How to get your trade business on Google Maps

To appear as a business on Google Maps, eligible tradespeople need a Google Business Profile. A website gives customers more information about your work, but publishing one doesn’t automatically create a Maps listing.

Someone might find you on Maps, then visit your website to check whether you do the job they need.

First, look for an existing listing

Search Google Maps for your business name and area. If a listing already exists, follow Google’s process to claim it rather than creating a duplicate. If it doesn’t exist, start with Google’s add or claim instructions.

Use an account you’ll keep control of. Record who has access, especially if someone else helps with the setup.

Choose the right business setup

If you travel to customers and don’t serve them at your address, Google treats you as a service-area business. Its service-area guidance explains when to hide your address and how to specify where you work.

Only include places you’re willing to travel to. There’s little point getting calls about jobs you won’t take.

Complete verification

Google determines which verification methods are available for your business. Follow the instructions shown in your account and provide accurate details. Don’t assume an agency or website provider can skip this step for you.

Keep your business name consistent with how you operate in the real world. Add the most relevant category, a current phone number and accurate opening hours.

Add your website link

Someone who finds your listing may still want to see examples of your work or check whether you handle a particular job. Link to a page with your services, service area, photos and contact details.

If you’re starting from scratch, our plumber website checklist shows the information to gather. The same questions apply to electricians, decorators and other local trades.

Keep it useful after setup

Set aside a few minutes when business details change. Update hours, check the phone number and make sure the website link works. Use real photos of your work and respond professionally to genuine customer feedback.

When you finish a job, ask the customer if you can share a photo and whether they’d leave an honest review. Don’t ask for a particular rating.

What actually affects local visibility?

Google says local results mainly depend on relevance, distance and prominence. It also says you can’t request or pay for a better local ranking. Complete information helps Google understand your business; it doesn’t guarantee a particular position. See Google’s explanation.

Ask new customers how they found you. That gives you a simple way to check whether the listing is bringing in work.