Let’s get one thing straight—if you’re a UK tradie and you’re not on Google Maps, you’re basically invisible to half your local customers. These days, people don’t wander the high street looking for a plumber, they whip out their phone and bark, “Hey Google, plumber near me.” If your business doesn’t pop up with glowing reviews and a big fat “Call” button, you’ve already lost the job to someone else.

The good news? You can own your patch on Google Maps with a few tweaks, a bit of ongoing care, and a dash of common sense. This isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about telling Google (and your customers) you’re the real deal.

Why Google Maps Is a Tradesperson’s Best Mate

Forget fancy ads or billboards—Google Maps puts you right where the customers are at the exact moment they need you. That’s what we call “ready-to-buy” leads.

• It’s free – No ad spend required (although we’ll talk about boosting with ads later).

• It’s local – Shows you to customers in your service area, not the other end of the country.

• It’s instant – One tap and they’re calling you before you’ve finished your tea.

When optimised properly, your Google Business Profile (which controls your Maps listing) is basically your digital shopfront—open 24/7, showing off your best work.

Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile

You wouldn’t leave your van unlocked overnight, so why leave your business listing unclaimed?

1. Head to Google Business Profile.

2. Search for your business name—if it exists, claim it. If not, add it.

3. Verify via postcard, phone, or email. Yes, it’s a faff, but do it once and you’re set.

Pro Tip: Make sure your business name exactly matches your van signage and website—Google loves consistency.

Step 2: Nail Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone)

NAP isn’t a mid-afternoon kip (although you’ve earned one)—it’s your Name, Address, Phone number. These must be exactly the same everywhere:

• Website

• Invoices

• Local directories

• Social media

Even tiny differences like “St” vs “Street” can confuse Google’s algorithms. Think of it like telling Sat Nav where you live—if the details are fuzzy, it’ll take customers to the wrong spot.

Step 3: Pick the Right Categories

Google lets you choose a primary category (e.g., “Plumber”) and several secondary categories (e.g., “Drainage Service”, “Bathroom Fitter”). Don’t just pick one—cover all your services.

Pro Tip: Search what your competitors are using and steal the good ones. Just type their business name into Google Maps, right-click, and inspect the listing details.

Step 4: Write a Killer Business Description

No one wants to read a boring block of text. Make it short, punchy, and loaded with location keywords.

Example:

“Local, family-run plumbing business serving Leeds for over 15 years. From burst pipes to boiler installs, we’re fast, friendly, and on call 24/7. No call-out fee before 6pm.”

Keep it honest, but don’t be afraid to show off your experience and personality.

Step 5: Add Photos (and Keep Adding Them)

Google Maps loves fresh content—and photos are a quick win.

• Your team – People hire people, not faceless logos.

• Before & after shots – Especially if your trade is visual (decorating, paving, kitchens).

• Your van – Branded vans build trust.

• Jobs in progress – Shows you’re active and busy.

Upload new pics at least once a month. Customers seeing regular updates know you’re still in business (and not a fly-by-night).

Step 6: Collect and Respond to Reviews

Think of reviews as the fuel that powers your Google Maps ranking. The more good reviews you have, the more likely you’ll appear in the “map pack” (those top 3 listings that get most clicks).

Automate It: After every job, send a quick SMS or email with your review link.
Reply to Everything: Good or bad, always respond—politely.

• 5-star: “Thanks for the review, John! Glad we could fix your leak quickly.”

• 1-star: “Sorry to hear this, Sarah. Please call us on [number] so we can sort it.”

Google notices engagement, and it can help turn a bad experience into a good one.

Step 7: Use Posts to Stay Fresh

Your Google Business Profile has a “Posts” feature—like mini social media updates.

Post about:

• Seasonal offers (“10% off boiler servicing this winter”)

• New services (“Now offering power flushing in Sheffield”)

• Tips (“How to stop pipes freezing this winter”)

Each post lasts about 7 days in the visible section, so keep them coming.

Step 8: Service Areas and Hours

Set your service area to match where you actually work—don’t just list the whole country. This ensures Google shows you to people who can actually hire you.

Update hours for holidays or special occasions. If you say “Open 24 hours” but never answer the phone at 2am, expect some grumpy reviews.

Step 9: Embed Your Map on Your Website

It’s a small thing, but embedding your Google Map on your contact page tells Google your business is tied to that location.

1. Find your listing on Google Maps.

2. Click “Share” → “Embed a map”.

3. Copy and paste the HTML into your contact page.

Step 10: Track Your Results

Your Google Business Profile has an “Insights” section—use it.

You can see:

• How many people found you via Maps vs search

• What search terms they used

• How many clicked “Call” directly from your listing

Use this info to tweak your keywords, photos, and posts.

Bonus: Boost with Local Ads

Once your Maps profile is in good nick, consider Google Local Services Ads. They appear above the map pack, show your star rating, and are pay-per-lead, not per-click—great for trades who want calls, not just clicks.

The Bottom Line

Google Maps is the digital high street, and you want your shop window looking better than the guy down the road. Keep your profile accurate, upload fresh photos, collect reviews, and post updates regularly. Do it right, and you’ll dominate the local map pack – and your phone will be ringing off the hook

At SEO For The Trade, we help UK tradies set up, optimise, and maintain Google Maps profiles that bring in steady local calls. If you’d rather be out on the tools than stuck updating your profile, give us a shout—we’ll handle the lot so you can focus on the work (and the tea breaks).