When someone searches “plumber near me” or “electrician Sandton”, Google shows a map with a handful of local businesses at the top. Getting your business there is free, and it is one of the most effective things a tradesperson can do. It is done with a Google Business Profile.

Step 1: Create or claim your profile

Go to google.com/business, sign in with a Google account and search for your business name. If it is already listed, claim it. If not, add it. If you work from customers’ homes and do not have a shopfront, you can hide your street address and show the areas you serve instead.

Step 2: Choose the right categories

Your main category matters most. Pick the one that matches your core trade, such as “Plumber” or “Electrician”, then add secondary categories for other services you offer.

Step 3: Add your service areas

List the suburbs and towns where you are happy to work. Be honest. Customers who find you from outside your area waste your time and theirs.

Step 4: Verify your business

Google needs to confirm that your business is real. Depending on your situation this can be by phone, email, video or postcard. Until you verify, your profile may not appear.

Step 5: Fill in every detail

• Your business name exactly as customers know it.
• A phone number you answer, and your working hours.
• Your website or NoahGuy listing link.
• A short description of what you do and what makes you different.
• A list of services.

Step 6: Add real photos

Photos of your work, your team and your vehicle build trust. Use genuine pictures of your jobs, not stock images. Add new ones regularly.

Step 7: Collect reviews

Reviews are a major reason customers choose one business over another, and they help you rank higher. Read more in our guide on getting more Google reviews.

Step 8: Keep your details the same everywhere

Use the same business name, phone number and area on Google, your NoahGuy listing, Facebook and anywhere else you appear. Consistent information helps Google trust that you are real, and it helps customers too.

Common mistakes

• Stuffing extra keywords into your business name. This breaks Google’s rules and can get you suspended.
• Listing a fake address.
• Ignoring reviews and messages.

Google is one place customers look. Another is a trusted directory. Add your business to NoahGuy and be found by homeowners searching your trade and area.