Getting your tradie business on Google is one of the easiest ways to get more jobs coming in—especially if you don’t already have a big online presence. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech guru to do it. You just need a Google Business Profile (GBP) and a few correct settings so you show up in the right areas, for the right customers.
Here’s how to get it right the first time.
1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Head to google.com/business and sign in with your business email.
Click “Add your business”, enter your business name, and choose whether you want to list a physical location or operate as a service-area business (more info below).
That brings us to the biggest mistake tradies make…
2. Should You List Your Home/Office Address? (Important)
Most tradies don’t actually serve customers at their home address, but Google gives you two choices:
Option A: List Your Address
Good if you have:
- A workshop
- A storefront
- A physical office where customers can visit
Google will show your business as a pin on Maps.
Option B: Hide Your Address & List Your Service Area (Recommended for most tradies)
Ideal if you:
- Work from home
- Travel to the customer (plumbers, electricians, painters, cleaners, etc.)
- Don’t want your home address publicly visible
You simply add suburbs or regions you service (e.g., Caloundra, Maroochydore).
Tip: Don’t list 30 suburbs just for the sake of it. Focus on your main service areas—Google rewards accuracy. I would recommend a maximum of 10!
3. Choose the Right Category (This Makes a BIG Difference)
Your primary category tells Google what kind of work you do. Choose the one that best describes you:
Examples:
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Carpet Cleaner
- Painter
- Fencing Contractor
- Pest Control Service
This step is crucial because it affects:
- What searches you appear for
- What features your listing unlocks
- How Google ranks you
After selecting the main one, add secondary categories, but don’t overdo it—pick only the ones that genuinely apply.
4. Complete Your Profile Fully (Google Loves This)
A half-finished profile won’t rank well. Make sure you add:
- Business description (talk about what you do, areas you serve & what makes you different)
- Business hours
- Phone number
- Website link (if you’re on TradeKick, add your URL!)
- Photos (before/after shots, vans, tools, jobs completed)
- Services list
- Opening date
A complete profile sends Google a strong message: “This is a real, trustworthy business.”
5. Verify Your Business
Google will require verification. This may be via:
- Text
- Video
- Or a postcard
Once verified, your listing goes live on Google Maps and Google Search.
6. Keep Your Profile Active
After setup, keep things fresh:
- Post photos regularly
- Add updates or offers
- Respond to reviews
- Keep your hours correct
- Add new services if they change
Google rewards active businesses with higher visibility.
7. Your Website Completes the Picture
Your Google listing and your website work together.
A solid website (like what you get with TradeKick) helps Google trust your business more and gives customers the info they can’t get from a listing alone.
Final Thoughts
Listing your tradie business on Google is simple, but doing it properly can mean the difference between a couple of calls a month… and a steady stream of new enquiries.
Set up your Google Business Profile, choose the right categories, complete everything fully, and decide whether to show your address or target a service area.
If you want help getting your tradie business online (website + Google listing), TradeKick can sort the whole thing for you.
Just ask!