For tradespeople · Trade business & marketing
How to get your trade business found online
Most local searches for trades end in one of three places: the map results, a directory or marketplace listing, or a website. You can influence all three, and the first two are free.
Start with a Google Business Profile
- Claim the profile and complete verification.
- Choose the most accurate primary category — 'Plumber', not 'Contractor'.
- Set a service area rather than a public address if you work from home.
- Add real photos of completed work, and add new ones monthly.
- Keep hours accurate, including how you handle emergencies.
- Answer every review, good and bad.
Keep your details identical everywhere
Business name, phone number and area should match across every listing you have. Inconsistency is one of the most common reasons a small trade business struggles to appear in map results.
Reviews are local SEO
Volume and recency of reviews influence both what customers choose and what search engines show. Ask on completion, every time. See why reviews matter.
If you have a website
- One clear page per main service, describing the work rather than listing keywords.
- Pages for the two or three areas you genuinely work in, with real detail about each — not fifty thin town pages.
- Photos of your own jobs, not stock images.
- Fast on a phone: most people will find you on one.
- An obvious way to get in touch on every page.
Social media, used realistically
Local Facebook groups generate genuine work for many trades. Before-and-after photos perform best. Post once or twice a week rather than daily, and reply to comments quickly — that is where the enquiries actually come from.
Where a marketplace fits
Local SEO takes months to build. A job marketplace fills the gap in the meantime: customers are already actively looking, and you only pay for the leads you choose to unlock. Browse local jobs or join as a tradesperson.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a website?
- Not to start. A complete Google Business Profile plus a strong marketplace profile covers most of what a small trade business needs in the first year.
- How long does local SEO take?
- Expect three to six months of consistent activity before map visibility improves noticeably, and longer in competitive cities.
While your online presence builds, get in front of customers already looking.
Related on Find A Trade Local
This guide is general information for UK readers and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Where a decision depends on your circumstances, speak to a suitably qualified professional.