Google Business Profile for tradies: the free tool that wins jobs

Google Business Profile is the box that shows up in Google Maps and at the top of local searches. For a tradie, it is the single most valuable free tool going. Most of your competitors have set it up badly or not at all. That is your opening.

Why it matters

When someone searches plumber near me or builder Gold Coast, the map results show first, above everything else. Those three spots get most of the calls. Your Google Business Profile is how you get into them.

Set it up right

• Use your real business name. No stuffing keywords in it, Google will suspend you.
• Pick the right main category. Plumber, Electrician, Builder. Add a couple of secondary ones.
• List every suburb you actually work in.
• Add your hours, your phone and your website.
• Verify it properly. Google will post you a card or verify by phone.

Photos do the heavy lifting

Add photos of real jobs, your ute, your team and your work in progress. New photos every few weeks tell Google you are active. Blurry before and after shots from your phone are fine. Real beats polished.

Reviews are the ranking

Google ranks local businesses on distance, relevance and prominence. You cannot change distance. Prominence is mostly reviews. Ask every happy customer, reply to every review, and never buy fake ones. Google spots them and so do customers.

Mistakes to avoid

• Setting it up once and never touching it again.
• Using a PO box or a fake address.
• Ignoring bad reviews instead of replying calmly.
• Paying someone to manage it who never changes anything.

Do it right and it keeps working for years, for free. If you would rather someone sorted it for you, Barry sets it up as part of getting you found on Google.

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