How to rank your business on Google Maps

How Tradespeople Can Dominate Google Maps: A Comprehensive Guide

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As a tradesperson in the UK, you know that word-of-mouth referrals are golden. But in today's digital age, there's another powerful way to get noticed: Google Maps. At BUILT, we've helped countless tradespeople like you boost their visibility and attract more local customers. In this guide, we'll show you how to climb the rankings on Google Maps and get your business in front of the right people at the right time.

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Why Google Maps Matters for Tradespeople

Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why Google Maps is so crucial for your business:

1. Local visibility: When someone searches for "electrician near me" or "plumber in [your city]," Google Maps results often appear at the top of the search results.
2. Mobile-friendly: With more people using their smartphones to find local services, Google Maps is often the go-to app for quick searches.
3. Trust factor: A well-optimised Google Maps listing with positive reviews can instantly boost your credibility.
4. Free advertising: Unlike paid ads, appearing in Google Maps results doesn't cost you any money (unless you opt for paid promotions).

Now that we've established why it's important let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to rank higher on Google Maps.

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1. Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is the foundation of your Google Maps presence. Here's how to make it shine:

• Claim your listing if you haven't already
• Use your exact business name (don't try to crowbar keywords into your company name!)
• Choose the most accurate primary category (e.g., "Plumber" or "Electrician")
• Add relevant secondary categories (e.g., "Gas engineer" )
• Include your complete address and service area
• Add your phone number and website URL
• Set accurate business hours, including special hours for holidays

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Pro tip: At BUILT, we can help you set up and optimise your Google Business Profile as part of our SEO services. We'll make sure every detail is perfect to boost your local visibility.

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2. Keep Your NAP Consistent

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Consistency is key here. Make sure your NAP is identical across all online platforms, including:

• Your website
• Google Business Profile
• Social media accounts
• Online directories

Why is this important? Google cross-references this information to verify your business's legitimacy. Inconsistencies can hurt your ranking.

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3. Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Reviews are the lifeblood of your Google Maps ranking. Here's how to make the most of them:

• Ask satisfied customers to leave a review (but never offer incentives – that's against Google's rules)
• Respond to all reviews, positive and negative, in a professional manner
• Use keywords naturally in your responses (e.g., "Thank you for choosing our plumbing services in Manchester")

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4. Optimise Your Website for Local SEO

Your website plays a crucial role in your Google Maps ranking. Here's what you need to do:

• Include your NAP on every page (typically in the footer)
• Create location-specific pages if you serve multiple areas
• Use local keywords naturally throughout your content (e.g., "emergency electrician in Birmingham")
• Ensure your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly
• Add schema markup to help search engines understand your business information

At BUILT, we specialise in creating SEO-optimised websites for tradespeople. We can handle all these technical aspects for you, ensuring your site is primed for local search success.

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5. Build Local Citations

Citations are mentions of your business on other websites. They help validate your business information and boost your local authority. Some places to get citations include:

• Local business directories
• Industry-specific directories (e.g., Which? Trusted Trader, MyBuilder)
• Chamber of Commerce websites
• Local news sites or blogs

Remember to keep your NAP consistent across all citations!

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6. Use Google Posts

Google Posts are a free feature that allows you to share updates, offers, and events directly on your Google Business Profile. Here are some ideas for tradespeople:

• Showcase recent projects with before-and-after photos
• Announce seasonal promotions (e.g., boiler service discounts in the summer)
• Share helpful tips related to your trade
• Highlight any awards or certifications you've received

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7. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Visual content can significantly improve your Google Maps ranking and appeal to potential customers. Consider adding:

• Photos of you or your team in action
• Images of your van (make sure it's clean and branded!)
• Before-and-after shots of your work
• Short videos showcasing your skills or explaining common issues in your trade

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8. Optimise for "Near Me" Searches

"Near me" searches are incredibly popular for finding local services. To optimise for these:

• Include phrases like "serving [your area]" or "local [your trade] in [your city]" in your business description
• Create content on your website that targets "near me" searches (e.g., "Finding a Reliable Plumber Near Me in Leeds")
• Ensure your Google Business Profile is fully optimised with your correct location and service area

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9. Leverage Local Link Building

Backlinks from reputable local websites can boost your authority in Google's eyes. Some ideas for local link building:

• Partner with complementary local businesses (e.g., a plumber partnering with a kitchen fitter)
• Sponsor local events or sports teams
• Offer expert advice to local news outlets or blogs

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10. Monitor and Adjust Your Strategy

SEO and Google Maps ranking is an ongoing process. Regularly check your performance and make adjustments:

• Use Google Analytics to track website traffic from Google Maps
• Monitor your ranking for key search terms using tools like Ubersuggest
• Keep an eye on your competitors and what they're doing well
• Continuously update your Google Business Profile with fresh content and information

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Bringing It All Together

Ranking higher on Google Maps isn't just about ticking boxes – it's about creating a comprehensive online presence that showcases your expertise and reliability as a tradesperson. By following these steps and consistently providing great service, you'll be well on your way to dominating local search results.

Remember, this process takes time and effort. If you're feeling overwhelmed or simply want to focus on what you do best – your trade – we're here to help. At BUILT, we specialise in helping tradespeople like you build a strong online presence. From creating stunning, SEO-optimised websites to managing your Google Business Profile and implementing local SEO strategies, we've got you covered.

Ready to take your online presence to the next level and attract more local customers? Get in touch with us today, and let's build something great together!