me” or “electrician in [suburb]”, the first thing they often see isn’t a website. It’s the map, with three local businesses listed underneath. Those listings come from Google Business Profile, and for many trade businesses they’re one of the biggest sources of calls.
The good news is that most of what improves a profile is free and within your control.
Get the basics exactly right
Your business name, address or service area, phone number and website should be accurate and match what’s on your website and other listings. Inconsistent details make it harder for Google to trust your information.
- Use your real business name, without extra keywords stuffed in.
- Set your service areas to the suburbs you actually cover.
- Keep your opening hours current, including public holidays.
Choose the right categories
Your primary category has a big influence on which searches you appear for. Pick the one that best describes your main service, for example “Electrician” rather than something broad. Then add secondary categories for the other services you genuinely offer.
Add your services, with detail
List each service you provide with a short, plain description. This helps Google match your profile to more specific searches and helps customers see that you do the exact job they need.
Upload real photos regularly
Photos of your team, your vehicles and finished jobs make your profile more trustworthy and give people a reason to choose you. Adding new photos from recent jobs also shows that the business is active.
Ask for reviews, and reply to them
Reviews are one of the strongest signals for both Google and customers. The simplest approach is to ask happy customers straight after the job is finished, with a direct link that takes them to the review form.
Replying well
- Thank people for positive reviews and mention the job where it’s natural.
- Respond to negative reviews calmly and professionally, and offer to sort it out offline.
- Never offer incentives for reviews or post reviews on someone else’s behalf.
Answer calls and messages quickly
A profile that gets views but sends callers to voicemail is wasting its best leads. If you can’t always pick up, make sure missed calls and messages are returned as quickly as possible, ideally the same day.
Connect it to a strong website
Your profile and your website work together. Clear service pages for the areas you cover, consistent business details and genuine reviews all support your local visibility. Checking your profile’s performance each month, including calls, website clicks and direction requests, helps you see what’s working.
Want help improving your local visibility? Find out more about our SEO for tradies or get in touch.
