How to set up your Google Business Profile as a tradie
Your Google Business Profile is the listing that shows up on Google Maps and in local search results. For a lot of trades it brings in more calls than the website does. Here's how to set it up properly, and the mistakes that hold people back.
By Kayne Graham ยท Updated
Before you start
Use a Google account you'll keep for the life of the business, ideally on your business email rather than a personal one. Search Google for your business name first. If a listing already exists, claim that one instead of making a second.
Setting it up, step by step
- Go to google.com/business and sign in.
- Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your ute, invoices and signage. Don't add suburbs or keywords to the name. Google's guidelines don't allow it, and it can get the listing suspended.
- Pick the most specific primary category you can, like Electrician or Landscaper, rather than something broad. You can add secondary categories for other work later.
- If customers don't come to you, choose the option for a business that serves customers at their location, hide your address and list the suburbs or areas you cover.
- Add your phone number and your website.
- Verify the listing. Google will offer a method, which can include a phone call, text, email or a short video of your business. Follow its prompts.
Fill in everything
A complete profile gives Google more to work with and gives customers more reasons to pick you. Once you're verified:
- List each service you offer, in the words customers use
- Set your opening hours, including when you take calls
- Write a description of what you do and where. Plain and specific beats salesy
- Upload your logo, a cover photo and real photos of your work, your team and your vehicles
Keep it active
Google ranks local results on how relevant your profile is, how close you are to the person searching and how well known your business is. You can't move closer to every customer, but you can keep your profile complete, current and full of good reviews.
- Add new job photos regularly
- Post updates about recent work or seasonal services
- Reply to every review, good and bad
- Update your hours and services when they change
Mistakes that hold tradies back
- Stuffing keywords or suburbs into the business name
- Having two listings for the same business
- Using a PO box or an address you don't operate from
- Buying reviews or writing your own
- Setting it up once and never touching it again
Rather have it done for you? The $849 Online Presence package sets up your Google Business Profile and your website together, and I can keep it active every month after that.