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Google Business Profile checklist for UK tradespeople

50 optimisation steps across 7 categories. Tick each one off, track your score, and outrank competitors on Google Maps. Your progress saves automatically.

50 items across 7 categories Progress saved in your browser Actionable tips on every item Impact rating per item
Your GBP score
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Why your Google Business Profile matters more than your website

For most tradespeople, the Google Maps local pack drives more inbound calls than the company website. When someone searches "plumber near me" or "emergency electrician Manchester", the three businesses in the map pack get the bulk of the clicks and calls, regardless of what their website looks like.

Ranking in the local pack is not about paid ads. It is about how well your Google Business Profile is set up and how actively you manage it. A fully optimised GBP consistently outranks competitors with far more reviews and older websites.

87%
of consumers use Google to evaluate local businesses
520%
more calls for businesses with 100+ photos vs. none
70%
of customers visit a business within 5 miles of where they searched

The three factors Google uses to rank local businesses

Google's local search algorithm weighs three factors when deciding which businesses to show in the local pack:

The checklist above covers all three factors. Items marked High Impact have the strongest direct effect on one or more of these signals.

More calls from Google means more calls you might miss

A better GBP ranking means more inbound calls. TextBack Pro ensures that every missed call gets an automatic SMS reply within 30 seconds, turning callers who would otherwise move on into booked jobs.

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The single highest-impact GBP action most tradespeople skip

Asking for reviews is the highest-ROI action on this entire checklist, yet most tradespeople never ask. The difference between a business with 8 reviews and one with 80 is almost entirely explained by one factor: whether the owner actively asked every satisfied customer to leave one.

The most effective method: at the end of every job, send the customer a direct link to your Google review page by SMS. Keep the message short: "Hi [name], thanks for choosing us. If you're happy with the work, a quick Google review would mean a lot: [link]. Thanks, [your name]." Response rates for this approach typically run between 20% and 40%.

Generate that direct review link from your GBP dashboard under "Get more reviews" and save it as a shortcut on your phone.

Frequently asked questions

How important is Google Business Profile for UK tradespeople?
Very important. 87% of consumers use Google to evaluate local businesses before making contact. For tradespeople, Google Maps and the local pack (the three business listings at the top of a Google search) drive the majority of inbound calls. A fully optimised GBP listing can rank above competitors with fewer reviews and less domain authority.
How long does it take to optimise a Google Business Profile?
A first-time full optimisation typically takes 2 to 4 hours. This includes completing all business information, uploading 20 or more photos, adding services with descriptions and prices, writing a keyword-rich business description, and responding to any existing reviews. After that, regular maintenance (new photos, weekly posts, review responses) takes around 30 minutes per week.
How many photos should a tradesperson have on Google Business Profile?
Google recommends at least 10 photos, but businesses with 100 or more photos receive 520% more calls and 2,717% more direction requests than those with no photos. For tradespeople, aim for 30 to 50 photos showing completed work, your team, your vehicle, and your equipment. Add new photos at least once a week to signal active management to Google.
Do Google reviews directly affect Google Maps ranking?
Yes. Review quantity, recency, rating, and the presence of keywords in review text all influence local search ranking. Google's local ranking algorithm uses three main factors: relevance, distance, and prominence. Reviews contribute to prominence. Actively asking customers to leave a review is one of the highest-impact GBP optimisation actions.
What should I post on Google Business Profile?
Post at least once a week. Effective post types for tradespeople include: completed job photos with a brief description and location, seasonal promotions, new service announcements, and answers to common questions. Posts expire after 7 days so regular posting signals that the business is active. Each post should include a call-to-action button linking to your website or a call link.

Complete the loop

Better GBP ranking means more calls. Capture every one.

TextBack Pro sends an automatic SMS within 30 seconds of every missed call. Callers hear from you before they ring your competitor.

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