Google Business Profile for Trades Businesses: A Simple Setup Guide

A Google Business Profile is the free listing that appears on Google Maps and in local search results. If your business travels to customers, set it up as a service-area business, so your address stays hidden and the areas you serve are shown instead.

1. Use your real name and the right category

Use your business name exactly as it appears on your website and invoices. Do not add keywords or locations to it, because Google treats that as spam. Choose the most specific main category for your work, such as electrician or plumber, and add other categories only if they are true.

2. Hide your address and list your service areas

If you work from home or have no shopfront customers visit, clear the address so it is not shown publicly, then add the towns or suburbs you serve. Google may still ask you to verify the business, and the method varies.

3. Add your services

List each service with a short description, and add prices if you are comfortable doing so. This gives Google and your customers a clear picture of what you do.

4. Add real photos

Show your work, your vehicle and your team. Photos of real jobs build more trust than stock images.

5. Keep every detail consistent

• Your name, phone number and website match your own website exactly
• Business hours are accurate, and you only list emergency hours you really answer
• Every other directory listing uses the same details

6. Collect reviews and post updates

Ask for a review after each job and reply to every one, and post photos or updates from time to time so the profile stays active.