How to Get Your Trades Business on Google in the UK
For most UK tradespeople, Google is where new customers find them. Here is how to get found and stay found.
Set Up Your Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile (free) is your most important digital asset. For queries like “plumber near me” or “electrician [town]”, Google shows local business profiles prominently in both Search and Maps. Set up your profile at business.google.com with accurate contact details, your service area (or areas), your trade category, and photos of completed work.
Build Reviews Consistently
Reviews are the primary ranking signal for local search. More recent, higher-quality reviews push you up the results. Ask every satisfied customer — after the job, via a text with a direct review link, or with a QR code on your invoice. The goal is a steady drip of new reviews, not a one-time push. Responding professionally to all reviews (including the occasional difficult one) also signals credibility to both Google and potential customers.
Google Local Services Ads
Google Local Services Ads appear at the very top of search results — above everything else — for trades queries. The Google Guaranteed badge increases customer trust significantly. You pay per lead (customer call or message), not per click. Verification requires proof of insurance and trading history. Available for most major trades in the UK through Google’s Local Services Ads portal.
Your Website and Checkatrade/TrustATrader
A simple mobile-optimised website supporting your Google Business Profile improves both credibility and ranking. Checkatrade and TrustATrader provide additional review platforms and generate their own search traffic for trades queries in the UK. FMB membership with its “Find a Builder” directory also contributes to online visibility.
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Download CoreQuote Free on AndroidCreate a Google Business Profile at business.google.com — free. Add accurate service details, photos, and your service area. Start requesting reviews from every completed job immediately.
A complete profile with consistent reviews typically starts appearing in local results within 4–8 weeks. Sustained review-building accelerates this significantly.
Checkatrade generates genuine leads and provides an accredited profile that adds consumer trust. It works best alongside a Google Business Profile rather than instead of one.
