Why Your Trade Business Needs a Google Business Profile (and How to Set One Up)
When someone in your area searches "electrician near me" or "emergency plumber in Leeds", who shows up? If it's not you, it's your competition. A Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful — and completely free — tools available to tradespeople. Here's why it matters and how to get yours set up properly.
What is a Google Business Profile?
It's the business listing that appears on the right-hand side of Google search results and on Google Maps. It shows your business name, phone number, working hours, reviews, photos, and more. When someone searches for a tradesperson locally, these listings appear front and centre — often before any websites.
How to set yours up
It takes about 15 minutes:
- Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account
- Enter your business name and category (e.g. "Plumber" or "Electrician")
- Add your service area — the towns or postcodes you cover
- Add your phone number and website (if you have one)
- Verify your profile — usually via a postcard or phone call from Google
Make it work harder for you
Once you're verified, don't just leave it blank. Add photos of your work, keep your hours up to date, and list the specific services you offer. The more complete your profile, the higher Google tends to rank it. And remember — every review you collect on Google feeds directly into this listing, making it even more visible.
Keep it looking professional
A great Google profile works best when the rest of your business looks the part too. Sending professional digital invoices and receipts through tools like Receev backs up the professional image you're building online — from first click to final payment.
It's free, it's effective, and it takes less time to set up than a tea break. If you haven't claimed your Google Business Profile yet, today's the day.
