Get Found on Google

If you run a trade or property services business, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) might be the single most powerful marketing tool you’re not fully using.

When someone types “plumber near me” or “electrician in [your town],” Google shows a local map with a list of businesses, and those profiles get the clicks. So if your profile is out of date, half-empty, or not verified, you’re missing out on easy leads.

Here’s what you need to know to make sure yours is doing its job, without getting lost in the details.

✅ First: Make Sure You’ve Claimed It

Go to google.com/business and make sure your profile is claimed and verified.

If it’s not, you’ll need to request access or create a new listing. You’ll be asked to verify your business by post, phone or sometimes a video submission. This step is essential, you can’t update your listing or reply to reviews until you do.

📸 Add Proper Photos (Not Just Your Logo)

Google prioritises profiles that look active and complete. That means adding:

• A clear logo

• A proper cover photo (job site, van, tools... not a stock photo)

• A few photos of your work

• Your team or yourself in action

No need to overthink this — just upload 5–10 decent photos that show who you are and what you do.

🕒 Keep Your Info Accurate

This sounds obvious, but a surprising number of businesses don’t check this regularly:

• Opening hours (especially if they’ve changed)

• Website URL

• Phone number

• Services offered (choose from Google's list and add your own custom ones)

If Google shows outdated info and someone calls at 6 pm when you’re closed, that’s a lost lead.

✍️ Write a Straightforward Business Description

This is your chance to tell people what you do, where you do it, and why they should call you.

Keep it clear and skip the sales fluff. Something like:

“We’re a small team of qualified electricians based in Grimsby, serving domestic and commercial clients across North East Lincolnshire. Fast response, no-nonsense quotes and quality work every time.”

That’s plenty. You’re not writing an ad, just helping people trust you.

🌟 Start Collecting Reviews (And Reply to Them)

Google reviews build trust fast. People read them, and more importantly, Google uses them to decide how high to rank you.

Start by asking happy customers for a review as soon as the job’s done. You don’t need 50 overnight, just get the ball rolling with a few genuine ones.

But don’t just reply “Thanks!” and move on. Your replies are a chance to reinforce what you do and where you do it.

For example:

“Thanks for the great review, Sarah. Glad we could get the new kitchen wiring sorted quickly for you. If you ever need an electrician in Cleethorpes again, just shout!”

That one reply:

✅ Shows you're local

✅ Mentions what kind of job you do

✅ Includes keywords (like “electrician in Cleethorpes”) without sounding spammy

Every review you reply to this way gives Google more context, and that means better visibility when people search for services like yours.

🛠️ Keep It Updated

You don’t need to be on it every day, but check in once a month.

Post a job photo. Update your hours if they change. Add a new review response. It all helps keep your profile active in Google’s eyes, and that means better visibility in local search results.

📚 Want the Step-by-Step Version?

If you want to set up your profile from scratch or go deeper into the features (like service areas, posts, messaging, or adding services), we’ve created a free step-by-step mini-course for trades and property services pros.

It’s built for busy business owners — no fluff, no jargon.

👉 [Take the Course Here]

🔁 TL;DR

(Too Long Didn't Read)

• Claim and verify your Google Business Profile (you need this to update anything)

• Add real photos — your logo, your work, and you/your team in action

• Keep your hours, contact info, and services up to date

• Write a clear, no-fluff description of what you do and where

• Ask for reviews after each job, and reply with keywords where it makes sense

• Post updates or photos now and then to keep your profile active

If you’re a local trade or property services business and want help making this stuff work without wasting time or money, that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Whether it’s support, strategy or community, TWO.Marketing and the Property Services Network are built to help businesses like yours grow the smart way.