When someone searches for a tradesperson near them, the first thing they often see is a map with three businesses underneath. Those listings come from Google Business Profiles. It is free, it takes about half an hour, and a surprising number of trades either skip it or half-fill it.
Step 1: claim or create your profile
Search for your business name on Google. If a profile already exists, claim it. If not, create one at business.google.com. You will need to verify that you really run the business, usually by video, phone or post.
Step 2: choose a service area business
If you travel to customers, you are a service area business. You can hide your home address and list the towns you cover instead. This is what most trades should do.
Step 3: pick the right categories
Your primary category matters more than almost anything else on the profile. Choose the most specific one: “Roofing contractor” rather than “Contractor”. Then add secondary categories for related work, such as “Roof repair service” or “Gutter cleaning service”. Only pick categories that genuinely describe what you do.
Step 4: fill in every field
Complete everything Google offers:
- Business name exactly as it appears on your van and website
- Phone number you actually answer
- Website address
- Opening hours, including emergency availability if you offer it
- Services, with a short description of each
- A proper business description in plain English
Step 5: add real photos
Upload photos of your own work, your team and your van. Real photos from real jobs outperform stock images. Add new ones regularly.
Step 6: get reviews and reply to them
Reviews are one of the biggest factors in how you appear. Ask every happy customer and send them the direct review link. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely. We cover this in how to get more Google reviews.
Do not pay for reviews or offer rewards for them. It is against Google’s rules and can get you penalised.
Step 7: keep it alive
Post an update now and then, add new photos after jobs and check your details are still correct. An active profile looks like an active business.
Your Google Business Profile and your website work as a pair. The profile gets you seen on the map, the website convinces them to ring.
Make sure your website matches
Your website address, business name and phone number should match your profile exactly. If you need a site that backs up your profile, see what we offer.